Abstract: A fire pit includes an engine having at least one wall defining an inner chamber. At least one primary air aperture is defined through the inner chamber wall at a first, lower level, and at least one secondary air aperture is defined through the inner chamber wall at a second, upper level. A fuel grate is supported within the inner chamber at a level between the lower level and the upper level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the detection of irregularities in a thin film by measurement of transient thermal response.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the detection of irregularities in a thin film by measurement of transient thermal response.

Abstract: A dual purpose mobile machine is disclosed. The mobile machine may have a power source configured to propel the mobile machine and generate electrical power for use offboard the mobile machine. The machine may also have a work tool driven by the power source.

Abstract: A dual purpose mobile machine is disclosed. The mobile machine may have a power source configured to propel the mobile machine and generate electrical power for use offboard the mobile machine. The machine may also have a work tool driven by the power source.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling slip of a ground-engaging traction device of a work machine. The system includes an actual slip calculator operable to transmit an actual slip signal corresponding to an actual slip experienced by the work machine. The system also includes a ground condition selector operable to transmit a ground condition signal corresponding to a selected ground condition. A desired slip calculator is operable to transmit a desired slip signal based on the ground condition signal. A slip controller is coupled with the actual slip calculator and the desired slip calculator. The slip controller is operable to transmit a slip control signal based on the actual slip signal and the desired slip signal. The slip control signal controls the actual slip experienced by the work machine to achieve the desired slip.

Abstract: A switched reluctance traction system is provided for work machines. The switched reluctance traction system may include a plurality of switched reluctance motors. Each switched reluctance motor may include a stator with a plurality of stator poles and a rotor with a plurality of rotor poles. The switched reluctance traction system may also include one or more coupling elements to couple together the plurality of switched reluctance motors such that each of the plurality of motors is capable of driving the switched reluctance traction system independently.

Abstract: A switched reluctance traction system is provided for work machines. The switched reluctance traction system may include a plurality of switched reluctance motors. Each switched reluctance motor may include a stator with a plurality of stator poles and a rotor with a plurality of rotor poles. The switched reluctance traction system may also include one or more coupling elements to couple together the plurality of switched reluctance motors such that each of the plurality of motors is capable of driving the switched reluctance traction system independently.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling slip of a ground-engaging traction device of a work machine. The system includes an actual slip calculator operable to transmit an actual slip signal corresponding to an actual slip experienced by the work machine. The system also includes a ground condition selector operable to transmit a ground condition signal corresponding to a selected ground condition. A desired slip calculator is operable to transmit a desired slip signal based on the ground condition signal. A slip controller is coupled with the actual slip calculator and the desired slip calculator. The slip controller is operable to transmit a slip control signal based on the actual slip signal and the desired slip signal. The slip control signal controls the actual slip experienced by the work machine to achieve the desired slip.

Abstract: A method for starting an engine of an electric drive machine may include the method steps of introducing current to an electric motor system from a battery and receiving the current into at least one coil on an electric motor of the electric motor system. The electric motor may be configured to drive the electric drive machine when operating. The method may also include the steps of releasing the energy from the at least one coil to an energy storage device and discharging the voltage from the energy storage device to a power generation system to start the engine. A system for starting an engine of an electric drive machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit for transmitting data. A master controller circuit transmits a first data signal. N slave controller circuits are coupled with the master controller circuit. A first one of the n slave controller circuits is coupled with the master controller circuit to receive the first data signal, and determines a second data signal as a function of the first data signal, and transmits one of the first and second data signals as a function of a first flag signal. Each of the subsequent n−2 slave controller circuits are coupled with the respective previous slave controller circuit and receive the transmitted data signal from the previous slave controller circuit.

Abstract: A circuit for transmitting power. A controller circuit transmits n command signals. N power converter circuits are coupled with the controller circuit, and respectively receive the n command signals. The n power converter circuits respectively transmit n pulse width modulated signals as a function of the n command signals, with the n pulse width modulated signals being out of phase by approximately 360/n degrees.

Abstract: A circuit for transmitting power. A controller circuit transmits n command signals. N power converter circuits are coupled with the controller circuit, and respectively receive the n command signals. The n power converter circuits respectively transmit n pulse width modulated signals as a function of the n command signals, with the n pulse width modulated signals being out of phase by approximately 360/n degrees.

Abstract: An AC glow plug system is provided that includes a static converter for DC to AC conversion. Control techniques include varying the converter duty cycle according to glow plug temperature and other parameters such as engine air or coolant temperatures for smooth running as well as for prolonging glow plug life. Control is also varied according to fuel system characteristics and fuel composition.

Abstract: A circuit configuration wherein a plurality of solenoid driver circuits are all coupled together such that the high voltage supply associated with one driver circuit is connected in parallel with the high voltage supply of another driver circuit. Each driver circuit includes a high voltage select switch, a select switch, and a modulation switch, all of which switches are coupled to and controlled by an electronic controller such that back EMF created by the solenoid coil in each respective driver circuit can be recaptured by charging the high voltage supply associated with that driver circuit. This recaptured energy can then be utilized to not only provide current flow to the solenoid coil associated with that particular driver circuit, but such energy can likewise be utilized to recharge any plurality of the other high voltage supplies associated with the other driver circuits, even while the solenoid coils of such driver circuits are being powered by their respective high voltage supply.

Abstract: An electronically controlled device, such as a fuel injector, includes a first solenoid and a second solenoid attached to the injector body. An electrical circuit is attached to the injector body, and includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal connected to the first solenoid and the second solenoid. The electrical circuit permits energization of one of the first solenoid and the second solenoid when electrical current flows in either direction between the first terminal and the second terminal. However, the electrical circuit permits energization of the other of the first solenoid and the second solenoid only when current flows in a single direction between the first terminal and the second terminal.