Abstract: A hydraulic system having a load sensing capability with a high pressure cut-off either operational or bypass is disclosed. The hydraulic system includes a pump having variable displacement under control of a pump control signal, a signal duplicator, at least one pressure relief device operable in cooperation with the signal duplicator, and at least one working element driven by the pump. The system includes a high pressure cut-off selector operable in a first mode to allow the signal duplicator to provide the control signal, and in another mode to allow a true signal to control the pump. The system includes a differential relief valve operable to prevent relief flow therethrough when the signal duplicator pressure exceeds the pump output pressure, and to allow relief flow therethrough when pump pressure exceeds the signal duplicator pressure, such that a load sensing capability is maintained under high pump pressure conditions using either the duplicator signal or the true signal for pump control.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the output power of an engine associated with a work machine based upon monitoring the input and output speeds of a torque converter or torque divider coupled to the engine, the present system including a first sensor for determining engine speed, a second sensor for determining the throttle position of the engine, a third sensor for determining the output speed of the torque converter or torque divider, and an electronic controller coupled to the first, second and third sensors for receiving signals therefrom, the controller comparing the actual engine speed and the actual torque converter or divider output speed at a particular throttle setting to an engine speed and converter/divider output speed indicative of optimal or desired engine power output at that same throttle position and thereafter outputting a signal to a monitoring/warning system indicative of low engine power performance when the controller receives a signal from the third sensor indicative of the converter/divider ou

Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosing an engine including at least two cylinder banks using an exhaust temperature model is disclosed.

Abstract: A control for a poppet valve providing improved load drift control is disclosed. The control includes a valve member operably moveable between a closed position and a range of open positions for allowing flow from an associated poppet control chamber, and a sealing element disposed between a first cavity portion in communication with the control chamber and a second cavity portion for preventing leakage around the valve member therebetween. The sealing element is supported by structure which maintains the sealing element in close alignment with a bore in which the valve member is supported, the sealing element in several embodiments being integrally formed with the bore and in other embodiments being self aligning with the bore.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus and method for determining a path or series of paths at a work site for a mobile machine capable of operating autonomously or semi-autonomously is provided. The present invention determines a series of rows that are substantially parallel to the machine's heading. The width of the rows is based on the width of the path worked by one or more of the machine's work implements. The work site is bounded by three or more corner points and the perimeter of the work site is defined by boundary lines connecting the corner points. A first line substantially perpendicular to the machine's heading is calculated starting at an initial corner point and ending at a terminal point along the line having a distance approximately equal to the width of the path. A second line parallel to the machine's heading and passing through the terminal point is determined.

Abstract: A filter bypass switch for detecting a clogged or restricted flow condition in a filter such as an oil filter, the bypass switch including a housing having a passage extending therein, a plunger slidably positioned in the passage for movement therein, a wall in the housing closing the passage adjacent one end of the plunger, and a biasing member for urging the plunger to move in a predetermined direction relative to the housing wall.

Abstract: A method for detecting a power loss condition of an internal combustion engine, the engine having at least one cylinder and a crank shaft, the method including the steps of sensing rotational crank shaft speed for a plurality of designated crank shaft rotational positions over a predetermined number of cycles of rotation, determining an average crank shaft speed fluctuation for each crank shaft position, determining information representative of crank shaft kinetic energy variation due to each firing event in the cylinder, and determining information representative of an average fuel flow rate. Information representative of a power loss for the cylinder is determined as a function of the crank shaft kinetic energy variation, average crank shaft speed and average fuel flow rate and a representative power loss signal is responsively produced.

Abstract: A differential lock control system for controlling the locking of the various differential assemblies associated with a particular work machine wherein such system includes a first switch positionable to select any one or more of the differential assemblies for operation in their locked condition, a second switch actuatable to control the locking of the differential assemblies selected by the first switch, a ground speed sensor for determining the ground speed of the work machine, an optional steering pressure sensor for determining the steering effort required to turn the wheels associated with the front axle, and an electronic controller coupled to the first and second switches and to the respective sensors for receiving signals therefrom, the controller outputting a signal to actuate the locking mechanism of the differential assemblies selected by the position of the first switch when the controller receives a signal indicative of the second switch being actuated, and a signal indicative of the ground spee

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for transitioning a mobile machine from a first path to a second path within a work area includes selecting from among one or more transition schemes, wherein the transitions schemes are composed of one or more interim paths between the first path and the second path. The desired transition scheme is chosen by evaluating one or more performance criteria including whether the interim paths overshoot the second path and whether the interim paths remain within a perimeter surrounding the work area. Additional performance criteria that may be evaluated include the number of interim paths the mobile machine must follow to transition from the end of the first path to the beginning of the second path, the number of heading changes required by the candidate transition scheme, and the amount of the first path and the second path that is traversed by the mobile machine as a result of the candidate transition scheme.

Abstract: Thermosetting, bottom-applied polymeric anti-reflective coatings exhibiting high optical density, rapid plasma etch rates, high solubility in preferred coating solvents, excellent feature coverage, and improved stability in solution are disclosed. The principal component of these new anti-reflective coatings is a polyester resin produced by the reaction of one or more difunctional aliphatic carboxylic acids with a stoichiometric excess of a di- and/or a trifunctional aliphatic primary alcohol, wherein at least one of the dicarboxylic acids may contain a reactive methylene (--CH.sub.2 --) group. The resulting polyester resin reaction product is further modified by attaching light-absorbing groups to some or all of the reactive methylene groups (if present) and/or hydroxy groups present on the resin. The dye-attached polyester resin is combined with an aminoplast crosslinking agent and acid catalyst in a suitable solvent system to form the final anti-reflective coating.

Abstract: A programmable multiple coin tube changer for accepting and storing coins of different denomination comprises a plurality of coin tubes with each coin tube for storing one coin denomination and each coin tube being removable from the changer in order to reconfigure the coin tubes, circuitry for initiating a payout configuration mode whenever the coin tubes are reconfigured from an initial configuration to a subsequent configuration, circuitry for selecting which one of the coin tubes are to store a particular coin, a mechanism for routing a particular coin to the coin tube which has been selected for storing that particular coin, and a memory for storing information corresponding to the coin tube which has been selected for storing that particular coin. The programmable multiple coin tube changer also has the capability of accepting one or more coins which were previously rejected by the changer and rejecting one or more coins which were previously accepted by the changer.

Abstract: A honing member for use in honing the external cylindrical surface of a workpiece comprising an elongated annular member having a passageway extending the entire length therethrough, the inner annular surface of such passageway having abrasive particles attached directly thereto or formed integrally therewith, the inner annular surface being substantially cylindrical in shape and having at least one tapered portion adjacent one end portion of the honing member, and a slot formed through one side portion of the annular member extending the full length thereof to facilitate expansion and contraction thereof to radially adjust the diameter of the inner surface of the annular member.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying and protecting a garment in an unfolded, substantially visible condition, the apparatus including a generally planar backing member including a body portion and at least two limb portions attached to the body portion at locations corresponding to the locations of limb receiving members of the garment, the limb portions of the backing member being preferably bendable relative to the body portion to allow insertion of the backing member into the garment such that the limb portions are received in arm or leg portions of the garment, and a protective envelope constructed of overlapping generally transparent film members having outer peripheral edge portions joined together forming an interior cavity adapted for receiving the backing member when located in the garment, the backing member and the protective envelope each having a profile shape corresponding to the profile shape of the garment when in an unfolded condition, the protective envelope being marginally larger for receiving the ba

Abstract: A continuous compression ring and a continuous oil control ring for a piston reciprocally operable in a combustion cylinder of an IC engine, the continuous compression ring being cooperatively receivable in a groove extending around the piston and having a generally G-shaped cross-sectional shape including a circumferentially extending lip positioned to be located radially outwardly of a cylindrical outer surface extending around the piston, the lip adapted for forming a substantially sealed condition around the piston in cooperation with an oil film on the combustion cylinder wall, the continuous oil control ring being cooperatively receivable in another groove extending around the piston and having a generally n-shaped cross-sectional shape including a circumferentially extending leg portion adapted to be positioned radially outwardly of the outer surface of the piston around the piston for scraping the oil film on the combustion cylinder wall during the reciprocal operation of the piston in the combustion

Abstract: An auxiliary hydraulic control system for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid within an auxiliary hydraulic circuit associated with a particular work machine wherein such system includes a first bi-directional proportional switch actuatable to control the direction of flow within the auxiliary hydraulic circuit in either a first or a second direction and at a flow rate which is proportional to the amount of pressure being exerted on the switch in the selected direction, a second switch actuatable to provide continuous flow in the selected direction and at the selected flow rate, and an electronic controller coupled to the first and second switches for receiving signals therefrom, the controller outputting a signal to initiate continuous flow in the selected direction and at the selected flow rate when the controller receives signals indicative of the first switch being actuated, the second switch being actuated, and the first switch being released within a predetermined period of time after the second swi

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the efficiency of filtering fluid of a hydraulic system, including a venturi adapted for connection to a first fluid carrying conduit of the hydraulic system for receiving a flow of the fluid therefrom, the venturi having a restricted passage extending therethrough and an orifice communicating therewith, a diverter conduit connected in communication with the orifice and with a second fluid carrying conduit of the hydraulic system, the diverter conduit containing a restricted orifice therein, and the venturi having an outlet connected in fluid communication with a filter, wherein the flow of the fluid through the restricted passage of the venturi will generate a reduced pressure condition in the diverter conduit to divert at least some of the fluid in the second fluid carrying conduit of the hydraulic system into the diverter conduit so as to pass into the venturi and flow onto the filter, the reduced pressure condition being weak or strong in correspondence to the fluid flow through th

Abstract: A grain threshing mechanism including a power source having a preselected rotational speed, a concave assembly and a device operably connecting the concave assembly in driven communication with the power source for rotation thereby, a rotor assembly positioned for independent rotation within the concave assembly, and a drive system connecting the rotor assembly in driven communication with the power source for rotation thereby, the drive system including the transmission and a planetary gear set, the transmission being operable for selecting at least one predetermined rotational speed range for the rotor assembly and the planetary gear set being operable for varying the rotational speed of the rotor assembly within the at least one predetermined rotational speed range.

Abstract: An implement mounting arrangement for a work machine providing simplified, independent lift-roll and pitch-yaw operability.

Abstract: A macular indentor for positioning over a macular area of an eye comprises a strip of material having a pair of opposed ends, the strip having a raised portion for indenting the macular area of the eye. The macular indentor is also inflatable for selectively applying pressure to the macular area of the eye.