Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for automatically actuating a brake system (28) in a work vehicle. The work vehicle has an engine (12) and a plurality of ground engaging wheels (24). At least one of the wheels (24) is driven by the engine (12) for propelling the vehicle. The brake system (28) is provided for opposing motion of at least one of the wheels. The apparatus (10) includes speed sensor (20) for sensing actual engine speed and responsively producing an actual engine speed signal. A controller (64) receives the actual engine speed signal and produces an error signal in response a difference between the actual and desired engine speed signals. The controller (64) further produce a control signal in response to the error signal. An actuator (76, 52, 58) is provided for receiving the control signal and controlling the braking force applied by the brake system (28) so as to reduce the error signal to zero.

Abstract: An electronic control for a compression ignition engine preferably includes engine sensors and vehicle sensors connected to the control. The control inputs signals produced by the sensor and responsively calculates a plurality of rating factors. The control weights the rating factors according to owner programmed weighting and also calculates a driver performance factor as the sum of the weighted rating factors. A modified vehicle speed limit is calculated in response to the driver performance score exceeding a minimum incentive value.

Abstract: A high side driver circuit includes a command voltage source, a first switching transistor having a base connected to the command voltage source, an emitter connected to ground, and a collector connected to a second switching transistor base. The second switching transistor includes an emitter connected to an electrical energy source through an internal voltage source. A power transistor includes a gate connected to the second switching transistor collector through a resistor, a drain connected to the electrical energy source through a sense resistor, and a source connected to a load. A diagnostic circuit portion including a comparator establishes a diagnostic output voltage based upon the state of the power transistor and characteristics of the power transistor drain and source for indicating fault conditions of the driver circuit.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an injector driver system including an injector driver circuit, a logic device connected to an input line of the injector driver circuit, and an information storage device associated with the logic device, involves testing the injector driver circuit once assembled. A predetermined test is connected to the injector driver circuit. A pulse width modulated signal having a predetermined duty cycle is applied to the input line of the injector driver circuit and the corresponding current level through the test load is measured. A value indicative of the measured current level is stored in the information storage device for later retrieval during operation of the injector driver system.

Abstract: A method for transitioning between a first engine operating mode and a second engine operating mode of an internal combustion engine involves establishing an engine mode transition region between the first engine operating mode and the second engine operating mode, which engine mode transition region is defined by at least one engine operating parameter. The engine operating parameter which defines the engine mode transition region is monitored. When the engine is operating in the transition region a first engine operating mode fuel rate is determined, a second engine operating mode fuel rate is determined, and an engine mode transition region fuel rate is determined which is a function of both the first engine operating mode fuel rate and the second engine operating mode fuel rate.

Abstract: A programmable electronic engine controller includes customer programmable engine and vehicle operating parameters. A communications device is connectable to said engine controller. Stored in the communications device are a predetermined set of parameters. The communications device downloads the engine and vehicle operating parameters that are present in the engine controller, compares those values to corresponding predetermined parameters, and prints an exception report based on that comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing white smoke during start up of a compression ignition engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes an engine cylinder, a fuel injector, an engine speed sensor, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor preferably includes an engine speed controller that governs the engine speed to a desired value. The microprocessor issues a first fueling level corresponding to a difference between an actual engine speed and the desired engine speed signal. The microprocessor quits fueling the engine cylinder then determines a second fueling level. A determination about whether the cylinder is firing is then based on a comparison between the first and the second fueling level.

Abstract: A control system for a gas generator is disclosed. The control system includes an automotive type oxygen sensor that produces a signal responsive to the oxygen content of a product gas. The automotive type oxygen sensor is connected to a controller and is installed in the gas generator so that the sensor tip is in the product gas, downstream of a first heat exchanger. Preferably, the installation of the automotive sensor is at a point where the product gas has been cooled to at least 1500.degree. F. at a rate of at least 4000.degree. F. The controller produces an output signal responsive to the oxygen sensor signal. A trim valve receives the controller output signal and responsively varies an input gas to vary the composition of the product gas.

Abstract: A power balancing control to balance power output from a first and second engine that mutually drive a load is disclosed. The control includes an electronic control module electrically connected to a control panel. A first and second inlet manifold pressure sensor are associated with the first and second engine, respectively. An offset potentiometer is connected to the control panel. The control automatically adjusts power output of the second engine in response to the inlet manifold pressure of said first engine, the inlet manifold pressure of said second engine, and a signal produced by said offset potentiometer.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus and method for calibrating a hydraulic control valve connected to an electronic controller. The electronic controller selects control signals and reads corresponding hydraulic pressure outputs of the hydraulic control valve and selectively records values corresponding to control signals that produce desired calibration pressures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for storing various vehicle operating characteristics upon sensing a vehicle acceleration having a magnitude that exceeds a predetermined limit. In this manner, the vehicle owner or fleet manager can determine whether the vehicle operator uses the service brakes excessively.

Abstract: A control for limiting the torque output of an engine when operating in a PTO mode is provided. The control includes a microprocessor connected to a PTO on/off switch, a set/resume switch and a torque limit on/off switch. When the torque limit switch is in an on position, the microprocessor limits the maximum torque output to an operator programmed value. The operator can reprogram the torque limit value with a programming tool.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling a compression brake on an internal combustion engine. the apparatus includes means for automatically disabling the compression brake once the vehicle speed falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling the temperature of a plurality of glow plugs of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is disclosed. A voltage sensor produces a signal relative to the magnitude of the sensed voltage across a glow plug. A microprocessor compares the magnitude of the sensed signal with a preselected magnitude indicative of a predetermined temperature glow plug and responsively produces a current command signal. An alternator receives the current command signal and responsively delivers alternating current to the glow plugs.

Abstract: A quench cooling effectiveness apparatus for continuous monitoring of a heat treat quench system and method of operation is provided. The apparatus preferably includes first and second heat conductive sheaths having temperature sensors installed therein. The heat conductive sheaths are thermally insulated from each other with a heat resistive sheath. A microprocessor is preferably connected to said sensors, applies a known current to one sensor, and calculates a cooling effectiveness of the heat treat quench system from the temperature of the two sensors and the known applied current.

Abstract: A solenoid driver circuit is controlled by an electronic control module ("ECM") and eliminates many components required for a high voltage power supply required by the prior art. The solenoid driver circuit includes a high voltage select switch, a select switch and a modulation switch that are controlled by the ECM. The ECM causes the switches to be opened and closed so that the back EMF created by the solenoid coil when the modulation switch is opened can be recaptured by charging a capacitor. That energy can then be used to energize the solenoid coil.

Abstract: A fuel injector control circuit is disclosed. The circuits can be used with a plurality of different fuel injectors and can be programmed to produce a plurality of different injector current waveforms. The control preferably includes a microprocessor with memory connected to a multiplexer and an application specific integrated circuit. The control can also be used to increase the current rise time of a specific injector current waveform.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an angular position of a shaft or other rotatable body. The apparatus preferably includes a first and second housing portion. A circuit connected to a circuit board is housed in the housing and includes a plurality of proximity sensors. A rotatable member is rotatably attached to the circuit board and includes a position indicator. The circuit produces a signal as a function of the position of the rotatable member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for monitoring ignition in individual cylinders of a multi-cylinder engine of the type having an ignition system which includes a separate transformer for each cylinder. Each transformer has primary and secondary coils. The secondary coil is connected in series with a spark gap in an associated one of the cylinders. The ignition system further includes selector switches for receiving cylinder select signals and responsively connecting respective transformer primary coils. The current flows through the primary coil resulting in a voltage potential across an associated spark gap which normally increases to a magnitude sufficient to cause a spark across the spark gap. A first circuit receives the cylinder select signals, senses time delay between the reception of a cylinder select signal and sparking in a respective cylinder and responsively produces a delay signal indicative of the sensed time delay.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a power take off ("PTO") controller used on a vehicle. The controller includes a PTO on/off switch, a brake/clutch ignore switch, and a PTO set/resume switch connected to an electronic controller. The controller sets the engine speed command to a PTO default speed in response to the PTO on/off switch being in an on position. By placing the brake/clutch ignore switch in an ignore position, the vehicle operator can use the brake or clutch without affecting the PTO engine speed.