Abstract: A vehicle engine cooling system includes a primary cooling circuit having a primary radiator and a coolant pump. A secondary cooling circuit includes a secondary radiator, an EGR cooler, and a liquid/air charge air pre-cooler receiving engine inlet air from a turbocharger compressor. The coolant pump circulates coolant through the EGR cooler, through the charge air pre-cooler, and through the primary and secondary radiators. A fan blows cooling air through the primary and secondary radiators. The secondary radiator is downstream of the primary radiator in the fan airflow. The cooling system also includes an air-to-air charge air cooler which receives engine inlet air from the liquid/air charge air pre-cooler. The air-to-air charge air cooler is upstream of the primary radiator with respect to flow of cooling air. The cooling system also includes an auxiliary engine fluid cooler which is located between the air-to-air charge air cooler and the primary radiator.

Abstract: A vortex-type filter assembly comprising a housing, a removable inlet module, and a removable outlet module. The housing comprises an inlet portion, a filtration chamber, and an outlet portion. The inlet module separates the inlet portion from the filtration chamber, and has one or more vortex generating inlet passages. The outlet module separates the filtration chamber from the outlet portion, and has one or more outlet passages. There is one outlet passage cooperating with every one inlet passage for filtering debris from the fluid. One or both of inlet module and the outlet module may be removed to facilitate servicing of the filter assembly.

Abstract: In a cooling package for use in an agricultural combine, a subassembly comprises a radiator and a charge air cooler, with a metal-to-metal seal between the radiator and the charge air cooler, thereby eliminating gaps and preventing air from bypassing cooling cores. A cooling package includes a frame having a flange, a subassembly of a radiator and a charge air cooler being sealingly mounted into the frame and against the flange. A method of manufacturing a cooling package comprises providing a frame having an inner flange, providing a radiator, providing a charge air cooler, connecting the radiator to the charge air cooler to form a subassembly, and mounting the subassembly into the frame to seal against the flange.

Abstract: A function management system includes a programmable control unit that can automatically coordinate combine traction functions and/or implement functions. In a learn mode, the operator performs a sequence of manual manipulations of the operator controlled traction and implement devices, and the control unit records and then stores information pertaining to the sequence of device operations. In an execute mode, the control unit automatically performs the sequence of device operations so that the sequence of operations occurs at the same intervals at which they were learned.

Abstract: A function management system includes a programmable control unit that can automatically coordinate combine traction functions and/or implement functions. In a learn mode, the operator performs a sequence of manual manipulations of the operator controlled traction and implement devices, and the control unit records and then stores information pertaining to the sequence of device operations. In an execute mode, the control unit automatically performs the sequence of device operations so that the sequence of operations occurs at the same intervals at which they were learned.

Abstract: An engine control unit, and method of use, uses a power curve or algorithm to pro-actively adjust fuel flow rate to an engine, optionally in combination with a reactive power curve or algorithm, thereby to adjust engine power, in anticipation of changes in loads being imposed on the engine, as well as to respond to engine speed changes. The ECU has a power curve or algorithm stored in memory which responds to certain predetermined operating conditions other than sensed engine speed, by providing a sequence of pro-active change inputs, at predetermined rates of change, in rate of delivery of fuel to the engine combustion chambers, independent of engine speed change, thereby to produce pro-active incremental changes in power output of the engine. Such pro-active incremental power changes are effected in anticipation of changes in load demand on the engine, and correspond generally with expected incrementally progressive changes in load demand on the engine.

Abstract: A passive fan blade for a cooling package for use in an agricultural combine comprises a generally rectangular member having an axis, a central mounting area and two opposed legs, each leg having a middle region, a leading region and a trailing region, the leading and trailing regions being angled toward the downstream direction of intended air flow. The trailing regions increase in width in proportion to distance from the axis, while the leading regions decrease in width in proportion to distance from the axis, whereby the member is impelled to rotate in the direction of the leading edges when air flows past the member. In an assembly, the passive fan blade is mounted via a bearing assembly and mounting hardware onto a hub connected to a bracket. In a cooling package, the passive fan blade assembly is mounted on a frame in close proximity to a face of a radiator or a charge air cooler to provide turbulence thereby minimizing accumulation of chaff, dust and debris in order to maintain cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A passive fan blade for a cooling package for use in an agricultural combine comprises a generally rectangular member having an axis, a central mounting area and two opposed legs, each leg having a middle region, a leading region and a trailing region, the leading and trailing regions being angled toward the downstream direction of intended air flow. The trailing regions increase in width in proportion to distance from the axis, while the leading regions decrease in width in proportion to distance from the axis, whereby the member is impelled to rotate in the direction of the leading edges when air flows past the member. In an assembly, the passive fan blade is mounted via a bearing assembly and mounting hardware onto a hub connected to a bracket. In a cooling package, the passive fan blade assembly is mounted on a frame in close proximity to a face of a radiator or a charge air cooler to provide turbulence thereby minimizing accumulation of chaff, dust and debris in order to maintain cooling efficiency.

Abstract: In a cooling package for use in an agricultural combine, a subassembly comprises a radiator and a charge air cooler, providing a metal-to-metal seal between radiator and charge air cooler, thereby eliminating gaps and preventing air from bypassing cooling cores. A cooling package includes a frame having a flange, a subassembly of radiator and charge air cooler being sealingly mounted into frame and against flange. A method of manufacturing a cooling package comprises providing a frame having an inner flange, providing a radiator, providing a charge air cooler, connecting radiator to charge air cooler to form subassembly, and mounting subassembly into frame to seal against flange.

Abstract: An engine control unit, and method of use, uses a power curve or algorithm to pro-actively adjust fuel flow rate to an engine, optionally in combination with a reactive power curve or algorithm, thereby to adjust engine power, in anticipation of changes in loads being imposed on the engine, as well as to respond to engine speed changes. The ECU has a power curve or algorithm stored in memory which responds to certain predetermined operating conditions other than sensed engine speed, by providing a sequence of pro-active change inputs, at predetermined rates of change, in rate of delivery of fuel to the engine combustion chambers, independent of engine speed change, thereby to produce pro-active incremental changes in power output of the engine. Such pro-active incremental power changes are effected in anticipation of changes in load demand on the engine, and correspond generally with expected incrementally progressive changes in load demand on the engine.

Abstract: Duct work directing air from a combine cooling fan to the top of a separator unit, the duct work extending in an arc between its inlet and a flared outlet, and includes a neck portion that hinders air within the duct work from swirling upward in that location.

Abstract: Ductwork directing air from a combine cooling fan to the top of a separator unit, the duct work extending in an arc between its inlet and a flared outlet, and includes a neck portion that hinders air within the duct work from swirling upward in that location.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for providing fine adjustments of the relative position of the first wheel relative to the other wheel or wheels in a belted track system. The adjustment mechanism comprises a screw jack assembly that is mounted to the first and second flanges of a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member, respectively. After loosening the fastening bolts for the two flanges, the screw jack can be manipulated rotating the first longitudinal member relative to the second longitudinal member. After the correct adjustment position has been found, the fastening bolts can be retightened.