Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 1 of 16 PageID #: 35768
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 1 of 16 PagelD #: 35768
`
`EXHIBIT E2
`EXHIBIT E2
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 2 of 16 PageID #: 35769
`
`United States Patent
`Claxton
`
`[19]
`
`[75]
`
`Inventor:
`
`[54] HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION FOR
`HARVESTING MACHINES
`Gerald L. Claxton, Fresno, Calif.
`Up-Right, Inc. , Berkeley, . Calif.
`[73] Assignee:
`[21] Appl. No. : 79, 503
`Sep. 27, 1979
`[22] Filed:
`B60S 9/12
`[51] Int. CLs
`[52] U. S. Cl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . 280/6 H; 172/395;
`267/65 D; 280/709; 280/714
`[58] Field of Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280/6 H, 112 R, 709,
`280/714, 707, 6 R, 6. 1, 6. 11; 267/65 D, 65 R;
`172/395
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`9/1975 Claxton . . .
`9/1977 Duca . . . . . . .
`Primary Examiner — John J. Love
`Assistant Examiner — John A. Carroll
`
`3, 909, 022
`4, 050, 704
`
`. . . 280/112 R
`. . . . . . . 280/714
`
`[1 1]
`
`4, 247, 126
`Jan. 27, 1981
`[45]
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Phillips, Moore,
`Weissenberger, Lempio & Majestic
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`A generally rectangular
`frame having a vertical support
`column at each corner thereof mounted
`for vertical
`to the frame. Four hydraulic
`relative
`movement
`rams,
`all of the same diameter and one for each support col-
`umns, are used are used to connect
`the frame to the
`columns, with the two rams at one end causng raising or
`lowering of the frames by contraction or extension of
`the rams while corresponding movement of the other
`end of the frame is caused by opposite movement of the
`rams thereat. A hydraulic control system selectively:
`raises or lowers the frame relative to all four columns,
`to one side only of
`raises or lowers the frame relative
`the frame, or or raises one side oIf the frame while low-
`the other. Additionally,
`the system allows
`ering
`the
`columns at one end of the frame to move freely, in equal
`and opposite directions relative to the frames.
`
`20 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures
`
`26C
`
`16C
`ISC
`
`19C
`
`2IC
`37
`
`10 ~ II
`
`28D
`
`230 220
`
`36
`
`16D
`ISD
`
`17
`
`LR
`
`15 17
`LF
`19D
`228
`ID
`198
`218
`27
`
`66 64
`
`23C 41
`2ZC
`
`23A
`22A
`
`26A
`
`'4
`
`19A
`39
`2IA
`42
`32
`~ 288
`31
`29
`
`12
`
`168 17
`188
`
`17 0 RR
`
`ISA
`
`II
`II
`
`16A
`
`RF
`
`62
`
`45
`
`II
`
`70 ~
`r
`
`71
`
`72
`
`I
`
`74
`73 76
`147~ 49c
`I49
`
`I
`
`I
`
`68
`
`58
`56
`48b
`
`46
`48
`
`49
`49b
`
`49
`
`48a
`48c
`
`51 ~52
`
`53
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 3 of 16 PageID #: 35770
`
`U. S. Patent
`
`Jan. 27, 1981
`
`Sheet 1 of 5
`
`4, 247, 126
`
`16C
`I8C
`I9C
`
`2IC
`57
`
`IO ~ II
`
`l5
`
`28D
`
`~
`
`~
`~
`
`~
`
`~
`~
`
`250 220
`
`l5
`19D
`ID
`
`l7
`LF
`22B
`I9B
`2IB
`27
`
`I60
`ISD
`
`I7
`
`LR
`
`25C 4I
`22C
`
`23A
`22A
`
`I9A
`
`2IA
`52
`~ 28B
`5l
`29
`
`l2
`
`I7
`
`I6B
`ISB
`
`l7
`Q RR
`
`26A
`
`18A
`
`l6A
`
`Q
`
`45
`
`II
`
`70 ~
`
`7I
`
`72
`
`I
`
`I
`
`74
`
`76
`
`Ir
`I 77
`I /
`68
`
`49b
`
`49b
`
`48'
`48c
`
`FIG
`
`56
`48b
`
`46
`48
`
`5I ~52
`
`55
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 4 of 16 PageID #: 35771
`
`U. S. Patent
`
`Jan. 27, 1981
`
`4, 247, ), 26
`
`LF
`
`l8C
`
`I9C
`
`57
`
`36
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`67
`
`6I 58 f
`
`57
`
`49a
`
`I x68
`49'
`
`56
`
`4Sa
`5I
`
`~ISD
`I9D
`LR
`
`FIG 2
`
`LF
`
`ISC
`
`I9C
`
`67
`
`ass ~
`
`52
`
`I
`
`I~
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`lee~
`
`48
`48b
`5I
`
`ISD
`
`I9D
`LR
`
`FIG
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 5 of 16 PageID #: 35772
`
`U. S. Patent
`
`Jan. 27, 1981
`
`Sheet 3 of 5
`
`4, 247, 126
`
`&79
`
`64
`
`LF
`
`77
`
`ISC
`
`ISA
`
`I
`
`l~
`
`I
`
`I
`
`8I
`
`49
`
`52
`
`76
`
`I
`
`49
`
`49b
`
`5I
`
`P
`
`66
`
`37
`
`36
`
`280
`
`288 ~ ISB
`
`RF
`
`l8A
`
`LR
`
`RR
`
`FIG 4
`
`LF
`
`ISC
`
`63
`
`37
`280
`
`I80
`
`l90
`
`~ ISB
`
`I98
`
`FIG 5
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 6 of 16 PageID #: 35773
`
`II Ll:
`
`0
`
`0
`
`HRW
`
`~
`
`J
`
`0
`
`T
`
`5
`
`5 5
`
`~ '5
`
`t
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 7 of 16 PageID #: 35774
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 7 of 16 PagelD #: 35774
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`jan. 27, 1981
`
`Sheet 5 of 5
`
`4,247,126
`
`7
`
`152
`Xi
`49Lb
`pee
`HelleaLN
`|
`487
`
`~ ~
`
`+
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 8 of 16 PageID #: 35775
`
`HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION FOR HARVESTING
`MACHINES
`
`t5
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`its use is not limited
`Although
`thereto,
`the present
`invention
`to mechanical
`has particular
`application
`grape harvesters wherein a main frame is supported by
`wheeled columns at the four corners . thereof,
`the har-
`vester being adapted to straddle and move along a row
`of grape vines while a picking apparatus mounted on
`the frame agitates the vines, causing
`the fruit to be dis-
`to fall into catchers and conveyors carried by
`lodged
`the frame and disposed beneath
`the vines.
`In order to provide optimal harvesting,
`such a har-
`vester should have a number of attributes. First,
`it
`should have the capability of raising and lowering
`the
`frame relative to the ground so that the picking appara-
`tus, catchers and conveyors carried by the frame can be
`properly positioned, relative to the height of the vines. 20
`it should have the capability of maintaining
`Secondly,
`the frame
`level, from side-to-side
`thereof, as the har-
`vester travels across &he slope of the hill with its down-
`hill wheels lower than the uphill wheels. In such case, it
`is desirable
`that the fr'arne be maintained
`level on slop- 25
`the elevation of the frame above the
`ing terrain with
`uphill wheels being held constant. Since either side of
`the harvester can be the "uphill" side, depending upon
`the direction of travel across the slope, the harvester
`must be capable of maintaining
`the frame level relative 30
`side regardless of 'which
`to the uphill
`side is uphill.
`that the harvester be capable of
`Further,
`it is desirable
`the frame level with respect to the longitu-
`maintaining
`dinal centerline of the mabhine, when so desired.
`Also, a harvester should have the capability of oper- 35
`ating on ro'ug'h ground, with
`the many ditches and
`found
`bumps
`in vineyards, with all four wheels main-
`tained
`if one
`in firm ground engagement, Otherwise,
`wheel comes to a'ditch and the frame is then 'supported
`only by the other
`three wheels,
`the one wheel with 40
`simply spin in the air and traction
`thereat will be lost.
`The'same, of course, will occur if one wheel rides up on
`a bump so that the frame
`is again supported by only
`three wheels;
`In my prior U. S. Pat. No. 3, 909, 022, issued Sept. 30, 45
`1975, I have disclosed a cable suspension
`system for a
`is capable of raising and
`harvesting machine which
`lowering
`the frame relative
`to the wheeled columns,
`maintaining
`the frame level about its uphill side or the
`centerline thereof, and capable of maintain-
`longitudinal
`ing all four of the wheel columns on engagement with
`in spite of unevenness of the ground.
`the ground
`In practice, however,
`the cable suspension system has
`two disadvantages — wear and breakage of
`evidenced
`the cables and inability of the front columns of the har- 55
`vester to accomodate to an abrupt change in side slope.
`These disadvantages have been overcome in the pres-
`ent invention by use of a hydraulic suspension having a
`ram at each of the wheeled columns and a
`liydraulic
`control'. system
`therefor which provides all of the de- 60
`sired capabilities enumerated
`above
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present:invention
`provides a hydraulic
`ram at
`each wheeled column, the two rams at one end (e. g. the 65
`front end) being connected between
`the frame and the
`columns to raise or lower the frame upon contraction or
`extension, respectively, of the rams, while the two rams
`
`50
`
`at the other end are connected between
`the frame and
`the columns
`thereat
`to raise or lower the frame by re-
`i. e. , by extension or retraction
`verse ram movement,
`respectively. The cylinder and rod diameter
`is the same
`for all four rams, and each pair of rams at the sides of
`the frame are connected
`in series with the head ends (or
`rod ends) or the cylinders being connected
`to each
`other. By virture of this connection, hydraulic
`fluid
`expelled from one cylinder during contraction
`thereof
`flow
`into
`the other cylinder
`will
`to cause an equal
`amount of extension
`thereof.
`A hydraulic
`raising of the
`control system causes
`frame by directing an equal amount of hydraulic
`fluid to
`both cylinders at one end of the frame, or lowering of
`an equal amount of hydraulic
`the frame by releasing
`fluid from both cylinders at the other end of the frame.
`The control system also levels the frame by raising or
`lowering
`the frame relative to the columns at one side
`only of the frame, for uphill
`leveling, or by raising one
`side of the frame while lowering
`the other for centerline
`leveling. Furher,
`the control system allows
`the two
`wheeled columns at one end of the machine
`to move
`freely
`in equal and opposite directions,
`to the
`relative
`frame, so that the wheels thereat will be maintained
`in
`firm ground engagement.
`Other aspects of the invention will become apparent
`in the course of the following detailed description.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`forming a part of this application,
`In the drawings,
`and in which like parts are designated by like reference
`numerals
`throughout
`the same,
`FIG. 1 is a perspective
`and simplified
`wheeled
`frame with a hydraulic
`suspension
`accordance with the present
`invention.
`FIG. 2 is a simplified view of the frame and ram
`therefor with
`the hydraulic control circuit of
`support
`FIG. 1, showing
`fluid flow during raising of the frame.
`FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, showing fluid flow during
`lowering of the frame.
`FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 2, showing fluid flow during
`raising of the right side of the frame.
`FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 2, showing fluid flow during
`lowering of the right side of the frame after a raising
`thereof.
`FIG. 6 is similar to FIg. 2 showing fluid flow during
`front wheel articulation.
`FIg. 7 is similar to FIG. 2, but with the head ends of
`the cylinders being interconnected.
`FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 2, showing an alternate
`level
`control permitting
`selective
`leveling about the center-
`line of the frame, or leveling relative to the uphill side of
`the frame.
`FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 2 showing anotheralternate
`form of elevational and leveling control.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`Referring now to FIG. 1, the wheeled frame appara-
`tus 10 includes a generally horizontal,
`rectangular,
`rigid
`frame 11, with opposed sides 12 and 13 and opposed
`ends 14 and. 15, and first, second, third and fourth verti-
`cal support columns 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D at each
`corner of the frame. The columns are each mounted for
`vertical sliding movement
`relative to frame 11 and each
`has a ground
`engaging wheel 17 at the
`lower end
`thereof. For convenience,
`the letters RF, RR, LF and
`
`view of a
`system
`in
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 9 of 16 PageID #: 35776
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 10 of 16 PageID #: 35777
`
`4, 247, 126
`
`30
`
`the inlet flow to each of the outlets thereof, even though
`the back pressure of the two outlets may differ.
`With the amounts of fluid entering
`the head ends of
`cylinders 198 and 19D being equal, and since these
`cylinders are of the same diameter,
`rods 238 and 23D 5
`by an equal amount. The
`will both move upwardly
`extension of ram 188 will force fluid from the rod end
`thereof through conduit 36 to the rod end of the right
`front cylinder 19A, causing ram 18A to contract by an
`amount equal to the extension of ram 188. Likewise, the 10
`left front ram 18C will contract by an amount equal to
`the extension of ram 18D. As a consequence,
`all four
`corners of the frame will be raised by an equal amount.
`As rams 18A and 18C contract, fluid will be forced
`from the head ends thereof and will flow through con- 15
`duits 64 and 66, equally
`flow dividers 67 and
`through
`conduit 68, then through valve 48 to sump 52.
`When the frame 11 has been raised to the level de-
`sired by the operator, he will move the level control
`valve back to its first position 48c (shown in FIG. 1) to 20
`block flow to or from the head ends of the cylinders of
`the four rams.
`The piloted check valve 56 functions as a normal
`check valve unless piloted to open position
`in response
`to a predetermined
`in conduit 68. Since 25
`high pressure
`the load of the frame on the front rams 18A and 18C is
`imposed on the fluid in the rod ends of cylinders 19A
`in the head ends of those cylin-
`and 19C, the pressure
`ders will be relatively
`to pilot the
`low and insufficient
`check valve 56 to open position. As a consequence,
`check valve 56 will block flow from the head ends of
`the rear rams 18A and 18d (which are pressure by the
`weight of the rear of frame 11) and prevent
`leakage
`through valve 48 when it is in its thrid position 48c.
`When the operator wishes to lower the frame 11, he 35
`will move the elevational control valve to its second
`position 48b, as shown in FIG. 3. Pump pressure
`is now
`in conduit 68 and as soon as it has built up
`present
`to cause piloted check valve 56 to open, fluid
`enough
`will be released from the rear rams 188 and 18D equally 40
`flow divider 58 and valve 48 to sump 52. Such
`through
`release will cause the rear rams 188 and 18D to con-
`the rear of the
`tract, and by equal amounts,
`so that
`frame will be lowered. As the rear rams contract,
`the
`volumes of their rod ends will increase and the pressure 45
`in the rod ends of the front rams 18A and 18C will cause
`fluid to flow therefrom,
`through conduits 36 and 37, to
`the rod ends of the rear rams 188 and 18D, The result-
`ing extension of the front rams will be equal
`to the
`retraction of the rear rams so that all four corners of the 50
`frame are lowered by equal amounts.
`Make-up
`fluid will flow through
`flow divider 67 to
`the head ends of the front rams 18A and 18C. As such
`into the head ends of the front
`make-up
`flows
`fluid
`rams, (which are at low pressure)
`in con- 55
`the pressure
`duit 68 will drop, causing piloted check valve 56 to
`close and block flow from
`the rear rams. When
`the
`in conduit 68 again increases and causes check
`pressure
`valve 56 to open, more fluid will be released from the
`rear rams. Thus, the piloted check valve 56 will provide 60
`a control over the rate of lowering of the frame, and
`full of
`the front rams are maintained
`that
`insure
`will
`hydraulic
`fluid.
`The piloted check valve 56 also has a further function
`of preventing
`the frame from being lowered unless the 65
`pump pressure
`is available. Thus, the operator cannot
`cause the frame to be lowered unless the system
`is also
`to allow the frame to be raised.
`operable
`
`When the apparatus 10 is used as the frame for a fruit
`harvester which straddles and moves along a row of
`plants, such as in a vineyard,
`to adjust the
`it is desirable
`height of the frame 11 relative to the wheeled support
`columns 16A-16D so that the fruit collectors and con-
`veyors carried by the frame will be as low to the ground
`as possible but will still be held spaced
`thereabove
`enough so as to avoid damage
`to the equipment
`from
`contact with
`inadvertant
`the relatively
`rough ground
`over which
`the harvester will travel. Thus, when
`the
`height of the frame has been adjusted for the minimum
`desired ground clearance of the collectors and convey-
`ors, the pins 32 of the stop means 288 and 28D will be
`the amount of lowering of the frame on
`set to limit
`columns 168 and 16D. For simplicity,
`the stop means
`in FIG. 3 — 6 as upward projec-
`288 and 28D are shown
`tions on the rear cylinders 198 and 19D which are
`to engage the undersurface of frame 11 and
`positioned
`stop relative downward movement of the frame at a
`point determined by the height of the projections.
`the stop means 288 and 28D will serve to
`Although
`the operator
`prevent
`from accidentally
`lowering
`the
`the collectors and conveyors will be
`frame so that
`forced downwardly
`the ground,
`the primary
`against
`purpose for the stop means is to provide for leveling the
`frame about
`side thereof as the apparatus
`the uphill
`moves across the slope of a hill. In such case, it is desir-
`the frame 11 at the minimum height
`able to maintain
`determined by the stop means 228 or 22D on the uphill
`column so that it will be held above ground contact, and
`to move the donwhill columns downwardly
`relative to
`the frame so that the frme is maintained
`level from side
`to side thereof.
`Referring back to FIG. 1, the level control 47 in-
`cludes a level detection apparatus 70 having a vertical
`tube 71 fixed to frame 11 and having a pendulum 72
`therein, the lower end of which is disposed
`in a damping
`fluid 73. The level detection apparatus 70 is oriented to
`the frame so that if the frame
`tilts from side to side
`thereof, pendulm 72 will cause horizontal movement of
`link 74 and movement of level control valve 49 from its
`third (or level) position 49c to either its first or second
`position 49a or 49b, depending on the direction of tilt.
`the apparatus 10 has been
`that
`traveling
`Suppose
`along level ground and now progresses across a slope
`the left side is uphill and the right side is down-
`wherein
`hill. As soon as the level detection apparatus 70 senses
`that the frame has tilted from horizontal, with the right
`side down, the level control valve 49 will be shifted to
`in FIG. 4.
`its first position 49a, as illustrated
`With the direct passage to sump 52 though valve 49
`now blocked, the pressure of pump 51 will increase and
`cause fluid to flow through valve 49 to conduit 76 and
`through piloted check valve 77 to conduit 62 and
`thence to the head end of the right rear ram 188 to
`thereof and a consequent
`cause extension
`and equal
`retraction of the right front ram 18A, fluid being re-
`leased from the head end of the right front ram 18A
`through conduits 64 and 78 and valve 49 to sump 52.
`The extension of ram 188 and contraction of ram 18A
`will raise the right side of rame 11 relative to the right
`side columns 16A and 168 so that the frame is brought
`back to level.
`It will be noted
`that conduit 76 is also connected,
`through conduit 66, to the head end of the left front ram
`18C and that the head end of the left rear ram 18D is
`connected to the sump through
`the piloted check valve
`79 (which has been piloted
`to open position by the
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 11 of 16 PageID #: 35778
`
`4, 247, 126
`
`in conduit 81 through which pressure
`pressure present
`to the level control
`fluid from pump 51 is delivered
`valve 49). However, no fluid will flow into ram 18C or
`from ram 18D because the stop means 28D is in engage-
`ment with the frame 11 and prevents
`further contrac-
`tion of ram 18D. Since ram 18D cannot contract, ram
`18C cannot extend.
`When the frame 11 again becomes level, from side to
`side thereof, pendulum 72 will move link 74 so that the
`level control valve shifts back to its third position. The 10
`the left side of the
`apparatus will now be such
`that
`frame will be supported on the uphill columns with the
`minimum ground clearance determined by step member
`28D, the frame will be level from side to side thereof
`and the right side columns will have been lowered rela-
`tive to the frame.
`Assume now that the slope of the ground decreases.
`Since the right side columns have been extended,
`the
`frame will now tilt to the left and the level control valve
`to its second position 49b, as illus- 20
`49 will be shifted
`trated in FIG. 5.
`With a build up of pump pressure, check valves 77
`and 79 will both be piloted open. With check valve 77
`from the head end of the
`open, fluid will be released
`right rear ram 18B through check valve 77 and valve 49
`to the sump so that ram 18B starts contracting. Because
`of the fluid connection 36 between
`the right side rams
`18A and 18B, ram 18A will extend (and by an equal
`amount) as ram 18B contracts, so that the right front 30
`and right rear corners of the frame will lower equally
`to the ground. Fluid from the pump will flow
`relative
`through valve 49 and conduits 78 and 64 to supply
`fluid to the head end of ram 18A as it extends.
`make-up
`is also supplied,
`Although
`through
`pump pressure
`check valve 79, to the head end of the left rear ram 18D,
`is re-
`such pressure will be low (since little pressure
`quired to supply make-up
`fluid to ram 18A) and insuffi-
`cient to cause ram 18D to extend and lift the weight of
`the frame 11. Accordingly,
`the right side of the frame 40
`on the now raised columns 16A
`moves downwardly
`and 16B while
`the left side remains at the minimum
`height set by stop member 28D. This action will con-
`tinue until the frame is again level.
`If the apparatus had come back to level ground,
`level- 45
`ing as above described would continue until
`the stop
`means 28B again engages the frame.
`If the apparatus
`to a reversely
`had
`instead gone
`sloped hill, so that the left side 13 of the frame 11 is now
`side, the right side 12 will lower on the 5p
`the donwhill
`right side columns unitl stopped by stop means 28B.
`Since the frame would still be reversely
`tilted, the level
`valve 69 will remain
`in its second position 69C. With
`ram 18B now prevented
`from further retraction by stop
`member 28B, the pump pressure will build up suffi- ss
`ciently to cause extension of the left rear ram 18D and
`retraction of the left front ram 18C so that
`consequent
`the left side of the frame will be raised relative
`to col-
`umns 16C and 16d until
`the frame does become level
`again.
`from the above, since one side of a
`As is apparent
`tilted frame will lower (if raised above the stop means at
`that side) before the other side can be raised, the level-
`the uphill side of
`ing system will automatically maintain
`the frame at the elevation determined by the uphill stop 65
`the height of the
`means 28B or 28D while adjusting
`side of the frame relative to the downhill col-
`downhill
`in degree or direction.
`umns, as the slope changes
`
`60
`
`35
`
`the frame will
`Also as is apparent from the foregoing,
`the fow of pressure
`be maintained by controlling
`fluid
`into one of the rear rams 18B or 18D or the release of
`the extension or retraction of
`therefrom, with
`fluid
`these rams causing a slaved and opposite retraction or
`extension of the front end rams 18A and 18C with
`they are interconnected. Once the frame is lev-
`which
`eled with respect to the rear columns 16A and 16B, it
`to those columns
`will remain fixed relative
`(as long as
`the relative height of the rear wheels does not change)
`since the head ends of rams 18B and 18C are individu-
`introduction of fluid
`thereinto or
`ally blocked
`from
`from release of fluid
`the elevational
`therefrom when
`control and level control valve 48 and 49 are in their
`third position.
`On the other hand, the front end rams 18A and 18C
`by conduits 38 and 39, for front
`are interconnected
`wheel articulation, wherein one front end column can
`move up (or down) relative to the frame while the other
`to the
`front end column moves down (or up) relative
`frame by a corresponding
`amount.
`Front wheel articulation
`in that it allows
`is important
`all four wheel to remain
`in firm ground engagement
`in
`spite of uneveness of the ground, with the weight of the
`frame borne on all four columns. Without such artiucla-
`tion, one of the wheels could be suspended
`above
`loss of traction.
`ground with consequent
`FIG. 6 illustrates
`of the system
`the
`functioning
`the frame 11 is being held level by the opera-
`wherein
`tion of the rear end rams 18B and 18D and the right
`front wheel comes over a ditch, or other ground depres-
`sion. As soon as the right front wheel loses contact with
`the weight of the front of the frame will be
`the ground,
`borne solely by the left front ram 18C. The consequent
`in ram 18C will force fluid
`rod end pressure
`higher
`through conduit 38 and restirctor 41 into the
`therefrom,
`head end of cylinder 19A. This in turn will cause fluid
`to be forced from the head end of cylinder 19A through
`conduit 39 and flow restrictor 42 to the head end of
`cylinder 19C. Such circulation of fluid, will cause ram
`18C to extend and ram 18A to contract with the exten-
`in amount, due to the
`sion and contraction being equal
`cylinders 19A and 19C being connected head end to
`head end and rod end to rod end.
`the frame will lower relative to the
`As a consequence,
`left rear column while the front right column will be
`to the frame. The downward move-
`lowered
`relative
`ment of the front right column
`into the ditch will con-
`the bottom of the ditch
`the wheel engages
`tinue until
`and the loads on the two front rams are equalized. If the
`ditch is six inches deep, the front end of the frame will
`three inches. (Such lowering of the front
`be lowered
`end of the frame will not affect the level control valve
`49, since the level detection apparatus will only respond
`if the frame tilts from side to side thereof. )
`As the right front wheel climbs out of the ditch, the
`load on ram 18A increase, causing a reverse circulation
`the front end rams 18A and 18C and opposite
`between
`movement of columns 16A and 16C relative
`to the
`frame.
`The flow restrictors 41 and 42 restrict the flow be-
`the front end rams 18A and 18C during
`tween
`such
`to prevent
`to provide a suitable damping
`articulation
`that might otherwise occur with the
`machine oscillation
`present hydraulic
`suspension.
`If now the apparatus proceeds along until
`the right
`rear wheel comes to the same ditch, the right rear wheel
`the frame to tilt. The
`will descend
`thereinto, causing
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 391-2 Filed 05/24/24 Page 12 of 16 PageID #: 35779
`
`10
`
`15
`
`5
`
`25
`
`rigid lrame will also tilt at the front end thereof, but the
`front wheel articulation will cause the two front col-
`to remain
`umns
`in firm ground engagement. With the
`frame now being
`the level control system will
`tilted,
`the right rear wheel as the downhill wheel and
`regard
`will cause the right rear ram 18B to extend so that the
`frame
`is brought back to level, without any lowering
`thereof relative
`to the ground. Assuming
`the same six
`inch deep ditch, the right rear ram 18B will have ex-
`tended six inches. Because of the front wheel articula-
`tion interconnection of ram 18A and 18C, such move-
`me!it of ram 18B will cause each of the front end rams
`18A and 18C to retract three inches so that front end of
`the frame will be lowered by three inches relative to the
`ground when the right rear wheel
`is in the ditch.
`in FIG. 1 and
`In the suspension
`illustrated
`system
`discussed!n connection with FIGS. 2 — 6, the rod ends of
`first and second side sets of cylinders 19A-19B and
`19C-19D are interconnected.
`If desired,
`the head ends
`of these sets of cylinders could be interconnected
`by 20
`in FIG. 7. With such
`conduits 36 and 37, as shown
`the front end rams 18A and 18C would be
`arrangement,
`tlien used to control the leveling of the frame while the
`rear rams 18B and 18D would provide for articulation
`the control circuits would have to be somewhat
`and
`in FIG. 7. As shown,
`the system of
`revised as shown
`FIG. 7 will provide
`lowering of the
`for raising and
`frame in response to operation of the elevational control
`valve 48 and for leveling
`in response to'operation of the
`level control valve 49, as well as for articulation of the 30
`rear wheels, all as previously described.
`the system of FIG. 7 provides
`Although
`the same
`it is as not as preferred as the system of FIG.
`functions,
`1 for two reasons. First, in the system of FIG. 7, the
`in the rod end of cylinder 19A, will be a func- 35
`pressure
`tion of the weight of the right front end of the frame
`suspended by ram 18A plus the pressure
`in the head end
`of cylinder 19A which
`from rear ram 18B
`is imposed
`and is a function of the weight supported by the rear
`in the rod end of each of the 40
`ram. Thus, the pressure
`front end cylinders 19A and 19C will be a function of
`about half the weight of the frame 11. By way of con-
`in any of the rams 18A-18D
`trast, the rod end'pressures
`is a function of'only a quarter of the total weight load of
`the frame. As a consequence,
`the higher rod end pres- 45
`sures of rams 18A and 18C will increase leakage prob-
`lems by the rod end seals.
`Further, since the rod end areas are smaller
`than the
`head end areas by the area of the rods therein, a higher
`to produce
`pump pressure
`is required
`the same force 50
`output.
`the leveling circuit of FIG. 1
`As described above,
`provides for leveling the frame relative to the uphill side
`of the frame, a leveling which
`is particularly useful for
`ro'v harvesting
`equipment. The present
`invention
`is 55
`to' centerline
`i. e. , leveling of
`easily adaptable
`leveling,
`the frame wherein
`the downhill
`side is raised and the
`uphill side is lowered, with the longitudinal
`centerline
`of the frame remaining at the same elevation with re-
`spect to the grourid. For example; the control circuit of 60
`FIG. I can be modified as shown
`in FIG, . 8.
`The circuit of FIG. 8 differs from that of FIG: 1 in
`that an operator-controlled,
`selector
`leveling-mode,
`valve 85 is provided, such valve having
`two valve por-
`tions 86 and S7 ganged together for movement between 65
`positions 86a, 87a and 86b, S7b. When the selector valve
`85 is in the uphill
`leveling position 86a, 870. shown
`in
`FIG. 9„conduit 76 from level control valve 49a is con-
`
`10
`nected by valve position 87a to conduit 66 and piloted
`check valve 77, while conduit 78 is connected by valve
`position 86a to conduit 64 and piloted check valve 79.
`As will be noted, this is the same arrangement
`as shown
`in FIG. 4, and if the level control valve 49 is in its first
`position 49c, again as in FIG. 4, the frame will
`level
`about the left, or uphill side of the frame,
`in the same
`in connection with FIG. 4, provid-
`manner as described
`ing that the stop means 28B and 28D are used.
`If it is desired to operate the system with centerline
`the selector valve 85 is moved
`leveling,
`to the center-
`line-leveling-mode
`position 86b, 87b, so that conduits 78
`and 76 from the level control valve 49 are now con-
`nected to the inlets of flow dividers 88 and 89 respec-
`tively. (In centerline
`the stop means 20B and
`leveling,
`28D are not used. )
`If the level control valve 49 has moved
`to its first
`position 49a, pressure fluid from pump 51 will now flow
`flow divider 89, with half the flow going to the
`through
`right rear ram 1SB to cause extension
`thereof and the
`other half of the flow going to the left front ram 18C as
`fluid. The extension of the right rear ram 18B
`make-up
`will cause contraction of the right front ram 18A with
`through one-half of the flow divider 88
`flow therefrom
`to the sump. At the same time, the fluid under pressure
`in the left rear ram 18D is released
`through
`the piloted-
`open check valve 79 and the other half of flow divider
`88 to the sump.
`The flow dividers 88 and 89 will thus function so that
`the right rear ram 18B will extend simultaneously with
`a contraction of the left rear ram 18D, and by equal
`the right side of the frame will be
`so that
`amounts,
`to the right side column, while
`raised relative
`the left
`side of the frame
`is lowered
`to the left side
`relative
`columns.
`When the frame is again level, the level control valve
`49 will shift automatically
`to its third position 49c to
`further movement of the rear rams 18B and
`prevent
`18D. As is apparent,
`if the frame tilted in the opposite
`the left side of the frame would be raised
`direction,
`concurrently with a lowering of the right side, so that
`the centerline of the frame remains at the same height
`relative to the ground.
`The hydraulic control system 45', shown
`in FIG. 9
`illustrates a modification which, as before, allows
`the
`frame to be raised or lowered
`to all four col-
`relative
`umns, allows front wheel articulation,
`the
`and enables
`to the uphill side of the
`to be leveled
`frame
`relative
`apparatus. Such uphill
`leveling may be accomplished
`with or without
`the stop members 28B and 28D, de-
`pending on
`the manner
`in which
`level control
`the
`valves 49R and 49L are used for leveling.
`control means 46' utilize
`The elevational
`the s