Patent ID: 6115660
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: E02F

Abstract:
A control for an implement of the type including at least one arm pivotally supported at a vehicle having a frame and an attachment pivotally attached to the arm, wherein the arm is pivoted relative to the vehicle by at least a first hydraulic actuator, and the attachment is pivoted relative to the arm by a second hydraulic actuator, the control comprising:a first position sensor supported to generate a first position signal representative of the position of the arm relative to the vehicle;a second position sensor supported to generate a second position signal representative of the position of the attachment relative to the arm;an input device including an operator interface assembly moveable by an operator relative to first and second axes, the device including a first signal generator for generating a first control signal representative of motion of the interface assembly about the first axis and a second signal generator for generating a second control signal representative of motion of the interface assembly about the second axis;a hydraulic valve assembly responsive to a first valve signal to control hydraulic fluid flow to at least the first hydraulic actuator, and responsive to a second valve signal to control hydraulic fluid flow to the second hydraulic actuator; anda digital control circuit coupled to the position sensors, the input device, and the hydraulic valve assembly to apply the first and second valve signals to the valve assembly such that hydraulic fluid flow is applied to at least the first hydraulic actuator to pivot the arm so that the first position signal and the first control signal maintain a first predetermined relationship, and hydraulic fluid flow is applied to the second hydraulic actuator to pivot the attachment so that the second position signal and the second control signal maintain a second predetermined relationship, wherein the second valve signal is generated independently of the second control signal when the interface assembly is only moved about the first axis such that the second hydraulic actuator pivots the attachment to maintain a third predetermined relationship between the attachment and the frame while the arm is pivoted by the first hydraulic actuator.