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: A programmable electronic engine controller includes customer programmable engine and vehicle operating parameters. A communications device is connectable to said engine controller. Stored in the communications device are a predetermined set of parameters. The communications device downloads the engine and vehicle operating parameters that are present in the engine controller, compares those values to corresponding predetermined parameters, and prints an exception report based on that comparison.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for sensing, recording, and selectively displaying data associated with operational characteristics of a vehicle and associated engine. The system includes a plurality of transducers delivering signals corresponding to such operational characteristics to a programmable logic device. These signals are converted to appropriate information signals which are stored in an associated storage device and can be selectively displayed on a suitable display device.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method for generating performance ratings that indicate the driving performance of a vehicle operator is disclosed. The method senses various operating parameters of the vehicle and produces representative signals. Sensed signals are compared to corresponding target values. A plurality of is performance ratings are determined. Finally, an operator summary report illustrating the performance ratings is generated. The report includes recommended actions to improve the performance of the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for storing various vehicle operating characteristics upon sensing a vehicle acceleration having a magnitude that exceeds a predetermined limit. In this manner, the vehicle owner or fleet manager can determine whether the vehicle operator uses the service brakes excessively.

Abstract: A control for limiting the torque output of an engine when operating in a PTO mode is provided. The control includes a microprocessor connected to a PTO on/off switch, a set/resume switch and a torque limit on/off switch. When the torque limit switch is in an on position, the microprocessor limits the maximum torque output to an operator programmed value. The operator can reprogram the torque limit value with a programming tool.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling a compression brake on an internal combustion engine. the apparatus includes means for automatically disabling the compression brake once the vehicle speed falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A control system for the use of the main engine of a vehicle as a heat source in maintaining the temperature of an operator compartment. The system is manually enabled subject to multiple criteria, the temperature in the operator compartment is monitored, and signals for the desired operator compartment temperature within an about plus or minus 10 degrees control range are produced. The main engine of the vehicle is enabled to start and run by all standard safety features and with a fuel flow controlled idle power output. Cycling through the starting and stopping of the engine is accomplished in response only to the temperature monitor signals. Disconnect of the operator compartment temperature control is accomplished manually by the operator, usually by actuating the operator controls.

Abstract: The system is provided for controllably monitoring data associated with operational characteristics of an engine. The system determines a maintenance activity requirement based on such characteristics. The system includes a plurality of transducers associated with the engine and connected to a programmable logic device. Signals from the transducers are continuously monitored and stored in an associated storage device. In response to predetermined sets of operational characteristics, an indication of when maintenance is due on the engine is produced by the logic device.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a power take off ("PTO") controller used on a vehicle. The controller includes a PTO on/off switch, a brake/clutch ignore switch, and a PTO set/resume switch connected to an electronic controller. The controller sets the engine speed command to a PTO default speed in response to the PTO on/off switch being in an on position. By placing the brake/clutch ignore switch in an ignore position, the vehicle operator can use the brake or clutch without affecting the PTO engine speed.

Abstract: An engine control is provided for compensating the fuel delivery to an internal combustion engine as a function of the energy content of the fuel. The engine control includes a fuel temperature sensor connected to an electronic controller. A memory device including a standard fuel delivery map stored therein is connected to the electronic controller. The electronic controller calculates a compensated fuel delivery map as a function of the standard fuel delivery map and the fuel temperature, and the controller issues a fuel delivery command based on the compensated fuel delivery map.