Abstract: A method of individually adjusting auxiliary hydraulic valves for work vehicles is provided such that they provide different maximum flow rates for opposite flow directions through the valve. The valve is controlled by a flow rate control for setting a maximum flow rate and is also controlled by a proportional control input device having one range of positions for providing a corresponding first range of flow rates in the one direction, a central position for providing substantially no flow, and another range of positions for providing a corresponding second range of flow rates in the other direction.

Abstract: A method of individually adjusting auxiliary hydraulic valves for work vehicles is provided such that they provide different maximum flow rates for opposite flow directions through the valve. The valve is controlled by a flow rate control for setting a maximum flow rate and is also controlled by a proportional control input device having one range of positions for providing a corresponding first range of flow rates in the one direction, a central position for providing substantially no flow, and another range of positions for providing a corresponding second range of flow rates in the other direction.

Abstract: An auxiliary hydraulic system for a work vehicle which can be coupled to an auxiliary implement. The implement includes a hydraulic actuator and a sensor for generating a feedback signal to an implement controller, which in turn generates an automatic command signal. The system includes a fluid source, a coupler for fluidly coupling to the actuator, a control valve fluidly coupled to the source and the coupler to regulate the fluid flow between the source and the actuator in response to a valve command signal, an input device for generating a manual command signal, and a mode device for generating a mode signal. The system also includes an auxiliary control unit operable in first and second modes in response to the mode signal, which generates the valve command signal based on the manual command signal and the automatic control signal when operating in the first and second modes, respectively. The valve command signal is applied to the valve.

Abstract: A combine including an improved HVAC control system. The frame of the combine supports an operator cab, a harvesting head and the other operational systems of the combine. The control system includes an operator control and a heat exchanger located in the cab. The control system also includes at least one sensor disposed to sense at least one of an ambient air temperature, a cab air temperature and solar loading, and to produce at least one sensed signal representative thereof. The operator control is configured to produce a set-point signal representative of a desired cab air temperature. An interface circuit is electromagnetically coupled to the valve assembly, the operator control, and the at least one sensor. A cooling coil may also be located in the cab, wherein the interface circuit is electromagnetically coupled to the associated coolant compressor.

Abstract: A method of generating a calibrated command signal in a control system including a command device is disclosed herein. The command device (e.g., a control lever) is moveable between predefined positions (e.g., detents). A sensing circuit generates a signal representing the position of the command device. The method includes the steps of calibrating the command device and then generating a calibrated command signal based upon the command device position. The calibrating step includes moving the command device to the predefined positions, converting the sensed position signals into calibration values and storing these values. The generating step includes moving the command device to an operating position, converting the sensed position signal into an operating position signal, and generating the calibrated command signal based upon the operating position signal and the calibration values. In one embodiment, the method is used to read the control levers for auxiliary valves in an auxiliary hydraulic system.

Abstract: A control system for controlling outputs associated with off-road vehicles is disclosed herein. The outputs are actuated by actuators in response to control signals generated by a control circuit. In a normal mode, the control circuit generates the control signals based upon command signals generated by operator-actuatable command devices, and applies the control signals to the actuators to control the outputs. In a record mode, the control circuit stores a sequence of commands in a memory circuit to record the sequential actuations of the command devices. Then, in a playback mode, the control circuit generates the control signals based upon the recorded command sequence instead of the command signals. Playback can be triggered manually by a playback switch, or automatically based upon the geo-graphic position of the off-road vehicle. The control system can record and playback more than one command sequence.

Abstract: A full-time all wheel steering system is provided whereby the rear wheel angle is determined by the front wheel angle and a relational curve, polynomial equation or set of tabulated values. The front wheel angle is measured and the desired rear wheel angle is calculated by a programmable controller. If the desired rear wheel angle is not sufficiently close to the actual rear wheel angle, the controller means sends a signal which results in adjustment of the rear wheel angle. The desired rear wheel angle may be a function of the vehicle speed as well as the front wheel angle. A dead band may be employed which maintains the rear wheels in a straight ahead position when the front wheel angle does not exceed the dead band value. The maximum rear wheel cramp angle may also be controlled as a function of vehicle speed. The system is applicable to passenger cars, trucks and tractor-trailer rigs.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle, tractor, or combine including an area counter for calculating the area upon which the vehicle has operated is disclosed herein. For example, the area counter may be utilized with a combine to determine the total acreage of crops which have been harvested by the combine. The area counter calculates a total area signal in accordance with a position signal indicative of the position of the header attached to the combine, a ground speed sensor, and a feeder speed signal. The position of the header (e.g., implement, harvester, or other farm equipment) is provided by a position sensor which provides indicia of the height of the header from a minimum level to a maximum level. The area counter compares the position signal to a threshold to determine whether the header is engaged or operating upon the crop. The area counter is programmed in a microprocessor and generates area data representative of the amount of area upon which the vehicle has operated during 0.5 second intervals.