Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of providing diagnostic information to an operator of a work machine. Whether the work machine control system is in diagnostic messaging mode is determined. At least one diagnostic fault parameter descriptive message is read from a memory. The diagnostic fault parameter descriptive message is provided to the operator. Preferably, diagnostic messaging mode is determined by whether the work machine control system is in service mode and whether the diagnostic text function is selected. Advantageously, a component identification number descriptive message is provided in a first character display and a failure mode indicating number descriptive message is provided in a second character display of an operator interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling an actuation of a compression brake associated with a combustion engine. The engine includes a fluid circuit for delivering a fluid to the compression brake. The engine also includes a cylinder having an associated exhaust valve. The method includes the steps of establishing a desired timing of an actuation of the brake, determining an air pressure of the engine, and determining a desired fluid pressure in response to the timing and the air pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a mobile machine. The machine includes a mobile communicator adapted to communicate with a remote monitoring station. The method includes the steps of receiving a configuration message from the remote monitoring station via a wireless communication link, comparing at least one of a current machine position to the configuration information a current machine time of operation to the configuration message, and sending an alarm message to the remote monitoring station in response the comparison.

Abstract: An electronic control system for controlling operation of a machine is described. The system includes a first control system connected to a first electronic control module, a second control system connected to a second electronic control module, and a first data link connected between the first electronic control module and the second electronic control module for transmission of data between the first control system and the second control system. The first data link provides transmission of data at a high speed.

Abstract: A power control system for a machine having an engine, a hydraulic system, a boom function, and a swing function is disclosed which comprises a sensor for determining the temperature of the engine, a sensor for determining the temperature of the hydraulic system, a cooling system associated with the engine, a cooling system associated with the hydraulic system, a controller connected to the sensors and the cooling systems, the controller for receiving the temperatures of the engine and the hydraulic system and for determining whether the temperatures are within acceptable ranges, the controller for detecting when a boom function and a swing function have been requested.

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 an actual speed of the engine, establishing a desired speed of the engine, determining an overspeed condition exists in response to said desired speed and said actual speed, and determining a throttle command in response to the desired and actual engine speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for controlling the fuel injection timing of a fuel injector in order to start an engine. The temperature of the engine is sensed and an engine temperature signal indicative of the temperature of actuating fluid used to actuate the injector is generated. A desired piston firing position is determined, and an injection command signal is generated, whose timing oscillates between a time range that is a function of said temperature and said desired piston firing position, to control the fuel injection timing.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling the air flow into an engine. The engine has a wastegate and a choke valve. The method includes the steps of determining an air pressure within the intake manifold and comparing the air pressure to a desired air pressure. A position of the choke valve and wastegate is then determined in response to the comparison. The apparatus includes an air pressure sensor for sensing the actual air pressure within the intake manifold. A controlling means compares the actual air pressure with a desired air pressure and responsively determines a position of the choke valve and the wastegate. A choke valve actuator and wastegate actuator position the choke valve and the wastegate respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating geography-altering machinery such as a track-type tractor, road grader, paver or the like relative to a work site to alter the geography of the site toward a desired condition. A first digital three-dimensional model of the desired site geography, and a second digital three-dimensional model of the actual site geography are stored in a digital data storage facility. The machine is equipped with a position receiver to determine in three-dimensional space the location of the machine relative to the site. A dynamic database receives the machine position information, determines the difference between the first and second site models and generates representational signals of that difference for directing the operation of the machine to bring the actual site geography into conformity with the desired site geography.

Abstract: A differential assembly which includes a differential housing is disclosed. The differential assembly also includes a spider structure positioned within the differential housing. The spider structure has (i) a spider hub and (ii) a spider shaft which extends from the spider hub. The differential assembly further includes a pinion gear positioned around the spider shaft and a fastener secured to the spider shaft. The differential assembly also includes a bearing assembly which directly contacts the spider shaft, wherein the bearing assembly is (i) interposed between the pinion gear and the spider shaft and (ii) interposed between the fastener and the spider hub.

Abstract: The present invention is adapted to provide a method for identifying a machine dump occurrence of an earthmoving machine. The method includes determining an initial elevation of a point on the machine. The elevation of the point is then monitored to determine when a dumping threshold is exceeded. The ground speed is also monitored to determine if the machine 102 is moving at a speed indicative of dumping. When the machine speed is below a dumping speed, and the receiver 116 has exceeded a dumping threshold the machine 102 may be determined to have dumped its load.

Abstract: The present invention is adapted to provide a method and apparatus for dynamically determining an individualized fuel command for each fuel injector connected to an engine. In the preferred embodiment the method includes delivering a baseline fuel command to each of the injectors. The actual engine speed is then determined. An individualized fuel command is determined for each of the fuel injectors based on the baseline fuel command, and the actual engine speed. In the preferred embodiment the individualized fuel commands are dynamically determined when the engine is idling. In an alternative embodiment, the individualized fuel commands may be used throughout the operating speed range of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining a fuel command for an fuel system. The present invention provides a method for determining a fuel command for an engine. The method includes determining a desired and actual engine speed, comparing the desired and actual engine speeds, and controlling the air/fuel mixture flow into the intake manifold of the fuel system in response to the comparison. The inlet pressure and temperature within the manifold are then determined. A fuel command is determined in response to the manifold air pressure and temperature. The fuel command is then modified in response to the comparison of the desired and actual engine speeds.

Abstract: A system and method for managing access of at least one mobile machine to a load resource having a loading machine including a queue manager adapted to deliver a queue position request signal, a resource manager adapted to control access to the load resource, and a load manager adapted to determine a load point for a mobile machine.

Abstract: A high side driver circuit includes a command voltage source, a first switching transistor having a base connected to the command voltage source, an emitter connected to ground, and a collector connected to a second switching transistor base. The second switching transistor includes an emitter connected to an electrical energy source through an internal voltage source. A power transistor includes a gate connected to the second switching transistor collector through a resistor, a drain connected to the electrical energy source through a sense resistor, and a source connected to a load. A diagnostic circuit portion including a comparator establishes a diagnostic output voltage based upon the state of the power transistor and characteristics of the power transistor drain and source for indicating fault conditions of the driver circuit.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for managing a resource having multiple entry points. Each mobile machine includes a queue manager for generating a queue position request upon approach to the resource. A resource manager establishes queues, one for each entry point to the resource, to control access to the resource. Upon receiving a queue position request from an approaching mobile machine, the resource manager determines which queue to place the mobile machine, and then generates a queue position and sends a queue position signal to the approaching mobile machine.

Abstract: A digital communication circuit that avoids bit collisions between an external communication device and a controller that communicate to each other through a bi-directional serial communication link is disclosed. The digital communication circuit includes digital circuitry that receives and transmits a digital communication signal. A detection circuit detects when a digital communication signal is being received. And delay circuitry receives the transmitted digital communication signal and responsively produces a delay signal to delay the detection of the received digital communication signal.