Abstract: A transmission and control mechanism for a hydrostatic-mechanical power transmission system, provided with a mechanical transmission driven through an input shaft connected to a engine, a hydrostatic transmission connected to the input shaft, and a differential unit for connecting an output shaft to the mechanical and hydrostatic transmissions. The hydrostatic transmission includes a swashplate type pump and motor, with at least one of the swashplates being variable in angle. There is an engine revolution speed sensor, a target motor speed ratio setting device for setting a target motor speed ratio based on whether the engine speed is above, below or within a predetermined speed range, and a swashplate angle controller for controlling the swashplates according to the target motor speed ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the running speed of a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic motor employable for a construction machine such as a power shovel or the like as a driving power source is constructed such that its rotational speed can be changed to assume either a high speed (low torque) or a low speed (high torque) so as to cope with differences in the running state of the construction machine. The apparatus of the subject invention assures that the running state of the construction machine is determined by not only the running load of a hydraulic motor but also its rotational speed, whereby the construction machine can run smoothly at all times.

Abstract: A system comprising a secondary mover such as an hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover such as a motor powered, in use, by an alternating current (AC) electrical supply, whereby the operation of the secondary mover is affected by any frequency variation in a substantially constant voltage AC supply. The system further comprises adjustment means in use powered by the same AC supply as the prime mover, having inherently substantially the same operating characteristics as the prime mover, being coupled to the secondary mover and operable to adjust the operating range thereof in accordance with variations in the frequency of the AC supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control and regulating device for a hydrostatic transmission which comprises a reversible hydraulic pump that can be driven by a driving motor, at least one hydraulic motor that is connected via two working lines to the hydraulic pump, and an adjusting device that can be acted on by an adjusting pressure for adjusting the volume and direction of displacement of the hydraulic pump, together with a displacement-direction control valve for controlling and regulating the action of the adjusting pressure on the adjusting device, can be actuated as desired both by a control signal that is proportional to the speed of rotation of the driving motor and predetermines the direction of displacement of the hydraulic pump and by a working pressure signal that is proportional to the working pressure in the working line then carrying the high pressure.

Abstract: A method a braking a vehicle which has a drive motor, a hydrostatic drive unit including adjustable hydraulic machines having adjusting devices, and an electronic subassembly controlling the adjusting devices of the hydraulic machines. Continuous adjustment of the hydraulic machines permits the drive motor to exert a braking moment that slows the movement of the vehicle. The method includes rapidly adjusting the hydraulic machines by the electronic subassembly toward a setting that relieves the drive motor completely or partially after a limiting rpm value on the drive motor is exceeded and the higher pressure present in the hydrostatic drive unit reduces the braking energy through the adjusting devices until the speed of the drive motor drops below the limiting rpm value. At this time, the electronic subassembly again adjusts the hydraulic machines to utilize the braking moment.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus which controls a variable delivery motor installed on a hydraulically operated vehicle in such a way that the maximum vehicle speed can be continuously varied without sacrificing the performance of the nonstep variable speed, hydraulically operated vehicle. The apparatus includes a hydraulic pump (1) connected with the variable delivery hydraulic motor (2) by main circuits (24, 25), a cylinder (31) that controls the motor (2), a control pump (3) delivering pilot pressure, and a vehicle speed limiter (122). Higher pressure is produced inside the main circuits. The limiter limits the minimum capacity of the motor (2), depending on the higher pressure and also on the pilot pressure acting on the cylinder (31).

Abstract: Disclosed is a preferably electrohydraulic control for a load-dependently operating variable displacement pump, which is equipped with a differential pressure control device for ensuring a predetermined pressure drop at the control edge of a directional valve integrated into the consumer supply line. The differential pressure control device has a servo valve, the valve spool of which can be brought out of a first position, increasing the output volume of the variable displacement pump, against the compressive force of a spring and of a control pressure led off from the supply pressure upstream of the directional valve, by the pump pressure into a second position, reducing the output volume.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive system consists respectively of an adjustable primary and secondary unit which are connected together via a conduit train with impressed pressure. The volume flow of the primary unit is regulated in dependence upon the impressed pressure and the volume flow of the secondary unit as a function of the speed. To avoid pronounced dropping of the impressed pressure the power of the secondary unit is limited. For this purpose a circuit is provided in which the volume flows of the primary and secondary units are compared. The power limitation intervenes when the volume flow of the secondary unit exceeds the volume flow of the primary unit.

Abstract: A controller for a hydraulic fluid flow control apparatus determines a quantity necessary for loading/unloading operations according to a signal from a lever operating degree detector, and controls a variable displacement type hydraulic pump to obtain the quantity. Accordingly, unnecessary hydraulic fluid flow in the hydraulic apparatus is reduced. The controller determines when a vehicle is stopped according to a signal from a clutch ON-OFF detector or a neutral sensor, and can raise the rpm of an engine. Therefore, when the loading/unloading operations are being executed while the vehicle is stopped, there is no need to operate the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A hydromechanical drive wherein a prime mover drives an input shaft which, in turn, can drive a coaxial output shaft by way of a clutch or transmission having one or more axial piston pumps. The pressure and/or rate of fluid flow in the pump or pumps is adjustable by one or more valves or by one or more tiltable wobble plates in response to signals from one or more adjusting devices which receive signals from an electronic control circuit. The latter further receives signals from tachometer generators which monitor the RPM of the input and output shafts, from a gauge which monitors the pressure in the pump or pumps, from the valve or valves, or from the adjusting devices(s) for the tiltable wobble plate(s).

Abstract: Control system for a load-sensing hydraulic drive circuit comprising; at least one hydraulic pump; hydraulic actuators driven by the hydraulic pump; and a pressure compensated flow control valve between the pump and each of the actuators, for controlling a flow rate of fluid to each actuator in response to a control signal. The control system has first detection means for detecting a differential pressure between the pump delivery pressure and the maximum load pressure; second detection means for detecting the pump delivery pressure; first means for calculating a differential pressure target pump delivery amount Q.DELTA.p to hold the differential pressure constant; second means for calculating an input limiting target pump delivery amount QT based on at least a pressure signal from the second detection means and an input limiting pump function; third means for selecting one of the differential pressure target delivery amount Q.DELTA.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated continuously variable automotive transmission includes a transmission ratio controlling member and a hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to the transmission ratio controlling member for continuously operating the transmission ratio controlling member to increase or reduce the transmission ratio of the continuously variable automotive transmission. A control valve is provided for applying a controlling hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator dependent on the difference between a first control force commensurate with an indication of the automobile driver's intention of acceleration or deceleration and a second force commensurate with the engine rotational speed, in order to change the direction in which the hydraulic actuator is operated.

Abstract: The torque of a hydraulic machine is dependent of the fluid pressure delivered to the machine and is further dependent of the adjustment of its volume of through-put. In response to a load coupled to the machine, a speed results which is controlled by a speed control system acting on the adjusting system of the hydraulic machine. According to the invention, an electro hydraulic speed control comprises a pair of control circuits which are connected to, but operate independent of each other. Thus the electrical control circuit produces a control signal y.sub.e1 from the difference of the actual value and the desired value of the speed for adjusting a hydraulic restricting means which produces a hydraulic pressure signal p.sub.st in the hydraulic control circuit which pressure signal is compared with a hydraulic reference signal p.sub.o to produce a differential pressure signal p.sub.o -p.sub.st which is applied to the adjusting cylinder of the hydraulic machine.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic system for control of a variable output pump includes a microprocessor-based controller receiving inputs from condition sensors coupled to the pump and command inputs from a remote master controller. The controller supplies outputs to an electrohydraulic valve for metering hydraulic fluid to a pump control port and thereby controlling pump operation in any one of a number of preselected and prestored pump control modes. A hydromechanical valve is connected in parallel with the electrohydraulic valve for controlling pump operation in the event of electrical malfunction or failure. Circuitry connected between the pump condition sensors and the control computer prevents aliasing errors due to mismatch between the computer sampling frequency and pump speed. A pump torque sensor measures pump input shaft torque.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system to actuate the piston of a cylinder unit comprises a first hydrostatic machine having variable displacement, a second hydrostatic machine mechanically coupled to said first machine and operating as a signal generator either in a pump mode or a motor mode, and a third hydrostatic machine of fixed displacement mechanically coupled to said first machine, which third machine is hydraulically connected to said cylinder unit. In response to zero speed or rotation of the drive system the piston of the cylinder unit may be stopped in any position, or, respectively, raised or lowered. The variable displacement machine may operate as a pump and as a generator in which latter case energy is recovered in lowering a load.

Abstract: A control system for controlling input power to hydraulic pumps of a hydraulic system including a prime mover and a plurality of variable displacement hydraulic pumps driven by said prime mover. The control system comprises: a first computing unit for computing, for each of the hydraulic pumps, an input torque control value concerning a distribution of input torques of said hydraulic pumps from a representative pressure obtained on the basis of a discharge pressure of at least one other hydraulic pumps; a second computing unit for determining an input torque for each of the hydraulic pumps on the basis of a corresponding one of the input torque control values determined by the first computing unit; and a third computing unit for determining an object discharge rate of each of the hydraulic pumps from the input torque obtained by the second computing unit and an own discharge pressure of each of the hydraulic pumps.

Abstract: An arrangement for operating a diesel-hydraulic drive on a construction machine in limit-load control with a microprocessor controller in which the installed hydraulic power is greater than the rated output of the diesel engine. Upon thermal and/or diesel-engine overload the hydraulic power which can be taken off is reducible; in the case of non-output loading, after a selectably predetermined time the diesel engine can be switched to idling speed of rotation and hydraulic displacement pumps can be operated with minimum delivery oil quantity; and the adjustable hydraulic displacement pumps can be adjusted in accordance with selectably predeterminable output curves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power control for an automatic transmission which consists of two valves, the first of which is a characteristic valve providing a pressure differential linearly proportional to an input speed signal provided by a prime mover driven fixed displacement pump, and a second valve which is modulated by the pressure differential generated by the first valve and by a pressure feedback proportional to the torque transmitted by the transmission. The power control provides a series of linear control curves proportional to input speed and is useful as either an automotive type control or an anti-stall control, or a combination of both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a travel speed control for a hydrostatically propelled harvesting machine or the like, and more particularly to a control system which automatically slows the travel speed of the harvesting machine at a fast rate in response to lugging of the engine and subsequently allows recovery of the travel speed to be at a fast rate initially, followed by a slow recovery rate to insure stability of the control system while minimizing the time required for travel speed recovery.

Abstract: For a drive system comprising a hydrostatic adjustable machine an electrical control is provided with which the actuator of the machine is driven so that for acceleration, retardation and braking, i.e. when the machine moves from motor mode to pump mode, a predetermined operating behavior of the machine necessarily results. The particular input desired value for the speed is transformed so that suddenly occurring abrupt acceleration, retardation and braking operations are avoided and in particular on abrupt entry of desired values increased safety against operating errors is achieved.

Abstract: In a vehicle speed control system, a vehicle speed command set corresponding to the position of a vehicle speed setting lever is fed into a dead area setting circuit in which the value of the vehicle speed command is changed to be not smaller than a preset minimum speed of the vehicle when it falls out of the dead area. Then the command is supplied into different delay compensating circuit depending on whether it is an acceleration command or a deceleration command. Further, the command outputted from the delay compensating circuit is subtracted by a brake signal generated by the operation of a brake pedal. The command thus subtracted causes a mechanical brake signal to generate when the speed of the vehicle is zero or minus.

Abstract: An electronic control system for a variable displacement pump comprises apparatus for sensing the actual position of the displacement determinative element and the actual rotational speed of the pump cylinder block, and for producing representative signals which are combined to produce a signal indicative of actual output flow rate. The displacement determinative elements position and the cylinder rotational speed are sensed directly by sensors mounted within the housing of the pump. The speed sensor is disposed in close proximity to, and aligned with marks inscribed on, the outer surface of the rotatable cylinder block. The volumetric efficiency of the pump is also sensed by and used to determine the actual flow rate.

Abstract: A fluid operated pump displacement control system is provided wherein a self pressure is defined as a first control signal, and characterized in that an arbitrary switchable second control signal different from the first control signal is added to the first control signal, and a displacement is adapted to be switched to a displacement corresponding to a value of the second control signal as added to the first control signal. Further, a fluid operated pump displacement control system is provided comprising a control circuit connected to respective displacement control devices of variable displacement pumps and adapted to be operated by discharge pressure fluid from a discrete control pump.

Abstract: This invention concerns a motorizing device for a vehicle, of the trailer category which is attached to a tractor equipped with a main engine organ. In particular, placed on said vehicle, the device includes: an auxiliary thermal engine (20), a plurality of hydraulic engines (50) respectively associated to each drive wheel of the trailer, an equal number of pumps (31) respectively connected to hydraulic engines (50) and associated to the auxiliary thermal engine. The device includes in addition a regulating element (100) which acts either on the hydraulic engines (50), or on the pumps (31), which is sensitive to the rotating speed of the main engine organ of the tractor.

Abstract: A control system for a variable displacement pump or pumps driven by a vehicular engine for supplying pressurized fluid to implement actuators via implement control valves. The engine has several output conditions each with a different output torque characteristic. The control system includes a servomechanism comprising a servoactuator section coupled to the pump for varying the per cycle displacement thereof, a servovalve section for operating the servoactuator section by fluid pressure from a fixed displacement pump, and a control section for actuating the servovalve section. The servomechanism control section is fluid operated from a torque control valve, which delivers a controlled degree of fluid pressure from the fixed displacement pump to the control section in order to correspondingly vary the torque requirement of the variable displacement pump.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control arrangement for a hydrostatic drive of the type having a power-driven adjustable pump, a pressure responsive setting cylinder coupled to the pump, a hydraulic motor connected via pressure conduits to the pump and a measuring motor coupled to the hydraulic motor to rotate with a proportional rotary speed. A supply pump is connected in a control circuit including the measuring motor and a nominal or desired value generator in the form of an adjustable throttle by means of which the desired rotary speed of the hydraulic motor is adjusted. Deviations between the actual and desired speeds produce a differential control flow which is fed to the setting cylinder which adjusts the position of an adjusting member of the pump for so long as until the deviation equals zero.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system including at least one hydraulic actuator, two variable displacement hydraulic pumps each connected to the hydraulic actuator to form a closed circuit therewith and connected in parallel with each other, two prime movers each driving one of the hydraulic pumps, and directional control valves each arranged between the hydraulic actuators and one of the hydraulic pumps. The directional control valves are each operative to shut, when one of the prime movers associated therewith is shut down, the hydraulic pump connected to the shutdown prime mover off the other hydraulic pump and the hydraulic actuator, to thereby prevent the hydraulic pump from being rotated by the pressure fluid delivered by the other hydraulic pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in controlling a variable displacement pump in a hydrostatic transmission comprises servo-positioning means for varying the displacement of the variable displacement pump, signal producing means for producing a first signal dependent on the rotational speed of the input shaft of the variable displacement pump and means communicating the first signal dependent on the rotational speed of the input shaft to the servo-positioning means to increase or decrease the displacement of the variable displacement pump as the rotational speed of the input shaft increases or decreases. A second signal dependent on the output pressure of the variable displacement pump is communicated to the servo-positioning means to act in opposition to the first signal to tend to reduce or increase the displacement of the variable displacement pump.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a combine or other vehicle having an engine for driving both the ground wheels of the vehicle and at least one auxiliary mechanism, such as the crop-processing mechanisms of a combine. The engine is coupled to the ground wheels through a hydrostatic transmission, and the power takeoff for the auxiliary mechanism is located on the engine side of the transmission. A speed droop governor regulates the fuel input to the engine in response to changes in the engine speed. Transmission control means adjusts the setting of the hydrostatic transmission, and thus the load applied to the engine via the transmission, in response to changes in engine speed or another parameter that varies with engine load so as to control the speed changes effected by the droop governor.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling both pump displacement of a variable displacement hydraulic pump and the quantity of fuel delivered to an internal combustion engine for the purpose of delivering a requested hydraulic flow at a highly efficient operating point. The apparatus includes an underspeed control means for reducing pump displacement in response to the operating speed of the engine lugging below a desired operating speed. Additionally, a fuel control means operates to reduce the quantity of fuel delivered to the engine in response to the operating speed of the engine rising above the desired operating speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for controlling or measuring operational parameters of an axial piston machine. The tilting plate which engages and adjusts the stroke of the piston is provided with two opposite pivot pins supported in fixed bearings. At least one pivot pin is provided with a shearing stress sensor preferably in the form of a magnetoelastic feeler which produces electrical signals the pulsation of which is indicative of rotational speed and the magnitude of the signal is proportional to pressure applied by the pistons and thus to the delivery of the machine. A second sensor is coupled to the tilting plate to indicate the angular displacement of the latter. The output signals from the sensors are separated into the pressure dependent signals, frequency dependent signals and angular displacement signals which upon multiplication are applied to a programmable data processing unit.

Abstract: To limit the power output of a hydraulic assembly consisting of plural driven hydraulic motors, hydraulic pumps driving said motors, a single pump driving motor and control means for controlling the hydraulic flow to said drive hydraulic motors, a controller is provided which is supplied with an input signal from a subtractor which in turn is supplied with signals from a reference value setting device and an actual value setting device, the actual value setting device sensing the speed of the driving motor. An output signal of the controller is applied to all of the control means and is multiplied in each control means by a signal proportional to the setting of said control means, in order to obtain the flow control signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine (14) having a power control (15) and a variable hydrostatic transmission (16, 17) including a hydraulic pump (16) driven by the internal combustion engine, and a hydraulic engine (17) connected therewith.By automatic adjustment of the power control (15) and the ratio (E) of the hydrostatic transmission (16, 17) independently of each other according to a predetermined mathematical control function (FIG. 1) which describes a desired relationship between power and rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, a specific discrete power output is delivered between zero load and full load only at an associated discrete rotational speed of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An automatic horsepower control system on a working vehicle which varies the vehicle drive speed so as to maintain a maximum torque output on the working function of the vehicle. The prime mover of the vehicle drives the work function and also a pump which in turn supplies motordriven wheels for moving the vehicle. A stroker control cylinder controlled by a solenoid operated valve varies the pump flow rate to the motor to change vehicle speeds, said solenoid operated valve being signaled by an electronic controller which compares the prime mover's RPM with a standard to determine the torque load from the work function, and accordingly signals the valve to increase or decrease the flow to the motor to adjust vehicle speed and maintain a constant work load on the prime mover.

Abstract: An anti-stall control for use in a system having an engine which drives a pump to supply fluid under pressure to a motor and including means responsive to a control voltage for altering the flow of fluid to the motor. The anti-stall control senses the speed of the engine and generates a voltage proportional thereto, the speed voltage being compared to a reference voltage for providing a D.C. signal proportional to the speed voltage. A quick dump/slow recovery circuit is responsive to a decrease in the amplitude of the D.C. signal for generating a control voltage which decreases at a fast rate to prevent overloading of the engine, the circuit being responsive to an increase in the D.C. signal for generating a control voltage which increases at a slow rate to improve the stability of the system.

Abstract: A drive unit is provided consisting of an internal combustion engine, a continuously variable transmission unit and a fluid operated regulating assembly interconnecting said internal combustion engine and transmission and operated by a single manual control. A second manual control may be provided for interconnecting the engine and a stroke mechanism drive independently of the transmission for operating an auxiliary hydraulic or like circuit.

Abstract: A control means for a variable displacement pump (12) driven by an engine (10) and having a servo-cylinder (78) determining the displacement of the variable pump (12). A charge pump (14) is driven by the engine (10) and supplies charge pressure to the variable pump (12) through an orifice (40). Pilot conduits (42,44) on each side of the orifice (40) sense the pressure drop due to flow and relay the resulting signals to each end of a metering spool (52) in a speed control valve (46), which is arranged to control the pressure in the servo-cylinder (78). A spring (90) biases the servo-cylinder (78) toward an extreme position for the variable pump (12) and opposes the pressure directed to the servo-cylinder (78) by the speed valve (46) in order to provide a smooth transition between the extreme positions for pump displacement.

Abstract: A control method of a system for generating hydraulic power, the system including an internal combustion engine controlled by fuel injection from a fuel injection pump, and a plurality of hydraulic pumps of the variable displacement type. An engine speed deviation is obtained by calculating a difference between a target engine speed set by a manipulated variable of an accelerator for the internal combustion engine and an output engine speed of the engine. The engine speed deviation is converted into a pump control coefficient which is in a functional relation with this deviation. A calculation is performed with the converted value and an externally manipulated variable for inclination of a swash plate of the hydraulic pump, and the calculated value is supplied to a regulator of the hydraulic pump as a target value for inclination of the swash plate thereof to thereby control the inclination angle of the swash plate of the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A hydraulic system comprising a full flow supercharged variable displacement pump and a fixed displacement charge pump adapted to be driven by the same prime mover as the variable displacement pump for supplying fluid to the variable displacement pump. An orifice is provided in the supply line to the variable displacement pump, a circuit is provided from a point downstream of the orifice to tank pressure, and a feedback valve is provided in series with the circuit. The feedback valve comprises a pair of mutually and oppositely adjustable flow restrictions in series with said circuit. The restrictions are connected to the displacement varying means to vary them equally and oppositely in proportion to the movements of the displacement varying means.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission coupled with a gear transmission for operating a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine has its accelerator pedal connected to the throttle valve of the engine and to the servovalve of the stepless hydrostatic transmission via an engine characteristic storage which modulates the accelerator travel signal applied to the servovalve to optimize the fuel consumption. The servovalve also receives input from an electric signal comparator which compares the engine speed with an output signal from the output unit of the hydrostatic transmission or the output shaft of the gear transmission.

Abstract: An underspeed actuator (18) is connected to the displacement control (17) for controlling the displacement of a variable displacement pump (11) of a hydrostatic transmission (10) in response to the pressure differential between low and high pressure control signals (A,B) wherein the pressure differential is directly proportional to the engine speed. An overspeed control valve means (41) is connected to the low and high pressure signals and decreases the pressure level of the high pressure signal received by the underspeed actuator (18) in response to the pressure differential exceeding a predetermined magnitude. This reduces the displacement of the variable displacement pump (11) thereby controlling the amount of engine overspeed caused by the hydrostatic transmission (10) driving the engine when the vehicle is descending a steep hill.

Abstract: For use on a vehicle having a split torque transmission, the split torque transmission including first and second throughputs and a summing junction connected to the first and second throughputs and having a transmission output dependent upon the first and second throughputs, each throughput having an input connected to an output of the engine of the vehicle, the system including a sensor adapted to sense the output of the engine, and a controller connected to the sensor and adapted to control the second throughput dependent upon the engine output, the second throughput being controlled from a negative value cancelling the first throughput to a positive value so that the transmission output is varied from idle to a predetermined value.

Abstract: An electronic constant speed control for a hydrostatic transmission having a variable displacement hydraulic pump with a displacement controlling member movable to various positions at either side of a neutral position and having an input shaft connectable to a prime mover and a hydraulic motor having an output shaft, an electric controller for positioning siad displacement controlling member, a command potentiometer for establishing a set constant speed signal representing a desired constant speed between zero and maximum speed in either direction of rotation for said output shaft, a speed detecting device for establishing a pump input shaft speed signal, a circuit for generating a position control signal representing the required position of the displacement controlling member for the set speed which is responsive to the constant speed and pump input shaft speed signals, a speed detecting device for establishing an output shaft speed signal, a circuit for comparing the output shaft speed signal with said se

Abstract: A fluid control circuit includes a source of pressurized fluid (10) adapted for connection to a hydrostatic transmission (23) upon actuation of a vent control valve (16). The vent control valve (16) is connected to a control and preconditioning valve (17) which functions to ensure that a control lever (14) is in its "vent" position upon starting of an engine and provides for the continuous preconditioning of the control circuit subsequent to such start-up. The control circuit is relatively non-complex in structure and function and does not require positioning of the control lever (14) in a special reset position upon shifting thereof between its "run" and "vent" positions.

Abstract: An automatic horsepower control system on a working vehicle which varies the vehicle drive speed so as to maintain a maximum torque output on the working function of the vehicle. The prime mover of the vehicle drives the work function and also a pump which in turn supplies motor-driven wheels for moving the vehicle. A servo-control valve varies the pump flow to the motor to change vehicle speeds, said valve being signaled by an electronic controller which compares the prime mover's RPM with a standard to determine the torque load from the work function, and accordingly signals the valve to increase or decrease the flow to the motor to adjust vehicle speed and maintain a constant work load on the prime mover.

Abstract: A variable displacement pump 1 includes a housing 2 having an inlet port 3 and an outlet port 4. The pump 1 is an axial piston pump having a swash plate 5 which is actuated to different angular positions by an actuating member 7. The torque limit of the pump 1 is controlled by a horsepower control valve 19 and a speed responsive control valve 35, which change the torque limit of the pump 1 in response to changes in the position of the actuating member 7 and in response to changes in the speed of the engine 33. In this manner, the torque limit of the pump 1 for any position of the actuating member 7 closely approximates the maximum available output torque of the engine 33.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle includes an engine driven transmission having a pair of output shafts, each of which engages a planetary gear set for driving chain treads. An infinitely variable, hydrostatic/hydrodynamic, superimposed steering mechanism includes a neutral shaft in engagement with the sun gears of each of the planetary gear sets. The steering mechanism includes a hydrostatic drive unit with a regulating pump having a control lever operatively connected to the vehicle steering wheel and an oil motor having an absorption regulating lever. The steering mechanism also includes a hydrodynamic drive unit which is controlled as a function of the hydrostatic system pressure. Output gears of both steering drive units engage the neutral shaft. A torque control valve includes a plunger which positions the oil motor absorption lever as a function of the hydrodynamic drive speed to increase torque at low drive speeds and reduce torque at high drive speeds.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for a hydrostatic transmission of the type including a prime mover driven variable displacement pump, the displacement of which is controlled by a pair of strokers (28, 30). Flow of pressurized control fluid from the charge pump to one of the strokers, and from the other stroker to tank, is controlled by a main control valve (34). The control system includes an auxiliary control valve (44) defining passages (98, 100, 102) communicating between the lines connecting the main control valve and the strokers. The auxiliary control valve includes an on-off, electro-hydraulic valve (46) which prevents flow through the auxiliary valve in response to an electrical signal in one condition, and permits flow in response to an electrical signal in another condition.

Abstract: Flow from a pressure source is bidirectionally conducted to a prime-mover driven, bidirectional, positive displacement pump and in-series flow restrictions; the pressure source and flow restrictions functioning to provide the reference flow rate; the pressure gradient across said pump bidirectionally signaling the error in prime-mover speed. Means responsive to said pressure gradient provide proportional plus integral control of the prime-mover speed.

Abstract: A tractor having a hydraulically driven power takeoff shaft in which manipulation of a control handle in the forward direction causes the speed of the shaft to be varied in accordance with the position of the handle and also in accordance with engine speed. When, however, the control handle is moved to the extreme forward position, the power takeoff shaft is operated at either of two selected constant speeds regardless of engine speed as long as the engine speed is adequate to maintain such constant speed. When the control handle is moved in the opposite direction towards reverse position, the power takeoff shaft is driven at a variable speed, dependent on the position of the handle and on the engine speed. This speed is relatively low as compared with that of the forward speeds.The tractor is provided with a manually operated energy shutoff control adjacent the power takeoff shaft, in the form of a push button switch which can be actuated whenever a sudden termination of the shaft operation is desired.