Abstract: The present disclosure is associated with a user requesting access to the software option associated with a machine, a remote facility receiving the request, authorizing access to the software option, and sending an enabling signal to enable the software. The enabling signal (e.g., a software key) may then be used to access and use the software option. An intermediary may be used to authenticate the enabling signal.

Abstract: Chaotic air flow structures in internal combustion engine manifolds may lead to poor combustion performance and hence undesirable emissions such as visible smoke. Manifolds with flow characteristics compromised by other design requirements are especially prone to these poor characteristics. To overcome these, an engine air induction arrangement includes a feed passage having an end portion in a manifold with cylinder ports. The end portion is formed in such a manner that air exiting the end portion via an opening is hindered from travelling away from the cylinder ports. This improves the flow structure and evens air distribution to the cylinder ports, hence improving the combustion process and reducing emission levels.

Abstract: A system and method of servicing a machine is disclosed. The machine has a plurality of components manufactured by a plurality of suppliers. At least a first component being manufactured by a first supplier and at least a second component being manufactured by a second supplier. In the method a response to a request from a machine manufacturer or a customer of the machine is made. A problem with at least one of the plurality of components of the machine is accessed. In accessing the problem at least one of a plurality of repositories having information pertinent to the problem and to a configuration of at least one of the plurality of components is accessed. A service related action is contemplated based on at least one of viewing the repository and the assessment of the problem in combination with the information pertaining to at least one of the plurality of components.

Abstract: Specific advertisements and other information can be communicated to the user of a mobile vehicle depending on the vehicle's position, vehicle or user characteristics, or other vehicle-specific data.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus of managing time for a processing system located on a machine. The processing system includes a plurality of controllers and a communication network connecting each of the controllers. Each of the controllers has a local clock. The method includes the steps of establishing an operating characteristic of the machine, determining whether to update a local time in response to said operating characteristic, and updating said local time based upon the local clock in response to said update determination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel assembly for a work machine, the wheel assembly includes a hub defined about a central axis. The hub includes an inboard end, an outboard end and a rim-mounting flange. The rim-mounting flange includes an inboard surface, and outboard surface and an outer edge defined there between. The outer edge includes a groove extending toward the hub. A plurality of bores are disposed about the rim-mounting flange, each of the bores defines a bore diameter. A stud, having a shoulder defining a shoulder diameter is positioned in each of the bores. A retainer is positioned in the groove and holds each stud in its respective bore.

Abstract: A stick or boom for a work machine. The stick or boom has a box portion including a first and second end and a first and second pivot point position at respective ends. A truss portion having an offset pivot point is attached to said stick or boom.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a piston assembly and more specifically to a piston assembly in a prepackaged configuration. The prepackaged piston assembly is ready for immediate installation into an engine or compressor. The piston assembly has a plurality of rings preinstalled on a piston member and a sleeve position about the piston member and the plurality of rings maintaining the rings in a compressed position ready for installation into an engine. The piston assembly is lowered into a cylinder bore, the sleeve contacts the top surface of a block and the piston assembly can be easily installed into the cylinder bore without the need for the mechanic to compress the plurality of rings. Thus the present invention reduces time and expense required for rebuilding and engine and increases the quality of the rebuild.

Abstract: The present invention is configured to maintain a desired emissions level of an engine having an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, and an exhaust stack is disclosed. The method includes the steps of establishing a desired emissions level, establishing an engine speed, establishing an engine load, establishing at least one characteristic of one of an intake air and an exhaust gas, and determining a fuel command in response to the engine speed, the engine load, and the desired emissions level, the fuel command resulting in the engine maintaining the desired emissions level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the pressure of an actuating fluid flowing through an inching clutch. The invention includes the steps of determining an actual pressure of the actuating fluid, establishing an inching pressure threshold, comparing the actual pressure with the threshold, and controlling the actual pressure in response to the comparison. In one embodiment, the pressure is controlled using a first control algorithm in response to the fluid pressure being less than an inching threshold, and using a second control algorithm in response to the pressure being greater than or equal to the inching threshold.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling the exhaust temperature of an engine is disclosed. The method includes the steps of sensing the exhaust temperature of the engine, determining a desired air pressure in response to the exhaust temperature, and controlling the air flow into the engine in response to the desired air pressure. The apparatus includes an air temperature sensor for sensing an actual exhaust temperature within the exhaust manifold and responsively generating an exhaust temperature signal. The apparatus also includes a controller for receiving the exhaust temperature signal and comparing the exhaust temperature signal to a desired exhaust port temperature, determining a desired air pressure in response to the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention is configured to determine the weight of a payload of a mobile machine. When the machine is in motion, a force characteristic of the machine is compared with a force characteristic threshold, or range. The payload determination is based upon the force characteristic comparison, and the pressures sensed in at least one of the struts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatically shutting down an engine on a machine in during an operators absence in order to prevent potential damage to the machine. A determination is made regarding if the machine is running, and an if an operator is not present. In the preferred embodiment a plurality of predetermined shutdown values, which correspond with at least one of a plurality of critical parameters, are stored in the controller. The machine will shutdown if the critical parameters are determined to be beyond the shutdown values. Additionally, a cool down feature, if enabled, will cause the machine to cool down prior to the machine being shutdown.

Abstract: The present invention is adapted to provide a method for determining the torque of a driveshaft. In the preferred embodiment a drivetrain includes a front and a rear drivetrain. The drivetrain is also connected to an engine, torque converter, front and rear axle and a transmission. In one embodiment, the ability to determine the transmission output torque for an earth moving machine includes determining an output torque of the converter and a gear reduction of the engine, and then responsively determining the front and rear driveshaft torque in response to the converter output torque and the engine gear reduction. The driveshaft torque calculations may be performed while the earth moving machine is operating. The resulting front and rear driveshaft torque calculations may be used to determine an axle damage index, or axle life calculations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus configured to perform viscosity compensation for a payload measurement system of a machine. The machine has at least one cylinder for elevating a payload carrier. The cylinder is connected to a fluid circuit having an actuating fluid. A plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a first payload. Then a plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a second payload. In addition a parameter indicative of the fluid viscosity associated with the first and second lift is established. A plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a third payload, and a parameter indicative of the viscosity of the actuating fluid associated with the third lift is established. A payload weight of the third payload is then determined in response to the viscosity indicative parameters, and the sensed plurality of actuating fluid pressure values.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus to secure a machine having a machine security system. The machine security system includes a primary controller, and a key switch associated with the primary controller and adapted to receive a key, the key switch being configurable to a plurality of positions. The method includes the steps of delivering power to the primary controller in response to the key switch being configured in a predetermined position, activating the security system in response to the power delivery, determining a first operating characteristic of the machine, determining whether to maintain activation of the security system in response to the first operating characteristic, receiving an identification code from the key, and determining whether to enable machine operation in response to the received key code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the speed of an engine having a plurality of cylinders and a compression brake operable on one or more of the cylinders is disclosed. The method includes determining a speed of the engine, comparing the engine speed to a first threshold, and activating the compression brake for at least one of the cylinders in response to the engine speed exceeding the first threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting a status of a valve, the valve being connected to a fluid circuit. The method includes the steps of establishing an expected value of a characteristic of the fluid of the fluid circuit, determining an actual value of the fluid characteristic of the fluid circuit, and determining a valve status in response to the actual value, and the expected value.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for determining a status of a relief valve located within a fluid system having a pump and an actuator valve. The fluid system 102 is located on an earth moving machine, and the pump delivers fluid to the actuator 110, 112 through the actuator valve 108. The system 102 includes a pressure compensation assembly 130 adapted to control the fluid pressure of the system by bypassing fluid flow. The system 102 also includes a relief valve, and a pressure sensor. The method includes the steps of positioning the actuator valve in a closed position, deactivating the pressure compensation assembly, and sensing a relief pressure of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is configured for calibrating a fluid retarder 155 in a transmission system. The transmission system may include an engine 120 connected to a transmission 135 through a driveshaft 118, or power input shaft. The driveshaft is mechanically connected to the fluid retarder 155. The fluid retarder includes a rotor 162 mechanically connected to the driveshaft 118, and a retarder valve 175 adapted to enable fluid flow across the rotor 162. The method includes the steps of delivering a valve command to the retarder valve, determining a speed of the engine, and calibrating the retarder valve in response to the engine speed, and the valve command.