Grading implement elevation controller with tracking station and reference laser beam
US5771978A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02F3/847
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A control system is disclosed that controls the position of a grading implement of a construction machine according to a site plan. The control system has three basic components: a stationary tracking station, a computer connected to the tracking station, and an implement controller attached to the construction machine. The tracking station measures a distance and an azimuth (horizontal) angle to a remote target located on the construction machine and communicates that position information to the computer. The computer consults a stored site plan to determine what elevation is desired at that position and calculates a corresponding zenith (vertical) angle, and communicates the desired zenith angle to the tracking station. The tracking station in turn positions a zenith-reference laser beam at the desired zenith angle. The implement controller senses the zenith-reference laser beam and adjusts the grading implement relative to the zenith-reference laser beam until its desired position is obtained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.