Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 1 of 14 PageID #:
`13230
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`EXHIBIT U
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`

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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 2 of 14 PageID #:
`13231
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2010/0014917 A1
`Willis et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jan. 21, 2010
`
`US 201000 14917A1
`
`(54) MILLING MACHINE WITH CUTTER DRUM
`SPEED CONTROL
`(76) Inventors:
`Paul E. Willis, Orrstown, PA (US);
`Justin Zupanc, Shippensburg, PA
`(US)
`Correspondence Address:
`Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
`100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 3300
`Milwaukee, WI 53202 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/528,709
`
`Mar. 20, 2008
`PCT/US08/03702
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`(86). PCT No.:
`371
`1
`Aug. 26, 2009
`. S. ),
`lug. A0,
`(2), (4) Date:
`O
`O
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/919,016, filed on Mar.
`20, 2007.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`CR
`C i. 6
`(
`.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................. 404/93: 701/93
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A milling machine includes a main frame, a rotatable cutter
`drum coupled with the frame, and an engine mounted to the
`frame and operatively connected with the drum, and crawler
`assemblies connected with the frame and including a hydrau
`lic motor. A pump is disposed on the frame for driving the
`crawler motor and is adjustable to vary a speed of the motor.
`A regulator adjusts cutter drum speed, a speed selector gen
`erates an input corresponding to a desired drum speed, and a
`sensorsenses a drum speed. A control receives input from the
`selector and the sensor and operates the regulator Such that
`drum speed corresponds to the desired speed. Further, the
`control also compares sensed drum speed with desired drum
`speed and adjusts the pump to reduce crawler motor speed
`when the sensed drum speed has a value lesser than a prede
`termined portion of the desired drum speed.
`
`
`
`s sigggggg
`SESSESSES
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 21, 2010 Sheet 1 of 7
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`US 2010/001.4917 A1
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`20
`
`20
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`20
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`20
`
`14
`
`
`
`
`
`24 Control Panel (MMC)
`
`Na
`
`
`
`22
`
`Display
`Controller
`
`Junction Box
`
`
`
`
`
`Controller
`
`900
`rpm
`
`2300
`rpm
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`1900
`rpm
`Steering Panel
`21A 2B
`21C 21D
`
`
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 3 of 14 PageID #:
`13232
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`FIG. 1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 21, 2010 Sheet 2 of 7
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`US 2010/001.4917 A1
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 4 of 14 PageID #:
`13233
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 21, 2010 Sheet 3 of 7
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`US 2010/001.4917 A1
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`s
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 5 of 14 PageID #:
`13234
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 21, 2010 Sheet 4 of 7
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`US 2010/001.4917 A1
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`E.
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 6 of 14 PageID #:
`13235
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 21, 2010 Sheet 5 of 7
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`US 2010/001.4917 A1
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 7 of 14 PageID #:
`13236
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`FIG. 5
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 21, 2010 Sheet 6 of 7
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`US 2010/001.4917 A1
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 8 of 14 PageID #:
`13237
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 21, 2010 Sheet 7 of 7
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`US 2010/001.4917 A1
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 9 of 14 PageID #:
`13238
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`US 2010/00 14917 A1
`
`Jan. 21, 2010
`
`MILLING MACHINE WITH CUTTER DRUM
`SPEED CONTROL
`
`0001. The present invention relates to road milling
`machines, and more particularly to systems for controlling
`milling machine operation.
`0002 Road milling machines typically include a main
`frame, a rotatable cutter drum mounted to the frame, and three
`or four crawler assemblies for mobilizing the machine. The
`cutter drum engages with a material Surface, typically road
`way pavement, such that the material is cut away from the
`roadway. Such milling machines generally further include a
`conveyor assembly for removing the material cuttings off of
`the roadway, often to a dump truck or similar transport
`vehicle.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0003. In one aspect, the present invention is a milling
`machine comprising a main frame, a rotatable cutter drum
`coupled with the frame, and an engine mounted to the frame
`and operatively connected with the drum. A regulator is con
`figured to adjust a speed of the cutter drum and a speed
`selector is configured to generate an input corresponding to a
`desired drum cutting speed. Further, a control is configured to
`receive the input from the selector and to operate the regulator
`Such that the drum speed at least generally corresponds to the
`desired speed.
`0004. In another aspect, the present invention is a milling
`machine comprising a main frame, a rotatable cutter drum
`coupled with the frame, and at least one crawler assembly
`connected with the frame and including a hydraulic motor. A
`pump is disposed on the frame and is configured to drive the
`crawler motor, the pump being adjustable to vary a speed of
`the crawler motor. Further, a sensor is configured to sense a
`speed of the cutter drum and a control is configured to receive
`input from the sensor. The control is further configured to
`compare sensed drum speed with a desired drum speed and to
`adjust the pump to reduce the speed of the crawler motor
`when the sensed drum speed has a value lesser than a prede
`termined portion of the desired drum speed.
`0005. In a further aspect, the present invention is again a
`milling machine comprising a main frame, a rotatable cutter
`drum coupled with the frame, and an engine mounted to the
`frame. The engine is operatively connected with the cutter
`drum so as to directly drive the drum and includes a fuel line
`configured to provide fuel to the engine. A regulator is con
`figured to adjust a flow rate of fuel through the fuel line so as
`to vary the engine speed and thereby adjust a speed of the
`cutter drum. A speed selector is configured to generate an
`input corresponding to a desired drum cutting speed. Further,
`a control is configured to receive the input from the selector
`and to operate the regulator Such that the drum speed at least
`generally corresponds to the desired speed.
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 10 of 14 PageID #:
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`0006. The foregoing summary, as well as the detailed
`description of the preferred embodiments of the present
`invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction
`with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating
`the invention, there is shown in the drawings, which are
`diagrammatic, embodiments that are presently preferred. It
`
`should be understood, however, that the present invention is
`not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
`shown. In the drawings:
`0007 FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a control system for a
`milling machine, in accordance with the present invention;
`0008 FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a milling
`machine with a control system in accordance with the present
`invention;
`0009 FIG.3 is an enlarged, broken-away view of a portion
`of the milling machine of FIG. 2;
`0010 FIG. 4 is a more diagrammatic view of the milling
`machine and control system;
`0011
`FIG. 5 is a broken-away, enlarged perspective view
`of a portion of an operator control panel for the milling
`machine control system;
`0012 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred pump;
`0013 FIG. 7 is a more diagrammatic view of the pump of
`FIG. 6;
`0014 FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred crawler
`motor, shown with a drive wheel in phantom; and
`0015 FIG. 9 is a logic flow chart depicting preferred oper
`ating features of a control.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`0016 Certain terminology is used in the following
`description for convenience only and is not limiting. The
`words “right', left”, “lower”, “upper”, “upward”, “down” and
`“downward” designate directions in the drawings to which
`reference is made. The words “inner”, “inwardly” and
`“outer”, “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away
`from, respectively, a designated centerline or a geometric
`center of an element being described, the particular meaning
`being readily apparent from the context of the description.
`Further, as used herein, the word “connected' is intended to
`include direct connections between two members without
`any other members interposed therebetween and indirect con
`nections between members in which one or more other mem
`bers are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes
`the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof,
`and words of similar import.
`0017 Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein
`like numbers are used to indicate like elements throughout,
`there is shown in FIGS. 1-9 a control system 10 for a milling
`machine 1. The milling machine 1 includes a main frame 2, a
`rotatable cutter drum 3 coupled with the frame 2, and an
`engine 4 mounted to the frame 2 and operatively connected
`with the drum3. The control system 10 basically comprises a
`regulator 12 configured to adjust a speed of the cutter drum3,
`a drum speed selector 14 configured to generate an input Is
`corresponding to a desired drum cutting speed DS, and a
`control 16. The control 16 is configured to receive the input
`Is from the selector 14 and to operate the regulator 12 Such
`that the actual drum speed DS at least generally corresponds
`to the desired speed DS, Preferably, the control 16 includes
`at least one microprocessor 17 electrically connected with the
`speed selector 14 and with the regulator 12, but may alterna
`tively be constructed in any other appropriate manner, such as
`for example, fabricated of one or more analog circuits (none
`shown).
`0018 Preferably, the drum speed selector 14 includes a
`plurality of the input members 20, most preferably a plurality
`of buttons 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, etc., each input member 20
`being configured to generate a separate one of a plurality of
`inputs Ips, Ips2. Ips. Ipsa, etc. Each one of the inputs Ips,
`
`

`

`US 2010/00 14917 A1
`
`Jan. 21, 2010
`
`Ios, Ioss, Iosa, etc., corresponds to a separate desired drum
`speed DS, DS2, DS, DS, etc., and each desired speed
`DS, DS2, DS, DS, etc., has a magnitude different
`than each other desired speed. In other words, each input
`member 21N is configured to provide a different input IDs
`that corresponds to a different desired rotational speed DS,
`of the cutter drum3, for example, 900 rpm, 1500 rpm, 1900
`rpm, and 2400 rpm. Alternatively, the drum speed selector 14
`may include only a single input member (not shown), such as
`a rotatable knob, a shiftable lever, etc., configured to generate
`the plurality of different inputs Ios, Ios, Iss, Iosa, etc., each
`corresponding to a separate, different desired drum speed
`DS, DS2, DS, DS, etc.
`0019 Most preferably, the control 16 is configured to pro
`vide a first drum speed DS, a second drum speed DS, a
`third drum speed DS, and a fourth drum speed DS, each
`in response to inputs Ios, Ips2. Iss, Iosa, as follows. The first
`speed setting DS, corresponds to an idle speed, for example
`of nine hundred rotations per minute (900 rpm), for use when
`the machine 1 is not working (i.e., drum 3 not cutting) and
`which minimizes noise and fuel consumption. The second
`speed setting DS, corresponds to a high torque cutting
`speed, for example of fifteen hundred rotations per minute
`(1500 rpm), for cutting through harder material and at lower
`machine travel speed St. Further, the third speed setting DS
`corresponds to a standard cutting speed, for example of nine
`teen hundred rotations per minute (1900 rpm), for use of
`maximum horsepowerin standard cutting operations. Finally,
`the fourth speed setting DS, corresponds to a maximum or
`high cutting speed, for example of twenty-four hundred rota
`tions per minute (2300 rpm), for use at higher vehicle travel
`speeds S and preferably when cutting at shallower or lesser
`depths. Although the above four speed settings are preferred,
`the control 16 may be configured or constructed (e.g., pro
`grammed, wired, etc.) to provide any other appropriate speed
`Settings DS,v.
`0020. Further, the engine 4 is preferably configured to
`directly drive the cutter drum 3 and the regulator 12 is con
`figured to adjust a speed of the engine 4 so as to thereby adjust
`the drum speed DS. Most preferably, the engine 4 includes a
`fuel line 5 configured to provide fuel to the engine 4 and the
`regulator 12 is configured to adjust a flow rate of fuel through
`the fuel line 5. As such, the regulator 12 varies the engine
`speed by adjusting the fuel flow rate, and thereby adjusts the
`cutter drum speed DS. However, the regular 12 may be alter
`natively configured to adjust a throttle or other component of
`the engine 4 so as to thereby adjust the speed DS of the drum
`3. As a further alternative, the engine 4 may drive the drum 3
`through a transmission, such as a belt-and-pulley System or a
`gear train (neither depicted), and the regulator 12 may be
`configured to adjust the transmission to controllably vary the
`drum speed DS. The scope of the present invention includes
`the above-described structures and any other appropriate con
`struction of the regulator 12 that is capable of adjusting
`engine speed to correspondingly vary or adjust cutter drum
`speed DS.
`0021 Referring to FIGS. 1,3 and 4, the control system 10
`preferably further comprises a sensor 20 configured to sense
`the actual drum speed DS and to communicate with the con
`trol 16, Such as by transmitting a signal corresponding to
`drum speed DS. Preferably, the sensor 20 senses the rotational
`speed of the engine shaft 3a, most preferably by sensing an
`internal engine component Such as the crank shaft, etc., so as
`to indirectly sense drum speed DS. However, the sensor 20
`
`may alternatively directly sense or measure the drum speed
`DS, for example by directly measuring rotational speed of the
`drum shaft3a or the drum3 itself. In any case, the control 16
`is further configured to compare sensed drum speed DSs with
`desired drum speed DS, and to operate the regulator 12 Such
`that the sensed drum speed DSs is generally equal to the
`desired drum speed DS.
`0022. When the engine 4 is configured to directly drive the
`cutter drum 3 as preferred, the regulator 12 is configured to
`adjust a speed of the engine 4 so that the sensed drum speed
`DSs is generally equal to the desired drum speed DS, Spe
`cifically, the control 16 preferably operates the regulator 12 so
`as to increase the fuel flow rate to the engine 4 when the
`sensed drum speed DSs is less than the desired drum speed
`DS. Alternatively, the control 16 operates the regulator 12 so
`as to decrease the fuel flow rate to the engine 4 when the
`sensed drum speed DSs is greater than the desired drum speed
`DS.
`(0023 Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the milling machine 1 pref
`erably further includes at least one and preferably two pumps
`6 and at least one and preferably four crawler assemblies 7,
`each crawler assembly 7 including at least one drive motor 8
`connected with a drive wheel 7a. Each of the two preferred
`pumps 6 is preferably configured to operatively drive two of
`the crawler motors 8, and thereby the associated crawler
`assemblies 7 through the crawler drive wheel 7a. However,
`each pump 6 may be configured to drive only a single crawler
`motor 8 or/and the milling machine 1 may only include a
`single pump 6 operating one or more motors 8. In any case,
`each pump 6 is preferably adjustable to vary a speed of the
`crawler motor 8. Preferably, the pumps 6 each have a variable
`fluid displacement and the control 16 is configured to adjust
`the pump displacement so as to adjust the crawler motor
`speed. Most preferably, each pump 6 is an axial piston pump
`with an actuator 6a for adjusting an angle A of a Swash plate
`6b, thereby adjusting the pump displacement, but may alter
`natively be constructed in any other appropriate manner.
`0024. Referring to FIG.9, with the preferred pumps 6 and
`crawler assemblies 7 as described above, the control 16 is
`preferably further configured to compare the sensed drum
`speed DSs with the desired speed DS, and to adjust the
`pumps 6 to reduce the speed of the crawler motors 8 when the
`sensed drum speed DSs has a value lesser than a predeter
`mined portion Prs of the desired speed DS. In other words,
`when the control 16 determines that the cutter drum 3 is
`rotating at a speed DSs that is less than a certain portion of
`percentage (e.g., 2/3, 80%, etc.) of the desired speed DS, the
`control 16 will adjust the pumps 6 in order to reduce crawler
`motor speed, and thereby reduce the milling machine travel
`speed. As such, the control 16 causes the milling machine
`travel speed S to be reduced whenever the cutting drum 3 is
`rotating at less than a desired speed DS, which generally
`indicates that the load on the drum 3 is greater than desired
`(e.g., drum3 begins cutting relatively harder material). More
`specifically, when the drum 3 is cutting a relatively harder
`material or at relatively greater depth, the torque required to
`cut the material increases, which causes the rotational speed
`DS of the drum 3 to decrease. By correspondingly reducing
`the machine travel speed S, the quality or smoothness of a
`cut material Surface is improved by prevention of "skipping
`of drum cutting teeth (not depicted), which can occur when
`the drum speed DS is lower than preferred for a given
`machine travel speed St.
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 11 of 14 PageID #:
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`US 2010/00 14917 A1
`
`Jan. 21, 2010
`
`0025. Further, the control 16 is also configured to adjust
`the pumps 6 so as to increase the speed of the crawler motors
`8 when the value of the sensed drum speed DSs increases
`from lesser than or about the predetermined portionPs of the
`desired speed to either greater than the desired speed prede
`termined portion P.s or to about the desired speed DS. In
`other words, the control 16 will adjust the pumps 6 to increase
`the machine travel speed S. back to a desired speed when the
`rotational speed DS of the cutting drum 3 increases to, or at
`least sufficiently toward (i.e., above specified portion), the
`desired drum speed DS, indicating that the load on the drum
`3 has been reduced (e.g., moving from harder to softer mate
`rial, cutting depth reduced, etc.). Thus, the control 16 prefer
`ably provides a “load control' feature that decreases the
`machine travel speed S whenever the load on the drum 3 is
`sufficiently increased so as to lower the drum speed DS sub
`stantially below a desired speed, and returns the travel speed
`S. to a desired value when the drum load is reduced.
`0026 Referring to FIGS. 1,3 and 5, the control system 16
`preferably further comprises a travel speed input device 22
`configured to generate a travel speed input Is corresponding
`to a desired travel speed of the milling machine 1 and to
`communicate the input to the control 16. The travel speed
`input device 22 preferably includes a shiftable lever or joy
`Stick 24 configured to provide a desired speed input from Zero
`to a maximum value, but may be constructed in any appro
`priate manner. Further, the control 16 is configured to receive
`the travel speed input Is and to adjust the pumps 6 such that
`the crawler motor speed generally corresponds to the desired
`travel speed S. preferably subject to the “load control' fea
`ture described above. That is, the control 16 is configured to
`adjust the pumps 6 Such that the crawler motor speed gener
`ally corresponds to the desired travel speed S when the
`sensed drum speed Ss is above the predetermined portion of
`the desired drum speed DS. However, the control 16 alter
`natively adjusts the pumps 6 to reduce the speed of the crawler
`motors 8, and/or disregards a travel speed Is that would
`increase travel speed Swhen the sensed drum speed DSs has
`a value lesser than the predetermined drum speed portion.
`0027. In other words, the control 16 preferably permits a
`machine operator to vary the vehicle travel speed as desired,
`through the travel speed input device 22, only when the
`sensed drum speed DSs is within a certain portion or percent
`age of the desired drum speed DS. When the sensed drum
`speed DSs is below the predetermined portion/percentage of
`the desired drum speed DS, the control 16 will “scale” the
`travel speed input Is from the travel speed input device 22
`such that the control 16 only provides a portion of the input to
`the pumps 6, thereby reducing crawler motor speed, until the
`sensed drum speed DSs again increases above the predeter
`mined portion/percentage or is at or about the desired drum
`speed DS.
`0028. Most preferably, the control 16 is configured to
`selectively operate in at least first and second control modes
`M. M. In the first or “load control mode M, the control 16
`adjusts the pumps 6 to reduce the speed of the crawler motors
`8 whenever the sensed drum speed DSs has a value lesser than
`the predetermined portion of the desired speed DS, as
`described above. In the second control mode M, the control
`16 permits the sensed drum speed DSs to be lesser than the
`predetermined portion of the desired drum speed DS, with
`out adjustment of the pumps 6. That is, when operating in the
`second mode M, the control 16 permits a machine operator
`to drive the milling machine 1 at any desired travel speed St.
`
`regardless of the drum speed DS, and will not automatically
`reduce the machine travel speed S (i.e., by adjusting pump
`displacement) when the sensed drum speed DSs falls below a
`predetermined portion/percentage of the desired speed DS,
`Further, the control system 10 preferably further comprises a
`mode selector 26, Such as a pushbutton, knob, etc., configured
`to adjust the control 16 between the first and second control
`modes M. M. as desired by the machine operator.
`(0029. Furthermore, the control system 10 preferably fur
`ther comprises a “pause' input device 30 configured to pro
`vide or communicate a pause input I to the control 16 and the
`control 16 is further configured to take one or more, and
`preferably all, of the following actions: to reduce engine
`speed Es to activate one or more brake mechanism (none
`shown), to adjust the crawler motors 8 so as to stop crawler
`rotation (and thus machine propulsion/displacement), to turn
`off one or more wetting devices or water sprayers (none
`shown), and to turn off a conveyor 9 when the control 16
`receives the pause device input I. Most preferably, the con
`trol 16 is configured to take one of the above “pause actions
`when the control 16 receives a first or “pause’ input I from
`the pause input device 16 and is configured to take at least one
`of the following actions when the control 16 receives a second
`or “resume' input I from the pause input device 30: increase
`engine speed, deactivate the brake mechanism, adjust the
`crawler motors 8 to start crawler rotation, turn on wetting
`devices or sprayers, and/or to turn on the conveyor 9.
`0030. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
`changes could be made to the embodiments described above
`without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It
`is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to
`the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to
`cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present
`invention as defined by the appended claims.
`We claim:
`1. A milling machine comprising:
`a main frame;
`a rotatable cutter drum coupled with the frame:
`an engine mounted to the frame and operatively connected
`with the drum;
`a regulator configured to adjust a speed of the cutter drum;
`a speed selector configured to generate an input corre
`sponding to a desired drum cutting speed; and
`a control configured to receive the input from the selector
`and to operate the regulator Such that the drum speed at
`least generally corresponds to the desired speed.
`2. The milling machine as recited in claim 1 wherein the
`speed selector includes one of:
`a plurality of the input members, each input member being
`configured to generate a separate one of a plurality of
`inputs, each one of the inputs corresponding to a sepa
`rate desired speed, each desired speed having a magni
`tude different than each other desired speed; and
`an input member configured to generate a plurality of
`inputs, each one of the inputs corresponding to a sepa
`rate desired speed, each desired speed having a magni
`tude different than each other desired speed.
`3. The milling machine as recited in claim 1 wherein the
`engine is configured to directly drive the cutter drum and the
`regulator is configured to adjust a speed of the engine so as to
`adjust the drum speed.
`4. The milling machine as recited in claim 3 wherein the
`engine includes a fuel line configured to provide fuel to the
`
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`Jan. 21, 2010
`
`engine and the regulator is configured to adjust a flow rate of
`fuel through the fuel line so as to vary the engine speed.
`5. The milling machine as recited in claim 1 further com
`prising a sensor configured to sense drum speed and to com
`municate with the control, the control being further config
`ured to compare sensed drum speed with desired drum speed
`and to operate the regulator Such that the sensed drum speed
`is generally equal to the desired drum speed.
`6. The milling machine as recited in claim 5 wherein the
`engine is configured to directly drive the cutter drum and the
`regulator is configured to adjust a speed of the engine so that
`the sensed drum speed is generally equal to the desired drum
`speed.
`7. The milling machine as recited in claim 6 wherein the
`sensor is configured to measure one of drum speed and engine
`speed.
`8. The milling machine as recited in claim 1 wherein the
`control includes a microprocessor electrically connected with
`the speed selector and with the regulator.
`9. The milling machine as recited in claim 1 further com
`prising:
`at least one crawler assembly including a hydraulic motor;
`a pump configured to drive the crawler motor and being
`adjustable to vary a speed of the crawler motor; and
`a sensor configured to sense a speed of the drum and to
`communicate with the control;
`wherein the control is configured to compare sensed drum
`speed with the desired drum speed and to adjust the
`pump to reduce the speed of the crawler motor when the
`sensed drum speed has a value lesser than a predeter
`mined portion of the desired drum speed.
`10. The milling machine as recited in claim 9 wherein the
`control is further configured to adjust the pump so as to
`increase the speed of the crawler motor when the sensed drum
`speed increases from a value of lesser than the predetermined
`speed portion to a value of one of greater than the predeter
`mined speed portion and about the desired drum speed.
`11. The milling machine as recited in claim 9 wherein the
`sensor is configured to directly sense a speed of the engine so
`as to sense drum speed.
`12. The milling machine as recited in claim 9 wherein the
`pump has a variable fluid displacement and the control is
`configured to adjust the pump displacement so as to adjust the
`crawler motor speed.
`13. The milling machine as recited in claim 9 further com
`prising a travel speed input device configured to generate a
`travel speed input corresponding to a desired travel speed of
`the vehicle, the control being configured to receive the travel
`speed input, to adjust the pump such that the motor speed
`generally corresponds to the desired travel speed when the
`drum speed is greater than the predetermined drum speed
`portion, and to alternatively adjust the pump to reduce the
`speed of the crawler motor when the sensed drum speed has a
`value lesser than the predetermined speed portion.
`14. The milling machine as recited in claim 13 wherein the
`control is configured to selectively operate in a first control
`mode in which the control adjusts the pump to reduce the
`speed of the crawler motor whenever the sensed drum speed
`has a value lesser than the predetermined drum speed portion
`and to alternatively operate in a second mode in which the
`control permits the drum speed to be lesser than the predeter
`mined speed portion without adjustment of the pump.
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-8 Filed 11/17/22 Page 13 of 14 PageID #:
`13242
`
`15. The milling machine as recited in claim 14 further
`comprising a mode selector configured to adjust the control
`between the first and second control modes.
`16. The milling machine as recited in claim 1 further com
`prising a pause input device configured to provide an input to
`the control and the control is configured to at least one of
`reduce engine speed, activate a brake mechanism, adjust a
`crawler motor so as to stop crawler rotation, turn off a water
`ing system, and to turn off a conveyor when the control
`receives the pause device input.
`17. The milling machine as recited in claim 16 wherein:
`the control is configured to at least one of reduce engine
`speed, activate a brake mechanism, adjust a crawler
`motor so as to stop crawler rotation, turn off a watering
`system, and to turn off a conveyor when the control
`receives a first input from the pause input device; and
`the control is configured to at least one of increase engine
`speed, deactivate a brake mechanism, adjust a crawler
`motor So as to start crawler rotation, turn on a watering
`system, and to turn on a conveyor when the control
`receives a second input from the pause input device.
`18. A milling machine comprising:
`a main frame;
`a rotatable cutter drum coupled with the frame:
`at least one crawler assembly connected with the frame and
`including a hydraulic motor,
`a pump disposed on the frame and configured to drive the
`crawler motor, the pump being adjustable to vary a speed
`of the crawler motor;
`a sensor configured to sense a speed of the cutter drum; and
`a control configured to receive input from the sensor, to
`compare sensed drum speed with a desired drum speed,
`and to adjust the pump to reduce the speed of the crawler
`motor when the sensed drum speed has a value lesser
`than a predetermined portion of a desired drum speed.
`19. The milling machine as recited in claim 18 wherein the
`control is further configured to adjust the pump so as to
`increase the speed of the crawler motor when the sensed drum
`speed increases from a value lesser than the predetermined
`speed portion to a value one of greater than the predetermined
`speed portion and about the desired drum speed.
`20. The milling machine as recited in claim 18 wherein the
`pump has a variable fluid displacement and the control is
`configured to adjust the pump displacement so as to adjust the
`crawler motor speed.
`21. The milling machine as recited in claim 18 wherein the
`control is configured to selectively operate in a first control
`mode in which the control adjusts the pump to reduce the
`speed of the crawler motor whenever the sensed drum speed
`has a value lesser than the predetermined portion of the
`desired speed and to alternatively operate in a second mode in
`which the control permits the sensed drum speed to have a
`value lesser than the predetermined portion of the desired
`drum speed without adjustment of the pump.
`22. The milling machine as recited in claim 18 further
`comprising:
`a regulator configured to adjust a speed of the cutter drum;
`and
`a speed selector configured to generate an input corre
`sponding to a desired drum cutting speed; and
`wherein the control is further configured to receive the
`input from the selector and to operate the regulator Such
`
`

`

`US 2010/00 14917 A1
`
`Jan. 21, 2010
`
`that the drum speed at least generally corresponds to the
`desired speed.
`23. A milling machine comprising:
`a main frame;
`a rotatable cutter drum coupled with the frame;
`an engine mounted to the frame, operatively connected
`with the cutter drum so as to directly drive the drum, and
`including a fuel line configured to provide fuel to the
`engine;
`
`a regulator configured to adjust a flow rate of fuel through
`the fuel line so as to vary the engine speed and adjust a
`speed of the cutter drum;
`a speed selector configured to generate an input