Object responsive implement control system
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsJon S. Burdick, Robert A. Herold, Paul T. Corcoran, John F. Szentes, Adam J. Gudat
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automatic object responsive control system for a work implement has a ground penetrating device mounted for sensing subsurface objects, an object detecting device for determining the undesirability of the object, and an implement control system for automatically elevationally raising the implement in response to an undesirable object being located elevationally between the implement and the ground penetrating device. The automatic object responsive control system is particularly suited for use on a geographic surface altering machine.
Claims17
An automatic object responsive control system for controlling a work implement of a work machine having a frame, a longitudinal axis, a plurality of rotatable members connected to and supporting the frame on a geographic surface, a prime mover mounted on the work machine and drivingly connected to said plurality of rotatable members, said prime mover propelling the work machine over the geographic surface, comprising:
- a work implement having a cutting portion and being elevationally movably connected to the frame, said cutting portion extending in a direction transverse the longitudinal axis of the machine;
- ground penetrating means for delivering electromagnetic radiation, receiving a reflection of said delivered electromagnetic radiation, and delivering a responsive first signal, said electromagnetic radiation penetrating an underlying geographic surface, said ground penetrating means being mounted at a preselected location on said frame, spaced from the geographic surface underlying said ground penetrating means, and spaced a preselected distance from the cutting portion of the work implement in a longitudinal direction relative to the longitudinal axis;
- object detecting means for receiving said first signal, determining the presence of an undesirable object located elevationally between the ground penetrating means on said frame and the cutting portion of said work implement and delivering a responsive raise signal;
- implement control means for receiving said raise signal and lifting said work implement relative to said frame.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.