Abstract: A tool mounting device for a milling drum, in particular a fine milling drum, is provided which includes a pedestal portion adapted to be connected to a surface of the milling drum. The pedestal portion has an extension from a side of the milling drum. The extension follows the contour of the milling drum surface, and is adapted to be welded to the drum surface.

Abstract: An engine braking system includes a pump associated with a source of fluid, the pump supplying pressurized fluid to fuel injectors associated with the engine. An electronic controller is associated with the engine and determines a desired engine braking level as a function of various engine operating conditions and operator inputs. The engine controller produces a pump signal as a function of the desired engine braking level.

Abstract: A work machine having a frame, a work tool and an articulation apparatus so as to pivot at least one support wheel mounted at the frame from a projecting position to a retracted position and vice versa.

Abstract: Improving compression brake systems (10) require better control of timing an actuation event. Numerous systems use complicated electronic controls to achieve such control. Cam actuated compression brake systems may reduce braking power by allowing a valve 32 on an internal combustion engine (30) to remain open well after an optimum crank angle. Using a by-pass port (42), pressure may be increased in a second actuator volume (22) opposite a first actuator volume (20). Increasing pressures in the second actuator volume (22) promotes closing the valve (26) near the optimum crank angle.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for sensing, recording, and selectively displaying data associated with operational characteristics of a vehicle and associated engine. The system includes a plurality of transducers delivering signals corresponding to such operational characteristics to a programmable logic device. These signals are converted to appropriate information signals which are stored in an associated storage device and can be selectively displayed on a suitable display device.

Abstract: The system is provided for controllably monitoring data associated with operational characteristics of an engine. The system determines a maintenance activity requirement based on such characteristics. The system includes a plurality of transducers associated with the engine and connected to a programmable logic device. Signals from the transducers are continuously monitored and stored in an associated storage device. In response to predetermined sets of operational characteristics, an indication of when maintenance is due on the engine is produced by the logic device.

Abstract: A system for controllably sensing, recording, and selectively displaying data associated with operational characteristics of a vehicle is described. A plurality of transducers are connected to a programmable logic device along with data entry, data storage, and data display devices. Information received from the transducers is processed by the logic device to determine whether a certain operational characteristic has occurred during the time that certain other characteristics are present. In addition, the amount of time that the particular characteristic occurs is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for simulating a plurality of bearing orbits. The apparatus includes a first simulator for producing signals indicative of a first simulated bearing orbit; a second simulator for producing signals indicative of a second simulated bearing orbit; a control for varying the rotor journal position for each of the first and second simulated bearing orbits; a control for varying the orbit amplitude for each of the first and second simulated bearing orbits; and a control for modifying the rotor mode shape of the first and second simulated bearing orbits.

Abstract: A circuit includes a high voltage energy source, a power transistor having a drain connected to the energy source and a source connected to a load, and a first capacitor connected between the power transistor gate and source. Also included is a first P-channel transistor connected in parallel with the first capacitor, and a second capacitor connected between the first P-channel transistor gate and drain. A transformer delivers positive voltage to the first capacitor to bias the power transistor ON, and delivers negative voltage to the second capacitor to bias the first P-channel transistor ON, which causes the energy stored in the first capacitor to discharge; thereby biasing the power transistor OFF.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an antenna assembly to an elevationally movable portion of a vehicle dump bed includes a mountable support member having first and second end portions. The first end portion is fixed to the vehicle bed. The antenna assembly has an active element connected to a first end of a mounting element and a counterweight element connected to a second end of a mounting element. An intermediate portion of the mounting element is connected to the second end portion of the mountable support member. The antenna assembly is therefore free to rotate about at least one axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the elevationally movable dump bed.

Abstract: Motor control systems having direction contacts for steering current through a motor are commonly associated with electrical industrial vehicles, such as lift trucks. Advantageously, the operation of the direction contacts should be optimized in order to prevent switching the contacts when current is present to the extent that such switching can be eliminated. The instant apparatus includes a logic device for receiving speed and direction demand signals and responsively controlling the direction contacts associated with a vehicle motor. The logic device also receives signals from a current sensor responsive to the magnitude of electrical current flowing through the electric motor. In response to the motor current signal indicating a value less than a predetermined value concurrent with either the motor direction demand signal having a neutral value or the motor speed demand signal having a zero value, the logic means produces a neutral motor direction command signal.

Abstract: A communications network is adapted to provide communication between control modules on a vehicle. Each control module includes a first and second transceiver. A control module checks for the presence of a data message from another control module before transmitting a data message. If there is no other data message present, the control module transmits the data message around the network in both directions using the first and second transceivers. The other control modules receive the data message from the previous control module and pass the data message to the next control module in the network.

Abstract: Windshield wiper systems are commonly used on vehicles that must operate out-of-doors. In systems employing two or more wiper elements, each operating from an individual wiper motor, some mechanism must be employed to prevent out-of-sync operation from causing the wiper elements to collide if they operate in an overlap area. The instant wiper system includes first and second electric motors each drivingly connected to a respective windshield wiper element. Switching devices selectively controllably provide electrical power to the motors in response to receiving respective motor control signals. Synchronizing devices provide first and second synchronizing signals in response to the respective wiper elements being positioned at corresponding predetermined cycle start locations. A logic circuit controllably produces the motor control signals in response to receiving the respective synchronizing signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling dynamic braking in a vehicle having at least one drive motor of the type having an armature and a field. The motor is adapted to function as an alternator during dynamic braking for dissipating power through a resistor grid. The vehicle includes a field current controller for regulating the level of dynamic braking by controlling the current level through the motor field. A brake level selector is provided for producing a desired braking level signal. A field current sensor senses the current level in the motor field and produces an actual field current signal. A grid current sensor senses the level of current flowing through the resistor grid and produces an actual grid current signal. A controller receives the desired brake level signal, the actual field current signal, and the actual grid current signal. The controller produces a first desired field current signal and a desired grid current signal in response to the desired brake level signal.

Abstract: Implement draft control devices are typically utilized on agricultural vehicles such as tractors and on other earthworking type vehicles. Advantageously, such control systems should respond quickly to changing soil conditions, while remaining stable so that the hitch and implement systems do not oscillate or are not changed in a rapid or erratic fashion. The instant embodiment of a draft control system includes a control system that receives hitch position control signals and engine acceleration signals, and controllably modifies the hitch position control signals in response to the rate of acceleration and deceleration of the engine. By utilizing engine acceleration and deceleration rates as opposed to mere changes in engine speed, the system is able to respond quickly to needed changes in implement depth while remaining stable during operation.

Abstract: A driver circuit for an inductive load, such as a solenoid winding, includes flyback and energization current sensors which respectively sense the current through the coil during flyback and energization. The flyback current sensor includes a flyback current resistor disposed in the flyback current path of the winding for producing a flyback signal proportional to the flyback current. The energization current sensor includes an energization current resistor disposed within the energization current path of the winding. The energization current resistor is adapted to produce an energization signal in response to the energization current flowing through the winding. Control of the solenoid winding is effected by a switch which connects and disconnects the winding from a power source in response to the duty factor of a control signal. A first summing amplifier receives the flyback and energization signals and produces an actual current signal in response to the received signals.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use in a vehicular smart power multiplexing network is disclosed. Smart power connectors provide for connections between the power network and the various peripheral devices and components in a vehicle. The connector is comprised of two body portions which are electrically coupled when closed. The first body portion includes three connectors for electrical connection to the power network and the peripheral devices and components. The second body portion includes the smart power circuit and heat sink for dissipating heat generated by the power stage components. The smart power connector also has diagnostic capabilities for detecting device and component load failures.

Abstract: Automatic guided vehicle (AGV) road system generation and modification are fully integrated and incorporated as part of facility planning. The plant facility planning computer system and the AGV computer system mutually share navigation and plant layout information, as well as AGV road system and floor layout modifications. The facility planning computer is also capable of receiving AGV position information and displaying the vehicles graphically superimposed over the plant layout display, with near real time accuracy.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus capable of delivering a control signal in response to contact between an element of the apparatus and an external object should respond readily to a predetermined level of contact, and should be sensitive along all portions of the contact sensing surface. The instant invention provides a contact sensing apparatus including a conduit having a generally hollow tubular construction and being formed a resilient deformable material. A sonic generator is connected to one end of the conduit and a sonic detector is connected to the other end of the conduit. An electrical circuit is connected to the sonic generator and sonic detector, and is adapted to controllably produce a control signal in response to contact between the conduit and an external object.

Abstract: A dynamic payload monitor measures and displays payload weight for a loader vehicle by sensing the hydraulic pressure and position of the lift arm cylinders. The payload weight is computed by curve fitting the sensed cylinder pressure and position data to a second order polynomial, and then performing interpolation or extrapolation with a pair of pressure versus position reference parabolas obtained during calibration. The weight computation algorithms used in the dynamic payload monitor are applicable to a number of work vehicles having at least one work implement linkage and at least one hydraulic cylinder for modifying the linkage geometry.