US Patent 9194099 Augmented hydraulic thumb kinematic member length

An implement system for a machine having a stick member with a nose end and a mounting bracket is disclosed. The implement system includes a thumb pivotally connected to the nose end of the stick member, and a thumb actuator operatively connected between the mounting bracket of the stick member and the thumb to move the thumb between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. The implement system has one or more of an RTK Factor, a TP Ratio and an ITO Ratio having values within ranges that allow installation of the implement system with the thumb actuator connected the thumb either directly or by a linkage assembly without changing the position of the mounting bracket on the stick member.