METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EARTH MOVING AND SURFACE GRADING

摘要

A tandem system having multiple fluid-powered cylinders for operation of motor graders and other earth-moving equipment that is capable of interfacing with and being controlled by conventional two dimensional (“2-D”) and three dimensional (“3-D”) grade control systems, responds to encountered grade changes and adjusts elevation and a cross-slope to match predetermined project design specifications. Each cylinder member has at least one master area and at least one slave area.

主权项

1. An apparatus for controlling earth moving equipment comprising:
a) a first fluid powered cylinder assembly having a master cylinder area and a slave cylinder area; b) a second fluid powered cylinder assembly having a master cylinder area and a slave cylinder area; c) a first conduit connecting an outlet of said master cylinder area of said first fluid powered cylinder assembly with an inlet of said slave cylinder area of said second fluid powered cylinder assembly, wherein fluid flowing out of said master cylinder area of said first cylinder flows into said slave cylinder area of said second cylinder, and wherein said master cylinder of said first cylinder and said slave cylinder of said second cylinder operate in tandem phased relationship; and d) a second conduit connecting an outlet of said master cylinder area of said second fluid powered cylinder assembly with an inlet of said slave cylinder area of said first fluid powered cylinder assembly, wherein fluid flowing out of said master cylinder area of said second cylinder flows into said slave cylinder area of said first cylinder, and wherein said master cylinder of said second cylinder and said slave cylinder of said first cylinder operate in tandem phased relationship.