US5359516A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Load monitoring system for booms
Assignee: Schwing America Inc
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Filing: 1993-09-16
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Granted: 1994-10-25
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Expires: 2013-09-16
Abstract
Abstract A system for monitoring the operation of a boom is disclosed. The boom has at least one boom section, with each boom section being supported by an actuator assembly such that a load supported by a particular actuator assembly is representative of operation of a corresponding boom section and of a total load experienced by that boom section. A first parameter is sensed, the first parameter being indicative of a load supported by a first actuator assembly. It is determined from the sensed first parameter when a total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeds a predetermined value. Information, indicative of one or more occurrences of total loads exceeding the predetermined value, is stored. Based upon the stored information, an output is provided which is indicative of a cause of boom failure.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas M. Anderson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 05:11
CPC Classifications
B; B66; B66C; B66C23/00; B66C23/88; B66C23/90; B66C23/905; E; E04; E04G; E04G21/00; E04G21/02; E04G21/04; E04G21/0418; E04G21/0436; E04G21/0445; E04G21/0463; G; G01; G01L; G01L5/00; G01L5/0061
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 39
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of monitoring operation of a boom having at least one boom section, each boom section being supported by an actuator assembly such that a total load supported by an actuator assembly includes a load component caused by a weight of a corresponding boom section and includes a load component caused by any external load supported by the boom, the method comprising: sensing a first parameter related to operation of a first actuator assembly, the first actuator assembly being connected to a first boom section for supporting the first boom section, the first parameter being indicative of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly; determining from the sensed first parameter when a total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeds a predetermined value; storing information indicative of an occurrence of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly which exceeded the predetermined value; providing an output based upon stored information; and determining whether a boom warranty is in effect based upon the output.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of monitoring operation of a boom having at least one boom section, each boom section being supported by an actuator assembly such that a total load supported by an actuator assembly includes a load component caused by a weight of a corresponding boom section and includes a load component caused by any external load supported by the boom, the method comprising: sensing a first parameter related to operation of a first actuator assembly, the first actuator assembly being connected to a first boom section for supporting the first boom section, the first parameter being indicative of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly; determining from the sensed first parameter when a total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeds a predetermined value; storing information indicative of an occurrence of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly which exceeded the predetermined value; providing an output based upon stored information; and determining whether a boom warranty is in effect based upon the output.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein storing information further includes storing a date during which a total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein storing information further includes storing a time during which the total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein storing information further includes storing a magnitude of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly which exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein storing information further includes storing a maximum total load, supported by the first actuator assembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein storing information further includes storing a number of occurrences of total loads supported by the first actuator assembly, each of which exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined value bears a known relationship to a maximum recommended total load for the first actuator assembly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined value bears a known relationship to a maximum recommended total load for the first boom section.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
178 words
A method of monitoring operation of a boom having at least one boom section, each boom section being supported by an actuator assembly such that a total load supported by an actuator assembly includes a load component caused by a weight of a corresponding boom section and includes a load component caused by any external load supported by the boom, the method comprising: sensing a first parameter related to operation of a first actuator assembly, the first actuator assembly being connected to a first boom section for supporting the first boom section, the first parameter being indicative of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly; determining from the sensed first parameter when a total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeds a predetermined value; storing information indicative of an occurrence of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly which exceeded the predetermined value, wherein storing information includes storing a date during which a total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeded the predetermined value; and providing an output based upon stored information.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
178 words
A method of monitoring operation of a boom having at least one boom section, each boom section being supported by an actuator assembly such that a total load supported by an actuator assembly includes a load component caused by a weight of a corresponding boom section and includes a load component caused by any external load supported by the boom, the method comprising: sensing a first parameter related to operation of a first actuator assembly, the first actuator assembly being connected to a first boom section for supporting the first boom section, the first parameter being indicative of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly; determining from the sensed first parameter when a total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeds a predetermined value; storing information indicative of an occurrence of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly which exceeded the predetermined value, wherein storing information includes storing a date during which a total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeded the predetermined value; and providing an output based upon stored information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 9 wherein storing information further includes storing a time during which the total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 9 wherein storing information further includes storing a magnitude of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly which exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 9 wherein storing information further includes storing a maximum total load supported by the first actuator assembly.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 9 wherein storing information further includes storing a number of occurrences of total loads supported by the first actuator assembly, each of which exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the predetermined value bears a known relationship to a maximum recommended total load for the first actuator assembly.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the predetermined value bears a known relationship to a maximum recommended total load for the first boom section.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the first actuator assembly is a first hydraulic piston/cylinder assembly and the first parameter is hydraulic fluid pressure in the first hydraulic piston/cylinder assembly.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 9 and further comprising: determining whether a boom warranty is in effect based upon the output.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 9 and further comprising: transmitting the output to a location remote from the boom to determine a cause of boom failure.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of monitoring operation of a boom having at least one boom section, each boom section being supported by a hydraulic piston/cylinder such that hydraulic fluid pressure within a particular cylinder is representative of operation of a corresponding boom section, the method comprising: sensing a first parameter related to operation of the boom which is indicative of hydraulic pressure in a first cylinder, the first cylinder supporting a first boom section; determining from the sensed first parameter when hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder exceeds a predetermined value; storing information based upon the sensed first parameter when hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder is determined to have exceeded the predetermined value; and providing an output based upon stored information, providing the output including providing a representation of a date of an occurrence of hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder which exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of monitoring operation of a boom having at least one boom section, each boom section being supported by a hydraulic piston/cylinder such that hydraulic fluid pressure within a particular cylinder is representative of operation of a corresponding boom section, the method comprising: sensing a first parameter related to operation of the boom which is indicative of hydraulic pressure in a first cylinder, the first cylinder supporting a first boom section; determining from the sensed first parameter when hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder exceeds a predetermined value; storing information based upon the sensed first parameter when hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder is determined to have exceeded the predetermined value; and providing an output based upon stored information, providing the output including providing a representation of a date of an occurrence of hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder which exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the first parameter is hydraulic fluid pressure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 19 wherein providing the output further includes providing a representation of a time of day during the date of an occurrence of hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder which exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 19 wherein providing the output further includes providing a representation of a maximum hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder during an occurrence of hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder which exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 19 wherein providing the output further includes providing a representation of a number of occurrences of hydraulic pressures in the first cylinder, each of the number of occurrences having exceeded the predetermined value.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 23 wherein providing the output further includes providing a representation of dates of each of the number of occurrences of hydraulic pressures in the first cylinder.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 24 wherein providing the output further includes providing a representation of a time of day during each of the dates of the number of occurrences of hydraulic pressures in the first cylinder.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 19 wherein providing the output further includes providing a representation of a maximum hydraulic pressure occurring in the first hydraulic cylinder.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 26 wherein providing the output further includes providing a representation of a date that the maximum hydraulic pressure occurred.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 19 wherein providing the output further includes providing a representation of a time during the date that the maximum hydraulic pressure occurred.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 19 further comprising: determining whether a boom warranty is in effect based upon the output.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of monitoring operation of a boom having at least one boom section, each boom section being supported by an actuator assembly such that a total load supported by an actuator assembly includes a load component caused by a weight of a corresponding boom section and includes a load component caused by any external load supported by the boom, the method comprising: sensing a first parameter related to operation of a first actuator assembly, the first actuator assembly being connected to a first boom section for supporting the first boom section, the first parameter being indicative of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly; determining from the sensed first parameter when a total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeds a predetermined value, the predetermined value bearing a known relationship to a minimum operating total load supported by the first actuator assembly; storing information indicative of an occurrence of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly which exceeded the predetermined value; providing an output based upon stored information; and predicting fatigue failure of boom components based upon the output scheduling boom maintenance based upon the output.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of monitoring operation of a boom having at least one boom section, each boom section being supported by an actuator assembly such that a total load supported by an actuator assembly includes a load component caused by a weight of a corresponding boom section and includes a load component caused by any external load supported by the boom, the method comprising: sensing a first parameter related to operation of a first actuator assembly, the first actuator assembly being connected to a first boom section for supporting the first boom section, the first parameter being indicative of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly; determining from the sensed first parameter when a total load supported by the first actuator assembly exceeds a predetermined value, the predetermined value bearing a known relationship to a minimum operating total load supported by the first actuator assembly; storing information indicative of an occurrence of a total load supported by the first actuator assembly which exceeded the predetermined value; providing an output based upon stored information; and predicting fatigue failure of boom components based upon the output scheduling boom maintenance based upon the output.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the minimum operating total load represents a total load supported by the first actuator assembly which must be exceeded for the first actuator assembly and the first boom section to be in operation.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the minimum operating total load represents a minimum total load supported by the first actuator assembly that will result in movement of the first boom section.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
180 words
A method of monitoring operation of a boom having at least one boom section, each boom section being supported by a hydraulic piston/cylinder such that hydraulic fluid pressure within a particular cylinder is representative of operation of a corresponding boom section, the method comprising: sensing a first parameter related to operation of the boom which is indicative of hydraulic pressure in a first cylinder, the first cylinder supporting a first boom section; determining from the sensed first parameter when hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder exceeds a predetermined value, the predetermined value bearing a known relationship to a minimum operating hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder, the minimum operating hydraulic pressure representing a hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder which must be exceeded for the first boom section to be in operation; storing information based upon the sensed first parameter when hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder is determined to have exceeded the predetermined value; providing an output based upon stored information; and predicting fatigue failure of boom components based upon the output scheduling boom maintenance based upon the output.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
180 words
A method of monitoring operation of a boom having at least one boom section, each boom section being supported by a hydraulic piston/cylinder such that hydraulic fluid pressure within a particular cylinder is representative of operation of a corresponding boom section, the method comprising: sensing a first parameter related to operation of the boom which is indicative of hydraulic pressure in a first cylinder, the first cylinder supporting a first boom section; determining from the sensed first parameter when hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder exceeds a predetermined value, the predetermined value bearing a known relationship to a minimum operating hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder, the minimum operating hydraulic pressure representing a hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder which must be exceeded for the first boom section to be in operation; storing information based upon the sensed first parameter when hydraulic pressure in the first cylinder is determined to have exceeded the predetermined value; providing an output based upon stored information; and predicting fatigue failure of boom components based upon the output scheduling boom maintenance based upon the output.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 33 wherein providing the output comprises providing a representation of a total number of boom cycles experienced by the first boom section.
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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) | 1997-10-24 | 1998-04-25 | 1998-10-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-10-24 | 2002-04-25 | 2002-10-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-10-24 | 2006-04-25 | 2006-10-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |