Method and apparatus for controlling an implement of a work machine

• Main Authors: GARDNER; CYNTHIA M, ALLEN; WILLIAM E, DUFFY; JOHN D, STONE; ROBERT E, SCHIMPF; JAMES E
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 30.12.1997
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: BLASTING; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DREDGING; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVO-MOTORS; FOUNDATIONS; HEATING; HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; SOIL SHIFTING; SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

An apparatus for controllably moving a work implement is disclosed. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick. A joystick position sensor senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates an operator command signal. An implement position sensor senses the position of the work implement and responsively produces an implement position signal. A microprocessor based controller receives the implement position and operator command signals, modifies the operator command signal, and produces an electrical valve signal in response to the modified operator command signal. An electrohydraulic valve receives the electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a magnitude of the electrical valve signal.