Caterpillar Inc.

Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.

Richard D Rathe

Scott G Sinn

David L Dickrell

Michael R Verheyen

Gregory S Gauger

Brian T Rolli

Ronald J Mearek

Robert W Keene

Greg A Schumacher

Thomas R Sandborg

Prasad V Parupalli

William G Angus

Daniel J Fox

A system is disclosed for sensing, recording, and selectively displaying data associated with operational characteristics of a vehicle and associated engine. The system includes a plurality of transducers delivering signals corresponding to such operational characteristics to a programmable logic device. These signals are converted to appropriate information signals which are stored in an associated storage device and can be selectively displayed on a suitable display device.

Data recording and display system

The system is provided for controllably monitoring data associated with operational characteristics of an engine. The system determines a maintenance activity requirement based on such characteristics. The system includes a plurality of transducers associated with the engine and connected to a programmable logic device. Signals from the transducers are continuously monitored and stored in an associated storage device. In response to predetermined sets of operational characteristics, an indication of when maintenance is due on the engine is produced by the logic device.

Maintenance monitor system

A system for controllably sensing, recording, and selectively displaying data associated with operational characteristics of a vehicle is described. A plurality of transducers are connected to a programmable logic device along with data entry, data storage, and data display devices. Information received from the transducers is processed by the logic device to determine whether a certain operational characteristic has occurred during the time that certain other characteristics are present. In addition, the amount of time that the particular characteristic occurs is determined.

Data exception reporting system

A tongue is provided for a towed wagon having conventional variable hydraulic and emergency brake systems. The tongue has three telescopically disposed tubes with a clevis on the outer tube for connection to a drawbar. A slide member is moved in said outer tube by a connected drawbar. The slide member has a cam which engages a spring loaded plunger which engages a latch on the intermediate tube to lock the outer and intermediate tubes together. The connected drawbar also moves the outer and intermediate tubes with respect to each other before they are locked together. This relative movement causes an emergency brake control means to be released, and moves to its breaking position only when the drawbar is disconnected. A surge brake mechanism is interconnected between the intermediate and inner tubes to operate the variable hydraulic brake system of the vehicle as the inner tube moves forwardly over the intermediate tube.

Automatic safety brake actuation tongue for towed vehicles

Growing community of inventors

Peoria, IL, United States of America

Richard D Rathe