Abstract: An apparatus for comparing one machine in a fleet of machines is provided. The apparatus senses a plurality of characteristics of each machine in the fleet and responsively determines a set of fleet data. The apparatus further determines a set of reference machine data as a function of the fleet data, compares the data for the machine with the reference machine data, and responsively produces a deviation signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosing an engine using a computer based model of the engine oil pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a plugged condition of an air filter uses a computer based model of the air restriction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating internal brake energy in a fluid cooled brake of the type used in large work machines from easily sensed machine operating parameters. The temperature of the coolant is sensed before and after it passes through the brake. The coolant flow rate through the brake is determined from one or more additional sensed parameters, for example engine speed. The sensed parameters are used in a thermodynamic model of the brake which generates estimates of internal brake temperature (TEIB) and the amount of power absorbed by the brake (BRKP). Signals representing TEIB and optionally BRKP are generated to provide indications of brake operation and/or health. The model is executed on a digital computer either on-board the vehicle or at a remote location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosing an engine using a computer based model of the boost pressure of a turbo-charger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring similar machine components loaded in parallel to produce trend information useful in diagnosing and predicting component degradation or failure. The invention is illustrated for engine cylinder exhaust port and manifold temperature measurements. In one embodiment split exhaust manifolds are each provided with a sensor to produce signals indicating the exhaust temperature. A computer-based trending module receives the parallel temperature information, periodically determines a difference between the temperatures, and averages the differential temperature readings over a predefined trend period to generate a trend values. A trend based on a plurality of the trend points is generated and monitored for changes which indicate the possible degradation of one of the measured components.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for indicating a fault condition in a machine having a plurality of parameters each having levels being dependent upon machine performance. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to produce an electrical signal in response to the level of one of the of parameters; and a processor for identifying a trend in the parameter level in response to the electrical signal, calculating the duration and slope of the trend; and determining whether a first warning threshold is exceeded in response to the duration and slope of the trend, the first warning threshold being a function of duration and slope.

Abstract: In a method for diagnosing an engine using a computer based boost pressure model, a first set of parameters of the engine is sensed and used to determined a modeled value of an exhaust temperature. A second set of parameters of the engine is sensed. A modeled value of the boost pressure is determined as a function of the second set of parameters and the modelled exhaust temperature value.

Abstract: When compiling machine performance data it is advantageous for such data to have been acquired during periods in which the machine was in the same general operating state. The subject invention provides a system for producing historical data regarding machine operating parameters and including a plurality of sensors for producing signals indicative of the level of machine parameters. A control is included for selecting data representative of a first operating parameter in response to a dependency definition being satisfied and for processing the selected data to provide an indication of machine performance.

Abstract: A method for reduces the amount of information relating to the status of a vehicle relayed from the vehicle to a remote location over a communications data link. The method includes the steps of generating a fault code, delivering the fault code to the remote location across the data link, and receiving the fault code at the remote location and responsively generating a data request signal. The data request signal is delivered to the vehicle over the data link, and vehicle information is generated and delivered to the remote location over the data link.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an engine (102) including the steps of sensing a first set of parameters of the engine (102) and determining a modeled value of a first operating characteristic. A second set of parameters of the engine (102) is sensed and used to determined a modeled value of a second operating characteristic. The modeled values are compared to actual values and the engine is responsively diagnosed.