Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 1 of 26 PageID #: 40170
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 1 of 26 PagelD #: 40170
`
`
`
`
`EXHIBIT 15
`EXHIBIT 15
`
`

`

`(12) United States Patent
`Dahm et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,388,538 B2
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`USOO9388538B2
`
`(54) FRAME WIDTH ADJUSTMENT BY
`STEERING
`
`(71) Applicant: Wirtgen GmbH, Windhagen (DE)
`
`(72) Inventors: Martin Dahm, Gieleroth (DE): Ralf
`Schug. Oberlahr (DE); Cyrus Barimani,
`Könighswinter (DE); Ginter Hahn,
`Königswinter (DE)
`
`(73) Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH (DE)
`
`*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`y
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 95 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/299,893
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jun. 9, 2014
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5, 1972 Hudis
`3,664,448 A
`2, 1974 Files
`3,792,745 A
`7/1976 Swisher, Jr. et al.
`3,970,405 A
`6/1977 Miller et al.
`4,029,165 A
`4,360,293. A 1 1/1982 Wade
`5,590,977 A
`1/1997 Guntert et al.
`6,106,073. A
`8, 2000 Simons et al.
`6,390,728 B1
`5, 2002 Casters
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DE
`EP
`EP
`
`19814052 A1 10, 1999
`O893539 A1
`1, 1999
`1596006 A1
`11, 2005
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`(65)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2015/0354149 A1
`Dec. 10, 2015
`(51) Int. Cl.
`EOIC 9/00
`EOIC 9/48
`EOIC 700
`EOIC 9/50
`EOIC II/00
`EOIC 9/40
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ............... EOIC 19/4886 (2013.01); EOIC 7700
`(2013.01); EOIC II/00 (2013.01); EOIC 19/40
`(2013.01); EOIC 19/506 (2013.01); E01C
`2301/18 (2013.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC ....... E01C 7/00; E01C 11/00; E01C 19/4886;
`EO1C 197506
`USPC ..................... 404/84.05-89, 105, 118, 72,83
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 2 of 26 PageID #: 40171
`
`Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 14/540,198 to Dahm et al., entitled
`“Transport Mode Conversion', filed Nov. 13, 2014, 55 pp. (not prior
`art).
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Raymond W Addie
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Lucian Wayne Beavers;
`Patterson Intellectual Property Law, PC
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A self-propelled construction machine includes machine
`frame that is laterally extendible to adjust a width of the
`machine frame. A frame lock can selectively lock and unlock
`the machine frame to permit the width adjustment. A control
`ler includes a frame extension mode configured to steer at
`least one ground engaging unit to provide a lateral force to
`adjust the width of the machine frame as the machine is driven
`across the ground Surface by the ground engaging units.
`
`42 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`

`

`US 9,388,538 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 14299,875 to Dahmet al., entitled “Wing
`Over Steering', filed Jun. 9, 2014, 55 pp. (not prior art).
`Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 14/299,911 to Dham et al., entitled
`"Selective Clamping Of Chassis', filed Jun. 9, 2014, 55 pp. (not prior
`art).
`EPO Search report dated Oct. 19, 2015 in European App. No.
`15153905.3-1604 corresponding to U.S. Appl. No. 14/299.875 (not
`prior art), 5 pages.
`EPO Search report dated Oct. 19, 2015 in European App. No.
`15153903.8-1604 corresponding to U.S. Appl. No. 14/299,911 (not
`prior art), 5 pages.
`EPO Search report dated Oct. 19, 2015 in European App. No.
`15153955.8-1604 corresponding to U.S. Appl. No. 14/299,893 (not
`prior art), 3 pages.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Deeb et al.
`Casters
`Colvard
`Casters
`Aeschlimann et al.
`Piccoli
`Anibaldi et al.
`Rio et al.
`Willis
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`. B62D 7 O26
`
`404/83
`
`Guntert, Jr. et al.
`Guntert, Jr. et al.
`Piccoli
`Anibaldi et al.
`Guntert, Jr. et al.
`Berning et al.
`Graham .................. EO1C 19.72
`
`6,471.442
`6,481,923
`6,692, 185
`6,773,203
`6,872,028
`6,890,123
`7,287,931
`7,523,995
`7.942,604
`
`10, 2002
`B1
`11, 2002
`B1
`2, 2004
`B2
`8, 2004
`B2
`3, 2005
`B2
`5/2005
`B2
`B2 10, 2007
`B2
`4, 2009
`B2* 5, 2011
`
`8,118,518
`8.459,898
`2003/0180092
`2005/0249554
`2011 0194898
`2014.0054950
`2014/01 19826
`
`2, 2012
`B2
`6, 2013
`B2
`9, 2003
`A1
`A1 11, 2005
`A1
`8, 2011
`A1
`2, 2014
`A1* 5, 2014
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 3 of 26 PageID #: 40172
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 1 of 12
`
`US 9,388,538 B2
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 4 of 26 PageID #: 40173
`
`FIG. 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 2 of 12
`
`US 9,388,538 B2
`
`
`
`12, 20
`
`34C
`
`FIG 2
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 5 of 26 PageID #: 40174
`
`34B
`
`34D
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 3 of 12
`
`US 9,388,538 B2
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 6 of 26 PageID #: 40175
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 4 of 12
`
`US 9,388,538 B2
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 7 of 26 PageID #: 40176
`
`FIG. 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 5 of 12
`
`US 9,388,538 B2
`
`
`
`34A
`
`34C
`
`2444944
`E SA.
`A
`HAs 4.E.E.
`2CDS
`76,78 277
`
`34B
`
`34D
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 8 of 26 PageID #: 40177
`
`FIG 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 6 of 12
`
`US 9,388,538 B2
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 9 of 26 PageID #: 40178
`
`FIG. 6A
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 7 of 12
`
`US 9,388,538 B2
`
`66, 68
`
`---------------+--
`
`y 140A
`
`136A
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 10 of 26 PageID #: 40179
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 8 of 12
`
`US 9,388,538 B2
`
`
`
`98A
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 11 of 26 PageID #: 40180
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 9 of 12
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`US 9,388,538 B2
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`
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 12 of 26 PageID #: 40181
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 10 of 12
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`US 9,388,538 B2
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`
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 13 of 26 PageID #: 40182
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 11 of 12
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`US 9,388,538 B2
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`- 56
`
`162
`
`
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 14 of 26 PageID #: 40183
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 12, 2016
`
`Sheet 12 of 12
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`US 9,388,538 B2
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`
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 15 of 26 PageID #: 40184
`
`

`

`US 9,388,538 B2
`
`1.
`FRAME WIDTHADJUSTMENT BY
`STEERING
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for
`operating self-propelled construction machines, and more
`particularly, but not by way of limitation, to methods and
`apparatus for operating slipform paving machines.
`2. Description of the Prior Art
`Slipform paving machines having a laterally telescoping
`frame to permit width changes in the paving machine are
`known. Typically the motive force for collapsing or extending
`the frame is provided by aligning the tracks or wheels of the
`machine perpendicular to the operating direction of the
`machine, and pushing or pulling the frame laterally. This
`collapsing or expanding force may be aided by hydraulic
`rams oriented perpendicular to the operating direction of the
`machine.
`Another prior art approach was to Support the frame of the
`slipform paving machine from the ground with posts and to
`collapse or expand the frame solely with the force of the
`hydraulic rams oriented perpendicular to the operating direc
`tion of the machine.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`In any of the above embodiments the frame extension
`mode may include a ground engaging unit selection feature
`allowing an operator to select individual steering control of
`either of the left and right ground engaging units or synchro
`nous steering control of both the left and right engaging units.
`In any of the above embodiments the synchronous steering
`control of the ground engaging units selection feature may be
`configured to steer the left and right ground engaging units in
`opposite directions.
`In any of the above embodiments the at least one left side
`ground engaging unit may include a front and a rear left side
`ground engaging unit, and the controller may be configured to
`simultaneously steer the front and rear left side ground engag
`ing units intandem and in the same direction. The at least one
`right side ground engaging unit may similarly include a front
`and a rear right side ground engaging unit, and the controller
`may be configured to simultaneously steer the front and rear
`right side ground engaging units in tandem and in the same
`direction.
`In any of the above embodiments the machine may further
`comprise at least one linear actuator connected to the machine
`frame and arranged to provide powered lateral extension and
`retraction of the machine frame to adjust the frame width.
`In any of the above embodiments the frame lock may be
`provided by the linear actuator.
`In any of the above embodiments the frame lock may be a
`separate component from the linear actuator.
`In any of the above embodiments the linear actuator may
`comprise a hydraulic ram including a cylinder and a piston,
`the piston dividing the cylinder into first and second ends. The
`machine may further comprise a three-way valve having an
`extension position, a retraction position, and a blocked posi
`tion. First and second hydraulic lines may connect the three
`way valve to the first and second ends of the cylinder. When
`the three-way valve is in its blocked position the hydraulic
`ram is hydraulically blocked from movement.
`In any of the above embodiments the controller may be
`operably associated with the three-way valve and the control
`ler may be configured to affect the movement of the three-way
`valve between its positions and to control the flow of hydrau
`lic fluid provided to the hydraulic ram via the three-way
`valve.
`In any of the above embodiments the controller may be
`configured to determine the lateral extension of the machine
`frame resulting from the steering of the ground engaging
`units in accordance with an algorithm, and to actively facili
`tate the lateral extension by controlling the volume of hydrau
`lic fluid provided to the hydraulic ram via the three-way
`valve.
`In any of the above embodiments the controller may be
`configured to control an absolute magnitude of lateral exten
`sion of the frame.
`In any of the above embodiments the machine may com
`prise a hydraulic fluid supply line to the three-way valve and
`a pressure control valve in the Supply line. The controller may
`be configured to control the pressure of hydraulic fluid pro
`vided to the hydraulic ram via the three-way valve.
`In any of the above embodiments the machine frame may
`include male and female laterally telescoping parts of a tele
`scoping frame assembly, and the frame lock may be a separate
`component from the linear actuator and the frame lock may
`engage the male and female telescoping parts.
`In any of the above embodiments the controller may be
`configured to control operation of the frame lock.
`In any of the above embodiments the at least one left side
`ground engaging unit may include a front and a rear left side
`ground engaging unit. The at least one right side ground
`
`In one embodiment a construction machine includes a
`machine frame having a front, a back, a left side and a right
`side. The machine frame is laterally extendible to adjust a
`width of the machine frame. The machine includes at least
`one left side ground engaging unit steerably connected to the
`left side of the machine frame and at least one right side
`ground engaging unit steerably connected to the right side of
`the machine frame. Each of the ground engaging units
`includes a drive motor configured such that each ground
`engaging unit is driven across a ground Surface by its respec
`tive drive motor. A frame lock is configured to selectively lock
`and unlock the machine frame, such that when the frame lock
`is locked the machine frame cannot laterally extend, and
`when the frame lock is unlocked the machine can laterally
`extend. A controller includes a frame extension mode, the
`frame extension mode being configured to provide steering of
`45
`at least one of the ground engaging units to provide a lateral
`force to adjust the width of the machine frame as the machine
`is driven across the ground Surface by the ground engaging
`units.
`In another embodiment a method is provided of operating
`a self-propelled construction machine. The machine includes
`a machine frame, the machine frame being laterally extend
`ible to adjust the width of the machine frame. The machine
`further includes at least one left side ground engaging unit
`steerably connected to a left side of the machine frame and at
`least one right side ground engaging unit steerably connected
`to a right side of the machine frame. Each of the ground
`engaging units includes a drive motor. A frame lock is con
`figured to selectively lock and unlock the machine frame. The
`method comprises:
`unlocking the frame lock Such that the machine frame can
`laterally extend and contract; and
`while the frame lock is unlocked, moving the machine
`across the ground Surface and steering at least one of the left
`and right ground engaging units such that the frame width
`changes due to a lateral component of direction of the at least
`one of the left and right ground engaging units.
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
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`

`

`3
`engaging unit may include a front and a rear right side ground
`engaging unit. The machine frame may include a left front
`laterally telescoping frame assembly, a right front laterally
`telescoping frame assembly, a left rear laterally telescoping
`frame assembly, and a right rear laterally telescoping frame
`assembly. The at least one linear actuator may include a left
`front linear actuator, a right front linear actuator, a left rear
`linear actuator and a right rear linear actuator.
`In any of the above embodiments the machine may include
`a single linear actuator on either or both sides of the machine
`frame, with the linear actuator being located midway between
`front and rear laterally telescoping assemblies.
`In any of the above embodiments the frame extension
`mode may be configured such that upon deactivation of the
`frame extension mode the frame lock is in its locked position.
`In any of the above embodiments the machine frame may
`include male and female parts of a laterally telescoping frame
`assembly, and the frame lock may further include a hydraulic
`cylinder and piston connected between the male and female
`parts, the piston dividing the hydraulic cylinder into first and
`second ends. A hydraulic fluid reservoir, and first and second
`fluid lines connecting the first and second ends of the hydrau
`lic cylinder to the reservoir are provided. First and second
`bypass valves may be connected to the first and second
`hydraulic lines, each bypass valve having a blocked position
`blocking its respective hydraulic line and a bypass position
`communicating its respective end of the hydraulic cylinder to
`the reservoir.
`In any of the above embodiments the controller may be
`configured such that the frame extension mode includes a
`manual Sub-mode permitting the ground engaging units to be
`steered under manual control by a machine operator.
`In any of the above embodiments the controller may be
`configured Such that the frame extension mode includes an
`automatic Sub-mode in which the steering is automatically
`controlled by the controller in response to an operator input
`corresponding to a desired frame extension.
`In any of the above embodiments in the automatic sub
`mode the controller may cause the at least one ground engag
`ing unit which is to be steered to be steered in an S-curve
`along the ground Surface beginning parallel to an initial direc
`tion of the ground engaging unit that is to be steered, then
`steering away from and thenback toward the initial direction.
`In any of the above embodiments the machine may be a
`slipform paving machine.
`In any of the above embodiments the ground engaging
`units may comprise crawler tracks.
`In any of the above embodiments the machine may further
`include at least one left side steering sensor to detect a steer
`ing angle for the at least one ground engaging unit steerably
`connected to the left side of the machine, and the machine
`may include at least one right side steering sensor to detect a
`steering angle for the at least one ground engaging unit steer
`ably connected to the right side of the machine. The controller
`may be operably associated with the left and right steering
`sensors to receive input signals from the left and right steering
`SSOS.
`In any of the above embodiments the machine may further
`comprise a frame extension sensor configured to sense an
`amount of lateral extension of the frame.
`In any of the above embodiments the frame extension
`sensor may be incorporated in the linear actuator.
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
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`US 9,388,538 B2
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`10
`
`15
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`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`4
`shown in the lower part of the figure, through an intermediate
`position, to a final position shown in the upper part of the
`figure. Both the front and rear tracks on both sides of the
`machine are steered inwardly toward each other to cause the
`telescoping frame of the construction machine to contract as
`the machine moves forward.
`FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic plan view of the construc
`tion machine of FIG. 1, partially cut away to show the front
`telescoping frame assemblies which allow the frame to
`extend and contract in lateral width. In FIG. 2 the left side of
`the machine is shown in an extended position, and the right
`side of the machine is shown in a retracted position.
`FIG.3 is a schematic view of a clamping device for locking
`the male and female parts of one of the telescoping assemblies
`of the frame in position relative to each other.
`FIG. 3A is a schematic view similar to FIG.3, showing an
`alternative double telescoping frame assembly having two
`clamping devices.
`FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the left front crawler
`track as it is connected to the machine frame.
`FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view similar to FIG. 4, and
`illustrating the forces imposed on the machine frame when
`the track is steered away from the direction of motion of the
`machine.
`FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view similar to FIG. 2, illustrat
`ing hydraulic ram-type actuators for actively facilitating the
`extension and retraction of the front telescoping assemblies
`of the machine frame.
`FIG. 6A is a schematic plan view similar to FIG. 6, illus
`trating an alternative arrangement which has only one
`hydraulic ram type actuator on each side of the frame, with the
`actuators being located midway between their respective
`front and rear telescoping assemblies on each side of the
`frame.
`FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the hydraulic power
`system and electronic control system for the steering of the
`machine and for controlling the lateral extension and retrac
`tion of the machine frame.
`FIG. 7A is a schematic illustration similar to FIG. 7 show
`ing an alternative embodiment of the hydraulic control sys
`tem for blocking and unblocking the lateral extension of the
`machine frame.
`FIG. 7B is a schematic illustration similar to FIG. 7 show
`ing another alternative embodiment of the hydraulic control
`system for blocking and unblocking the lateral extension of
`the machine frame.
`FIG.7C is a schematic illustration similar to FIG. 7 show
`ing another alternative embodiment of the hydraulic control
`system for blocking and unblocking the lateral extension of
`the machine frame.
`FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the control panel of the
`controller of FIG. 7.
`FIG.9 is an enlarged view of the display screen and certain
`ones of the input controls for the control panel of FIG. 8.
`FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of the construction
`machine of FIG. 1 embodied as a slipform paving machine.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a self-propelled con
`struction machine as it moves forward from an initial position
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`60
`
`65
`
`FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a method of operating a
`self-propelled construction machine 10. The machine 10
`includes a machine frame 12. As Schematically illustrated in
`FIG. 10, the construction machine 10 may be a slip-form
`paver having a spreader apparatus 118 arranged to engage a
`mass 120 of concrete which is shaped by form 122 so that a
`shaped slab 124 of concrete is slip-formed by the machine 10
`and exits the rear of the machine 10.
`
`

`

`US 9,388,538 B2
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`5
`The machine frame 12 is of the type which is laterally
`extendible to adjust a lateral width 14 of the machine frame.
`The machine frame 12 has a front 16, a back 18, a left side 20,
`and a right side 22. The left side 20 and the right side 22 may
`also be referred to as a left side member 20 and a right side
`member 22.
`The frame 12 includes a main frame module 24. The left
`side 20 of the frame 12 is connected to the main frame module
`24 by left front and left rear telescoping assemblies 26 and 28.
`The right side 22 of frame 12 is connected to the main frame
`module 24 by right front and right rear telescoping assemblies
`30 and 32. Each of the telescoping assemblies includes a
`female part and a male part. For the left front telescoping
`assembly 26 the female part is indicated as 26.1 and the male
`partis indicated as 26.2. The other telescoping assembly parts
`are similarly numbered.
`As used herein a “telescoping assembly includes at least
`two “telescoping parts” which are movable linearly relative to
`each other. The two telescoping parts may be male and female
`telescoping parts, such as a smaller tube received in a larger
`tube. The tubular telescoping parts may have a circular or a
`rectangular cross-section, or any other Suitable cross-section.
`Or the two telescoping parts can be oriented one beside the
`other. A telescoping assembly may include more than two
`telescoping parts. For example a "double telescoping assem
`bly' may include first, second and third telescoping parts,
`wherein the first part is linearly movable relative to the second
`part, and the second part is linearly movable relative to the
`third part. A double telescoping assembly may also be
`described as two telescoping assemblies in series, wherein the
`first and second parts make up a first telescoping assembly,
`and the second and third parts make up a second telescoping
`assembly.
`The machine 10 includes a plurality of ground engaging
`units 34 including a left front ground engaging unit 34A, a
`right front ground engaging unit 34B, a left rear ground
`engaging unit 34C, and a right rearground engaging unit 34D.
`In the embodiment illustrated, the ground engaging units
`34 comprise crawler tracks. Alternatively, the ground engag
`ing units 34 could be wheels.
`In the embodiment illustrated, each of the ground engaging
`units 34 is connected to the frame 12 by a respective Swing leg
`36, which are designated as 36A-36D corresponding to the
`four ground engaging units. Alternatively, the ground engag
`ing units could be directly connected to side members 20 and
`22 of the frame 12.
`The frame 12 is vertically supported from each of the
`ground engaging units 34 by a plurality of lifting columns
`38A-38D. As will be understood by those skilled in the art,
`extension and retraction of the lifting columns 38 can raise
`and lower the machine frame 12 relative to the ground engag
`ing units 34 and thus relative to the ground Surface. Each of
`the ground engaging units 34 includes a drive motor 40 (see
`FIG. 4) such that the ground engaging units are driven across
`the ground Surface by the drive motors in a known manner.
`The drive motor 40 may be either a hydraulic motor or an
`electric motor.
`Asbest seen in FIG.4, for the embodiment illustrated, each
`of the Swing legs Such as 36A is pivotally connected to the
`machine frame 12 at pivotaxis such as 42A. The crawler track
`or ground engaging unit 34A is steerably connected to the free
`end of the swing leg 30A and may be steered about a vertical
`axis 44A of the lifting column 38A.
`A holding device 46A Such as a hydraulic ram or turn
`buckle maintains the pivotal orientation of the swing leg 36A
`relative to the frame 12.
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 18 of 26 PageID #: 40187
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`In the drawings, the Swing legs 36 and the holding devices
`46 are schematically illustrated as being directly connected to
`the machine frame 12. It will be understood, however, that the
`Swing legs and holding devices do not have to be directly
`connected to the machine frame 12. Instead, the Swing legs
`and the holding devices may be indirectly connected to the
`machine frame 12 by suitable mounting brackets. When one
`of these components is described hereinas being connected to
`the machine frame, that includes both direct and indirect
`connections.
`Steering of the crawler track 34A relative to the frame 12
`about the vertical axis 44A is accomplished by extension and
`retraction of a hydraulic steering cylinder 46A pivotally con
`nected at 48 to an intermediate location on the swing leg 36A
`and pivotally connected at 50 to a steering arm 52 connected
`to rotate with the ground engaging unit or crawler track 34A.
`Alternatively, instead of the use of a hydraulic ram steering
`cylinder 46A, the track 34A may be steered relative to the
`frame 12 by a rotary actuator Such as a worm gear or slew gear
`drive. Also, an electric actuator may be used instead of a
`hydraulic actuator to steer the crawler track. Each of the
`crawler tracks 34 may have a steering sensor Such as 54A
`associated therewith, which steering sensors are configured to
`detect the steering angles of their respective crawler tracks
`relative to the machine frame 12. The steering sensors asso
`ciated with the crawler tracks 34A-34D are designated as
`54A-54D in the schematic control diagram of FIG. 7. The
`steering sensors may for example each be an electromagnetic
`encoder commercially available from TWK-Elektronik
`GmbH, Heinrichstrasse 85.40239 Düsseldorf, Germany, as
`TMA 50-SA 180 W S A 16.
`Referring now to FIG. 2, an enlarged partially sectioned
`plan view is there shown of the machine 10. The forward
`portion of the center frame module 24 has been cut away to
`illustrate the manner in which the male telescoping assembly
`parts such as 26.2 and 30.2 are received in complementary
`sized and shaped female telescoping assembly parts 26.1 and
`30.1 of the center module 24. In FIG. 2, the left side 20 of
`frame 12 is shown in a laterally extended position, and the
`right side 22 of frame 12 is shown in a laterally retracted
`position.
`FIG. 3 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a
`clamping device 60 associated with the male part 26.2 and
`female part 26.1 of the left front telescoping assembly 26 of
`the machine frame 12. The clamping device 60 includes a
`clamping member 62 which may be moved by a clamping
`actuator 64 to engage the male part 26.2 and clamp or hold the
`male part 26.2 in a fixed position relative to the female part
`26.1. The actuator 64 may be electrically or hydraulically or
`pneumatically operated under control of the control system of
`FIG. 7, via control line 61. Optionally, the actuator 64 may be
`a manually operated actuator Such as a threaded lead screw or
`the like.
`In FIG. 7 the clamping device 60 is illustrated as including
`a hydraulic ram type of actuator 64. The control line 61 sends
`a control signal to a two-way solenoid valve 63 which
`receives hydraulic fluid under pressure from pump 100A via
`hydraulic line 65, and which returns fluid to reservoir 102A
`via hydraulic return line 67. Hydraulic fluid flows between
`valve 63 and actuator 64 through clamp hydraulic line 69. The
`valve 63 has a neutral position 71 and a powered position 73.
`In FIG. 7, the valve 63 is shown in the neutral position 71
`wherein there is no electrical power provided to the solenoid
`valve 63 from line 61, and the neutral position 71 is achieved
`by the action of the spring 75. In the neutral position shown in
`FIG. 7 pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided via supply line
`65 and clamp hydraulic line 69 to pressurize the ram 64
`
`

`

`US 9,388,538 B2
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`10
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`15
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`7
`thereby activating the clamp 62 to lock its associated mem
`bers in place. When it is desired to de-activate or unlock the
`clamp 62, an electrical signal is sent to valve 63 via line 61,
`thus moving the valve 63 to position 73 wherein pressurized
`fluid in ram 64 is relieved via hydraulic lines 69 and 67 to the
`reservoir 102A.
`The clamping member 62 may be in the form of a clamping
`pad. It may also be in the form of a clamping wedge or in the
`form of an annular constricting clamp, or any other Suitable
`construction.
`One of the clamping devices 60 may be associated with
`each of the telescoping assemblies of the frame 12, such that
`there may be four Such clamping devices 60, one associated
`with each of the telescoping frame assemblies 26, 28, 30 and
`32. The clamping devices 60 may be described as telescopic
`locks for preventing or allowing relative telescoping motion
`between the parts of each of the telescoping assemblies.
`In one embodiment of the frame 12, the male parts of the
`telescoping assemblies may be freely received in the female
`parts of the telescoping assemblies as schematically illus
`trated in FIG. 2, and clamping devices such as device 60 of
`FIG.3 may be provided with each telescoping assembly to
`selectively clamp and unclamp or lock and unlock the tele
`scoping assemblies. It will be appreciated that when the
`clamping devices 60 are unlocked, the male and female parts
`of their associated telescoping assemblies may be free to
`move relative to each other such that the frame width 14 may
`be changed or adjusted. When the clamping devices 60 are
`locked, changes in the frame width 14 are prevented.
`FIG. 3A is a schematic view similar to FIG. 3, showing an
`alternative double telescoping frame assembly having two
`clamping devices. The double telescoping frame assembly
`includes a female part 26.1, an intermediate part 26.2 and a
`male part 26.3. A first clamping device 60 controls relative
`movement between parts 26.1 and 26.2 and a second clamp
`ing device 60 controls relative movement between parts 26.2
`and 26.3. It will be understood that such double telescoping
`frame assemblies could be substituted for any of the telescop
`ing frame assemblies shown herein.
`The frame 12 may be constructed as shown in FIGS. 2 and
`3 without the use of any powered actuators to assist in chang
`ing the frame width 14. Optionally, as schematically illus
`trated in FIG. 6, each telescoping assembly may have asso
`ciated therewith a linear actuator such as 66 or 76. In one
`embodiment the linear actuators 66 and 76 may be a hydraulic
`actuators. In another embodiment, the linear actuators 66 and
`76 may be electric actuators.
`In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the linear actuator
`66 is a hydraulic actuator including a hydraulic cylinder 68
`and a piston 70 extending from the cylinder 68. The hydraulic
`cylinder 68 is shown attached to the female part 26.1 of left
`front telescoping frame assembly 26 at 72, and the opposite
`end of the piston 70 is shown attached to the male part 26.2 at
`connection 74.
`Similarly, the linear actuator 76 including hydraulic cylin
`der 78 and piston 80 is connected between the male part 30.2
`and female part 30.1 of right front telescoping frame assem
`bly 30.
`Similar linear actuators are associated with the telescoping
`frame assemblies 28 and 32.
`Each of the linear actuators such as 66 and 76 may have a
`frame extension sensor such as 55A and 55B associated there
`with. The frame extension sensors may be located internal or
`external of the actuators 66 and 76. External frame extension
`sensors may for example be wire rope type sensors which
`include a wire rope that is under tension and capable of being
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-15 Filed 07/31/24 Page 19 of 26