Caterpillar Inc.

Keith F Harvey

Gerry Owen McCann

Yun Liu

Daniel Peter Sergison

Javad Hosseini

Keith A Kabrick

Jason Bell

Stephen Thompson

Gregory A Menke

Brad K McCunn

Aaron F Clay

James V Dornberger

Richard Adams

Jesse C Anderson

Alice L Kim

Jonathan D Chappell

Daniel T Wilhelm

Paul Graham

Ken Liesener

An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.

Machine control system utilizing inertial yaw sensor

System and method for controlling wheel spin and wheel slip on a machine having differentially driven wheels

A method for automatically controlling the downhill speed of a machine. The method includes establishing a target machine speed based on a current machine speed and determining whether at least one trigger condition including a grade greater than a predetermined threshold has been satisfied. If satisfied, the method activates a control system to control at least one of a powertrain retarder and a change in a transmission gear to prevent exceeding the target machine speed.

Automatic downhill speed control system

An improved speed sensing system is disclosed for a machine, such as a truck, that has an axle with an end and an axis. The machine further includes a sensor non-rotatably coupled to the end of the axle and coaxial with the axis. A wheel hub is rotatably coupled to the axle and a wheel cover is coupled to the wheel hub. The machine further includes a magnet coaxially disposed with the axis and coupled to the wheel cover for rotation about the axis as the wheel rotates. The sensor generates signals based on the rotational speed of the magnet and the wheel. For non-rotating axles that are solid or include solid spindles, a passageway for a communication line between the sensor and electronic control module (ECM) may be easily drilled thereby making the disclosed system easy to add to an existing machine or vehicle.

Wheel speed sensing system and method

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

A filter flushing arrangement is provided and includes a first filtering device, a second filtering device, and a valve arrangement connected to the first and second filtering devices. The valve arrangement is operative to change the direction of fluid flow through the first filtering device upon a filter element therein becoming clogged to flush the particles to the second filtering device which collects the particles on a filtering element therein and subsequently allows the foreign particles to freely settle to a collection basin. Some form of vibration and/or a burst of fluid from a fluid accumulating mechanism may be used to free the particles therefrom and allow them to settle to the collection basin. The collection basin is capable of collecting the particles over a long period of operation of the fluid system.

Filter flushing arrangement

Growing community of inventors

Peoria, IL, United States of America

Keith F Harvey