Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed for controlling the timing at which fuel is to be injected. In response to engine speed and temperature, a desired timing signal is produced. The desired timing angle represents when the start of injection is to occur in order to cause combustion at substantially Top Dead Center (TDC). The timing signal additionally accounts for a predetermined ignition delay from the time that fuel is injected to the start of combustion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing configuration information to an operator of a work machine adapted to be configured for performing a plurality of work functions. Whether the work machine control system is in power up mode is determined. Configuration parameters are read from memory and provided to the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of preventing refuse from wrapping around the axle of a work machine is disclosed. A work machine includes a frame, an axle, at least one wheel, an operator compartment, an engine, and an axle protection system. The at least one wheel has a rim extension having an outer portion. The axle protection system includes a roof guard and an axle guard assembly. The axle guard assembly has a plate and a labyrinth guard. A channel is provided by the configuration of the guard assembly, plate, and labyrinth guard such that the outer portion of the rim extension is received by the channel. The plate extends substantially vertically from the perimeter of the axle guard assembly. Preferably, a flexible member is attached to the edge of the plate and extends such that it is urged in contact with the roof guard.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring the stress on a work machine is disclosed. A work machine includes a frame, a plurality of ground engaging devices, an operator compartment, an implement having a linkage, an engine, and a stress measurement control system. The stress measurement control system includes a strain gauge sensor, a memory, an electronic controller, and an operator interface. The strain gauge sensor assembly is mounted to the frame or the implement and provides a stress signal indicative of the stress acting upon the frame or the implement. The memory stores a stress signal value and stress limit value. The electronic controller receives the stress signal and the stress limit value, determines whether the stress signal is greater than the stress limit value, and responsively stores the stress signal value in the memory and provides an associated message. The operator interface receives the associated message and provides it to the operator in the operator compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of cooling a work machine is disclosed. A work machine includes a frame, a plurality of ground engaging devices, an operator compartment, a work implement, an engine, and a cooling system. The cooling system includes a radiator, a rotating fan assembly, a rotating deflector, and a means for rotating the fan and the deflector. The rotating fan assembly includes a fan and is for drawing air in a first direction across the radiator. The deflector has a concave surface with a plurality of projections extending therefrom and adapted to draw air in a second direction as the deflector is rotated.

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: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of providing diagnostic information to an operator of a work machine. Whether the work machine control system is in diagnostic messaging mode is determined. At least one diagnostic fault parameter descriptive message is read from a memory. The diagnostic fault parameter descriptive message is provided to the operator. Preferably, diagnostic messaging mode is determined by whether the work machine control system is in service mode and whether the diagnostic text function is selected. Advantageously, a component identification number descriptive message is provided in a first character display and a failure mode indicating number descriptive message is provided in a second character display of an operator interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllably engaging, or disengaging, or both engaging and disengaging, a neutralize mode associated with a transmission located on a machine is disclosed. The machine has a controller, a memory associated with the controller, and a braking system. A determined system brake pressure is compared with at least one of an established neutralize pressure value and in gear pressure value. The neutralize mode is engaged or disengaged in response to the comparison.

Abstract: In many types of construction machines, the frame assembly comprises a rear frame that supports the engine and the majority of the drive train components and a front frame that supports the work implement and related structure. In this type of machine, the two frames are normally pinned together and the front frame is articulated with respect to the rear frame by a pair of steering cylinders to provide steering for the machine. In order to provide the required structural support for the components of the work implement and to accommodate the steering forces, the front frame is necessarily quite large. The present invention provides a front frame (12) structure that includes a pair of main side plates (62, 64) that are positioned a preselected distance (W) from one another and mount a lift arm assembly (30) therebetween to minimize the overall width of the frame assembly. The forward end portion of the front frame assembly (12) has a preselected height (H) that permits the front frame to have a low profile.

Abstract: A jump and return to grade function provides a means by activation of a switch to rapidly raise a milling machine to avoid an obstacle, then return the machine to the previous milling position. When the jump function is activated, the legs are extended at full speed, causing the machine to rise. In the return to grade function, the legs are retracted at controlled speeds until the previous milling depth is reached or the switch is released.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the clamping forces on an object being held between a bucket and a thumb of a work machine is disclosed. The apparatus and method controls the head and rod end pressures of the bucket and thumb hydraulic cylinders to substantially maintain a desired clamping pressure on the gripped object, thereby providing at a touch of a switch, a work machine that can be controlled as the thumb and forefinger combination of the human hand which gives a "wristlike" action to the bucket thumb combination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing underdigging of a work machine, which may occur if the implement digs under or too close to the work machine, is disclosed. An underdigging boundary or a space of allowable implement movement is established relative to the work machine. The position of the implement is sensed, and the movement of the implement is controllably prevented from underdigging the work machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllably shifting into a lower gear of a manual transmission is disclosed. A high downshift speed value is established and stored in a memory. The downshift speed variable of the manual transmission is set equal to the high downshift speed value for a duration time in response to a control signal. The manual transmission is controllably shifted into a lower gear when an engine speed becomes equal to or less than the downshift speed variable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the current waveform of a fuel injection signal so as to consistently control the amount of fuel injected by an electronically controlled hydraulic actuator unit injector fuel system to an engine is disclosed. The apparatus and method varies the waveform of a fuel injection signal using equations or look-up maps and based on sensed operating parameters, which preferably include a desired speed of the engine or desired fuel quantity to be injected during an injection event, actuating fluid pressure and engine speed.

Abstract: A method for controlling the displacement of a variable displacement hydraulic pump to produce a desired flow of fluid is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: determining that the machine is being operated in a digging cycle; determining a desired displacement of the pump, the desired pump displacement being less than the maximum pump displacement; and controlling the pump displacement to the desired pump displacement to produce a desired flow of fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting the control of a work implement is disclosed. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick. A joystick position sensor senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates an operator command signal. An implement position sensor senses the position of the work implement and responsively produces an implement position signal. A microprocessor based controller receives the implement position and operator command signals, modifies the operator command signal, and produces an electrical valve signal in response to the modified operator command signal. An electrohydraulic valve receives the electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a magnitude of the electrical valve signal.

Abstract: In the operation of machines such as landfill compactors it is common to provide a shear assembly that is mounted between the axle assembly and a wheel that is rotatably mounted thereon to sever material that would otherwise become entrained about the axle assembly. Material of relatively large gauge may become lodged within the shear assembly and create large loading forces between the wheel and the axle components that have been known to damage various drive train components. The present invention provides a cutting apparatus that has a first (34) and second shear blade (40) mounted to the axle assembly (10) and wheel (12) respectively. The second shear blade (40) is bolted (66,68,70) to the wheel (12) in a manner wherein selected ones of the mounting bolts (66,68,70) are sized in a manner in which forces of a preselected magnitude will shear the bolts (68,70) thus limiting the amount of force transmitted to the drive train components.

Abstract: A controllable mechanical brake release system for controllably releasing a mechanical brake included in a hydrostatic machine is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment the hydrostatic machine is located on an incline. The mechanical brake is included in a mechanical braking system. The hydrostatic machine has the braking system, a hydrostatic propulsion system and a controller. A determined hydraulic pressure associated with the hydrostatic propulsion system is compared with an established trip indicator. A release mechanical brake signal is produced in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly includes a frame and a heat exchanger which is movable relative to the frame. The assembly further includes a handle pivotally secured to the frame. Moreover, the assembly includes a linkage pivotally secured to the handle. The linkage is also pivotally secured to the heat exchanger. Movement of the handle from a first handle position to a second handle position causes the heat exchanger to move from a first heat exchanger position to a second heat exchanger position.