Abstract: An apparatus for indicating efficiency losses in a pump is provided. The apparatus includes a temperature sensor located at the pump input, a second temperature sensor located at a second location, a fluid flow sensor located at the second location, a processor for producing a difference signal in response to signals from the first and second temperature sensors and for quantifying efficiency losses of the pump in response to the difference signal and a signal from the fluid flow sensor. A fault indicator is also provided that is responsive to the efficiency losses.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided for detecting a fault condition in a transmission having a plurality of rotating components, a plurality of clutches, and a transmission control. The diagnostic system includes speed sensors producing speed and direction signals representative of the rotational velocity of the rotating components, a processor for calculating the relative rotational speed between two or more clutches and for indicating a fault condition in response to the relative rotational speed and a period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing a temperature profile of a part operating within a machine is provided. The machine is operated with the part for a predetermined period of time. The part is placed in a light box in which a camera produces an image of the part. The image is compared with a standard set of colors and the standard color most closely corresponding to each pixel of the image is selected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for simulating a plurality of bearing orbits. The apparatus includes a first simulator for producing signals indicative of a first simulated bearing orbit; a second simulator for producing signals indicative of a second simulated bearing orbit; a control for varying the rotor journal position for each of the first and second simulated bearing orbits; a control for varying the orbit amplitude for each of the first and second simulated bearing orbits; and a control for modifying the rotor mode shape of the first and second simulated bearing orbits.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting wear in a pump. The apparatus includes a case drain connected to the pump case, a flow sensor for producing signals indicative of case drain flow, a processor for determining whether pump wear has exceeded a predetermined level and for indicating a fault in response to the pump wear exceeding the predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for indicating a fault condition in a machine having a plurality of parameters each having levels being dependent upon machine performance. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to produce an electrical signal in response to the level of one of the of parameters; and a processor for identifying a trend in the parameter level in response to the electrical signal, calculating the duration and slope of the trend; and determining whether a first warning threshold is exceeded in response to the duration and slope of the trend, the first warning threshold being a function of duration and slope.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a hydraulic circuit having first and second hydraulic valves, a valve spool position sensor, and first and second input devices for producing first and second operation signals. A controller receives a signal from the valve spool position sensor and the second operation signal and responsively modifies the value of the second operation signal in response to the valve spool position signal.

Abstract: In the field of large construction and mining equipment, significant frame stresses considerably shorten the expected operating life of a machine. This invention provides indications of significant frame stresses on machines having a ground engaging portion, a frame connected to the ground engaging portion, and a plurality of pressure sensing devices. Each of the pressure sensing devices are adapted to produce pressure signals indicative of loads imparted on the frame. The pressure signals are processed to produce frame stress data.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling a machine having a rotatable body and includes a light signal source, a sensor connected to the rotatable body for producing electrical signals in response to receiving the light signal, and a device controlling the rotational speed of the rotatable body in response the electrical signals.

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: According to one aspect of the present invention, a control system for automatically controlling a work implement of an excavating machine through an excavation work cycle is provided. The work implement includes a boom, stick and bucket, each being controllably actuated by at least one respective hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic cylinders containing pressurized hydraulic fluid. The control system includes an operator control element adapted to produce an operator control signal indicative of a desired velocity of one of the hydraulic cylinders. An electrohydraulic valve actuates predetermined ones of the hydraulic cylinders to perform an excavation work cycle in response to the control signal. A sensor produces signals indicative of the forces associated with at least one of the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided for responding to a fault condition in a transmission having an electronic control including diagnostics for both electrical and mechanical failures, said diagnostics indicating the affected clutch and the type of failure. The diagnostic system includes a processor for selecting a first table of available gears in response to the affected clutch and a first subset of electrical and mechanical failure types being diagnosed and for selecting a second table of available gears in response to the affected clutch and a second subset of electrical and mechanical failure types being diagnosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a construction machine includes a pump for delivering fluid under pressure from a fluid reservoir to at least first and second main valves. First and second input devices are included for producing first and second control signals that are indicative of a desired operation of the hydraulic system. A controller responsive to at least the first and second control signals is provided and produces a compensating signal in response to the first and second control signals. The second main valve is operated in response to both the second control signal and the compensating signal.

Abstract: Vehicle navigation systems typically include devices for determining the location of the vehicle. In many situations it is advantageous to improve the resolution of such devices or to provide a back-up system for determining vehicle location. Simple and efficient systems are also desirable when used as the primary positioning systems. The subject invention provides a simple and efficient system for determining the location of a vehicle in a base reference frame. One or more targets are located at predefined positions with respect to the base reference frame. A target sensing device determines a position of one of the one or more targets with respect to the vehicle. A device determines an estimated vehicle position. A vehicle locating device determines the location of the vehicle with respect to the base reference frame in response to the position of the target with respect to the vehicle and the estimated vehicle position.

Abstract: Vehicles (12) having implements (14) are typically used to perform repetitive functions in work cycles. Advantageously, such vehicles (12) include control systems (10) for maintaining a control lever (26) in a predetermined position until an associated work cycle function is completed. The subject control (10) includes a rocker bar (46) connected to the control lever (26) and a solenoid (50) having an actuator rod (52) disposed adjacent the rocker bar (46). The control (10) energizes the solenoid (50) to hold the control lever (26) in the predetermined position in response to a position of the implement (14), a position of the control lever (26), and a desired kickout position.

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: When compiling machine performance data it is advantageous for such data to have been acquired during periods in which the machine was in the same general operating state. The subject invention provides a system for producing historical data regarding machine operating parameters and including a plurality of sensors for producing signals indicative of the level of machine parameters. A control is included for selecting data representative of a first operating parameter in response to a dependency definition being satisfied and for processing the selected data to provide an indication of machine performance.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring sensed parameters and diagnosing fault conditions are useful in many applications. Advantageously, such systems are capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes and in connection with each of a plurality of machines. In the subject invention, a plurality of gauges are included for indicating the levels of the sensed parameters. A plurality of symbols are included for identifying sensed parameters. A control receives an identification code and selectively illuminates one or more of a plurality of gauges and symbols in response to the identification code. A plurality of warning lights are each associated with a switch-type input. A display selectively indicates a pin code for each switch-type input having a fault condition. The indicator lights having an associated switch-type input in the fault condition are flashed. A device selectively indicates a pin code in response to each diagnosable input having a present or a previous fault condition.

Abstract: An appparatus for receiving signals from any of a plurality of sensor types is provided and includes pull-up circuitry connected to a circuit input; data edge conditioning circuitry having a digital output and an input connected to said circuit input; and an analog output connected to said circuit input and said pull-up circuitry.