Abstract: A machine lubrication system that includes an assembly for sensing the level of lubricant in the reservoir, the reservoir including a follower that travels axially within the reservoir and substantially conforms to an inner cross-sectional dimension thereof, a magnet being attached to the follower for actuation of a plurality of magnetically actuated switches. The system may include a first and second level sensor, which may be independently connected to one or more power sources, where the first level sensor may be associated with an operator station, and the second level sensor may be associated with a remote indicator.

Abstract: A machine lubrication system that includes an assembly for sensing the level of lubricant in the reservoir, the reservoir including a follower that travels axially within the reservoir and substantially conforms to an inner cross-sectional dimension thereof, a magnet being attached to the follower for actuation of a plurality of magnetically actuated switches. The system may include a first and second level sensor, which may be independently connected to one or more power sources, where the first level sensor may be associated with an operator station, and the second level sensor may be associated with a remote indicator.

Abstract: A method to prevent overspeed of an internal combustion and attached ancillary devices in a mechanized vehicle includes one or more procedures to prevent improper gear selection to disengage the lockup function of a torque converter, to initiate engine braking and to destroke variable displacement hydraulic pumps. Requested gear selection in downshift is allowed only after interrogation of brake pressure, ground speed, shift selection requested and torque converter output speed. The torque converter lock-up solenoid is activated or deactivated in response to torque converter output speed which is compared to selected values to engage or disengage. Engine braking using a compression release braking system response to engine RPM in manual or automatic mode to prevent overspeed. Variable displacement pumps are destroked in response to engine RPM by adjusting swashplate control. The systems may be operated independently or under the control of a common electronic module.

Abstract: A method to prevent overspeed of an internal combustion and attached ancillary devices in a mechanized vehicle includes one or more procedures to prevent improper gear selection to disengage the lockup function of a torque converter, to initiate engine braking and to destroke variable displacement hydraulic pumps. Requested gear selection in downshift is allowed only after interrogation of brake pressure, ground speed, shift selection requested and torque converter output speed. The torque converter lock-up solenoid is activated or deactivated in response to torque converter output speed which is compared to selected values to engage or disengage. Engine braking using a compression release braking system response to engine RPM in manual or automatic mode to prevent overspeed. Variable displacement pumps are destroked in response to engine RPM by adjusting swashplate control.

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.