Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Construction or agricultural-type vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-31
2001-06-26
Cuchlinski, Jr., William A. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Construction or agricultural-type vehicle
C701S062000, C701S063000, C172S003000, C172S004000, C172S007000, C172S009000, C172S086000, C172S087000, C172S088000, C172S089000, C172S820000, C144S004100, C144S034100, C414S729000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253136
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to a method of implement control, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for controlling an implement of an earthmoving machine after a failure has occurred.
BACKGROUND ART
The work implements of an earth moving machine, such as a track type tractor, are controlled by an implement control system. In one embodiment, an implement control system includes a hydraulic circuit necessary to control a work implement, and an operator interface, such as joysticks, displays and keypads, to enable an operator to control the work implement via the hydraulic circuit. There are conditions where failures that occur within the implement control system may disable implement motion. For example, a faulty joystick used to control blade position would prevent the operator from raising or lowering the blade. The site of operation of earthmoving machines is generally too rugged and inaccessible for mobile repair vehicles. When a failure does occur that disables normal operator implement controls the tractor may be left in a position where it is unable to move, and therefore unable to return to an area to be serviced.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems identified above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a work implement, after a failure within an implement control system has occurred, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of detecting the failure of the implement control system, enabling a limp home mode in response to the failure, and controlling the implement into a limp home position.
In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus adapted to control a work implement after a failure within an implement control system has occurred is disclosed. The apparatus includes a means for detecting a failure within an implement control system and responsively generating a failure signal, an operator interface adapted to receive operator inputs and responsively generate operator input signals, and receive and display an operator message, and a controller adapted to receive the failure signal, and the operator input signal, and enable a limp home mode in response to the failure signal.
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Funke Brian G.
Genseal Steven R.
Kruase Steven R.
Skiba Richard J.
Stratton Kenneth L.
Caterpillar Inc.
Cuchlinski Jr. William A.
Mancho Ronnie
McPherson III W. Bryan
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