Caterpillar Inc.

Dennis A Barney

John P Hoffman

Ricky D Vance

Joseph G Kozlevcar

Michael D Staub

Giles Kent Sorrells

Steven V Christensen

Charles W Birchenough

David G Young

James B McKnight

Kevin Anthony O'Neil

Brian James Oleson

Timothy A Cross

Christopher Kent Hoadley

Ron J Penick

April D Scott

Christian A Schreiner

Adam Michael Buhs

Michael R Lyons

Curtis V Rocke

A retarding system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The machine may have a power source and a traction device driven by the power source. The retarding system may have a speed sensor configured to generate a speed signal indicative of a speed of the machine. Additionally, the retarding system may have a service brake configured to retard motion of the traction device. The retarding system may also have an engine brake configured to retard motion of the power source. In addition, the retarding system may have a controller in communication with the speed sensor, the service brake, and the engine brake. The controller may be configured to substantially concurrently retard motion of the traction device based on the speed signal and retard motion of the power source based on the speed signal.

Retarding system that retards motion of power source

The temperature of a machine component is controlled by transferring heat generated by a torque converter under restricted conditions to the component. The machine includes a circulating fluid system configured to transfer heat from the torque converter to the remotely positioned machine component. A controller is configured to sense the temperature of the component, and to restrict motion of the torque converter turbine when the sensed temperature is below a desired temperature. Heat generated by the torque converter under the restricted condition is transferred through the circulating fluid system to the remote component, such as the machine power source, to control the temperature thereof.

System and method for controlling machine component temperatures

The present invention includes a method and apparatus of managing time for a processing system located on a machine. The processing system includes a plurality of controllers and a communication network connecting each of the controllers. Each of the controllers has a local clock. The method includes the steps of establishing an operating characteristic of the machine, determining whether to update a local time in response to said operating characteristic, and updating said local time based upon the local clock in response to said update determination.

Method and apparatus of managing time for a processing system

A method is provided for promoting compliance by a vehicle operator with a payload standard for a vehicle. The payload weight of the vehicle is determined. The payload weight is compared with the payload standard to determine if the payload weight is compliant with the payload standard. The operation of the vehicle is then limited if the payload weight is not in compliance.

Maximum payload speed manager

Systems for monitoring sensed parameters and diagnosing fault conditions are useful in connection with many machines. Advantageously, such systems are capable of indicating the level of the sensed parameters in both a graphical and a digital format. In the subject invention, a switch selects one of a normal mode and a numeric readout mode. A sensor produces a sensor signal. A device displays a number in digital form that is representative of the sensor signal in response to the switch selecting the numeric readout mode. A gauge is provided to display the sensor signal in graphical form in response to the switch selecting the normal mode and to flash an illuminable device in response to the switch selecting the numeric readout mode.

Method and apparatus for displaying sensor outputs in a diagnostic system

Vehicle computer monitoring system screen and display

Systems for monitoring sensed parameters and diagnosing fault conditions are useful in many applications. Advantageously, such systems are capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes and in connection with each of a plurality of machines. In the subject invention, a plurality of gauges are included for indicating the levels of the sensed parameters. A plurality of symbols are included for identifying sensed parameters. A control receives an identification code and selectively illuminates one or more of a plurality of gauges and symbols in response to the identification code. A plurality of warning lights are each associated with a switch-type input. A display selectively indicates a pin code for each switch-type input having a fault condition. The indicator lights having an associated switch-type input in the fault condition are flashed. A device selectively indicates a pin code in response to each diagnosable input having a present or a previous fault condition.

Computerized diagnostic and monitoring system

Instruments are often designed to operate in connection with a variety of machine types. Advantageously, such gauges are sufficiently flexible to indicate the levels of parameters in either a high warning or a low warning format. In the subject invention, a gauge includes a plurality of indicating segments being selectively illuminable for indicating the levels of the sensed parameter in the normal operating range, a high warning segment being selectively illuminable for indicating the level of the sensed parameter being above the normal operating range, and a low warning segment being selectively illuminable for indicating the level of the sensed parameter being below the normal operating range. An identification code is produced and received by an instrument which responsively enables one of the high and low warning segments.

Computerized monitoring system having a programmable gauge

Systems for diagnosing fault conditions in a plurality of inputs are useful in many applications. Advantageously, such systems allow troubleshooting by a single technician. The subject invention includes a plurality of sensors for producing sensor signals, each of the sensor signals indicating one of plurality of states of a parameter. A device is included to indicate that one or more of the sensor signals has changed states.

Method and apparatus for indicating a changed condition

Gauges for indicating the level of sensed parameters are often provided in connection with a variety of machines. Advantageously, such gauges are sufficiently flexible to indicate the level of a parameter having a warning level that is dependent upon the level of a second sensed parameter. In the subject invention, a gauge indicates the level of a primary sensed parameter having a normal operating range. A sensor produces a signal indicative of the level of a secondary sensed parameter and the levels of the primary sensed parameter associated with the normal operating range are modified in response to the level of the secondary sensed parameter.

Method and apparatus for modifying the functionality of a gauge

Instruments are often designed to operate in connection with a variety of machine types. Advantageously, the instrument is capable of modifying the appearance and function of its displays in response to the machine to which the instrument is connected. The subject invention includes a device for producing an identification code and a plurality of gauges for indicating levels of the sensed parameters. Each of the gauges has an outline segment for illustrating a range of levels of the sensed parameter indicated by the gauge and a symbol for identifying the sensed parameter indicated by the gauge. A controller receives the identification code and selectively enables one or more of the plurality of gauges and illuminates the outline segment and symbol associated with each of the enabled gauges in response to the identification code.

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Morton, IL, United States of America

Dennis A Barney