Abstract: A method of controlling a powertrain of a vehicle includes the generation of an engine torque versus engine revolutions per minute (RPM) reference for an engine. A current engine speed is determined. A fuel input signal and a continuous variable transmission control signal are generated in response to the engine torque versus engine RPM reference and the current engine speed to maintain an approximately constant engine speed for various engine loading conditions.

Abstract: A hydraulic auxiliary power system (248) for a vehicle includes a hydraulic pump (28). An auxiliary drive motor (56?) receives hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump (28). An electrical current generating device (252) is coupled to the auxiliary drive motor (56?) and powers one or more mechanically or electrically operated devices (254). A powertrain system (10??) includes an engine (12) and the hydraulic pump (28). A drivetrain hydraulic motor (30) receives hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump (28). The drivetrain motor (30) supplies energy for translation of the vehicle in response to the received hydraulic fluid. The auxiliary drive motor (56?) is in fluid operation with the hydraulic pump (28) and supplies energy to one or more of the mechanically or electrically powered devices (254).

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling includes a receiver that is suspended from the frame of a towing vehicle by a linkage mechanism to permit limited relative longitudinal and vertical displacement of the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. The receiver is mounted on a wishbone bracket that straddles the frame of the towing vehicle, and swinging linkage members couple the wishbone bracket to the frame. Initial forward movement of the tractor produces rotation of the linkage members with respect to the frame without producing forward movement of the towed vehicle. The rotation of the linkage members slightly elevates the receiver, whereafter the towed vehicle and receiver follow the towing vehicle in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the rolling resistance of the towed vehicle and its load.

Abstract: A load coupling apparatus for a wheeled vehicle includes load linkage members that pivotally suspend the vehicle and load weight below the axles of the vehicle, allowing limited relative displacement of the axles and the load in the direction of vehicle travel. The load is displaced by moving the axles in the desired direction of travel, whereafter the suspended load follows the axles in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the load inertia. The effort required to initiate movement of the load is significantly reduced due to the relative displacement of the axles and the load, and the mechanical advantage afforded by the load linkage members. Once in motion, the load continues to track the axles in the direction of travel, providing continued reduction in motive effort even when the load reaches a constant forward speed.

Abstract: The security of data elements which represent an industrial process, which are manipulated by users on a data processing system and in which the industrial process includes a series of industrial process steps, are controlled by permitting groups of users to access predetermined data elements based on the industrial process step at which the industrial process is currently active. A user is prevented from accessing the requested element if the industrial process is not at an industrial process step corresponding to one of the industrial process steps for which the user has authority to access the data element. Thus, access to data is prevented based on the status of the data, in addition to the type of data. When selected database elements are associated with one of many locations, access is also denied to a user based on the location. Security access based on status and location may be provided in response to a change in the current industrial process step.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling versions of selected objects in an object oriented computing system includes a common logical key attribute in each version of an object, which is used to identify all versions of an object. The object frame of each version also includes a unique combination of an insert sequence attribute and an extract sequence attribute. The unique combination of insert sequence attribute and extract sequence attribute allows the selection of a unique version of an object based on time. In order to select one or more versions of an identified object, a version time is converted into a selection sequence value. The selection sequence value is then compared to the insert sequence attributes and extract sequence attributes in order to select at least one of the versions of the selected objects. Each version may also include a perspective attribute for providing another selection criteria for selecting one or more versions of an object.

Abstract: A system and method for importing and exporting data between an object oriented computing environment and an external computing environment encapsulates the validation, conversion, and update control mechanisms for objects in metadata about the objects. Metadata logic operates identically on a variety of internal objects, freeing the object oriented computing environment from the need to duplicate the same control logic for each user interface. During program generation, metadata objects are generated to link an external computing environment data field name, a corresponding object oriented computing environment attribute name and a corresponding external data format for each external data field which is imported and exported. An external class object is defined, including conversion parameters for converting the corresponding object oriented computing environment attribute into the corresponding external data format.

Abstract: The security of data elements which represent an industrial process, which are manipulated by users on a data processing system and in which the industrial process includes a series of industrial process steps, are controlled by permitting groups of users to access predetermined data elements based on the industrial process step at which the industrial process is currently active. A user is prevented from accessing the requested element if the industrial process is not at an industrial process step corresponding to one of the industrial process steps for which the user has authority to access the data element. Thus, access to data is prevented based on the status of the data, in addition to the type of data. When selected database elements are associated with one of many locations, access is also denied to a user based on the location. Security access based on status and location may be provided in response to a change in the current industrial process step.

Abstract: Objects import data from, and export data to, a plurality of external systems in an object oriented computing system via a uniform external interface. The uniform interface includes external interface layers and internal interface layers. Each external interface layer converts data from the associated external system into an identifying token and data value. The external layer also converts an identifying token and data value into data which is formatted for the associated external system. The internal interface layer accepts an identifying token and data value from the external interface layer and converts the data value to a data attribute associated with an object. The internal interface layer also converts a data attribute into an identifying token and data value and provides the token and data value to the external interface layer. Thus, objects need only communicate with the internal interface layer in order to import and export data.

Abstract: The invention creates a number of End Item Configuration lists, each End Item Configuration list including a listing of those custom components and variations of standard components which are utilized for a selected configuration of a complex product. A basic bill of materials is also created including a listing of those standard components utilized for all configurations of the complex product. Thereafter, a relationship is established between a particular End Item Configuration list and a customer contract for the manufacture of a selected configuration of a complex product. Based upon the established relationship, a selected one of the End Item Configuration lists is retrieved and combined with a basic bill of materials to create a complete bill of material utilizing both the End Item Configuration list and the basic bill of materials, which may then be utilized in the manufacture of a particular configuration of a complex product.