US 12,264,459 B2
Loading machine with visual reference system
Andrew J. Massey, Matlock (GB); and Joel R. Grimes, Holly Springs, NC (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed on Aug. 27, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/459,792.
Prior Publication US 2023/0060815 A1, Mar. 2, 2023
Int. Cl. E02F 9/26 (2006.01); E02F 3/34 (2006.01); E02F 9/20 (2006.01); G01C 15/00 (2006.01); G05D 1/00 (2006.01); H04N 7/18 (2006.01)
CPC E02F 9/26 (2013.01) [E02F 3/34 (2013.01); E02F 9/205 (2013.01); G01C 15/004 (2013.01); G05D 1/0038 (2013.01); H04N 7/185 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A loading machine comprising:
a machine frame disposed on a plurality of propulsion devices for propelling the loading machine over a work surface;
an operator station disposed on the machine frame at a position to provide visibility over the work surface;
a lifting implement having a fixed distance between a proximal end connected to the machine frame by a pivot joint to articulate the lifting implement with respect to the machine frame and a distal end connected to a bucket; and
a visual reference system including an illumination device disposed on the machine frame and configured to project a visible fiducial beam to indicate an expected contact point between the bucket and the work surface based on the fixed distance of the lifting implement.