Other

Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Clay L Hutchings

Robert G Miller

Gary N Heitzman

Gary L Knepp

Caterpillar Tractor Co

A solenoid-operated fuel valve opens automatically when the engine is started to allow fuel to flow from a fuel tank to the engine and closes automatically when the engine throttle is moved to fuel-off position to shut down flow of fuel through the governor for the engine. In the event of an emergency, operation of a manual shutdown control will de-energize the fuel valve solenoid to shut off flow of fuel to the engine compartment and will also shut down the engine by energizing a solenoid to move the fuel rack for the governor to fuel-off position. Actuation of a fire-extenguisher system for the engine will automatically de-energize the fuel-valve solenoid and energize the fuel-rack solenoid. The fuel-rack solenoid remains energized for a timed period sufficient to ensure engine shutdown in emergency situations. Control circuits are provided to ensure that current to each of the solenoids is reduced to a low holding level after initial energization and pull-in of the solenoids and are also provided to protect against damage from excessive current in the event either solenoid is shorted.

Engine and fuel shutdown control

A solenoid-operated fuel valve opens automatically when the engine is started to allow fuel to flow from a fuel tank to the engine and closes automatically when the engine throttle is moved to fuel-off position to shut down flow of fuel through the governor for the engine. In the event of an emergency, operation of a manual shutdown control will de-energize the fuel valve solenoid to shut off flow of fuel to the engine compartment and will also shut down the engine by energizing a solenoid to move the fuel rack for the governor to fuel-off position. Actuation of a fire-extinguisher system for the engine will automatically de-energize the fuel-valve solenoid and energize the fuel-rack solenoid. The fuel-rack solenoid remains energized for a timed period sufficient to ensure engine shutdown in emergency situations. Control circuits are provided to ensure that current to each of the solenoids is reduced to a low holding level after initial energization and pull-in of the solenoids and are also provided to protect against damage from excessive current in the event either solenoid is shorted.

Growing community of inventors

Pekin, IL, United States of America

Clay L Hutchings