Method, apparatus, and system for controlling a timber-working device
AssigneeDeere & Company
InventorsBrett James Kaye, Clinton Charles Marriage, Michael Francis James, Richard John Lawler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Method, apparatus, and system for operation of a timber-working device configured to perform at least one operation having an associated hazard zone. At least one signal from at least one orientation sensor associated with the timber-working head may indicate whether a predetermined location is within the hazard zone based on the orientation of the timber-working head. Operation of the timber-working head can be controlled based on the signal.
Claims18
A method for operating a timber-working device , the method comprising the steps of:
- determining at least one hazard zone associated with the at least one operation of the timber-working device;
- transmitting an electromagnetic wave within a window aligned with the hazard zone from an electromagnetic wave transmitter of a directional wireless device of at least one orientation sensor associated with the timber-working device, wherein the directional wireless device comprises a detector configured to detect reflection of the electromagnetic wave from a predetermined location demarcated by a material with reflective properties, the directional wireless device of the at least one orientation sensor positioned on a moving element of the timber-working device and the moving element configured to perform one of moving and carrying a timber, the predetermined location separated from the moving element of the timber-working device;
- receiving at least one signal output from the orientation sensor indicative of whether the detector has detected reflection of the electromagnetic wave;
- and determining whether the predetermined location is within the hazard zone based on the signal received from the orientation sensor;
- wherein the hazard zone is determined based on the likely path of an object being propelled from the timber-working device, and the predetermined location is a location of an operator cab.
A timber-working system, comprising:
- a timber-working device configured to perform at least one operation;
- at least one orientation sensor comprising a directional wireless device, wherein the directional wireless device comprises:
- an electromagnetic wave transmitter configured to transmit an electromagnetic wave within a window aligned with at least one hazard zone associated with the at least one operation of the timber-working device;
- and
- a detector configured to detect reflection of the electromagnetic wave from a predetermined location demarcated by a material with reflective properties, the directional wireless device of the at least one orientation sensor positioned on a moving element of the timber-working device and the moving element configured to perform one of moving and carrying a timber, the predetermined location separated from the moving element of the timber-working device;
- wherein the orientation sensor is configured to output at least one signal indicative of whether the detector has detected reflection of the electromagnetic wave, the hazard zone is determined based on the likely path of an object being propelled from the timber-working device, and the predetermined location is a location of an operator cab;
- and
- at least one processor configured to:
- receive the signal from the orientation sensor;
- determine whether the predetermined location is within the hazard zone based on the signal received from the orientation sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.