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: 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 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 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 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: 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 conserving power on a machine having a mobile communicator. The method includes the steps of determining a current status of the machine, determining a duration since entering the current status, and determining one of a plurality of power conservation modes in response to the current status, and the status duration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the speed of an engine. The engine has an associated turbo charger and a throttle. The method includes the steps of determining a load characteristic of the engine, determining a change in said load characteristic, and controlling the engine in response to said load change.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a electro-hydraulic system of an earthmoving machine. The electro-hydraulic system may include a pump providing fluid to at least one fluid system. The electro-hydraulic system also includes an engine connected to the pump, and a controller for providing a commands to the engine. The method includes the steps of determining a desired characteristic of the fluid system, comparing the desired characteristic with a deliverable characteristic of the fluid system, and generating a power boost in response to the comparison; thereby controlling the electro-hydraulic system.

Abstract: With reference to the drawings and in operation, the present invention is adapted to provide a method and apparatus for dynamically controlling the injection timing of a fuel injector connected to a fuel system located within an engine. The method includes the steps of establishing a desired injection timing of the injector 104 and determining an fuel injection command delivery time in response to the desired injection timing, and responsively delivering the fuel injection command. The actual injection timing is determined, and then the injection command delivery time is modified in response to comparing the actual and the desired injection timing. Comparing the actual and desired injection timing provides for closed loop control of the injection timing of the fuel system 102.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a fluid system. The fluid system includes a hydraulic circuit having a pump driven by an engine. The pump delivers fluid to an actuator through a valve assembly. The method includes the steps of receiving an operator input, determining a condition of the hydraulic circuit, determining a valve command in response to the circuit condition and the operator input, and delivering the valve command to the valve assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the cross slope created by a work implement on an earth moving machine. The method includes the steps of determining a position of the work implement, determining a direction of travel of the machine, and responsively determining the cross slope.

Abstract: A fluid regeneration circuit for a hydraulic system having at least one hydraulic actuating cylinder associated therewith, the present circuit including a control valve connected in fluid communication with the actuating cylinder for controlling the operation thereof, a regeneration valve connected in fluid communication with the control valve and with the head and rod end portions of the cylinder, a position sensor coupled to the actuating cylinder for sensing the position of the piston within the cylinder during movement thereof, and a controller coupled to the position sensor, the control valve and the regeneration valve for controlling fluid flow to and from the actuating cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a work implement in order to enable an earth moving machine to move to a service area after a failure within an implement control system occurs. The method includes the steps of detecting the failure of the implement control system, enabling a limp home mode in response to the failure, and controlling the implement into a limp home position through operator interaction using a display and either an associated keypad or a touch screen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining a fuel injection delay of a fuel injector located within an engine, during the operation of the engine. The fuel injector includes a solenoid that is electrically connected to a controller. The invention includes the steps of generating an injection command signal, determining a time of said injection command signal generation, and sensing a start of injection. The start of injection is dynamically sensed during the operation of the engine.

Abstract: A regulation system for a permanent magnet generator for generating electrical power and for supplying the electrical power to a load comprises a switching circuit connected between the permanent magnet generator and the load, the switching circuit being capable of regulating the electrical power being supplied to the load and a control circuit connected to the switching circuit, the control circuit for determining the amount of electrical power being supplied by the permanent magnet generator and for controlling operation of the switching circuit to regulate the electrical power being supplied to the load.

Abstract: A sensor is positioned to sense the magnetic field strength of a magnet associated with a rotating body. The sensor produces a signal having a sinusoidal output as the magnet rotates with the rotating body. A controller takes a derivative of the output and calculates the rotational velocity of the rotational body as a function of the derivative.

Abstract: In machines having electro-hydraulic transmission controls, it is desirable to ensure that in the event of an electrical malfunction or power failure the transmission responds appropriately. In the subject invention, a system is provided in a transmission which in the event of an individual clutch solenoid fault (short-to-battery, short-to-ground, and open circuit fault) keeps the machine in gear and protects the transmission from damage. A short-to-battery fault will allow shifting to an available gear that utilizes the faulted clutch. If there is a short-to-ground or open circuit fault then the transmission will latch the current gear or shift to a predetermined gear that does not utilize a faulted clutch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the viscosity range and/or oil grade of an actuating fluid in a fuel system. The method includes the steps of determining a flow, pressure, and temperature of the actuating fluid, and responsively determining the viscosity range and/or oil grade of the actuating fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for determining the position of a first element relative to a second element. The apparatus includes a magnet being attached to the first element. First and second sensing devices are adapted to detect a magnetic flux density produced by the magnet and responsively generating first and second signals. The apparatus also includes a controller for receiving the first and second signals and responsively determining the position of the first element relative to the second. The present invention enables continuous calibration during the normal operation of the machine.