Abstract: A thin film coating for a low alloy steel or tool steel components in a fuel injector (14), such as a fuel injector needle valve (86) is disclosed. A thin film coating (96) consists of a metal carbon material layer less than 2.0 microns thick applied to a low alloy steel substrate (95) or tool steel substrate (95) used in fuel injector components, such as the fuel injector needle valve (86) or a portion thereof. Optionally, a thin bond layer (98) of chromium is deposited between the steel substrate (95) and the primary metal carbon material coating (96). The thin film coating (96) minimizes abrasive and adhesive wear associated with the needle valve (86) and cooperating nozzle surfaces (62, 63) of the fuel injector (14).

Abstract: An exhaust valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine exhaust valve having a thermally prestressed bender actuator, which moves through a displacement in response to a command signal from a control unit. An actuator drive responsive to motion of the thermally prestressed bender actuator operates an exhaust valve actuator system, which, in turn, operates the exhaust valve. The thermally prestressed electroactive bender actuator and the exhaust valve actuator system operate the exhaust valve to effect engine compression braking.

Abstract: The movement of the intensifier piston in a fuel injector, to control the pressurization of fuel, can be controlled with a flow control valve. The flow control valve provides different flow rates depending upon the direction of flow. In a first direction, flow control valve has a first rate of flow and in the second direction flow control valve allows a second different rate of flow. Typically, this can be applied to a intensifier piston as follows: flow traveling to the intensifier piston, in the first direction, has a first flow rate, allowing the intensifier to move downward and pressurize fuel. When injection is over, and the intensifier piston is vented, the flow control valve allows a second flow rate which is greater than the first flow rate, allowing the intensifier piston to vent quickly and reset for another injection.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine, including at least one cylinder and a piston slidable in the cylinder, may include supplying a mixture of pressurized air and recirculated exhaust gas from an intake manifold to an air intake port of a combustion chamber in the cylinder, selectively operating an air intake valve to open the air intake port to allow pressurized air to flow between the combustion chamber and the intake manifold substantially during a majority portion of a compression stroke of the piston, and operably controlling a fuel supply system to inject fuel into the combustion chamber after the intake valve is closed.

Abstract: A method for designing a weld fixture. The method includes modeling a set of distortions produced by applied mechanical forces on a material to be welded, modeling a set of distortions produced by applied thermal forces on the material to be welded, determining a set of reaction forces at a series of locations on a simulated weld fixture as a function of the modeled distortions, and designing a weld fixture as a function of the set of reaction forces.

Abstract: A method for converting a wall configuration of a display device to a cave configuration, the display device including a first display module having a display screen including first and second opposite peripheral edges and means for displaying an image on the display screen, a second display module having a display screen including a peripheral edge and means for displaying an image on the display screen, and a third display model having a display screen including a peripheral edge and means for displaying an image on the display screen. Additionally the invention includes a method for converting a cave configuration of a display device to a wall configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling the movement of an extendable stick on a work machine. The extendable stick is slidably connected to a stick, and the stick is pivotally connected to a boom. The method and apparatus includes determining a position of the stick relative to the boom, determining a position of the extendable stick relative to the stick, receiving a stick movement command to move the stick relative to the boom, moving the stick relative to the boom, and moving the extendable stick in coordination with the movement of the stick as a function of a desired position of the extendable stick relative to the position of the stick.

Abstract: A method for determining a condition of a cylinder in an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders. The method includes the steps of reducing an amount of power being generated by a first cylinder, increasing an amount of power being generated by each of the remaining cylinders, monitoring a condition of the engine, and determining the condition of the first cylinder in response to the monitored condition of the engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a force of a work tool as the work tool contacts a surface. The method and apparatus includes determining at least one non-contact force exerted on the work tool, determining a calibration factor as a function of the at least one non-contact force, determining a contact being made between the work tool and the surface, and determining the contact force of the work tool with the surface as a function of the contact being made and the calibration factor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting a work implement attached to a work machine. The method and apparatus includes delivering a lift command to a hydraulic lift circuit, diverting a portion of the lift command to a hydraulic tilt circuit, and responsively tilting the work implement to a rack-back position in cooperation with lifting the work implement.

Abstract: A display device convertible between a cave configuration and a wall configuration. The present display device includes a first display module having a display screen including first and second opposite peripheral edges and a first video projector for displaying an image on the display screen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a discharge pressure of a variable displacement hydraulic pump. The apparatus and method includes a swashplate pivotally attached to the pump, a control servo operable to increase an angle of the swashplate relative to the pump, a biasing servo operable to decrease the angle of the swashplate relative to the pump, a servo valve having an output port hydraulically connected to the control servo, a divertor line having a first end connected to the pump output port and a second end connected to the biasing servo, and means for controlling the servo valve as a function of the discharge pressure of the pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a display of a work machine at a work site. The work machine has a work implement controllably attached. The method includes the steps of determining a position of the work machine relative to the site, determining a position of the work implement relative to the work machine, and displaying a scaled image of the site, the work machine, and the work implement relative to the work machine, wherein movement of the work implement relative to the work machine is shown.

Abstract: A method for determining a condition of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for an internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of setting an EGR valve located on the EGR system to a first position, determining a first temperature value at a location on the EGR system, setting the EGR valve to a second position, determining a second temperature value at the location, and determining a condition of the EGR system as a function of the difference between the first and second temperature values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling straight line travel of a tracked machine having a left track and a right track. The method and apparatus includes initiating a straight line travel mode of the tracked machine, determining an initial heading angle of a heading sensor located on the tracked machine, sensing a deviation in heading angle from the initial heading angle as the tracked machine travels, determining a heading angle error in response to the deviation in heading angle, and adjusting the speed of at least one of the left and right tracks to compensate for the heading angle error.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a location of an underground object during a digging operation. The method and apparatus includes delivering a signal toward the underground object, receiving a reflected signal from the underground object, determining an initial location of the underground object, creating a region of uncertainty around the underground object as a function of a level of confidence of the determined initial location, performing at least one process to improve the level of confidence, and adjusting the region of uncertainty as a function of the improved level of confidence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a tension of a track on an earthworking machine, the track having a front catenary portion and a rear catenary portion. The method and apparatus includes determining a direction of motion of the earthworking machine, determining a value of tension of the front catenary portion in response to determining the direction of motion of the earthworking machine to be in a forward direction, and determining a value of tension of the rear catenary portion in response to determining the direction of motion of the earthworking machine to be in a reverse direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for multiplexing a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder. Each cylinder has a head end port and a rod end port. The apparatus includes a tank, a pump connected to the tank, and a control valve having an inlet port connected to the pump, an outlet port connected to the tank, and first and second control ports. The apparatus also includes at least two two-position valves each having at least one port connected to a corresponding at least one of the first and second control ports and at least one other port connected to a corresponding one of the head end and rod end ports of the first and second hydraulic cylinders, the at least two two-position valves being operable to selectively divert hydraulic fluid from the respective first and second control ports of the control valve to one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A method for providing an analytical solution for a thermal history of a welding process having multiple weld passes. The method includes the steps of inputting a plurality of files and parameters, preprocessing information from the plurality of files and parameters to determine a set of conditions associated with the welding process, determining a region of influence of at least one heat source used in the welding process as a function of the set of conditions, determining a plurality of point heat source solutions within the region of influence, determining a temperature solution for each weld pass as a function of a superposition of the plurality of point heat source solutions, and determining the thermal history of the welding process as a function of the temperature solutions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a pump discharge pressure of a variable displacement hydraulic pump having a swashplate, and a servo valve for controlling an angle of inclination of the swashplate. The method and apparatus includes sensing a value of an actual pump discharge pressure, determining a desired control pressure using a first feedback linearization control law, determining a desired servo valve spool position using a second feedback linearization control law, and controlling the value of the actual pump discharge pressure as a function of the first and second feedback linearization control laws.