Abstract: A mid-roller (30) for a tracked work vehicle has a shaft (44) and a pair of hubs (50) assembled about the shaft (44), each hub having a cylindrical housing (52) with a flange portion (66) projecting radially outward. Each mid-roller also has a pair of metallic roller wheels (70) mounted on the pair of hubs, each roller wheel having a radial face connected to the flange portion of its respective hub and an outer cylindrical housing (76) symmetrical with the shaft axis (46) defining an outer peripheral surface (82) having an elastomeric coating (84) bonded thereon configured to engage the inner surface of the endless track belt. Each mid-roller also has a pair of non-metallic, ring-shaped reduced-friction guides (90). Each roller wheel has one of said reduced-friction guides mounted thereon such that the reduced-friction guide interacts with the track guide blocks such that the reduced-friction guide is configured to be the point of contact between the mid-roller and the track guide blocks.

Abstract: A mid-roller (30) for a tracked work vehicle has a shaft (44) and a pair of hubs (50) assembled about the shaft (44), each hub having a cylindrical housing (52) with a flange portion (66) projecting radially outward. Each mid-roller also has a pair of metallic roller wheels (70) mounted on the pair of hubs, each roller wheel having a radial face connected to the flange portion of its respective hub and an outer cylindrical housing (76) symmetrical with the shaft axis (46) defining an outer peripheral surface (82) having an elastomeric coating (84) bonded thereon configured to engage the inner surface of the endless track belt. Each mid-roller also has a pair of non-metallic, ring-shaped reduced-friction guides (90). Each roller wheel has one of said reduced-friction guides mounted thereon such that the reduced-friction guide interacts with the track guide blocks such that the reduced-friction guide is configured to be the point of contact between the mid-roller and the track guide blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for connecting a drive wheel axle and a track roller frame in a tracked vehicle. The apparatus includes an arm portion for attachment to the track roller frame; a yoke comprising a pivotal connection to the arm portion about a first pivot axis; a bearing housing comprising a pivotal connection to the yoke about a second pivot axis; a bearing assembly disposed adjacent the bearing housing; and a collet separated from the bearing housing by the bearing assembly, wherein the collet is configured for affixation to the drive wheel axle. A method is disclosed for accommodating forces in a vehicle on a drive wheel axle transmitted through a track roller frame, the method including providing an apparatus connecting the drive wheel axle and the track roller frame. The method further includes pivoting portions of the apparatus relative to each other about first and second pivot axes.

Abstract: A method for freeze protection for a temperature control system, and a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a temperature-controlled space at a set point temperature. The method includes monitoring a discharge air temperature, monitoring a return air temperature, setting a target temperature to equal the set point temperature, controlling the return air temperature at the target temperature, and adjusting the target temperature based on the return air temperature when the discharge air temperature drops to one of at or below freezing.

Abstract: A method for freeze protection for a temperature control system, and a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a temperature-controlled space at a set point temperature. The method includes monitoring a discharge air temperature, monitoring a return air temperature, setting a target temperature to equal the set point temperature, controlling the return air temperature at the target temperature, and adjusting the target temperature based on the return air temperature when the discharge air temperature drops to one of at or below freezing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the operation of the condenser and evaporator fans in a transport refrigeration system are described. The methods and systems described herein generally control dynamically a plurality of system fans needed to meet a plurality of system airflow objectives, where the objectives may sometimes be conflicting. The methods and systems described herein can be used to strike an optimal balance between system performance, protection, safety and regulatory requirements. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein provides for controlling the operation of at least two condenser fans based on the difference between a coil temperature (e.g., discharge pressure temperature saturation) and an ambient temperature and controlling the operation of at least one evaporation fan based on an air temperature differential.

Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to controlling the amount of power supplied by an engine for a transport refrigeration system (TRS). An engine load is estimated and compared with a maximum allowable power supply from an engine. The engine load can be automatically adjusted according to results of the comparison. An automatic adjustment of the amount of power supplied by the engine is provided, to ensure that the engine is operating within a preset window of operation and compliant with emission legislation.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for connecting a drive wheel axle and a track roller frame in a tracked vehicle. The apparatus includes an arm portion for attachment to the track roller frame; a yoke comprising a pivotal connection to the arm portion about a first pivot axis; a bearing housing comprising a pivotal connection to the yoke about a second pivot axis; a bearing assembly disposed adjacent the bearing housing; and a collet separated from the bearing housing by the bearing assembly, wherein the collet is configured for affixation to the drive wheel axle. A method is disclosed for accommodating forces in a vehicle on a drive wheel axle transmitted through a track roller frame, the method including providing an apparatus connecting the drive wheel axle and the track roller frame. The method further includes pivoting portions of the apparatus relative to each other about first and second pivot axes.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamic power allocation in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) is provided. The method includes a TRS power source operating in an operational state. The method also includes monitoring an amount of current being drawn from one or more generator powered components of the TRS. Also, the method includes calculating, via a TRS controller of the TRS, a maximum available horsepower amount based on the amount of current being drawn from the one or more generator powered components. Further, the method includes controlling, via the TRS controller, an amount of horsepower directed to a compressor of the TRS based on the maximum available horsepower amount.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an automatic engaging drawbar pin retention device includes a biased locking plate configured to retain a drawbar pin within a drawbar bore. The locking plate may be movably coupled to a drawbar clevis between a pin-lock to at least partly cover the bore and prevent removal of the drawbar pin and a pin-unlock condition.

Abstract: A mobile environment-controlled unit having a structure, a compartment supported by the structure, and an environmental-control system in environmental communication with the compartment. The environmental-control system is configured to control an environmental parameter of the compartment. The environmental-control system includes an internal combustion engine, having a starter, powering the environmental-control system; a battery powering the starter; and a controller. The controller monitors battery health status, predicts battery failure, and communicates the predicted battery failure. Also, described is a method of operating the mobile environment-controlled unit and a controller for controlling the mobile environment-controlled unit.

Abstract: A mobile environment-controlled unit having a structure, a compartment supported by the structure, and an environmental-control system in environmental communication with the compartment. The environmental-control system is configured to control an environmental parameter of the compartment. The environmental-control system includes an internal combustion engine, having a starter, powering the environmental-control system; a battery powering the starter; and a controller. The controller monitors battery health status, predicts battery failure, and communicates the predicted battery failure. Also, described is a method of operating the mobile environment-controlled unit and a controller for controlling the mobile environment-controlled unit.

Abstract: A multi-zone transport refrigeration system. The system includes a compressor, a condenser, a refrigerant circuit, a first temperature control zone and a second temperature control zone. A controller is configured to identify a priority zone and a non-priority zone based upon a first magnitude of a difference between a first temperature set point and a first zone temperature derived from the first air temperature sensor, and a second magnitude of a difference between the second temperature set point and a second zone temperature derived from the second air temperature sensor. A non-priority zone is isolated from the refrigerant circuit for a pre-defined period in order to maximize a refrigerant flow to the priority zone.

Abstract: A method for freeze protection for a temperature control system, and a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a temperature-controlled space at a set point temperature. The method includes monitoring a discharge air temperature, monitoring a return air temperature, setting a target temperature to equal the set point temperature, controlling the return air temperature at the target temperature, and adjusting the target temperature based on the return air temperature when the discharge air temperature drops to one of at or below freezing.

Abstract: A brake apparatus includes a brake disk secured to a shaft and a reaction plate secured to a housing. The brake apparatus further includes a fluid actuated piston which urges the brake disk against the reaction plate to slow rotation of the shaft and an adjustment member positioned by the piston. The brake apparatus yet further includes a spring interposed between the adjustment member and the piston. The piston positions the adjustment member relative to the brake disk when fluid is applied to said piston. The spring urges the piston away from the adjustment member and brake disk when fluid pressure is removed from the piston.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for a work machine, particularly suitable for use in a track-type tractor, is provided with a frame having a generally vertical pivot axis. A pair of draft arms are carried by the frame, with each draft arm being pivotable about a corresponding generally horizontal axis. A drawbar is carried by the frame and is pivotable about the pivot axis of the frame. The drawbar may be fixed or movable relative to the frame, and also pivots about the common pivot axis.

Abstract: A brake apparatus includes a brake disk secured to a shaft and a reaction plate secured to a housing. The brake apparatus further includes a fluid actuated piston which urges the brake disk against the reaction plate to slow rotation of the shaft and an adjustment member positioned by the piston. The brake apparatus yet further includes a spring interposed between the adjustment member and the piston. The piston positions the adjustment member relative to the brake disk when fluid is applied to said piston. The spring urges the piston away from the adjustment member and brake disk when fluid pressure is removed from the piston.

Abstract: A brake apparatus includes a brake disk secured to a shaft and a reaction plate secured to a housing. The brake apparatus further includes a fluid actuated piston which urges the brake disk against the reaction plate to slow rotation of the shaft and an adjustment member positioned by the piston. The brake apparatus yet further includes a spring interposed between the adjustment member and the piston. The piston positions the adjustment member relative to the brake disk when fluid is applied to said piston. The spring urges the piston away from the adjustment member and brake disk when fluid pressure is removed from the piston.

Abstract: A supplemental steering control is provided for use in a machine that is normally steered by a differential steer mechanism. A second source of pressurized fluid and an independently controlled brake actuator mechanism function to control steering in the event a first source of pressurized fluid fails. By interconnecting the fluid ports of a fluid actuated steer motor when the first source of pressurized fluid fails, the fluid actuated motor is permitted to freely rotate. A single steering control valve is used to control steering during normal use and also during supplemental steering. The independently controlled brake actuator mechanism is connected to the steering control valve and acts to selectively direct pressurized fluid from the second source of pressurized fluid to respective ones of first and second fluid actuated brake mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a track assembly of a tractor includes a first protection member positioned adjacent to the track assembly, the first protection member being movable between a first position and a second position. The apparatus also includes a biasing assembly for biasing the first protection member into the first position.