Caterpillar Inc.

Bruce E Unger

Michael D Betz

Timothy A Boston

Stephen C Garnett

Eric M Andris

Rolland D Scholl

Michael Aaron Caruthers

Curtis Johnson

Richard F Shults

Bob Lindsey

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for controlling operation of an electric water pump configured to circulate a cooling fluid. The method may include detecting a startup of an electric power source associated with the electric water pump. In addition, the method may include monitoring a voltage available to the electric water pump in response to the detected startup of the power source. The method may also include providing an activation signal to the electric water pump if the monitored voltage is equal to or greater than a first threshold voltage.

Cooling system

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.

Multi-purpose mobile power generating machine

A sensor for detecting particles in a fluid including a housing having a cavity associated therewith, a magnet disposed adjacent the cavity to attract particles into the cavity, first and second coils wound around the outer surface of the cavity, the induction of the first coil being responsive to the particle accumulation within the cavity, the inductance of the second coil being responsive to the temperature of the fluid and being independent of the particle accumulation within the cavity, a first microprocessor coupled to the first and second coils for processing the signals received therefrom and for outputting signals indicative of the particle accumulation within the cavity, an rf transmitter for converting the signals received from the first microprocessor into rf signals, and an rf antenna for transmitting the processed signals to a remote location. The signals outputted from the first microprocessor are encoded with an identification code to identify and distinguish such signals. A second rf antenna and receiver are positioned at a remote location for receiving the transmitted rf signals. The receiver decodes and processes such transmitted rf signals back into an electrical signal indicative of the particle accumulation within the cavity and inputs such signal into a second microprocessor or electronic controller which stores and monitors such information for diagnostic, prognostic and trend analysis purposes.

Fluid particle sensor apparatus and method for transmitting data to a remote receiver

An inductive spool displacement sensor for determining the position or displacement of a spool within a particular hydraulic valve including a sensor housing having a cavity formed therein adapted for mounting within the hydraulic valve, the sensor housing being positioned such that at least a portion of the valve spool is disposed to enter the sensor cavity during certain operations of the valve. The sensor further includes a sensing coil wound about the housing cavity and a reference coil wound about the housing and spaced from the sensing coil, the inductance of the sensing coil being responsive to movement of the spool within the cavity and the inductance of the reference coil being responsive to the temperature of the fluid passing through the hydraulic valve. Based upon eddy current principles and because eddy currents are a function of material conductivity, the sensing coil, when energized, generates a signal indicative of that portion of the spool present within the housing cavity. Electronic circuitry, including a microprocessor, are coupled to the coils for receiving signals therefrom, the microprocessor determining the position of the spool relative to the cavity, or some other predetermined reference point, and outputting a signal proportional to the position or displacement of the spool within the hydraulic valve. The reference coil is provided to compensate for changing inductance values due to changing fluid temperature.

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Dunlap, IL, United States of America

Bruce E Unger