Abstract:
Disclosed herein are an anti-stall control method and system for a tracked vehicle. The system includes a control module that includes a processor and a storage medium for storing computer programming code. The computer programming code defines a set of behaviour states including: a start state, a tramming state, and at least one corrective state. Each behaviour state has an associated set of behaviour controls for governing control of tracks of the vehicle. The computer programming code, executed on the processor, performs the method steps of: assigning an initial start state, wherein the tracks of the tracked vehicle are stationary; changing to the tramming state, on receipt of instructions to move the tracked vehicle, wherein tramming behaviour controls control the tracks of the tracked vehicle to operate in the same direction; and changing to a corrective states when corrective state conditions associated with that corrective state are satisfied.
Abstract:
Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.
Abstract:
Power machines, control systems and methods that adjust engine speed based upon actuation of user input controls that control other power machine functions such as travel functions and lift arm functions. By controlling engine speed at least partially in response to the user input devices controlling other machine functions, more optimal engine speeds can be achieved.
Abstract:
Material handling solutions for a mobile conveyor vehicle are provided. In one aspect, a vehicle having an infeed and output conveyor is provided, one of the conveyors being mounted non-rotatably to the vehicle and positioned by rotation-in-place of the vehicle via four wheel steering. In another aspect, a dust control cover for a telescoping conveyor is provided, having a pair of flexible flaps which are parted by a plough-shaped chute which travels through a gap between the flaps and delivers material to the lower conveyor section. In another aspect, a hydraulic fluid transmission system for a mobile conveyor vehicle is provided which makes use of at least one hollow structural element to route the hydraulic fluid. The structural member may radiate heat from the fluid for example to melt snow on the vehicle structure.
Abstract:
An automatic torque compensating drive system for a hydrostatic transmission, having a torque compensating control mechanism adjusting the swash plate of the hydraulic motor, the swash plate being spring biased to a low-torque, high-speed position and rotatable through a range of positions to a high-torque, low-speed position in response to increasing hydraulic system pressure. When used with a pair of transmissions, a linkage may join the control mechanisms of each transmission to synchronize their torque adjustments.
Abstract:
Novel tools and techniques for performing steering operations for a tracked vehicle with a dragged implement using a control system that uses a combination of differential steering and rudder steering based on one or more operating conditions of the vehicle.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention relate to powered vehicles (e.g., lawn mowers) and, more particularly, to a control system for use with such a vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a power source such as an internal combustion engine and one or more drive control levers incrementally movable between a neutral position and a maximum velocity position. The system may also include a velocity profile control system having an adjustment member that permits altering a ratio between control lever movement and velocity of an associated drive member or wheel. Thus, the system may alter a maximum potential velocity of the vehicle while the drive control lever(s) are positioned in the maximum velocity position without varying an output level of the power source.
Abstract:
A ground engaged vehicle includes a front portion and a rear portion joined by an articulation. The articulation rotates around a longitudinal axis. An engine drives a hydrostatic pump which drives four hydrostatic motors, each of the hydrostatic motors in operative engagement with one of four wheels. The wheels are on wheel mounts, each of the wheel mounts having a vertical axis around which one of the four wheels with one of the hydrostatic motors is turnable. A steering system turns the two wheels of the front portion in a first direction and the two wheels of the rear portion in an opposite direction. The steering system is powered by the hydrostatic pump. A pedal control system has a first pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a forward direction and a second pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a rearward direction.
Abstract:
A lift truck has front and rear sections pivotally connected for the front section to turn 90null to the rear section from the straight ahead state of the truck. The front and rear sections can each have a pair of wheels or one section can have a pair of wheels and the other section only a single wheel. All the wheels are drivable. In one aspect drive to a wheel is in proportion to the degree of articulation between the front and rear sections. In a second aspect drive to a wheel is controlled when said articulation exceeds a predetermined value, and in a third aspect a rear wheel or one or both of a pair of rear wheels can be undriven, i.e. freely rotatable in either direction of rotation.
Abstract:
A machine configuration which permits readily maneuvering a vehicle away from a wall or line of objects that the vehicle has been traveling close to, or closely following the walls around an inside corner. The vehicle has a frame carrying two rear drive wheels and one or more front caster wheels. The drive wheels are individually driven by separate motors. The drive wheels are inset from the sides of the machine so that turning maneuvers can be made adjacent a wall without the wheels contacting the wall. The rear frame or structure of the machine is disposed within an envelope defined such that turning maneuvers adjacent a wall unit will not bring the rear structure into contact with the wall. With the steering geometry and frame construction set up in this manner, the vehicle can be turned away from the wall by operating the drive motors at differential rates, and no part of the vehicle will touch the wall. The vehicle can also follow closely along an inside corner of two walls.