Abstract: A short range peer-to-peer communications system for communicating between mobile machines includes a first machine having a first prime mover, a first ground engaging drive mechanism operatively connected to the first prime mover to propel the first machine about a work site, and a first peer-to-peer transmitter system on the first machine for transmitting a first signal indicative of a characteristic associated with operating of the first machine. A second machine has a second prime mover, a second ground engaging drive mechanism operatively connected to the second prime mover to propel the second machine about the work site, and a second peer-to-peer receiver system for receiving the first signal directly from the first peer-to-peer transmitter system.

Abstract: A short range peer-to-peer communications system for communicating between mobile machines includes a first machine having a first prime mover, a first ground engaging drive mechanism operatively connected to the first prime mover to propel the first machine about a work site, and a first peer-to-peer transmitter system on the first machine for transmitting a first signal indicative of a characteristic associated with operating of the first machine. A second machine has a second prime mover, a second ground engaging drive mechanism operatively connected to the second prime mover to propel the second machine about the work site, and a second peer-to-peer receiver system for receiving the first signal directly from the first peer-to-peer transmitter system.

Abstract: An ignition system includes an electrical energy delivery device having a first electrode terminating at a first end portion and a second electrode positioned in the ignition system separately from the electrical energy delivery device. The second electrode terminates at a second end portion disposed a first distance from the first end portion to form an air gap therebetween. The air gap forms an area including the shortest distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An ignition system includes an electrical energy delivery device having a first electrode terminating at a first end portion and a second electrode positioned in the ignition system separately from the electrical energy delivery device. The second electrode terminates at a second end portion disposed a first distance from the first end portion to form an air gap therebetween. The air gap forms an area including the shortest distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An emissions control system is used with a compression ignition engine capable of producing an exhaust gas stream to be treated by a reduction agent which is mixed with the exhaust gas stream to convert the exhaust gas stream prior to being directed into an SCR catalyst capable of reducing NOx in the exhaust gas stream. An exhaust gas recirculation valve is associated with the compression ignition engine for directing the exhaust gas stream back into the compression ignition engine. An electronic control unit and sensors determine whether the temperature of the exhaust gas stream is at a predetermined temperature, and if so control operation of the valve to allow a portion of the exhaust gas stream to be directed into the SCR catalyst. A bypass valve may also be provided to prevent the exhaust gas stream from entering into the SCR catalyst.

Abstract: An emissions control system is used with a compression ignition engine capable of producing an exhaust gas stream to be treated by a reduction agent which is mixed with the exhaust gas stream to convert the exhaust gas stream prior to being directed into an SCR catalyst capable of reducing NOx in the exhaust gas stream. An exhaust gas recirculation valve is associated with the compression ignition engine for directing the exhaust gas stream back into the compression ignition engine. An electronic control unit and sensors determine whether the temperature of the exhaust gas stream is at a predetermined temperature, and if so control operation of the valve to allow a portion of the exhaust gas stream to be directed into the SCR catalyst. A bypass valve may also be provided to prevent the exhaust gas stream from entering into the SCR catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of blow-by gas from a crankcase of an internal combustion engine. A particle and droplet filter removes at least some of any particles or droplets in the gaseous stream. The filtered gaseous stream is passed through a primary heat exchanger, and a catalyzed soot filter downstream of the primary heat exchanger. A secondary heat exchanger may be used to heat the gaseous stream with exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. Blow-by gases are cleaned for subsequent discharge to the ambient environment, or for reintroduction to the fuel system of the engine.

Abstract: A method for determining a condition of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for an internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of setting an EGR valve located on the EGR system to a first position, determining a first temperature value at a location on the EGR system, setting the EGR valve to a second position, determining a second temperature value at the location, and determining a condition of the EGR system as a function of the difference between the first and second temperature values.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system, particularly suitable for a motor vehicle, is provided with an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold and an exhaust gas recirculation rate control system fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold and to the intake manifold. The exhaust gas recirculation rate control system includes at least two critical-flow nozzles, each critical-flow nozzle having an intake end and output end, the intake ends being fluidly coupled to the exhaust manifold; at least one valve, each valve being fluidly coupled with at least one output end; and a control module operatively connected to each valve for controlling exhaust gas flow therethrough. Some advantages of such a system is that the exhaust gas recirculation is accurately provided with an “open-loop” control system, thereby avoiding the use of a feedback system; the flow can be accurately determined under a choked-flow operating conditions; and the system can readily handle different exhaust gas flow rates.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system, particularly suitable for a motor vehicle, is provided with an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold and an exhaust gas recirculation rate control system fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold and to the intake manifold. The exhaust gas recirculation rate control system includes at least two critical-flow nozzles, each critical-flow nozzle having an intake end and output end, the intake ends being fluidly coupled to the exhaust manifold; at least one valve, each valve being fluidly coupled with at least one output end; and a control module operatively connected to each valve for controlling exhaust gas flow therethrough. Some advantages of such a system is that the exhaust gas recirculation is accurately provided with an “open-loop” control system, thereby avoiding the use of a feedback system; the flow can be accurately determined under a choked-flow operating conditions; and the system can readily handle different exhaust gas flow rates.

Abstract: An emissions diagnostic system is used with a compression ignition engine having an exhaust gas stream directed into an SCR catalyst capable of reducing NOx in the exhaust gas stream. The system comprises a tank for storing a solution of urea, a pump in fluid communication with the tank for drawing the solution of urea from the tank, a valve in fluid communication with the pump and the exhaust gas stream for receiving the solution of urea from the pump, an air pump connected to the valve for providing air into the valve for mixing with the solution of urea, the valve for spraying the solution of urea into the exhaust gas stream, a sensor for sensing the level of NOx emissions emitted by the SCR catalyst, and a control module connected to the sensor for determining whether the level of NOx emissions is at an acceptable level.

Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction emissions control includes a NOx-reducing reagent stored in a vessel. The system includes apparatus and a method for determining when the vessel is empty or when the vessel is filled with a substance other than an acceptable NOx-reducing reagent.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating with an electronic control module on an engine of a machine from a remote location is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electronic controller associated with a power supply on the electronic control module. A sensor is connected to the electronic controller for sensing an engine parameter indicative of the operating state of the engine. A communications interface for transmitting and receiving a communication signal is associated with the electronic controller. An ignition switch is connected to the power supply, such that when the ignition switch is in the off position, the electronic controller is powered down. The electronic controller is subsequently powered up if a communication signal is received from the remote location.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for monitoring ignition in individual cylinders of a multi-cylinder engine of the type having an ignition system which includes a separate transformer for each cylinder. Each transformer has primary and secondary coils. The secondary coil is connected in series with a spark gap in an associated one of the cylinders. The ignition system further includes selector switches for receiving cylinder select signals and responsively connecting respective transformer primary coils. The current flows through the primary coil resulting in a voltage potential across an associated spark gap which normally increases to a magnitude sufficient to cause a spark across the spark gap. A first circuit receives the cylinder select signals, senses time delay between the reception of a cylinder select signal and sparking in a respective cylinder and responsively produces a delay signal indicative of the sensed time delay.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling ignition in an internal combustion engine having N cylinders and a capacitor discharge ignition system. The capacitor discharge system includes an ignition capacitor which is maintained at a predetermined electrical potential by a charging circuit. N transformers are provided, each having a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coils include first and second terminals and the secondary coils are electrically connected in parallel with the spark gap in an associated one of the cylinders. Selector switches are connected between the ignition capacitor and an associated one of the primary first terminals. The selector switches are normally biased open and are adapted to close in response to receiving cylinder select signals. The cylinder select signals are produced in response to a desired ignition sequence and for a period of time corresponding to a desired spark duration in an associated cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for measuring detonation in an internal combustion engine. Vibration sensors located on the engine send signals through a filter which is turned to the cavity resonance of the engine's cylinders. The peaks and valleys of the filtered signals are detected and ratiometrically compared one with another to determine the magnitude of detonation. The detonation information may be used by an engine control to retard timing in response to a predetemined level of detonation.