Patent US5810095A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5810095A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for controlling the position of an implement attached to a work vehicle
Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
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Filing: 1996-07-25
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Granted: 1998-09-22
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Expires: 2016-07-25
Abstract
Abstract A system or method for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle. The implement is moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly including an actuator and a valve assembly which control the flow of fluid to the actuator in response to control signals. The valve assembly includes raise and lower valves, each valve requiring a control signal equal to a threshold value before the valve opens and fluid begins to flow. The system includes a sensor to detect the position of the implement and a control circuit. In response to a change in a position command, the control circuit applies a control signal to the appropriate raise or lower valve based upon the respective threshold value. The control signal may include a component for moving the implement at a desired rate of movement. After undesirable implement movement is detected, the control circuit modifies the threshold value. The modification may occur when the control circuit detects that the implement is moving at an excessive rate due to the effects of valve hysteresis and implement weight. The control circuit may detect the undesirable movement by determining that the position error value is more negative than a predetermined value.
Inventors
- 👤 Abraham Orbach
- 👤 William L. Schubert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 11:59
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02F; E02F9/00; E02F9/20; E02F9/22; E02F9/2203; E02F9/2207; A; A01; A01B; A01B63/00; A01B63/02; A01B63/10; A01B63/1006; E02F9/2025; E02F9/2029
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 30
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A system for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the system comprising: a sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate a signal representative thereof; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor and the valve assembly, the control circuit configured to generate the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a position command signal and, after detecting undesirable implement movement based upon a comparison of the sensed position signal and the position command signal, to generate the control signals based upon a modified threshold value.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
158 words
A system for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the system comprising: a sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate a signal representative thereof; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor and the valve assembly, the control circuit configured to generate the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a position command signal and, after detecting undesirable implement movement based upon a comparison of the sensed position signal and the position command signal, to generate the control signals based upon a modified threshold value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the valve assembly comprises a raise valve and a lower valve, and the control signals include a raise control signal and a lower control signal applied to the raise valve and the lower valve, respectively.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 2 wherein the control signals are pulse-width-modulated signals and the rate of movement of the actuator is proportional to the duty cycle of the control signals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 1 wherein, when the control signals are based upon the first threshold value, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signals to include a component representing a desired rate of movement of the actuator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 4 further comprising an operator-adjustable rate of movement device configured to generate signals representing the desired rate of movement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the control circuit is configured to modify the threshold value upon detecting an excessive rate of implement movement.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
195 words
A system for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the system comprising: a sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate a signal representative thereof; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor and the valve assembly, the control circuit configured to generate the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a position command signal and, after detecting undesirable implement movement based at least upon the sensed position signal, to generate the control signals based upon a modified threshold value; and wherein the control circuit is configured to determine an error value based upon the difference between the sensed position signal and the position command signal, and to detect undesirable implement movement when the error value becomes more negative than a predetermined value.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
195 words
A system for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the system comprising: a sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate a signal representative thereof; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor and the valve assembly, the control circuit configured to generate the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a position command signal and, after detecting undesirable implement movement based at least upon the sensed position signal, to generate the control signals based upon a modified threshold value; and wherein the control circuit is configured to determine an error value based upon the difference between the sensed position signal and the position command signal, and to detect undesirable implement movement when the error value becomes more negative than a predetermined value.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 7 wherein the control circuit decreases the modified threshold value until the magnitude of the error value is no longer increasing.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
179 words
A system for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the system comprising: a sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate a signal representative thereof; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor and the valve assembly, the control circuit configured to generate the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a position command signal and, after detecting undesirable implement movement based at least upon the sensed position signal, to generate the control signals based upon a modified threshold value; and wherein the control circuit, after detecting undesirable implement movement, decreases the threshold value until a change in the derivative of the sensed position signal is detected.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
179 words
A system for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the system comprising: a sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate a signal representative thereof; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor and the valve assembly, the control circuit configured to generate the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a position command signal and, after detecting undesirable implement movement based at least upon the sensed position signal, to generate the control signals based upon a modified threshold value; and wherein the control circuit, after detecting undesirable implement movement, decreases the threshold value until a change in the derivative of the sensed position signal is detected.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
182 words
A system for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the system comprising: a sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate a signal representative thereof; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor and the valve assembly, the control circuit configured to generate the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a position command signal and, after detecting undesirable implement movement based at least upon the sensed position signal, to generate the control signals based upon a modified threshold value; and wherein, when the control signals are based upon the modified threshold value, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signals to substantially equal the modified threshold value.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
182 words
A system for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the system comprising: a sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate a signal representative thereof; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor and the valve assembly, the control circuit configured to generate the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a position command signal and, after detecting undesirable implement movement based at least upon the sensed position signal, to generate the control signals based upon a modified threshold value; and wherein, when the control signals are based upon the modified threshold value, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signals to substantially equal the modified threshold value.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
191 words
A system for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the system comprising: a sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate a signal representative thereof; an operator-adjustable command device configured to generate a position command signal; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor, the command device, and the valve assembly, the control circuit configured to determine an error value based upon a difference between the commanded position and the sensed position, to generate the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a positive error value, and, if the error value becomes more negative than a predetermined value, to generate the control signals based upon a variable threshold value which is decreased until the magnitude of the error value no longer increases.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
191 words
A system for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the system comprising: a sensor configured to detect the position of the implement and to generate a signal representative thereof; an operator-adjustable command device configured to generate a position command signal; and a control circuit coupled to the sensor, the command device, and the valve assembly, the control circuit configured to determine an error value based upon a difference between the commanded position and the sensed position, to generate the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a positive error value, and, if the error value becomes more negative than a predetermined value, to generate the control signals based upon a variable threshold value which is decreased until the magnitude of the error value no longer increases.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 11 wherein the valve assembly comprises a raise valve and a lower valve, and the control signals include a raise control signal and a lower control signal applied to the raise valve and the lower valve, respectively.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 12 wherein the control signals are pulse-width-modulated signals and the rate of movement of the actuator is proportional to the duty cycle of the control signals.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 11 wherein, when the control signals are based upon the first threshold value, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signal to include a component representing a desired rate of movement of the actuator.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 14 further comprising an operator-adjustable rate of movement device configured to generate signals representing the desired rate of movement.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 11 wherein, when the control signals are based upon the variable threshold value, the control circuit is configured to generate the control signals to substantially equal the variable threshold value.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a commanded position; (b) detecting undesirable implement movement based upon a comparison between a sensed position signal and the commanded position; and (c) upon detecting undesirable implement movement, modifying the threshold value used to generate the control signal until control is achieved.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a commanded position; (b) detecting undesirable implement movement based upon a comparison between a sensed position signal and the commanded position; and (c) upon detecting undesirable implement movement, modifying the threshold value used to generate the control signal until control is achieved.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 17 wherein the valve assembly comprises a raise valve and a lower valve, and the control signals include a raise control signal and a lower control signal applied to the raise valve and the lower valve, respectively.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 17 wherein, in step (a), the control signal includes a component representing a desired rate of movement of the actuator.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a commanded position; (b) detecting undesirable implement movement; and (c) upon detecting undesirable implement movement, modifying the threshold value used to generate the control signal until control is achieved; and wherein, in step (b), undesirable implement movement is detected when an error value determined based upon the difference between the sensed position signal and the commanded position becomes more negative than a predetermined value.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a commanded position; (b) detecting undesirable implement movement; and (c) upon detecting undesirable implement movement, modifying the threshold value used to generate the control signal until control is achieved; and wherein, in step (b), undesirable implement movement is detected when an error value determined based upon the difference between the sensed position signal and the commanded position becomes more negative than a predetermined value.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 17 wherein step (b) comprises the steps of determining a rate of implement movement based upon changes in a sensed position signal and comparing the rate of implement movement to a predicted rate, wherein undesirable implement movement is detected based upon a predetermined relationship therebetween.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a commanded position; (b) detecting undesirable implement movement; and (c) upon detecting undesirable implement movement, modifying the threshold value used to generate the control signal until control is achieved; and wherein, in step (c), the control signal substantially equals the modified threshold value.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for controlling the position of an implement coupled to a work vehicle, the implement being moveable by a hydraulic positioning assembly comprising an actuator and a valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid to and from the actuator in response to control signals, the valve assembly requiring control signals substantially equal to a first threshold value before fluid begins to flow, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating the control signals applied to the valve assembly based upon the first threshold value in response to a change in a commanded position; (b) detecting undesirable implement movement; and (c) upon detecting undesirable implement movement, modifying the threshold value used to generate the control signal until control is achieved; and wherein, in step (c), the control signal substantially equals the modified threshold value.
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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) | 2001-09-21 | 2002-03-23 | 2002-09-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-09-21 | 2006-03-23 | 2006-09-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-09-21 | 2010-03-23 | 2010-09-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |