Caterpillar Inc.

Ron J Penick

Dennis A Barney

John M Hadank

David R Meinhold

Steven V Christensen

Kenneth J McGuire

David G Young

April D Scott

Christian A Schreiner

Timothy A Cross

Michael R Lyons

Curtis V Rocke

The present invention includes a method and apparatus of managing time for a processing system located on a machine. The processing system includes a plurality of controllers and a communication network connecting each of the controllers. Each of the controllers has a local clock. The method includes the steps of establishing an operating characteristic of the machine, determining whether to update a local time in response to said operating characteristic, and updating said local time based upon the local clock in response to said update determination.

Method and apparatus of managing time for a processing system

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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Forsyth, IL, United States of America

Ron J Penick