Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 1 of 12 PageID #: 10540
`
`Exhibit E
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 2 of 12 PageID #: 10541
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document “illLrANefia 10541
`
`US00
`
`1B
`
`a2) United States Patent
`US 9,010,871 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`
`(45) Date of Patent: *Apr. 21, 2015
`Busleyet al.
`
`(54) AUTOMOTIVE CONSTRUCTION MACHINE,
`AS WELLAS LIFTING COLUMN FORA
`CONSTRUCTION MACHINE
`
`(58)
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Peter Busley, Linz/Rhein (DE); Giinter
`Tewes, Unkel/Rhein (DE)
`
`(73) Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH (DE)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`USC. 154(b) by 239 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/351,305
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 17, 2012
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2012/0179339 Al
`
`Jul. 12, 2012
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 11/991,846, filed as
`application No. PCT/EP2006/066305 on Sep. 12,
`2006, now Pat. No. 8,113,592.
`
`Field of Classification Search
`USPC we. 280/5.504, 5.506—5.508, 5.513, 5.514,
`280/6.154, 6.155, 6.157; 299/39.4, 39.6,
`299/1.5, 39.1; 404/90--94; 33/483,
`33/809--811, 1 LE, 756
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,674,094 A
`3,946,506 A
`4,041,623 A
`4,103,973 A
`
`7/1972 Kuntz
`3/1976 Snow,Jr. et al.
`8/1977 Miller et al.
`8/1978 Cutler
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CA
`DE
`
`2548521 Al
`3812809 Al
`
`6/2006
`11/1989
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Sunil Singh
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm -~ Patterson Intellectual
`Property Law, PC; Lucian Wayne Beavers
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Sep. 12,2005
`Sep. 15,2005
`
`(DE) oe 10 2005 043 531
`(DE) oe 10 2005 044 211
`
`(51)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`Int. Cl.
`EOIC 23/088
`B6OG 3/01
`B60G 17/019
`EO@IC21/00
`(52) U.S. CL
`CPCoe B60G 3/01 (2013.01); B60G 17/019
`(2013.01); B6OG 2204/421 (2013.01); B6OG
`2300/09 (2013.01); EOIC 21/00 (2013.01);
`EOIC 23/088 (2013.01)
`
`Disclosed is an automotive road construction machine, par-
`ticularly a recycler ora cold stripping machine, comprising an
`engine frame that is supported by a chassis, a working roller
`which is stationarily or pivotally mounted on the engine
`frame and is used for machining a ground surface or road
`surface. The chassis is provided with wheels or tracked run-
`ning gears which are connected to the engine lramevia lifling
`column and are vertically adjustable relative to the engine
`frame. Eachindividuallyvertically adjustable lifting column
`is equipped with a device for measuring the actual vertical
`state ofthe lifting column.
`
`36 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`WA-0014223
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 3 of 12 PageID #: 10542
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 3 of 12 PagelD #: 10542
`
`US 9,010,871 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`PPPPPPS>SSSP
`
`x
`
`AB
`
`2
`B2
`B2*
`Al
`Al
`
`4,139,318
`4,213,719
`4,247,126
`4,270,801
`4,808,026
`4,943,119
`5,092,659
`5,098,119
`5,533,790
`5,588,776
`5,893,677
`5,984,420
`6,152,648
`7,316,520
`7,946,788
`8,113,592
`2002/0047301
`2005/0077691
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`*
`
`2/1979
`7/1980
`1/1981
`6/1981
`2/1989
`7/1990
`3/1992
`3/1992
`7/1996
`12/1996
`4/1999
`11/1999
`11/2000
`1/2008
`$/2011
`2/2012
`4/2002
`4/2005
`
`Jakob et alo eee 404/90
`Swisher, Jr. et al.
`Claxton
`Swisher, Jr. et al.
`Clarke, Jr. et al.
`Zarniko et al.
`Grathoff
`Williamset al... 280/5.507
`Weiland oo... 299/1.5
`Swisher, Jr. et al.
`Haehnet al.
`Murrayet al.
`Gfroereret al.
`Grubba
`Jurasz et al.
`Busley et al. owe 299/39.6
`Davis
`Witters
`
`2006/0076821
`2007/0150 148
`2008/0152428
`2008/0153402
`2008/0246328
`2008/03 15666
`2009/0108663
`2011/0206456
`
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`
`4/2006
`6/2007
`2008
`6/2008
`10/2008
`12/2008
`4/2009
`/2011
`
`Troudtet al.
`Rasmussen
`Berninget al.
`Arconaet al.
`Mannebachet al.
`Von Schonebeck et al.
`Berninget al.
`Jurasz et al.
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DE
`DE
`DE
`EP
`GB
`JP
`wo
`WO
`
`4017107 Al
`19617442 Cl
`10357074 B3
`1154075 A2
`2313347 A
`2279805 A
`9308003 Al
`02057112 Al
`
`3/1991
`1/1998
`5/2005
`11/2001
`11/1997
`11/1990
`4/1993
`7/2002
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`WA-0014224
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 4 of 12 PageID #: 10543
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 4 of 12 PagelD #: 10543
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21, 2015
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`US 9,010,871 B2
`
`
`
`WA-0014225
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 5 of 12 PageID #: 10544
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 5 of 12 PagelD #: 10544
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21, 2015
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
`
`US 9,010,871 B2
`
`Fig.2
`
`WA-0014226
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 6 of 12 PageID #: 10545
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 6 of 12 PagelD #: 10545
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21, 2015
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 9,010,871 B2
`
`6@a
`5
`5
`e
`ee
`tStb_cueascevsbenscnccesesseneessressnsesseennes lke
`¢
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`e
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`22
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`o%°eae€e¢2*e‘eee2
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`*¢e$
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`per gi
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`cifirsri¢r'£t4iC#£iotO(t#rsi
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`Peee
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`L
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`WA-0014227
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 7 of 12 PageID #: 10546
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 7 of 12 PagelD #: 10546
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`US 9,010,871 B2
`
`2
`This creates the additional problem that the machine frame
`can adopt a different distance to the ground surfaceortraffic
`surface becauseofdifferent loads or loaddistributions which
`
`are due to, for instance, a different filling level ofthe fuel tank
`or a water tank.
`
`In case ofwheels, deviations additionally result because of
`the filling pressure, the temperature and the interaction of the
`relatively soft wheel with the groundsurfaceortraffic surface,
`which may, for instance, cause an alteration in distance of
`several centimeters. These alterations in distance of the
`
`10
`
`machine frame relative to the ground surface require the
`position ofthe sensors to be displaced. Even thoughit is also
`possible to unlock the sensorfor the operating position and to
`override this lifting position, the disadvantage results that the
`piston, at its front surfaces, touches the respective front sur-
`faces of the cylinder when the mechanical limit stop of the
`piston cylinder unit has been reached, which may cause the
`piston of the piston cylinder unit to turn loose whencarrying
`out steering movements of the wheels.
`The purpose ofthe inventionis to avoid the aforementioned
`disadvantages and to enable the vehicle driver to select any
`given lifting positionofthe lifting columnsas operating posi-
`tion in particular for the working operation.
`The invention provides in an advantageous manner that
`each individual height-adjustable lifting column is provided
`with a measuring device for measuring the currentlifting state
`ofthe lifting column,the lifting columns comprise twohol-
`low cylinders capable of telescoping which serve as guiding
`unit and accommodate at least one piston cylinder unit for
`height adjustment, preferably in a coaxial manner, on their
`inside, that each individual height-adjustable lifting column
`is provided with a measuring device for measuring the current
`lifting state of the lifting column, the measuring device is
`coupled with elements ofthe lifting column, whichare adjust-
`able relative to one another in accordance with the lifting
`position, in such a mannerthat a path signal pertaining to the
`lifting position of each lifting columnis continuouslydetect-
`able by the measuring device, and that a controller receiving
`the measured path signals from the measuring devicesofall
`the lifting columns regulates the lifting state of the lifting
`columns in accordance with the measuredpath signals of the
`measuring devices and/or their alteration over time.
`The invention provides in an advantageous manner for
`pre-selectable positions ofthe lifting columns to be adjusted
`inaregulated manner, permitting the use ofthe measured path
`signal, and of the velocity and acceleration signals which can
`be deduced therefrom. Recording of the measured values
`enablesthe lifting state of the lifting columnsto be regulated
`automatically. A controller receiving the measured signals
`from the measuring device can adjust a desired lifiing posi-
`tion of the lifting columns in a regulated manner without
`overshooting or with as little overshooting as possible in
`accordance with the measured signals of the measuring
`device and/ortheir alteration over time.
`The measured signals maybe suitable for supplying to an
`indicator device forthe lifting position ofthe lifting columns.
`Because the vehicle driver receives information on the current
`lifting state of each lifting columnvia the indicator device,it
`is possible to adjust and define as operating position a freely
`selectable position of the machine frame withoutthe need for
`limit switches or sensors to be displaced. Hence, the vehicle
`driver has the possibility to equalize different load situations
`that mayarise due to, for instance, a differentfilling level of
`the fuel tank or the water tank. Furthermore, influences ofthe
`relatively soft wheels due to different temperatures, a differ-
`
`WA-0014228
`
`1
`AUTOMOTIVE CONSTRUCTION MACHINE,
`AS WELL AS LIFTING COLUMN FOR A
`CONSTRUCTION MACHINE
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention relates to an automotive construction
`
`machine, as well as a lifting column for a construction
`machine.
`
`Such construction machineryis known, for instance, from
`DE 103 57 074 B3. The said construction machine showsa
`
`machine frame that is supported by a chassis, as well as a
`working drumthat is mounted at the machine frame in an
`immovable and/or pivotable manner, and is used for working
`a ground surface ortraffic surface. The chassis is provided
`with wheels and/or crawlertrack units which are connected to
`
`the machine frame via lifting columnsandare individually
`adjustable in heightrelative to the machine frame.
`The adjustment in height is made possible by a controller
`that raises or lowers the lifting columns by controlling the
`hydraulic input or hydraulic discharge ofpiston cylinder units
`in the lifting columns.
`The construction machine described in DE 103 57 074 B3
`
`20
`
`is arecycler, and the disclosure ofthis publication is included 2:
`in the present application to the extent that it is related to
`recyclers.
`Achassis for a machine used for milling carriageway pave-
`ments is known from DE 196 17 442 C1, the front axle of the
`said chassis being, for instance, adjustable in height in the
`manner of a full-floating axle. The lifting columns of the
`chassis are capable of being raised or lowered respectivelyin
`a reciprocally opposed manner. The disclosure of this publi-
`cation is also included by reference into the present applica-
`tion.
`
`35
`
`30
`
`Aknownconstruction machineofthe applicantis the recy-
`cler WR 2000,
`the wheels of which are connected to the
`machine frame via lifting columns that are adjustable in
`height hydraulically. Each wheelis driven by an own hydrau-
`lic motor. The known construction machineis equipped with
`all-wheel stecring, with the front and/or the rear wheels being
`capable ofacting as the steered axle.
`Tt is understood that the present application is not limited to
`wheel-driven construction machines, but also includes such
`construction machines that are provided with crawler track
`units or a mixture of wheels and crawlertrack units.
`
`40
`
`In the known construction machines, the lifting columns
`are adjusted manually via switchover valves, with sensors
`detecting that the piston of the piston cylinder unit adjusting
`the lifting column has reached pre-determined positions. The 5
`sensors may detect, for instance, the upper edge ofthe piston
`in the piston cylinder unit. A first sensor detects the position
`ofthe piston in an operating position for milling, and a further
`sensor detects the position of the piston in a transport posi-
`tion. In operating position,
`the machine frame therefore
`always has the same, pre-determined distance from the
`ground surface. When the piston has left the pre-defined
`sensor positions, the information about the position ofthe
`machineis lost. It is, in particular, not possible to adjust any
`other operating positions in a flexible manner without
`remounting the position sensors. It is not even possible to, for
`instance, adjust an operating position that is parallel to the
`pre-adjusted operating position but deviates fromthe same in
`height. What is more, it is not possible to adjust a defined
`transverse inclination or any other practical position of the
`machine frame or the machine respectively without cumber-
`some remounting, efforts.
`
`55
`
`6C
`
`65
`
`

`

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`US 9,010,871 B2
`
`3
`ent filling pressure or because of the interactions with the
`ground can be equalized individually for each wheel or
`crawler track unit.
`
`4
`automatically in such a manner that the machine frame is
`subject to the smallest possible displacement dueto the struc-
`ture of the ground surfaceortraffic surface.
`Alternatively, it is also possible for the controller to regu-
`late the lifting state ofthe lifting columns by meansof the
`measured signals in such a mannerthat the machine frameis
`subject to the smallest possible transverse inclination or
`transverse oscillation transverse to the direction of travel due
`
`to the existing structure of the ground surfaceortraffic sur-
`face.
`
`It may additionally be provided that, when altering the
`lifting state of one wheel or crawlertrack unit, a neighbouring
`wheelor crawler track unit in transverse direction or longitu-
`dinal direction ofthe machineframe is adjustable in heightin
`an opposite manner. Controlling of the lifting state may be
`effected, for instance,
`in accordance with the hydraulic
`method described in DE 196 17 442 Cl. Incase ofa hydraulic
`forced coupling of neighbouring lifting columns, one single
`measuring device for both lifting columnsis sufficient due to
`the identical amount of stroke adjustment.
`There is, however, also the possibility of controlling the
`lifting state of each wheel purely electronically in the manner
`ofa full-floating axle. With such a full-floating control, an
`additional stroke adjustment can be overridden by the vehicle
`driver.
`
`With the reciprocal control of the lifting state, the neigh-
`bouring wheels or crawlertrack units are preferably adjusted
`in height by the same amount and in an opposite manner.
`In case of a cold milling machine, the rear wheels or
`crawler track units when seen in the direction oftravel are
`preferably adjustable in heightin the mannerofa full-floating
`axle by the same amount and in opposite direction.
`In case of a recycler, the wheels or crawler track units
`arranged behind one another on one side ofthe machine when
`seen in the direction of travel may be adjustable in height in
`the mannerofa full-floating axle by the same amount and in
`opposite direction.
`A controller receiving the measured signals from the mea-
`suring devices can adjust a desired lifting position of the
`lifting columns without overshooting or with as little over-
`shooting as possible in accordance with the measured signals
`from the measuring devices and/or their alteration over time.
`The measured signals from the measuring devices may be
`calibrated to a unit of length, so that a specified stroke amount
`can be entered in millimeters for the purpose ofheight adjust-
`ment.
`
`The controller mayregulate the working depth ofthe work-
`ing drum, in which case the controller receives the measured
`path signals from the measuring device and includes them
`into the regulation of the working depth ofthe working drum.
`Each lifting column is provided at the lower end with a
`support for the wheel or crawler track unit, where a distance
`sensor measures the distance of the support to the ground
`surface and traffic surface, preferably in a pre-determined
`distance in front of or next to the wheel or crawler track unit,
`and transmits a measured signal to a controller forthe lifting
`position ofthe lifting columns, and/or to a controller for the
`working depth of the working drum, and/or to the indicator
`device.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In the following, embodiments of the invention are
`explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. The
`following is shown:
`
`WA-0014229
`
`10
`
`20
`
`The measuring device for the lifting position preferably
`includes a path measuring device, and all known path mea-
`suring systems like,
`for instance, capacitive,
`inductive,
`mechanical path measuring systems or laser measuring sys-
`tems maybe used.
`The lifting columns comprise two hollow cylinders
`capable of telescoping which serve as guiding unit and
`accommodateat least one piston cylinderunit, preferably in a
`coaxial manner, on their inside.
`A preferred path measuring device includes at least one
`wire-rope that is coupled with the elements ofa lifting col-
`umn, and one wire-rope sensor.
`A wire-rope that is under tension and capable of being
`rolied up is coupled with elements of the lifting column,
`which are capable of being displaced relative to one another
`in accordance with the lifting position, in such a mannerthat
`a path signal pertaining to the lifting position of eachlifting
`columnis detectable continuously. The path signal transmit-
`ted to the indicator device maybe used for manual control of
`the height adjustment by the vehicle driver with the aid of the
`indicator device, but also for automatic control or regulation.
`The construction machine can be adjusted to a reference 2:
`plane, where a desired spatial position like, for instance, a
`parallel position of the machine frameto the ground surface
`or traffic surface can be stored on the reference plane by
`storing the current measuredsignals of the measuring device
`in accordance with the current lifting positions of the lifting
`columnsas a reference lifting position of the chassis.
`By means of the reference plane, which is preferably a
`horizontal plane, the vehicle driver can bring the machine
`frame into a specific position which he can define as the
`reference lifting position. In case of a level machine frame,
`the said machine frame could, for instance, be brought into a
`precisely horizontal position which, with a pre-determined
`distance from the ground or the traffic surface, could be
`defined as the reference lifting position ofthe lifting columns.
`The vehicle driver can recognize the said reference lifting
`position by means ofthe indicator device and can approach it
`specifically as and when required. Onthe other hand,it is also
`possible to raise or to lower individual lifting columnsor a
`combination oflifting columns by a specific amount. The
`vehicle driver can, for instance, also adjust an operating posi-
`tion which deviates from the reference lifting position by a
`specific amount, e.g. 100 mm, or a specific transverse incli-
`nation or a plane in space arbitrarily defined by the vehicle
`driver.
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`In a preferred embodiment, it is providedthat at least one 5
`limiting value for the height adjustment monitored by the
`measuring device is adjustable for each lifting column, the
`said limiting value limiting the lowest and/or highestlifting
`position of a lifting column to a pre-determinedposition.It is
`thus ensured that the piston cylinder unit provided on the
`inside of a lifting column will not run up against its corre-
`sponding mechanical limit stops, as the piston cylinder unit
`may be damaged or may turn loose from the lifting column in
`these mechanical end positions, in particular in caseof steer-
`ing angles.
`it is provided that the lowest or highest
`Consequently,
`lifting position in the direction of movementis positioned in
`front of the mechanical limit stop of the piston against the
`cylinder ofthe piston cylinder unit.
`Recording of the measured values enables a controller,
`which receives the measured signals from the measuring
`devices, to regulate the lifting state of the lifting columns
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`

`

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`US 9,010,871 B2
`
`5
`FIG. 1 is a side view of the construction machine in accor-
`
`dance with the invention, in which the working drum is in a
`working position,
`FIG. 2 a top view of the construction machine im accor-
`dance with FIG. 1, and
`FIG. 3 a lifting columnof the construction machine.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`FIG. 1 shows a road construction machine 1 for producing
`and working carriagewaysbystabilizing insufficiently stable
`soils or by recycling road surfaces, with a machine frame 4
`supported by a chassis 2, as itis basically known from DE 103
`57 074 B3. The chassis 2 is provided with two each rear and
`front wheels 10, which are attachedto lifting columns 14 ina
`height-adjustable manner and can be raised and lowered inde-
`pendently of one another or also synchronously to one
`another.
`It is understood that other drive means like, for
`instance, crawler track units may also be providedin lieu of
`the wheels 10. The wheels or crawler track units may also be
`referred to as ground engaging supports for supporting the
`construction machine onthe ground surfaceortraffic surface
`24. The lifting columns 14 are attached to the machine frame
`4.
`
`20
`
`Both axles ofthe chassis, which are formed bythe frontand 2:
`rear wheels 10 respectively, may be steerable.
`As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, an operator’s platform
`12 for a vehicle driver is arranged at the machine frame 4
`above the front wheels 10 or in front ofthe front wheels 10,
`w
`with a combustion engine 32 for the travel drive and for :
`driving a working drum 6 being arranged behindthe driver. In
`this manner, the operator’s platform 12 can be ergonomically
`optimized for the vehicle driver.
`The working drum 6 whichrotates, for instance, in oppo-
`sition to the direction oftravel when seen in the direction of
`
`travel, and the axis ofwhich extendstransversely to the direc-
`tion oftravel, is mounted to pivot relative to the machine
`frame 4 in such a mannerthatit is capable of being pivoted
`from an idle position to a working position, as depicted in
`FIG. 1, by meansof pivoting arms 42 arranged on both sides.
`Each pivoting arm 42 is mounted in the machine frame 4 at
`one end and accommodates the support of the working drum
`6 at its other end.
`
`40
`
`It is also possible to operate the machine 1 in reversing
`direction, with the milling operation then taking place syn-
`chronously to the direction oftravel.
`The working drum 6 is, for instance, equipped with cutting
`tools that are not depicted in the drawingsin order to be able
`to work a ground surface ortraffic surface 24.
`The working drum 6 is surrounded by a hood 28 which, as 5
`can be seen from FIG.1, is capable of being raised together
`with the working drum 6 by means of the pivoling arms 42.
`In operating position, the hood 28 rests on the ground
`surfaceortraffic surface 24 to be worked, as can be seen from
`VIG. 1, while the working drum6 is capable of being pivoted
`further down according to the milling depth.
`It is understoodthat other embodiments of such a construc-
`tion machine exist in which the hood 28, or the hood 28 and
`the working drum 6, are mountedat the machine frame 4 ina
`rigid manner. In the latter case, the working depth of the
`working drum 6 is adjusted via the lifting columns 14, in all
`other cases through an adjustment in height of the working
`drum 6.
`
`55
`
`FIG. 3 shows an individual lifting column 14 comprising
`two hollow cylinders 13, 15 which are capable oftelescoping
`in a form-fitting manner. The hollow cylinders 13, 15 serve as
`guiding unit for the height adjustment ofthe machine frame 4.
`
`6
`The upper outer hollow cylinder 13 is attached at the machine
`frame 4, and the lowerinner hollow cylinder 15 is attachedat
`a support 11 which may be coupled with a wheel 10 or a
`crawler track unit. The lifting column 14 is further provided
`with a hydraulic piston cylinder unit 16 for the stroke adjust-
`ment. The piston cylinder unit 16 acts between the machine
`frame 4 and the support 11, so that the machine frame 4 is
`capable of being adjusted in heightrelative to the support 11
`and thus, ultimately, relative to the ground surface or the
`traffic surface 24 respectively. In the embodiment shown in
`FIG.3, the piston element of the piston cylinder unit 16 is
`attached at the support 11, and the cylinder element of the
`piston cylinderunit 16 is attached at the upper hollow cylinder
`13, which is attached at the machine frame 4.
`It is understood that more than one piston cylinder unit 16
`may also be presentin the lifting column 14.
`The piston cylinder unit 16 may also be force-coupled
`hydraulically with a neighbouring lifting column 14, as has
`been basically described in DE 196 17 442 C1, in order to
`form a purely hydraulic full-floating axle.
`The lifting column 14 is provided with a measuring device
`18 for measuring the currentlifting state ofthe lifting column
`14. In the embodiment, the said measuring device 18 includes
`a wire-rope 22 that is attached at the support 11 or the lower
`hollow cylinder 15 andis, on the other hand, coupled with a
`wire-rope sensor 21 thatis attached at the cylinder element of
`the piston cylinder unit 16 or at the upper hollow cylinder 13.
`The stroke path ofthe lifting column 14 can be measured by
`meansof the wire-rope sensor 21. The wire-rope sensor 21,
`and the path signal produced by the same,is ultimately also
`suitable for being converted into a velocity signal or accel-
`eration signal by including a time measurement.
`The measured path signal of the wire-rope sensor 21 is
`transmitted to an indicator device 20 and/or a controller 23 by
`means of a signal line 26. The indicator device 20 and/or the
`controller 23 receive measured path signals from eachlifting
`column, as indicated in the drawing in FIG. 3. With a total of
`four existing lifting columns 14, four measured path signals
`can be displayed in the indicator device 29, so that the vehicle
`driver is immediately informed aboutthe currentlifting state
`of cach lifting column and can alter the lifting position, if
`required.
`The measured path signals can additionally be supplied to
`a controller 23, which enables overall control or regulation of
`the lifting position ofthe lifting columns 14.
`The controller 23 can, for instance, adjust a desired lifting
`position ofthe lifting column 14 without overshooting or with
`as little overshooting as possible in accordance with the mea-
`sured path signals of the measuring devices 18 and/or their
`alteration over time.
`In case of a full-floating axle, floating can be effected
`purely hydraulically through piston cylinder units 16 which
`are provided with a piston capable of being loaded from two
`sides, and the counter-operating cylinder chambers of which
`are force-coupled with the corresponding cylinder chambers
`ofthe piston cylinder unit of a neighbouring wheel 10. Alter-
`natively, a height adjustment in the mannerofa full-fioating
`axle maybe effected with purely electronic control by means
`of the measured path signals detected.
`The control or regulation may be such that,for instance, the
`machine frame4 is subject to the smallest possible displace-
`ment.
`
`The machine frame 4 may alternatively be regulated by
`meansofthe lifting state of the lifting columns 14 in such a
`manner that a pre-determined transverse inclination ofthe
`machine frame 4 transverse to the direction oftravel is main-
`tained.
`
`WA-0014230
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 10 of 12 PageID #:
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 11 of 12 PageID #:
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 96-5 Filed 07/28/22 Page 12 of 12 PageID #:
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