Load counter for dump truck or the like

• US 6,263,039 B1
• Filed: 01/04/2000
• Issued: 07/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/04/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Scott A. Ducharme
• Original Assignee: Scott A. Ducharme
• Inventors: Ducharme, Scott A.
• Primary Examiner(s): LAM, TUAN THIEU
• Application Number:
  US09/477,312
• Time in Patent Office: 560 Days
• Field of Search: 377/9, 377/15, 701/35, 177/45, 180/168
• US Class Current: 377/15
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/08 for incorporation in vehicles

Abstract

A load mechanism operation cycle counter is provided for use with a dump truck or similar vehicle. The counter preferably is operated in response to the initiation and/or cessation of signal to the counter in response to either a load containing body position sensor or the electrical state of load body position control device.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with a vehicle of the type having a frame, a dump body pivotally attaching said dump body to said frame, an activator for moving said dump body relative to said frame between a first position wherein said dump body is supported by said frame for carrying a load in the dump body and a second position wherein said dump body is disposed at an angle to said first position for dumping the load, and a controller for controlling the activator for dumping the load;

said apparatus comprising;

a sensor that provides a signal indicating the moving said dump body through a dump cycle from said first position to said second position and back to said first position; and

a counter responsive to said signal for counting and displaying in real time to an operator of the vehicle the number of dump cycles for a period of time.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sensor is connected to the controller such that a signal is provided by said sensor each time said dump is cycled.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sensor is located on said frame and provides a signal each time said dump body is moved out of said first position.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein subsequent to the generation of a first signal each time said dump body is moved out of said first position, said sensor detects the return of said dump body to said first position and provides second signal indicative of completion of a cycle.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said counter is adapted to register one incremental count for said second signal received from said sensor sequentially following the receipt of said first signal.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said counter is adapted to register one-half of an incremental count for each signal received from said sensor so that the first and second signals provide one incremental count.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said signal is selected from the group consisting of the initiation of an electrical current to said counter, the cessation of an electrical current to said counter, or both.