TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure relates to the field of manufacturing and machinery. Particularly, but not
exclusively, the present disclosure relates to determination of working life of a tool. Further,
embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system for determining working life of the
tool for a gradall machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE:
Generally, during mining and manufacturing of myriad of metals and ores, various
maintenance and servicing processes may have to be periodically performed at numerous
stages. Such operations are required in order to maintain a manufacturing plant in continuous
operational condition. Some of such maintenance and servicing process include, removal of
unwanted material deposited or accumulated on wall lining of components. The components
may be one of a conveyor trolley, a conveyor belt, a tundish, a mold, a furnace, a ladle, and the
like through which metal or ore in molten or solid form may traverse in the manufacturing
plant. In general, such unwanted material may be manually removed using handheld tools such
as, but not limited to, hammers, chisels, shoves and the like, which is laborious and
cumbersome process requiring high human capital.
With advancements in the technology, machineries such as but not limited to, gradall tool,
drilling machines, grinding machines and the like, have been developed. Such machineries ease
out the work of manual labor and reduces lead-time. Generally, such machines or machinery
utilize hydraulic or pneumatic energy for operation, where operation of such machines or
machinery are configured to be powered from a prime mover associated with a vehicle carrying
said machines or machinery. Further, for process such as, but not limited to, scraping,
hammering, pounding and other material removal processes, a moil point tool [or also
commonly referred to as “moil point”] may be incorporated in the vehicle and may be
pneumatically powered based on operation of prime mover of with the vehicle.
After prolonged use of the vehicle for process such as, but not limited to, scraping, hammering,
pounding and other material removal processes, the moil point employed in the vehicle wears
out. Upon wearing out of the moil point cannot be employed to remove the unwanted material
without refurbishing the moil point or replacement of the moil point. Further, every moil point
is defined with a predefined working life up to which the moil point can be effectively
employed to remove the unwanted material. Thus, the operator or the technician in charge of

the vehicle operations has to monitor the working life of the moil point to ensure uninterrupted
operations and reduce the down time during manufacturing.
Conventionally, the working life of the moil point is considered based on monitoring operating
period of the engine of the vehicle. The operation of the engine is inherently misconstrued for
operation of the moil point, as other actions including, but not limited to, mobility of the
vehicle, may be imparted on operation of the engine. This type of monitoring the operating
period of the engine during non-operation of the moil point fails to provide the exact working
life of the moil point and may lead to increase in down time and cost of manufacturing.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any
other limitation associated with the conventional arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the limitations stated above are overcome by a system for
determining working life of a tool of a gradall machine as claimed, and additional advantages
are provided through the provision of the system as claimed in the present disclosure.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the aspects and techniques of the
present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail
herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for determining working life
of a tool of a gradall machine is disclosed. The system includes a pressure sensing apparatus
which is connectable to a pressure line of the tool of the gradall machine. The pressure sensing
apparatus is configured to operate between an OFF condition and an ON condition, based on a
pressure of a fluid in the pressure line. Further, the system includes a timer device that is
electrically connected to the pressure sensing apparatus and a prime mover of the gradall
machine. The timer device is triggered to a measuring condition when the prime mover of the
gradall machine is in an ON state and the pressure sensing apparatus is operated to the ON
condition. The reading in the timer device indicates the working life of the tool of the gradall
machine.
In an embodiment, the pressure sensing apparatus is at least one of a pressure switch, a pressure
actuator and a pressure sensor that is configured to operate between the OFF condition and the

ON condition, when pressure of fluid in the pressure line reaches at least the predefined
pressure.
In an embodiment, the predefined pressure is in a range of about 3bars to about 8bars, and
preferably 4bars.
In an embodiment, the pressure sensing apparatus operates from the ON condition to the OFF
condition when pressure of the fluid in the pressure line is less than the predefined pressure.
In an embodiment, wherein the fluid in the pressure line is at least one of a pneumatic fluid and
a hydraulic fluid.
In an embodiment, the system consists of a circuit breaker which is electrically connected
between the pressure sensing apparatus and the timer device to selectively trigger the timer
device based on operation of the pressure sensing apparatus between the ON condition and the
OFF condition. Further, the circuit breaker is configured to receive a feedback signal from the
pressure sensing apparatus corresponding to pressure of fluid in the pressure line. The circuit
breaker is also configured to trigger the timer device, when the pressure of the fluid in the
pressure line is at least equal to the predefined pressure.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may
be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be
combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In
addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects,
embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The
disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further advantages thereof, will
best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment
when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now
described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like
reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for determining working life of a tool, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled
in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of
the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the
principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE:
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present
disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter
which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a
basis for modifying other systems, mechanisms, devices, and assemblies for carrying out the
same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth
in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the
disclosure, to its system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood
from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose
of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present
disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a
non-exclusive inclusions, such that a mechanism, an assembly, or a device that comprises a list
of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other
components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other
words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not,
without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in
the system or apparatus.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for determining
working life of a tool of a gradall machine is disclosed. The system consists of a pressure
sensing apparatus which is connectable to a pressure line of the tool of the gradall machine.
The pressure sensing apparatus is configured to operate between an OFF condition and an ON
condition, based on a pressure of a fluid in the pressure line. Further, the system includes a
timer device that is electrically connected to the pressure sensing apparatus and a prime mover
of the gradall machine. The timer device is triggered to a measuring condition when the prime
mover of the gradall machine is in an ON state and the pressure sensing apparatus is operated
to the ON condition. Reading in the timer device is indicative of the working life of the tool of
the gradall machine.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the
same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to
Figs. 1 and 2.
Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a block diagram illustrating a system (100) for determining
working life of a tool (6). The system (100) may be employed in a vehicle (10) or a machine
in such vehicle, operable for material removal, servicing, and maintenance in a defined
surrounding including, but not limited to, a manufacturing plant. The tool (6) may be adapted
to perform various operations including, but not limited to, scraping, cutting, chiseling,
hammering, and any other operation that may assist in material removal, servicing, and
maintenance in the defined surrounding. The tool (6) may be employed within a machine or
machinery such as, but not limited to, a gradall machine (10), that may be operated
independently or be adapted to be selectively operational in conjunction with an engine of the
vehicle employing such gradall machine (10).
The gradall machine (10) may be provided with the tool (6) connected at an engaging portion
[or generally, forward portion of the vehicle] to selectively pound, vibrate, drill, scrape, and
perform any other operation subjecting removal of debris, lump, or accumulated unwanted
material from a defined region. The defined region about which the tool (6) may be operated
may include, but may not be limited to, wall lining of components such as, but not limited to,
a conveyor trolley, a conveyor belt, a tundish, a cast mold, a furnace, about which the unwanted
material may be deposited.

The gradall machine (10) in general is powered by a prime mover (1) for maneuvering the
gradall machine (10) and selectively aid in operation of the tool (6). In an embodiment, the
prime mover (1) may be an IC engine, or an electric motor coupled to a transmission to power
the gradall machine (10). Further, the tool (6) may be a pneumatic tool operated by a pneumatic
unit employing pneumatic fluid. In an embodiment, the tool (6) may be operated by a hydraulic
unit using hydraulic fluid. Use of pneumatic or hydraulic tool may be based on pressure
requirement for operation of the tool (6) and other parameters. The pneumatic or the hydraulic
units include a storage tank to store the fluid, a compressor and/or pump to pressurize the fluid
and a pressure line (5) connecting the compressor and the tool (6). The pressure line (5)
channelizes the fluid from the compressor to the tool (6) in order to operate the tool (6). In an
exemplary embodiment, the tool (6) of the gradall machine (10) operates when the pressure
inside the pressure line (5) reaches a predefined pressure which is in the range of 3bars to about
8bars. Furthermore, the tool (6) preferably operates when the pressure inside the pressure line
(5) reaches 4bars.
In an embodiment, the tool (6) remains in a non-operational condition when the pressure inside
the pressure line (5) is below the predefined pressure.
The system (100) of Fig. 1 determines precise working life of a tool (6), where the system (100)
includes a pressure sensing apparatus (4) that is connectable to the pressure line (5) of the tool
(6) in the gradall machine (10). The pressure sensing apparatus (4) is configured to operate
between an OFF condition and an ON condition during operation of the tool (6), based on the
predefined pressure of the fluid within the pressure line (5). In an embodiment, the pressure
sensing apparatus (4) is at least one of a pressure switch, a pressure actuator and a pressure
sensor which are configured to operate based on the fluid in the pressure line (5) reaching at
least the predefined pressure. Further, the pressure sensing apparatus (4) may be a solenoid, a
piezo electric actuator, spring, diaphragm, orifice, venturi meter, piston cylinder arrangement
and the like. The pressure sensing apparatus (4) may be positioned in an aperture extending
from the pressure line (5) of the tool (6). In an embodiment, the pressure sensing apparatus (4)
may be mechanically secured in the aperture [not shown], such that the pressure sensing
apparatus (4) is exposed to the pressure line (5) for detecting the pressure of the fluid in the
pressure line (5). The pressure sensing apparatus (4) is structured to operate between the OFF
condition to the ON condition depending on the pressure inside the pressure line (5). In some

embodiment, the pressure sensing apparatus (4) operates to the ON condition when the pressure
inside the pressure line (5) reaches the predetermined pressure, for example, the pressure inside
the pressure line (5) reaches at least 3bars and continues to operate in the ON condition during
operation of the tool (6). Further, the pressure sensing apparatus (4) operates from the ON
condition to the OFF condition when pressure of the fluid in the pressure line (5) drops below
the predefined pressure, for example, the pressure sensing apparatus (4) operates from the ON
condition to the OFF condition when the pressure inside the pressure line drops below 3bars.
The system (100) further includes a timer device (2) configured to operate between a measuring
condition and an OFF condition. The timer device (2) is electrically connected to the pressure
sensing apparatus (4) and the prime mover (1) of the gradall machine (10). Measuring condition
of the timer device (2) corresponds to the operation of the tool (6). In an embodiment, the timer
device (2) may be connected to an alternator or any electrical component associated with the
prime mover (1) to operate during ON state of the prime mover (1) [that is, the prime mover
(1) in running condition]. Further, operation of the pressure sensing apparatus (4) in the ON
condition, may be adapted to generate signals to the timer device (2) corresponding to pressure
of fluid in the pressure line (5). The signals from the pressure sensing apparatus (4) suitably
operates the timer device (2) from the OFF condition to the measuring condition. Furthermore,
upon the fluid pressure in the pressure line (5) exceeding the predefined pressure in the ON
state of the prime mover (1). The pressure sensing apparatus (4) triggers the timer device (2)
from the OFF condition to the measuring condition such that, operation of the tool (6) is
recoded and indicated in a display device associated with the timer device (2). The display
device [not shown] is configured to indicate period about which the tool (6) may be operational
[that is, starting from the period when the fluid pressure in the pressure line (5) exceeds the
predefined value] independent from operating period of the prime mover (1) in the gradall
machine (10).
Referring now to Fig. 2, connection between the prime mover (1), the timer device (2) and the
pressure sensing apparatus (4) defines an electrical closed-circuit, for operating the timer
device (2) to the measuring condition, when the pressure sensing apparatus (4) is operated to
ON condition. Further, connection between the prime mover (1), the timer device (2) and the
pressure sensing apparatus (4) defines an electrical open circuit for operating the timer device
(2) to the OFF condition, when the pressure sensing apparatus (4) is operated to OFF condition
which ensures that the timer device (2) is non-operational during non-operation of the tool (6).

Referring back to Fig. 1, in an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a circuit breaker (3)
may be electrically connected between the pressure sensing apparatus (4) and the timer device
(2). The circuit breaker (3) is configured to receive a feedback signal, corresponding to the
pressure of the fluid within the pressure line (5). The circuit breaker (3) is configured to
selectively trigger the timer device (2) into the measuring condition when the fluid in the
pressure line (5) is at least equal to the predefined pressure and the pressure sensing apparatus
(4) is operated from the OFF condition to the ON condition. Further, the circuit breaker (3) is
configured to selectively trigger the timer device (2) out of the measuring condition when the
fluid in the pressure line (5) falls below the predefined pressure and the pressure sensing
apparatus (4) is operated from the ON condition to the OFF condition.
In an embodiment, the timer device (2) may be an electrical device configured to record time
when supplied with electrical signals. Further, the timer device (2) may be an electronic circuit,
configured to trigger time indication signals, when supplied with suitable potential difference
between the pressure sensing apparatus (4) and the prime mover (1). Further, the display device
in the timer device (2) may be configured to indicate time in hours, minutes, seconds, days,
and the like. Furthermore, the display device of the timer device (2) may be an analog display
or a digital display to showcase the exact working life of the tool (6).
In an embodiment, the timer device (2) may be provisioned within the cabin of the gradall
machine (10) or any location easily visible to an operator.
In an embodiment, the circuit breaker (3) may one of but not limited to an electrical actuator,
relay, and the like, that is configured to actuate based on the feedback signals received from
the pressure sensing apparatus (4). The circuit breaker (3) may act as a switch to operate the
timer device (2) into and out of the measuring condition.
In an embodiment, the pressure sensing apparatus (4) may be provisioned on the pressure line
(5) between the storage tank and the tool (6). Further, in an embodiment, the pressure sensing
apparatus (4) may be provisioned within the pressure line (5) or on the surface of the pressure
line (5).
In an embodiment, the pressure sensing apparatus (4) may be provisioned within a housing [not
shown in Figs.] that covers the pressure line (5). Further, the pressure sensing apparatus (4)
may be fixed to a bracket [not shown in Figs.] provisioned on the pressure line (5).

In an embodiment, the tool (6) may be employed in other machines such as a drilling machine,
a vibrating machine, pounding machine, excavating machine and the like. Further, in an
embodiment, the tool (6) may be a moil point, bucket, drill bit and the like which are connected
to actuation mechanisms adapted to receive pressurized fluid from the pressure line (5).
In an embodiment, the gradall machine (10) may be one of but not limited to an excavator,
steel plant maintenance machine, aluminum plant maintenance machine, railway maintenance
machine, mine scalers.
In an embodiment, the timer device (2) may be configured with a delay of predetermined time
to account for the initiation procedure during operation of the tool (6), where the tool (6) may
be subjected to maneuvering proximal to the machining location upon the pressure inside the
pressure line (5) reaching the predefined pressure.
In an embodiment, the timer device (2) may be configured to indicate the operation of the tool
(6).
The tool (6) may be connected to an extending arm extending from the gradall machine (10) to
reach intricate spaces which need any unwanted material to be removed.
In an embodiment, the system (100) is configured to indicate the exact working life of the tool
(6) in the gradall machine (10) which aids the operator to suitably change the tool (6) based on
the working life to utilize the full working life of the tool (6). Further, the operator may change
the tool (6) upon realizing the complete working life of the tool (6) to prevent surprise
maintenance of the gradall machine (10) and avoid increasing the down time.
Equivalents:
Embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained
with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known
components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the
embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an
understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable
those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should
not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature
of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify
and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the
generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to
be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.
It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been
described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within scope of the embodiments as
described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or
“comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or
group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step,
or group of elements, integers, or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements
or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve
one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been
included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure.
It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art
base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed
anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities
are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical
values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the
disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this
disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many
changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of
the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred

embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it
is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely
as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 System
10 Gradall machine
1 Prime mover
2 Timer device
3 Circuit breaker
4 Pressure sensing apparatus
5 Pressure line
6 Tool

We Claim:
1. A system (100) for determining working life of a tool (6) of a gradall machine (10), the
system (100) comprising:
a pressure sensing apparatus (4), connectable to a pressure line (5) of the tool
(6) of the gradall machine (10), the pressure sensing apparatus (4) is configured to
operate between an OFF condition and an ON condition, based on a predefined pressure
of a fluid in the pressure line (5); and
a timer device (2), electrically connected to the pressure sensing apparatus (4)
and a prime mover (1) of the gradall machine (10), wherein, the timer device (2) is
triggered to a measuring condition when the prime mover (1) of the gradall machine
(10) is in ON state and the pressure sensing apparatus (4) is operated to the ON
condition,
wherein, reading in the timer device (2) is indicative of working life of the tool (6) of
the gradall machine (10).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure sensing apparatus (4) is
at least one of a pressure switch, a pressure actuator, and a pressure sensor, configured
to operate between the OFF condition and the ON condition, when pressure of fluid in
the pressure line (5) reaches at least the predefined pressure.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the predefined pressure is in a range
of about 3bars to about 8bars, and preferably 4bars.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure sensing apparatus (4)
operates from the ON condition to the OFF condition when pressure of the fluid in the
pressure line (5) is less than the predefined pressure.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid in the pressure line (5) is at
least one of a pneumatic fluid and a hydraulic fluid.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a circuit breaker (3), electrically
connected between the pressure sensing apparatus (4) and the timer device (2), to
selectively trigger the timer device (2) based on operation of the pressure sensing
apparatus (4) between the ON condition and the OFF condition.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the circuit breaker (3) is configured to
receive a feedback signal from the pressure sensing apparatus (4) corresponding to
pressure of fluid in the pressure line (5).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the circuit breaker (3) is configured to
trigger the timer device (2), when the pressure of the fluid in the pressure line (5) is at
least equal to the predefined pressure.
9. A gradall machine (10) comprising a system (100) as claimed in claim 1.