Cycle counter for wheeled tractor scraper
First Claim
1. A cycle counter for a wheeled tractor scraper, comprising:
- an ejector configured to push material from a bowl of the wheeled tractor scraper;
a sensor configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of a position of the ejector;
a controller in communication with the sensor;
a timer in communication with the controller; and
a cushion hitch connecting a tractor portion of the wheeled tractor scraper to the bowl,wherein the controller is configured to;
determine movement of the ejector toward a full dump position based on the pressure signal;
activate the timer;
record completion of a cycle for the wheeled tractor scraper after the ejector has reached the full dump position only if a value of the pressure signal exceeded a threshold value during movement of the ejector toward the full dump position and a threshold amount of time has elapsed after the timer has been activated; and
record completion of the cycle only when the cushion hitch enters a float mode of operation after the timer has been activated.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A cycle counter for a wheeled tractor scraper is disclosed. The cycle counter may have an ejector configured to push material from a bowl of the wheeled tractor scraper, a sensor configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of a position of the ejector, and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller may be configured to determine movement of the ejector toward a full dump position based on the pressure signal, and to record completion of a cycle for the wheeled tractor scraper after the ejector has reached the full dump position only if a value of the pressure signal exceeded a threshold value during movement of the ejector toward the full dump position.
18 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A cycle counter for a wheeled tractor scraper, comprising:
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an ejector configured to push material from a bowl of the wheeled tractor scraper; a sensor configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of a position of the ejector; a controller in communication with the sensor; a timer in communication with the controller; and a cushion hitch connecting a tractor portion of the wheeled tractor scraper to the bowl, wherein the controller is configured to; determine movement of the ejector toward a full dump position based on the pressure signal; activate the timer; record completion of a cycle for the wheeled tractor scraper after the ejector has reached the full dump position only if a value of the pressure signal exceeded a threshold value during movement of the ejector toward the full dump position and a threshold amount of time has elapsed after the timer has been activated; and record completion of the cycle only when the cushion hitch enters a float mode of operation after the timer has been activated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of counting cycles for a wheeled tractor scraper having an ejector, comprising:
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monitoring an operating pressure of the ejector; determining movement of the ejector toward a full dump position based on the operating pressure of the ejector; activating a timer; and recording completion of a cycle for the wheeled tractor scraper after the ejector has reached the full dump position only if the operating pressure of the ejector exceeded a threshold value during movement of the ejector toward the full dump position and a threshold amount of time has elapsed after the timer has been activated; and wherein the completion recording of the cycle happens only when a cushion hitch of the wheeled tractor scraper enters a float mode of operation after the timer has been activated. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A wheeled tractor scraper, comprising:
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a tractor having a transmission; a bowl having a blade at a front end; an ejector located at a back end of the bowl; a cylinder configured to move the ejector between a full dump position and a full retract position relative to the bowl; a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure of the cylinder and generate a corresponding signal indicative of a position of the ejector; a cushion hitch connecting the tractor to the bowl; a timer selectively activated to track an elapsed period of time; and a controller in communication with the transmission, the pressure sensor, and the timer, the controller being configured to; activate the time when the signal indicates the ejector is away from the full dump position, when the cushion hitch is in a locked mode of operation, and when a current gear selection of the transmission is a desired gear selection; make a determination that the pressure of the cylinder exceeded a threshold value during movement of the ejector toward the full dump position, that the ejector reached and then moved away from the full dump position based on the signal, and that the cushion hitch entered a float mode of operation; and record completion of a cycle for the wheeled tractor scraper based on a threshold amount of time elapsed after the timer has been activated and the determination, when the cushion hitch re-enters the locked mode of operation.
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Specification