Work machine with operator presence detection strategy
First Claim
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1. A method of operating a work machine, comprising the steps of:
- sensing indicators of operator presence in the work machine, which includes sensing a seat sensor, a transmission output speed sensor and a conveyance gear sensor;
enabling the work machine if at least one of the indicators indicates that an operator is present in the work machine; and
disabling the work machine if none of the indicators indicates that an operator is present in the work machine.
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Abstract
A work machine uses an operator presence detection strategy to enable or disable the work machine. A plurality of sensors provide independent indications of operator presence. These sensors may include a seat sensor, an inching pedal sensor, a transmission output speed sensor and a conveyance gear sensor. The work machine is enabled if at least one sensor indicates the presence of an operator; however, the work machine is disabled if none of the sensors indicate an operator.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of operating a work machine, comprising the steps of:
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sensing indicators of operator presence in the work machine, which includes sensing a seat sensor, a transmission output speed sensor and a conveyance gear sensor;
enabling the work machine if at least one of the indicators indicates that an operator is present in the work machine; and
disabling the work machine if none of the indicators indicates that an operator is present in the work machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A work machine comprising:
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a work machine body that includes an operator station;
an electronic controller connected to the work machine body;
a transmission output speed sensor in communication with the electronic controller;
a conveyance gear sensor in communication with the electronic controller;
a seat sensor in communication with the electronic controller; and
the electronic controller includes an operator presence algorithm operable to enable the work machine based on any one of a seat sensor indication, a transmission output speed sensor indication, and a conveyance gear sensor indication, and being operable to disable the work machine based on a combination of all of the seat sensor indication, the transmission output speed sensor indication and the conveyance gear sensor indication. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An electronic controller for a work machine comprising:
an operator presence algorithm operable to enable control communication between a work machine implement and an operator control if at least one of a plurality of sensors has an indication that satisfies a respective predetermined criterion, and being operable to disable control communication between the work machine implement and the operator control if a combination of all of the plurality of sensors have indications that fail to satisfy the respective predetermined criteria. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
Specification