Caterpillar Inc.

Javad Hosseini

James E Schimpf

Alan L Stahl

Randall M Mitchell

Nathan T Schenkel

Noel J Rytter

Douglas A Carlson

David L Dickrell

Gregory A Menke

Kendall R Harrell

Gerald P Simmons

Daniel E Henderson

William E Allen

Todd D Creger

Andrew J Tonsor

Weldon L Phelps

Michael Angel Cobo

Kenneth P Liesener

Daniel Joseph Whiting

Keith F Harvey

Eric A Hutchison

Ashok K Kajjam

Sri K Rangarajan

Michael F Hopkins

Robert D Greer

Brad K McCunn

Ken Liesener

Wilton E Quant

Andrew G Verheyen

Pei-Ming Chang

Wayne M Ferrell

Bradley K Mc Cunn

A method and apparatus for determining a value of torque at a desired location on a machine. The method and apparatus includes choosing the desired location, determining an operating condition relevant to the desired location, determining a plurality of parameters of the machine, and determining a value of torque at the desired location as a function of the operating condition and the plurality of parameters.

Method and apparatus for determining torque at desired locations on a machine

A method of controlling a transmission is provided. A command is received to engage a clutch having a chamber. A control valve is opened to allow pressurized fluid to flow from a fluid supply line into the clutch chamber. The pressure of the fluid within the fluid supply line is monitored as fluid flows through the control valve to enter the clutch chamber. A rate of change in the volume of fluid entering the chamber is determined based on the sensed pressure of the fluid within the fluid supply line. A fill point of the clutch chamber is detected when the rate of change in the volume of fluid entering the chamber is less than a volume differential threshold.

Fluid clutch fill detection system and method

The present invention discloses a system and a method for controlling the timing of the filling of a fluid actuate. The system includes, a fluid actuated clutch an electronic controller adapted to detect an end-of-fill point for the fluid actuated clutch compare the end-of-fill point with a desired end-of-fill point and adjust at least one of a plurality of clutch fill parameters in response to the comparison in order to control the timing of the filling of the clutch and a control valve that is activated by the electronic controller.

Apparatus and method for controlling the end of fill of a fluid actuated clutch

In one aspect of this invention, a fluid actuated clutch is disclosed. The fluid actuated clutch is operatively connected to a control valve that is actuated by an electronic controller that receives a signal from an input mechanism, including a value for speed of an engine drive and a value of output speed for a torque converter. The method includes detecting a torque converter ratio which is the output speed of the torque converter divided by the engine drive speed, and detecting if there is at least one torque converter decrease exceeding a predetermined level and preferably detecting if there are at least two consecutive decreases in the torque converter ratio with at least one of the torque converter decreases exceeding a predetermined minimum level. This condition represents the end-of-fill point for the fluid actuated clutch.

End-of-fill detector for a fluid actuated clutch

In one aspect of this invention, a fluid actuated clutch is disclosed. The fluid actuated clutch is operatively connected to a control valve that is activated by an electronic controller that receives a signal from an input mechanism. The system and method includes detecting an instantaneous clutch slip and detecting when the instantaneous clutch slip is less than an average of a predetermined number of cycles of instantaneous clutch slip that is divided by a predetermined factor. This condition represents the end-of-fill point for the fluid actuated clutch.

End of fill detector for a fluid actuated clutch

An end-of-fill detection arrangement is provided in a power distribution system to detect when a clutch is fully filled and the pressure therein can be progressively increased to full engagement. The arrangement includes placing a position sensor in a pressure relief valve that is controlling the desired pressure level to respective clutches and directing the sensed position of the valving element therein to an electronic controller. The controller monitors the position of the valving element in the relief valve. Initiation of filling of a clutch results in the valving element moving from a bypassing position towards a flow blocking position. This movement is noted by the controller and when the valving element returns generally to its initial location, the clutch is filled. The controller notes the end-of-fill and provides a command signal to the proportional valve to progressively increase the pressure in the clutch until the clutch is fully engaged. The subject invention provides a simple arrangement that detects the end-of-fill.

End-of-fill detector arrangement for a fluid actuated clutch

A method for controlling automatically controlling the shifting of a transmission when operating the higher speeds so that a downshift is performed before a directional shift is made. A controller receives a directional signal, a mode signal, a transmission output speed signal. The signals and a shift sequence table is used to shift the transmission when the machine has reached an 'on speed' point. The controller will perform a shift after a predetermined time without the machine reaching the 'on speed' point.

Control for high speed directional shift

A control system and method is provided for changing the shiftpoints of a transmission for part throttle shifting. A input section delivers a actual gear signal, a engine speed signal and a torque converter output speed signal A controller receives the input signals and varies the transmission shiftpoints relative to the received signals. The controller also delivers signals to the transmission to upshift, downshift or that no shift is necessary.

Control system for an automatic transmission having shift points based

An apparatus for controllably moving an implement is provided. The implement is connected to a work machine and is movable between first and second implement positions in response to operation of a hydraulic actuator. The apparatus includes a joystick with first and second positions and a neutral position. The joystick is normally biased in a neutral position and is movable between the first and second positions. The apparatus senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates a joystick position signal. The joystick maintained at the first and second detent positions in response to manual movement of the joystick to the respective first and second detent positions. The joystick is released from the detent position in response to receiving a release detent signal. The apparatus senses the position of the work implement with respect to the work machine. The apparatus provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic actuator in response to a magnitude of an electrical valve signal. The apparatus receives the joystick position signal, responsively delivers the electrical valve signal. The magnitude of the electrical valve signal is proportional to the joystick position signal. The apparatus compares the implement position signal with a first detent position and a second detent position and responsively produces the release detent signal.

Apparatus for controlling an implement of a work machine

A method for controlling an apparatus (100) for controllably moving an implement (102) is provided. The implement (102) is connected to a work machine (104) and is movable between first and second implement positions in response to operation of a hydraulic actuator (106). The apparatus (100) includes a joystick (306) with first and second positions and a neutral position. The joystick (306) is normally biased in a neutral position and is movable between the first and second positions. The apparatus senses the position of the joystick (306) and responsively generates a joystick position signal. The joystick (306) maintained at the first and second detent positions in response to manual movement of the joystick to the respective first and second detent positions. The joystick (306) is released from the detent position in response to receiving a release detent signal. The apparatus (100) senses the position of the work implement (102) with respect to the work machine (104). The apparatus (100) provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic actuator (106) in response to a magnitude of an electrical valve signal. The apparatus (100) receives the joystick position signal, responsively delivers the electrical valve signal. The magnitude of the electrical valve signal is proportional to the joystick position signal. The apparatus (100) compares the implement position signal with a first detent position and a second detent position and responsively produces the release detent signal.

Method for controlling an implement of a work machine

A method for controllably moving an implement is provided. The implement is connected to a work machine and is movable between first and second implement positions in response to operation of a hydraulic actuator. The method includes a joystick with first and second positions and a neutral position. The joystick is normally biased in a neutral position and is movable between the first and second positions. The method senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates a joystick position signals The joystick maintained at the first and second detent positions in response to manual movement of the joystick to the respective first and second detent positions. The joystick is released from the detent position in response to receiving a release detent signal. The method senses the position of the work implement with respect to the work machine. The method provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic actuator in response to a magnitude of an electrical valve signal. The method receives the joystick position signal, responsively delivers the electrical valve signal. The magnitude of the electrical valve signal is proportional to the joystick position signal. The method compares the implement position signal with a first detent position and a second detent position and responsively produces the release detent signal.

An anti-spin apparatus for a machine is disclosed. The machine is articulated and has at least one axle set with at least two driven wheels. The anti-spin apparatus includes braking mechanisms which controllably apply braking forces to each of the driven wheels. A controller produces a slip signal having a value responsive to the difference in rotational velocity between the wheels of the axle set. A transducer produces an articulation signal having a value responsive to the angle of articulation of the machine. Further, a microprocessor receives the slip signal and the articulation signal, and produces a braking control signal. One of the braking mechanisms receives the braking control signal and responsively applies the braking forces to the faster rotating wheel.

Method and apparatus for controlling differentially driven wheel-slip

Electronic implement control

An implement control system is provided for controllably raising and lowering an implement relative to a work vehicle. The implement is pivotally connected to the work vehicle and movable between maximum raised and lowered positions in response to the extension and retraction of a hydraulic cylinder. The implement control system is operative for controllably connecting the hydraulic cylinder to a hydraulic accumulator as the implement reaches its desired position, thereby slowing movement of the implement in a smooth manner.

Method and apparatus for controlling an implement

Vehicles having implements are typically used to perform repetitive functions in work cycles. An implement control system raises and lowers an implement relative to the vehicle and reduces the stresses applied to the vehicle from abruptly stopping the motion of the implement. A lever pilot signal is produced in response to the pivotal position of a control lever. An electrohydraulic pilot signal is also produced. The pilot signal having the greater pressure is directed to a main valve for controlling the position of the implement. The method and apparatus of the instant invention are applicable to a number of vehicles having a hydraulically operated implement.

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Edelstein, IL, United States of America

Javad Hosseini