Patent ID: 7908853
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: E02F

Abstract:
1. A machine controller for controlling a flow of hydraulic fluid to each of two or more actuators associated with a machine, wherein at least one of the actuators is a steering actuator for steering the machine and at least one of the actuators is a non-steering actuator for performing a function other than steering the machine, the controller comprising: a control input for receiving operator commands related to desired steering and non-steering actuator movements; a translation module for translating the operator commands into a first valve control command associated with the steering actuator and a second valve control command associated with the non-steering actuator; and a balancing module configured to generate a first adjusted valve control command from the first valve control command wherein the first adjusted valve control command is the lesser of the first valve control command if the difference between the available flow and a flow associated with the second valve control command is less than a flow corresponding to the first valve control command, and if the flow corresponding to the first valve control command is less than a nonlinear threshold function of machine engine speed, the balancing module being further configured to provide the first adjusted valve control command to one of the two or more actuators associated with the machine.