Patent ID: 8757729
Filing Date: 2014-06-24
Classification: E01C

Abstract:
1. A method of maintaining a machine substantially level with a first surface as the machine traverses a second surface cut from the first surface, the machine including a front leg and a rear leg, a frame supported by the front leg and the rear leg, and a tool mounted on the frame between the front and rear legs, the front leg disposed on the first surface, the method comprising: determining a desired grade of the second surface; determining an electronic travel path based on the desired grade of the second surface, the electronic travel path including a first point corresponding to a beginning of the second surface and a second point corresponding to a subsequent portion of the second surface; determining a desired length change of the rear leg based on the electronic travel path, the desired length change of the rear leg being selected to maintain the frame substantially level to the first surface from the first point to the second point of the electronic travel path; advancing the machine with the tool operative to create the second surface; determining when the rear leg reaches the first point of the electronic travel path; and adjusting an actual length of the rear leg based on the desired length change of the rear leg as the as the rear leg traverses the electronic travel path from the first point to the second point.