Caterpillar Inc.

Jeffrey J Simmons

Kevin Jay Lueschow

W John Love

An abnormal lifting cycle of a work machine lift component can be indicative of operator error and/or a fault within a lift component coupler. The present disclosure includes a method of detecting a fault for a lift component coupler of a work machine. Pressure within at least one hydraulic cylinder of the coupler is sensed during at least a portion of a lifting cycle of the lift component. A condition of the lifting cycle can be determined by detecting a magnitude of asymmetry within a plurality of the sensed pressures. An abnormal condition of the lifting cycle is indicated if the magnitude of the asymmetry of the plurality of the sensed pressures is outside of a predetermined range of asymmetry.

Method for detecting an abnormal lifting cycle and work machine using same

A radio frequency data link that establishes communications between a controller and a remote controllable system is disclosed. The controller includes an interface device that produces command signals indicative of desired system functions. A transmitting RF modem receives the command signals and responsively generates radio frequency signals that are representative of the command signals. A remote controllable system includes a receiving RF modem that receives the radio frequency signals and responsively converts the signals into control signals. A logic device receives the control signals, performs the desired function, and produces a reply signal that indicates the status of the function.

Apparatus and method for establishing a radio frequency communications

In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus determines the rotational speed and direction of a rotating object. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to detect the speed and direction of the rotating object and responsively produce a frequency signal indicative of the speed of the rotating object and a direction signal having a voltage value indicative of the rotational direction of the rotating object. A distinguishing stage receives the frequency and direction signals, and determines the voltage value of the portion of the direction signal that coincides with the falling edge of the frequency signal. Responsively the distinguishing stage produces a control signal having a voltage level responsive to the determined voltage value of the direction signal. A converting stage receives the frequency signal and responsively produces an output signal having a DC voltage proportional to the frequency of the frequency signal. A directional stage receives the control signal and the output signal, and changes the polarity of the output signal in response to the voltage level of said control signal. An output device receives the polarized output signal, and stores the magnitude and polarity of the output signal.

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Peoria, IL, United States of America

Jeffrey J Simmons