Caterpillar Inc.

Bryan A Vogt

Marvin K Palmer

Thomas A McCauley

Paul Anthony Dvorak

Steven R Wells

Jerry J Burckhartzmeyer

Victor A Simkus

Paul E Jantz

Christopher P Beaudin

Joseph E Dezelan, Jr

James A Morrison

An electronic engine control is provided that compensates the engine's power output capability based on the parasitic power load demands.

Electronic engine control and method

A method of operating a fan control system associated with a radiator may include rotating a fan in a first direction at an operating speed to direct cool air toward the radiator for a first predetermined period of time. After expiration of the first predetermined period of time, rotation of the fan in the first direction may be decelerated. The method may also include accelerating the fan in a second direction opposite to the first direction and rotating the fan in the second direction at a predetermined speed for a second predetermined period of time. After expiration of the second predetermined period of time, rotation of the fan in the second direction may be decelerated, and the fan may then be accelerated in the first direction to the operating speed.

Reversible automatic fan control system

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method and apparatus for controlling a fan on a work machine is provided. The method includes the steps of sensing a temperature of air at an inlet manifold, sensing a temperature of an engine coolant fluid, sensing a temperature of a hydraulic fluid, and sensing a temperature of a transmission fluid. The method also includes the step of controlling the fan responsive to at least one of the sensed temperatures.

Method and apparatus for cooling fan control algorithm

An apparatus and method for preparing a hydraulic work machine for towing in response to a dead engine condition. The apparatus includes a source of hydraulic fluid, a standby pump system hydraulically connected to the source, a plurality of pilot controls adapted for electrical activation by the standby pump system, and a hydraulic brake system. The apparatus also includes a supply valve connected to the pilot controls, and at least one lift cylinder connected to the supply valve and adapted to lift an implement on the work machine. The hydraulic brake system and the lift cylinder are enabled for hydraulic control in response to activation of the standby pump system.

Apparatus and method for preparing a hydraulic work machine for towing

In articulated machines it has long been a desire to provide a steering system that will permit the incorporation of machine controls into a steering wheel assembly and yet provide the operator with mechanical feedback through the steering wheel. The present invention accomplishes this goal by providing a steering wheel assembly on a first frame of the machine and a control valve on the second frame that articulates with respect to the first. The steering wheel assembly and control valve are connected by a shaft assembly that includes a pair of constant velocity U-joints interposed along the length thereof. The shaft assembly translates substantially equal amounts of rotation between the steering wheel assembly and the control valve. The control valve is operable in a first and second condition, depending upon the amount of rotation of the steering wheel assembly, to provide different modes of steering that compliment the operation of the machine.

Steering system for an articulated machine

In machines having a bucket that is capable of carrying a load of material, it is well know that when the machine is traveling over rough terrain or encounters other obstacles the machine may bounce or the operator may be subjected to a jolt due to a change in force acting on the lift actuator. Accumulators have been connected to the loaded end of the lift actuator to cushion or dampen the sudden changes in the forces. When the machine is used without the accumulator connected to the lift actuator a pressure balancing valve mechanism is provided to maintain a pre-charge in the accumulator greater than or equal to the pressure in the head end of the lift actuator when the ride control comes on. In order to ensure that the pressure in the accumulator is always equal to the pressure in the head end of the lift actuator when ride control comes on, the accumulator is selectively connected to the implement pump or the reservoir. When in a manual mode the ride control is turned off when a tilt lever is moved to tilt the bucket, and when in a automatic mode the ride control is turned off when the machine is being operated below a predetermined ground speed.

Growing community of inventors

Naperville, IL, United States of America

Bryan A Vogt