US3695377A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of remote control of tractors
Assignee: Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd
•
Filing: 1970-09-14
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Granted: 1972-10-03
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Expires: 1990-09-14
Abstract
Abstract A method of remote control of tractors and similar earthmoving vehicles having an engine driven air compressor thereon, utilizes an umbilical control cable connected between the vehicle and the stationary control station and winds and unwinds the control cable on the vehicle as the machine moves relative to the stationary control station so that electrical signals sent through the control cable can operate relays and electropneumatic valves on the vehicle to route pneumatic pressure to actuating devices connected to the various controls of the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Yoshiyuki Ito
- 👤 Toru Aihara
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 09:13
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D1/00; B62D1/24; B62D1/26; B60; B60L; B60L9/00; B60L2200/00; B60L2200/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of remote control of an earthmoving vehicle from a stationary control unit having a source of electrical power connected thereto and an umbilical control cable connecting the control unit and the vehicle comprising: equipping the vehicle with an engine driven air compressor, a pneumatic reservoir, pneumatic actuators for operating each of its controls and connecting pneumatic circuits having an electrical valve therein for each actuator, equipping the vehicle with a reel for said umbilical control cable and providing a drive therefor which can be overpowered by loads on said cable, and operating said vehicle by sending electrical signals from said control unit through said umbilical cable while simultaneously driving the reel with said drive to eliminate unnecessary cable between said control unit and said vehicle with said drive set to be overpowered by loads on the cable as said vehicle moves away from said control unit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of remote control of an earthmoving vehicle from a stationary control unit having a source of electrical power connected thereto and an umbilical control cable connecting the control unit and the vehicle comprising: equipping the vehicle with an engine driven air compressor, a pneumatic reservoir, pneumatic actuators for operating each of its controls and connecting pneumatic circuits having an electrical valve therein for each actuator, equipping the vehicle with a reel for said umbilical control cable and providing a drive therefor which can be overpowered by loads on said cable, and operating said vehicle by sending electrical signals from said control unit through said umbilical cable while simultaneously driving the reel with said drive to eliminate unnecessary cable between said control unit and said vehicle with said drive set to be overpowered by loads on the cable as said vehicle moves away from said control unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method described in claim 1 wherein multiple signals are sent over a common lead in the control cable and the power source at the control unit is an A.C. power source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method defined in claim 2 wherein the electrical signals are generated by operating control switches at the stationary control unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method described in claim 1 which includes the step of automatically stopping the vehicle as the end of the umbilical cable on the reel is approaChed by switch means provided for this purpose.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US2698507A
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US2826402A
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US2833360A
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US2781456A
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US3379008A
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US3398806A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-03 | 1976-04-03 | 1976-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-03 | 1980-04-03 | 1980-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-03 | 1984-04-03 | 1984-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |