Caterpillar Inc.

Kenneth J McGuire

John M Hadank

David R Schricker

John E Francis

Rolland D Scholl

Amy L Moore-McKee

David R Meinhold

Robert Quincy Elliott

Stephen J Jackson

J Martin Hadank

Ron J Penick

John S Bibb

Gerald L Graf

Sysounanh M Pradaxay

Shane W Kiger

Kem D Ahlers

Terry A Moore

Charles G Boen

Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine is beneficial for the operator (not shown). Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control levers continuously in a retract position, the operator (not shown) may simply move the control levers to an auto-retract position. The movement of the control levers in such a manner activates a control switch in connection with each of the control levers. The control switches, in turn, activate a timer relay that activates a solenoid detent operative with each control lever. Once the solenoid detents are in an activated state, the operator (not shown) may relinquish contact with the control levers. The solenoid detents will retain the control levers in the auto-retract position via electro-magnetic forces. The timer relay controls the solenoid detents so that the control levers are retained in the auto-retract position for a preselected time to fully retract the stabilizer legs from any one of a plurality of extended positions.

Pilot hydraulic control for a pair of stabilizer legs on a backhoe loader machine

Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine is beneficial for the operator when operation of the backhoe loader is complete. Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control switches continuously in a control position, the operator may simply push an auto-up switch with a single, &ldquo;one-touch&rdquo; contact. Once the auto-up switch has been activated by the &ldquo;one-touch&rdquo; contact, a timer relay is enabled. The timer relay acts independently of the auto-up switch to control the simultaneously retraction of the stabilizer legs without any further contact to the auto-up switch. When the timer relay is enabled, it sends a signal to activate the control switches for a preselected time. The activation of the control switches actuates a pair of solenoid valves which control the movement of the stabilizer legs from any one of a plurality of extended positions to a fully retracted position within the preselected time.

Auto-up switch for simultaneously retracting a pair of stabilizer legs on a backhoe loader machine

A method of operating a computer to automatically produce control software for an information manager on a machine is provided. The information manager is adapted to display information relating to the machine. The method includes the steps of (1) as a function of operator input, defining a set of information manager specifications; and (2) producing control software to operate the information manager as specified by said specifications.

Method for programming a vehicle monitoring and control system

When compiling machine performance data it is advantageous for such data to have been acquired during periods in which the machine was in the same general operating state. The subject invention provides a system for producing historical data regarding machine operating parameters and including a plurality of sensors for producing signals indicative of the level of machine parameters. A control is included for selecting data representative of a first operating parameter in response to a dependency definition being satisfied and for processing the selected data to provide an indication of machine performance.

Apparatus and method for providing historical data regarding machine

Large work machines typically include an automatic lubrication system for lubricating critical areas during operation. In such systems it is advantageous to provide an efficient and flexible controller having substantial diagnostic capabilities. The subject inventions provides a sensor for determining the level of an operational parameter, a device for calculating a time interval being dependent on a previous lubrication event and the operational parameter, a device for producing a lubrication signal in response to the time interval reaching a predetermined interval constant, and a lubrication control for activating a lubrication system.

Automatic lubrication control

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Garner, NC, United States of America

Kenneth J McGuire