Patent ID: 6325590
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: E02F

Abstract:
An arrangement for determining the relative angular orientation of an excavator bucket with respect to the dipper stick of an excavator, the excavator bucket being mounted on a bucket linkage pivotally secured to the end of the dipper stick, the excavator including an hydraulic actuator having an hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected to said dipper stick and a piston rod pivotally connected to said bucket linkage, whereby extension or contraction of said hydraulic actuator causes said excavator bucket to be pivoted by said bucket linkage with respect to said dipper stick, comprising:a cable extension linear position transducer having a transducer casing, a sheath extending from said casing, and an extensible cable extending from said sheath, said transducer providing an electrical output related to the extension of said cable from said sheath;a transducer mounting for securing said casing of said cable extension linear position transducer in fixed relationship to said hydraulic cylinder;a pulley system for positioning said cable extending from said sheath in close proximity to said piston rod; anda clip for securing said extensible cable to said piston rod, whereby extension or contraction of said hydraulic actuator causes the electrical output of said transducer to vary, thus providing an electrical output indicating the relative annular orientation of said excavator bucket with respect to said dipper stick.