Patent ID: 6691437
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: E02F,G01C

Abstract:
A level sensing system for use with an excavating machine of the type having a chassis, a boom pivotally secured to said chassis at a first pivot joint, a dipper stick pivotally secured to said boom at a second pivot joint, and a bucket pivotally secured to said dipper stick at a third pivot joint, comprising:a light receiving sensor, mounted on said dipper stick and providing an indication of the relative location of a beam of light striking said light receiving sensor, an inclinometer, mounted on said dipper stick and providing an indication of the inclination of said dipper stick, said inclinometer including a gyroscopic inclination sensor and an accelerometer arrangement for sensing acceleration due to gravity and providing a static vertical reference, and a position determining circuit, responsive to said sensor and said inclinometer, for calculating the position of said third pivot joint based on the inclination of said dipper stick and on the relative location of said beam of light striking said light receiving sensor.