Electronic bucket positioning and control system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is an electronic bucket positioning and control system.
The system can be implemented along with existing hydraulic control systems on vehicles.
It is also relatively inexpensive and reliable since it is microprocessor based.
In addition, the system can be operated in a variety of different modes.
Should any electrical elements of the control system fail, an operator can still manually actuate the hydraulic system.
Excessive doWn time can thereby be prevented.
One embodiment of the positioning and control system includes a boom assembly having a first end which is pivotally mounted to a support structure.
An attachment, such as a bucket, is pivotally mounted to the second end of the support structure.
The boom assembly is driven with respect to the support structure by at least one hydraulic lift cylinder.
The attachment is driven with respect to the boom assembly by at least one hydraulic tilt cylinder.
Lift sensor means provide lift position signals representative of the position of the boom assembly with respect to the support structure.
Tilt sensor means provide tilt position signals representative of the position of the attachment with respect to the boom assembly.
Also included is a multiple spool series valve which has an operator actuated hydraulic tilt valve for controlling the tilt cylinder, an operator actuated hydraulic lift valve for controlling the lift cylinder, and an electrically actuated hydraulic tilt valve which is responsive to tilt control signals for controlling the tilt cylinder.
Memory means is used to store data.
Control means coupled to the lift sensor means, tilt sensor means, memory means and electrically actuated tilt valve means provide tilt control signals as a function of the stored data, lift position signals and tilt position signals.
In a preferred embodiment, the system includes positioning mode switch means coupled to the control means for causing the system to operate in a bucket positioning mode when actuated