J. I. Case Company

David J Olson

Charles R Cornell

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.

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Naperville, IL, United States of America

David J Olson