J. I. Case Company

Navistar International Transportation Corporation

Ford New Holland, Inc.

Charles R Cornell

David J Olson

Richard Paul Strosser

James W Macqueene

David A Schaller

Eric T Swenson

Gregory L Pence

Zbigniew F Kosobucki

Richard S Kroll

An electronic data link that services components of the vehicle including components other than the engine and an electronic engine management system that services the engine operate in different data formats and are interfaced by a special electronic module that provides translation services for accomplishing bi-directional through-transmission of data between them. The module has programmable memory with different levels of security and can detect the absence of a vehicle speed sensor at incipient vehicle launch. The speed sensor serves both the data link and the electronic engine management system through the special module.

Electronic management system for heavy-duty trucks

In an automatic draft control system for positioning a hitch, velocity feedback loop techniques are employed to control the rate of movement of the hitch. When the system is operating in an open loop position control mode, a switch mounted on a tractor fender enables an operator to manually control raising/lowering of the hitch for the purpose of attaching an implement. Hitch position is sensed and a microprocessor calculates the first derivative of the hitch position signal to determine actual hitch velocity. The actual velocity is subtracted from a desired velocity value to obtain a velocity error signal. The error signal is subjected to an integral control algorithm and the integrated value is used to energize raise or lower solenoids controlling a valve which raises or lowers the hitch. When the actual hitch velocity is equal to or greater than the desired hitch velocity, the integrated value is saved. When the next raise/lower sequence is initiated the integrator is reset to the saved value. This eliminates delays in starting hitch motion. The desired velocity value may be derived from the setting of a drop rate potentiometer in which case a drop rate value is added to the integrated error signal with the result being used to modify a hitch movement command that energizes the 'lower' solenoid, thereby limiting the hitch drop rate when the system is operating in a closed loop position/draft control mode.

Draft control system with closed loop drop/raise rate control

Microprocessor controlled automatic power control for adjusting the engine power setting in an engine-transmission power train in which the transmission drive reduction is variable in ratio, by step change or continuously so, such as for use in farm tractors. The microprocessor control monitors the position of this automatically moving lever and the desired transmission output speed to keep the setting adjusted so that engine power is set, within a deadband, to maintain a desired engine speed preferably resulting in minimum fuel consumption or in maintaining constant transmission output speed. Preferably, the microprocessor has a higher priority primary function of also automatically adjusting the transmission drive reduction ratio, for the same purpose but with higher sensitivity. The power control lever is specifically designed to automatically return the power setting to manual control as soon as the operator grabs the handle.

Automatic power control for variable power train

A microprocessor controlled drive train having an engine-connected variable ratio speed transmission and a load-connected range gear transmission connected by a mid-mounted clutch disposed therebetween has an automatic clutch control mode of operation, with the clutch disengaged and the range transmission in gear to complete a shift, wherein the speeds of the clutch sides are synchronized before engagement by appropriately varying the ratio of the speed transmission, thereby eliminating shift shock. This automatic clutch control mode is preferably employed in combination with operating modes which control both the speed transmission ratio and engine throttle to maintain fuel efficient operation.

Synchronized mid-mounted clutch for variable power train

Engine monitor/control microprocessor primarily effective to automatically adjust the engine power setting in a transmission power train in which the transmission drive reduction is variable in ratio, by step change or continuously so, such as for use in farm tractors. The microprocessor adjusts the position of the setting so that engine power set at all levels is produced at the right brake specific fuel consumption for substantially minimum pounds of fuel per horsepower hour, or within a band width thereof if not all that sensitive. Preferably, the microprocessor has a higher priority primary function of also automatically adjusting the transmission drive reduction ratio, for the same purpose but with high sensitivity.

Engine monitor/control microprocessor for continuously variable power

The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring the rotor speed of the harvesting rotors of a cotton harvester. The inventive rotor speed monitor determines the rotational speed of each individual rotor. The individual speeds of the rotors are combined and an average rotor speed computed. The individual rotor speed is then compared with the average speed for the combined rotors. An alarm is provided to alert the operator whenever the rotational speed of a given rotor differs by a predetermined amount from the average rotational speed for the combined rotors. The invention rotor speed monitor can provide an early indication of rotor malfunction and also detours false signals generated by the harvester rotors deceleration after completion of the harvesting operation on a cotton row.

Cotton harvester harvesting rotor speed monitor

Transmission monitor/control microprocessor primarily effective to automatically adjust the effective drive reduction ratio of a power train of the type in which such transmission is variable by step change or continuously, such as for use in farm tractors. The microprocessor adjusts the drive reduction ratio so that engine power at all levels is produced at a minimum specific fuel consumption.

Growing community of inventors

Naperville, IL, United States of America

Charles R Cornell