Abstract: An overload prevention system and method for an electric circuit having a plurality of components is disclosed, where each component has a set of pre-computed parameters. For each component, monitored parameters are observed; a limited value is computed using the pre-computed and monitored parameters; and it is determined if the limited value reached a limit. If the limited value reaches the limit; the system limits one of the monitored parameters. Pre-computed parameters can include time constant and rated current; monitored parameters can include current; and limited value can be component temperature. A time constant, rated current and rated temperature can be pre-computed such that the temperature stays at or below the rated temperature when the current is substantially equal to the rated current. Per unit values can also be used such that per unit temperature stays at or below unity when per unit current is substantially equal to unity.

Abstract: A front wheel power system which may enable independent control of power to each wheel as well as yield direct control over average and differential front wheel speeds.

Abstract: A front wheel power system which may enable independent control of power to each wheel as well as yield direct control over average and differential front wheel torques.

Abstract: An overload prevention system and method for an electric circuit having a plurality of components is disclosed, where each component has a set of pre-computed parameters. For each component, monitored parameters are observed; a limited value is computed using the pre-computed and monitored parameters; and it is determined if the limited value reached a limit. If the limited value reaches the limit; the system limits one of the monitored parameters. Pre-computed parameters can include time constant and rated current; monitored parameters can include current; and limited value can be component temperature. A time constant, rated current and rated temperature can be pre-computed such that the temperature stays at or below the rated temperature when the current is substantially equal to the rated current. Per unit values can also be used such that per unit temperature stays at or below unity when per unit current is substantially equal to unity.

Abstract: A front wheel power system which may enable independent control of power to each wheel as well as yield direct control over average and differential front wheel torques.

Abstract: A front wheel power system which may enable independent control of power to each wheel as well as yield direct control over average and differential front wheel speeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of compensating for vehicle kinematics in a traction control system of an articulated vehicle. The vehicle has an independently-powered wheel. The method includes measuring a speed of the wheel, calculating an instantaneous ground speed of the wheel, and calculating a static ground speed of the wheel. The method further includes calculating a centerline ground speed of the wheel and comparing the centerline ground speed of the wheel to a reference speed.

Abstract: A skidder having a diesel engine coupled to a multiple gear ratio transmission driving a pair of wheel sets for a skidder. The diesel engine is controlled by an operator manipulated foot pedal or hand lever to control the power output and ultimately the maximum skidder ground speed. A controller is provided to pre-select the maximum gear into which the transmission may be placed to ultimately limit the maximum ground speed of the skidder so that the operator sets the forward speed in a binary fashion by depressing the foot pedal or hand operated device to a maximum output condition.

Abstract: A skidder having a diesel engine coupled to a multiple gear ratio transmission driving a pair of wheel sets for a skidder. The diesel engine is controlled by an operator manipulated foot pedal or hand lever to control the power output and ultimately the maximum skidder ground speed. A controller is provided to pre-select the maximum gear into which the transmission may be placed to ultimately limit the maximum ground speed of the skidder so that the operator sets the forward speed in a binary fashion by depressing the foot pedal or hand operated device to a maximum output condition.