Boots – shoes – and leggings
Patent
1981-12-04
1985-01-01
Wise, Edward J.
Boots, shoes, and leggings
37DIG1, 73151, 340686, E02F 504
Patent
active
044919271
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to depth monitoring apparatus, and it more particularly relates to a system adapted to be mounted on a digging machine having a boom, dipper stick and a bucket for measuring the depth of a hole being dug by the machine.
2. Background Art
Many different types and kinds of digging machines are employed for excavating work, such as removing earth to form a foundation for a building. An important part of the excavating work is to know the depth of the excavating device, usually a bucket, so that the depth of the hole to be dug is maintained as close as possible to the desired depth without exceeding it. Usually, this is done by manual measurement with a stake or the like, either by the operator or by an assistant. Such a manual operation is both time-consuming and dangerous, since it exposes the person to the often slippery edges of deep holes.
In an attempt to overcome the problems associated with measuring techniques, different types and kinds of equipment have been employed. For example, reference may be made to the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,997,071; 4,028,822; 4,034,490 and 4,129,224. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,997,071, there is disclosed an apparatus for indicating the digging depth for a backhoe. An analog circuit is provided to compute the trigonometric relationship between the boom, dipper stick and the bucket to calculate the depth of the bucket relative to the pivot for the boom. The trigonometric equation involves the addition of three angular relationships between the boom, dipper stick and the bucket. However, by adding electrically the angular relationships and taking the trigonometric functions, such as the sine of such an addition, any errors involved with performing such a measurement electrically, causes a compounding of the error, thereby introducing unwanted inaccuracies in the calculations. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a depth measuring system, which is inherently more accurate in its measurement.
Therefore, the principal object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved depth measuring system, which is highly accurate in its calculations.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a new and improved depth measuring system, which has preset and zero reference capabilities.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Briefly, the above and further objects are realized in accordance with the present invention by providing a pair of inclinometer sensors mounted on the boom and on the dipper stick of a digging machine to measure electrically the angle of inclination of the boom and the dipper stick relative to the horizontal. Employing these two sensors, the position of the bucket connected pivotally to the free end of the dipper stick can be calculated by means of a simple geometric equation in which each trigonometric function is based on a single angle only. Additionally, preset and zero reference capabilities are provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The above-mentioned and other objects and features of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a digging machine which has mounted on it a depth measuring system, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of a console of the system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a symbolic block diagram of the system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevational view of an inclinometer sensor shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a symbolic block diagram of the analog-to-digital converter power supply;
FIG. 6 is a symbolic block diagram of one of the fail-safe circuits of the system of FIG. 3; and
FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the program for the system of FIG. 3.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a depth measuring syst
REFERENCES:
patent: 3691363 (1972-09-01), Armistead
patent: 4129224 (1978-12-01), Teach
patent: 4173836 (1979-11-01), Paurat
patent: 4231700 (1980-11-01), Studebaker
patent: 4238828 (1980-12-01), Hay et al.
Bachmann Einar H.
Ingvarsson Kristjan
Kleinke Bernard L.
The Digger Meter Corporation
Wise Edward J.
LandOfFree
Depth monitoring system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Depth monitoring system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Depth monitoring system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-580522