Abstract: A quench system cooling effectiveness meter including a reference sensor and a measurement sensor is disclosed. The reference sensor and the measurement sensor are included in a resistance bridge. The amount of heat that can be removed by the quench system from the measurement sensor is recorded to determine the cooling effectiveness of the quench system. The meter can be moved to different locations within the quench system to measure cooling variations within the system as a function of location.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a vehicle regulating engine speed during shifts so as to reduce driveline torque and shift shock. The control system includes separate microprocessor based engine and transmission controllers which communicate via a data link. When a shift is initiated, the transmission controller delays a first period of time CTSDELAY sufficient for the transmission to disengage the old gear ratio and then produces a CTSSPEED signal. The transmission controller continues to produce the CTSSPEED signal for a second period of time CTSDUR which corresponds to the time required for the transmission to engage the new gear ratio. The engine controller receives the desired engine speed signal and regulates engine speed into correspondence with the desired speed. During upshifts, the CTSSPEED signal is set to a speed which is a predetermined amount above the synchronization speed of the new gear for an upshift.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling the pressure of a hydraulic actuator fluid used in connection with an electronically controlled hydraulic actuator unit injector fuel system is disclosed. The apparatus and method eliminates aliasing and other sampling errors caused by oscillations in the hydraulic actuator fluid pressure. The apparatus and method senses an engine parameter to permit an electronic controller to calculate an injection time and duration for fuel to be delivered to a particular cylinder. The electronic controller issues a driver signal to a hydraulically actuated unit fuel injector. A hydraulic actuator fluid pressure sensor is associated with the pressurized hydraulic actuator fluid. The electronic controller samples the hydraulic actuator fluid pressure sensor in dependence on the issuance of the driver signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high vibration electrical connector. Included in the connector is a receptacle that is preferably integral with a surface of an electrical component. The receptacle includes a securing wedge and an electrical pin. Also included in the electrical connector is a vibration dampening pad and a plug. The plug includes a fastening bar and a securing notch that engages with the securing wedge when said plug is inserted in said receptacle. The plug also includes a plug cap 105 to help seal the plug from external contaminants.

Abstract: A modular speed sensor for sensing the speed of a rotating body is disclosed. The sensor includes a sensor housing comprising an elongate tube and a sensor housing body. A hall effect sensor is installed in the elongate tube and wires connected to the hall effect sensor extend through the tube and connect to a wire interconnect board installed within the sensor housing body. A compression grommet is provided to hold the wire interconnect board within the sensor housing body. Preferably, a second set of wires extend through holes in the compression grommet and connect to the wire interconnect board. The second set of wires can then be connected to a control circuit or other device to read a speed signal from the modular speed sensor.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a contactless inductance switch is disclosed for use with a joystick. The switch is mechanically connected to a mass which is movable between a first and second position. When an operator presses the switch, the mass moves to the second position adjacent to an electrical circuitry. Sensing circuitry measures the change in inductance in the coil and produces a control signal indicating that the switch was pressed.

Abstract: An electronic control for controlling a high idle set value of equipment having an engine is disclosed. The control includes an electronic controller electrically connected to a rocker switch comprising a high idle switch and a low idle switch. An engine speed sensor and a decelerator pedal position sensor are electrically connected to the electronic controller. The electronic control permits the equipment operator to program a desired high idle set point value. The control thereafter produces an engine speed command based on the high idle set point value. A decelerator pedal is provided to permit the equipment operator to reduce the engine speed command value below the high idle set point value.

Abstract: Large work vehicles include hydraulic implement control systems having an hydraulic pump being driven by an internal combustion engine. The subject invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling such an hydraulic system to limit engine lug. The invention includes a sensor for producing a parameter signal indicating the load on the engine and a pump control for varying the displacement of the variable displacement pump in response to engine load increasing above a predefined level. The response of the pump control is restricted to allow the engine to reach a predefined operating state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing the failure of hydraulically-actuated electronically-controlled fuel injector in a combustion engine is disclosed. An electronic controller senses the pressure of the hydraulic actuator fluid prior to injection and samples the pressure throughout a subsequent injection cycle. If the samples show an oscillation in the pressure of the hydraulic actuator fluid, then the injector has fired. Otherwise, the injector has failed.

Abstract: Pedal mounted sensors are useful in vehicles for delivering an electrical signal correlative to the position of the pedal position. A pulse-width-modulated signals is preferable because it is less susceptible to signal degradation from engine noise or other factors. A pedal mount sensor capable of measuring a plurality of different angle ranges is disclosed. A stationary portion of the potentiometer includes both a mother board and a daughter board to improve manufacturability of the potentiometer. An application specific integrated circuit is substituted for direct pulse-width-modulation circuitry that permits a second, redundant circuit to be included within the potentiometer housing.

Abstract: An elevated idle speed control is disclosed for use with an internal combustion engine on a vehicle. The control includes an electronic controller connected to a brake pedal sensor, a clutch pedal sensor, an engine speed determining means, a vehicle speed determining means, and a high idle mode selection means. The control permits a vehicle operator to select a desired high idle speed within a default high idle speed and a maximum high idle speed. The control permits the operator to select a high idle mode as a function of signals from said brake pedal sensor, said clutch pedal sensor, the engine speed determining means, the vehicle speed determining means and the high idle mode selection means.

Abstract: Large work vehicles include hydraulic implement control systems having an hydraulic pump being driven by an internal combustion engine. The subject invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling such an hydraulic system to control engine lug while the hydraulic system is operating. The apparatus includes one or more sensors for producing parameter signals in response to the level of one or more hydraulic system operating parameters. A control receives the parameter signals and responsively produces a supplemental control signal which is used to control engine lug.

Abstract: An automatic lift and tip coordination system for use in connection with an off-highway vehicle having an implement causes an automatic adjustment to the implement lift actuators in response to an operator change in the implement tip angle so that the implement height remains constant.

Abstract: An off-highway vehicle having an earth moving implement has a tilt function associated with the implement. For example, a bulldozer has a tilt function associated with the bulldozer blade. The vehicle has a processor adapted to receive a position signal from a position sensor associated with the tilt function of the implement. The operator engages a switch to activate an automatic tilt function. A selector switch is provided so that the operator can select between a plurality of pre-set blade angles. The selector switch outputs a target position signal associated with a pre-set angle to the processor. The processor automatically calculates a command signal for the tilt function based on the difference between the position signal and the target position signal. The processor issues the command signal to the tilt function causing the tilt function to move the implement to the pre-set angle associated with the switch position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in a vehicle having an engine driven transmission which includes a plurality of gear ratios. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to sense an operating parameter and responsively produce a parameter signal. A memory device includes a custom shiftpoint map for storing data which relates transmission gear ratio to the parameter signal. A programming device for allowing the custom shiftpoint map to be reprogrammed during vehicle operation. A controller is adapted to receive the vehicle speed signal, retrieve data from the custom shiftpoint map, and process the retrieved data and the parameter signal to produce a transmission control signal. An actuator is adapted to receive the transmission control signal and responsively control the transmission gear ratio.

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: A dynamic wastegate failure detection apparatus for determining wastegate failure levels for individual internal combustion engines is disclosed. The apparatus repeatedly measures and stores intake boost pressures at times when the engine is producing higher boost pressure levels. The apparatus calculates a boost pressure limit value as a function of the stored boost pressures. A wastegate failure is indicated and the engine output power is derated when a boost pressure value exceeds the sum of the boost pressure limit value and a predetermined pressure differential.

Abstract: An engine control is provided for compensating the fuel delivery to an internal combustion engine as a function of the energy content of the fuel. The engine control includes a fuel temperature sensor connected to an electronic controller. A memory device including a standard fuel delivery map stored therein is connected to the electronic controller. The electronic controller calculates a compensated fuel delivery map as a function of the standard fuel delivery map and the fuel temperature, and the controller issues a fuel delivery command based on the compensated fuel delivery map.

Abstract: A generic solenoid driver circuit and circuit board may be used in a plurality of application specific driver circuits. The circuit board includes a plurality of binary driver circuit locations, proportional circuit locations, and jumper locations. Electrical components are inserted at those locations needed for the circuit to perform the functions of the specific application. Microprocessor controlled switches may be substituted for the jumper locations so that the solenoid driver circuit configuration may be software controlled.

Abstract: An engine control system is provided which calculates an optimum air/fuel ratio by minimizing the smoke produced by the engine while at the same time maximizing the engine response time for all altitudes over which the engine operates. The control system includes a microprocessor, an ambient pressure sensor, fuel injectors, and storage means. A manual adjustment is provided that allows an operator to manually adjust the air/fuel ratio within certain pre-defined limits of the optimum value.