Abstract: A method and system for retarding an engine of a machine is provided. The machine has a hydraulic pump driven by the engine, a motor driven by the hydraulic pump, and a fan driven by the motor. The method includes sensing the operating speed of the engine with an engine speed sensor. The method also includes operating the motor at a first pressure. The method also includes comparing the operating speed to a trigger speed. The method also includes operating the motor at a second pressure greater than the first pressure if the operating speed of engine exceeds the trigger speed by a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a work machine wherein an operator traverses the work machine within an operator selected speed range. The operator positions a speed-range control device to select the operator selected speed range, thus, sending a speed-range signal from the speed-range control device to an electronic control module indicative of the position of the speed-range control device. The speed-range signal is converted to a scaling factor to re-calibrate at least one drive map indicative of the scaling factor. The operator then may position a control device to traverse the work machine within the operator selected speed range.

Abstract: Changing operating characteristics of an implement can expand the capabilities of and enhances the productivity of the implement. The disclosed method and apparatus for changing operating characteristics of an implement comprises, providing the operating characteristics of the implement with a predetermined operational range consisting of a plurality of values, connecting the implement with a work machine, sending a first input signal identifying the operational range to an electronic control module, operating the implement at a first value within the operational range, sending a second input signal relating to a second value within the operational range to the electronic control module, and sending an output signal from the electronic control module to one of the work machine and the implement to change from the first value to the second value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a work machine wherein the operator changes the control pattern of the work machine by selecting the control pattern from a plurality of control patterns stored in a controller. A first input device is actuated to select a predetermined control pattern for at least one control member. The controller enables an algorithm to change from a first control pattern to a second control pattern in response to the selected predetermined control pattern.

Abstract: A method of flowing hydraulic fluid in a work machine is disclosed. The method includes generating a control signal from an input mechanism and generating a property signal indicative of a viscosity of the hydraulic fluid. The control signal and the property signal are received at a control module. The method also includes determining a desired volume flow rate for the control signal and determining a valve control signal required to achieve the desired volume flow rate for the control signal. The valve control signal is based upon the property signal. The valve control signal is output to a proportional valve to provide the desired volume flow rate through the valve for the command signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a work machine wherein an operator traverses the work machine within an operator selected speed range. The operator positions a speed-range control device to select the operator selected speed range, thus, sending a speed-range signal from the speed-range control device to an electronic control module indicative of the position of the speed-range control device. The speed-range signal is converted to a scaling factor to re-calibrate at least one drive map indicative of the scaling factor. The operator then may position a control device to traverse the work machine within the operator selected speed range.

Abstract: Changing operating characteristics of an implement can expand the capabilities of and enhances the productivity of the implement. The disclosed method and apparatus for changing operating characteristics of an implement comprises, providing the operating characteristics of the implement with a predetermined operational range consisting of a plurality of values, connecting the implement with a work machine, sending a first input signal identifying the operational range to an electronic control module, operating the implement at a first value within the operational range, sending a second input signal relating to a second value within the operational range to the electronic control module, and sending an output signal from the electronic control module to one of the work machine and the implement to change from the first value to the second value.

Abstract: An attachment frame is connected with a loader arm of a work machine for connecting an implement thereto. A latch member is operatively associated with the attachment frame and movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. A link has a first end portion connected to the latch member and a second end portion. A pivot member has a first end portion pivotally connected on the attachment frame, a second end portion pivotally connected on the second end portion of the link, and a central portion. A cylinder has a head end portion connected to the attachment frame and a rod end portion connected to the central portion of the pivot member. The cylinder is connected with a supply of hydraulic fluid so that upon pressurization thereof the cylinder is actuated for moving the latch member between the disengaged and engaged positions to respectively detach and attach the implement to the work machine.

Abstract: A work machine is operably coupled to an interchangeable hydraulically-driven implement via at least one hydraulic line. When changing the hydraulically-driven implement, high pressure trapped within the hydraulic line may cause difficulties in disengaging the attached hydraulically-driven implement from a body of the work machine. The present invention relieves the pressure in the hydraulic line by energizing at least one electronically controlled valve while an engine of the work machine is inactive. The valve is operably coupled to an electrical actuator and is moveable between, at least, a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position, the hydraulic line is fluidly connected to a low pressure line. A control system includes a pressure release controller that is operably coupled to energize the electrical actuator and move the valve to the first position when the engine is inactive.

Abstract: A work machine is operably coupled to an interchangeable hydraulically-driven implement via at least one hydraulic line. When changing the hydraulically-driven implement, high pressure trapped within the hydraulic line may cause difficulties in disengaging the attached hydraulically-driven implement from a body of the work machine. The present invention relieves the pressure in the hydraulic line by energizing at least one electronically controlled valve while an engine of the work machine is inactive. The valve is operably coupled to an electrical actuator and is moveable between, at least, a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position, the hydraulic line is fluidly connected to a low pressure line. A control system includes a pressure release controller that is operably coupled to energize the electrical actuator and move the valve to the first position when the engine is inactive.

Abstract: A fluid control system incorporates an orificing device between each of a plurality of pilot operated control valves in connection with a control device and a resolver. The pilot operated control valves are actuated by the control device to control different functions of a work machine. The actuation of the pilot operated control valves produces pressure flows that are sent to the respective resolver. The orificing devices include a plurality of steps that may be varied in size and shape to dampen the pressure flow to the respective resolver so that independent control for the pilot operated control valves is achieved. Additionally, a precision edge is defined within each of the orificing devices to control the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid through the respective orificing device and maintain a consistent viscous drag therethrough independent of temperature and oil-viscosity variations.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrostatic transmission system that has a control device that is selectable to send a speed signal to a motor for driving an output at a predetermined speed. A controller is used to automatically permit the selected speed signal in response to a predetermined speed signal and predetermined input from a sensing device indicating that the output is being driven in a forward drive condition. The controller is also used to automatically override the selected speed signal in response to a predetermined speed signal and predetermined input from a sensing device indicating that the output is being driven in a reverse drive condition. This invention allows for the speed of the motor to be changed from a high speed to a low speed when the motor is driving the output in a reverse drive condition to achieve greater efficiency and control of a work machine.

Abstract: In the operation of a work machine attachment of the type utilizing fluid cylinders, it is desirable provide a way to conveniently operate each of the fluid cylinders while locating any hydraulic conduits required to operate the fluid cylinders away from the operator cab. The present invention provides for a hydraulic positioning system for use with a work machine attachment of the type having a frame, a tool, and a plurality of fluid cylinders coupling the tool with the frame. A fluid deflection device is coupled to at least one fluid cylinder and is in fluid communication with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit having a fluid source. A primary hydraulic circuit is in fluid communication with the fluid deflection device and operable to selectively deflect the fluid source of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit to at least one of the fluid cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrostatic transmission system that has a control device that is selectable to send a speed signal to a motor for driving an output at a predetermined speed. A controller is used to automatically permit the selected speed signal in response to a predetermined speed signal and predetermined input from a sensing device indicating that the output is being driven in a forward drive condition. The controller is also used to automatically override the selected speed signal in response to a predetermined speed signal and predetermined input from a sensing device indicating that the output is being driven in a reverse drive condition. This invention allows for the speed of the motor to be changed from a high speed to a low speed when the motor is driving the output in a reverse drive condition to achieve greater efficiency and control of a work machine.

Abstract: In the operation of a work machine attachment of the type utilizing fluid cylinders, it is desirable provide a way to conveniently operate each of the fluid cylinders while locating any hydraulic conduits required to operate the fluid cylinders away from the operator cab. The present invention provides for a hydraulic positioning system for use with a work machine attachment of the type having a frame, a tool, and a plurality of fluid cylinders coupling the tool with the frame. A fluid deflection device is coupled to at least one fluid cylinder and is in fluid communication with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit having a fluid source. A primary hydraulic circuit is in fluid communication with the fluid deflection device and operable to selectively deflect the fluid source of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit to at least one of the fluid cylinders.

Abstract: A fluid control system incorporates an orificing device between each of a plurality of pilot operated control valves in connection with a control device and a resolver. The pilot operated control valves are actuated by the control device to control different functions of a work machine. The actuation of the pilot operated control valves produces a pressure signal that is sent to the resolver. The orificing device includes a plurality of steps that may be varied in size and shape to dampen the pressure signal to the resolver so that independent control for the pilot operated control valves is achieved. Additionally, a precision edge is defined within the orificing device to control the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid through the orificing device and maintain a consistent viscous drag therethrough independent of temperature and oil-viscosity variations.

Abstract: An attachment frame is connected with a loader arm of a work machine for connecting an implement thereto. A latch member is operatively associated with the attachment frame and movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. A link has a first end portion connected to the latch member and a second end portion. A pivot member has a first end portion pivotally connected on the attachment frame, a second end portion pivotally connected on the second end portion of the link, and a central portion. A cylinder has a head end portion connected to the attachment frame and a rod end portion connected to the central portion of the pivot member. The cylinder is connected with a supply of hydraulic fluid so that upon pressurization thereof the cylinder is actuated for moving the latch member between the disengaged and engaged positions to respectively detach and attach the implement to the work machine.

Abstract: A control arrangement is provided to control the output of a hydrostatic transmission in response to a selectable input from an operator. This is accomplished by having a adjustable relief valve connected to the pilot control arrangement that controls the displacement of the variable displacement pump of the hydrostatic transmission. The adjustable relief valve vents a portion of the pilot control pressure being directed to the variable displacement pump in response to the pressure between the variable displacement pump and the fluid motor of the hydrostatic transmission and the setting of the adjustable relief valve by the operator.

Abstract: Earthmoving machines are often provided with quick coupling devices that allow them to change work implements in a relatively rapid fashion when compared to changing conventionally mounted implements. A locking system between the machine linkage and the implement is positioned between the components and includes a hydraulic system which continually applies pressurized fluid to the locking system.

Abstract: In articulated machines it has long been a desire to provide a steering system that will permit the incorporation of machine controls into a steering wheel assembly and yet provide the operator with mechanical feedback through the steering wheel. The present invention accomplishes this goal by providing a steering wheel assembly on a first frame of the machine and a control valve on the second frame that articulates with respect to the first. The steering wheel assembly and control valve are connected by a shaft assembly that includes a pair of constant velocity U-joints interposed along the length thereof. The shaft assembly translates substantially equal amounts of rotation between the steering wheel assembly and the control valve. The control valve is operable in a first and second condition, depending upon the amount of rotation of the steering wheel assembly, to provide different modes of steering that compliment the operation of the machine.