Abstract: An electronic engine control is provided that compensates the engine's power output capability based on the parasitic power load demands.

Abstract: An electronic engine control is provided that compensates the engine's power output capability based on the parasitic power load demands.

Abstract: A method for operating machine transmission during braking, includes obtaining data relating to brake pedal position, machine velocity, machine engine speed, current transmission operating gear, and lowest operating gear. Next, downshifting thresh holds are set based on whether pedal position is in a downshift mode or a braking mode. Next, the transmission is downshifted if the machine velocity and machine engine speed are less than the downshifting thresh holds, and if the transmission operating gear is not the lowest operating gear. Next, the transmission is neutralized if the pedal position is in a neutralizing mode, if the velocity is less than a neutralizing thresh hold velocity, and if the transmission is in the lowest operating gear. Finally, the above steps are repeated until the transmission is neutralized.

Abstract: A control system including a weight sensing mechanism for sensing weight of the material in a bucket of an earth moving machine and a logic mechanism for receiving the weight signals for the material in the bucket from the weight sensing mechanism and then determining a total summed weight of the material for a total number of capture, lift, and dump cycles needed to capture, lift and dump a predetermined weight of the material with the bucket and then generating various command signals based on the weight signal from each capture, lift and dump cycle and the total summed weight for the total number of capture, lift and dump cycles. In addition, there is a hydraulic implement controller for controlling hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic tilt cylinder and the hydraulic lift cylinder in response to the command signals thereby controllably actuating the bucket of the earthmoving machine in order to capture, lift and dump material.

Abstract: In machines having a bucket that is capable of carrying a load of material, it is well know that when the machine is traveling over rough terrain or encounters other obstacles the machine may bounce or the operator may be subjected to a jolt due to a change in force acting on the lift actuator. Accumulators have been connected to the loaded end of the lift actuator to cushion or dampen the sudden changes in the forces. When the machine is used without the accumulator connected to the lift actuator a pressure balancing valve mechanism is provided to maintain a pre-charge in the accumulator greater than or equal to the pressure in the head end of the lift actuator when the ride control comes on. In order to ensure that the pressure in the accumulator is always equal to the pressure in the head end of the lift actuator when ride control comes on, the accumulator is selectively connected to the implement pump or the reservoir.

Abstract: A horsepower limiting engine control limits the maximum engine horsepower output during operating conditions that might result in torque outputs that are greater than the transmission component ratings. The control includes an electronic controller connected to solenoid driver circuitry, an engine speed sensor and a gear selector. The solenoid driver circuitry energizes a solenoid in response to an engine speed less than a first predetermined engine speed value. The solenoid causes a moveable stop to retract permitting the engine to produce full rated power. The electronic controller causes the solenoid circuitry to de-energize and extend the moveable stop in response to the engine speed exceeding a second predetermined engine speed value and the gear selector being in a predetermined position.

Abstract: It is common in the design of modern day construction equipment to utilize one or more hydraulic systems that may require the use of a pressurized accumulator. Since the rating requirements for the respective systems can vary from country to country, it is necessary to provide mountings for various sizes of accumulators. In some instances an entire mounting apparatus has been required for each size adding needlessly to the expense and complexity of the mounting design, In the subject invention, a mounting apparatus is provided for accumulators that utilizes a pair of vertically spaced brackets. Mounting fasteners are provided that are centered on an axis that is spaced from a wall of the machine a distance greater than the radius of the largest accumulator that will be utilized. Being so positioned, the same mounting fasteners may be utilized to mount accumulators of various diameters.

Abstract: In the mounting of a grapple arrangement to the boom of a vehicle, it is desirable to provide motion dampeners between the hinged joints of the components. Various types of motion dampening devices have been employed which are mounted in a location that subject the device to structural damage or contamination. The present invention overcomes these drawbacks by providing the mounting apparatus between a grapple arrangement and the rotator of a boom that includes a mounting link. The connection between the mounting link and each of the rotator and grapple arrangement comprises a pair of pin assemblies and that allows relative rotation therebetween about two generally horizontal axes. Along each axis, a motion dampening device or snubber is mounted in association with one of the pin assemblies to apply a preselected amount of force against the pin assembly to resist the relative motion. Each snubber assembly is nested within the structure that is provided by the various portions of the mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A log skidding vehicle (10) having a winch (18) controlled by a lever (20) on which is mounted means (50) for simultaneously actuating a transmission neutralizer (46) and a brake apparatus (38). The actuating means (50), when engaged by the operator, causes a winch brake control valve (32) to transmit compressed air to the brake apparatus (38). Simultaneously therewith, the actuating means (50) causes a transmission neutralizer control valve (42) to obstruct air flow to a transmission neutralizer (46) and thus cause a transmission (48) associated therewith and its shift lever (49) to move to a neutral position. By mounting the actuating means (50) on the winch control lever (20) operator visibility of the skidded load is improved and the operator's comfort is enhanced. In moving the transmission (48) and its shift lever (49) to neutral the utilizing vehicle will not, without additional operator action, move subsequent to disengagement of the brake apparatus (38).