Deere & Company

Stephen P Lang

Yolanda E Martin

Patrick E Pinkston

Bruce Craig Newendorp

Carl E Kittle

Trent Lynn Goodnight

David Charles Smart

Robert E Haight

Peter Leslie Falck

Arnold Rutz

Michael O Youngblood

John W Schletzbaum

Richard G Norton

Steven L Colvin

Brian J Mahoney

Arnold S Farber

Kanaparty N Rao

Stephen F Jacobi

Trend L Goodnight

A method of monitoring equipment of an agricultural machine includes taking a process computer and connecting the same to at least one sensor measuring an operational characteristic of the agricultural machine. The process computer evaluates the data received from the sensor and checks whether they indicate a fault of the agricultural machine. In this case, the data may be below and/or above a predetermined threshold. When such as fault or error occurs, the process computer submits a fault message to a remote station using a communications interface. The fault message contains a fault information identifying a type of the fault.

Method of monitoring equipment of an agricultural machine

A tractor includes various actuators or functions, such as a powershift transmission, a hitch and hitch control system, a PTO, a plurality of selective control valves, etc., all controlled by one or more control units in response to sensed parameters and operator manipulated control devices, such as switches, knobs and levers. A function management system includes a programmed control unit which has a learn/save mode which is operable while the vehicle is moving. During the learn/save mode the operator performs a sequence of manual manipulations of the operator control devices, and the control unit records and then stores information pertaining to the sequence of operations, together with information pertaining to the distances traveled by the tractor between operations. The control unit also has an execute or replay mode, operable in response to an operator command signal, wherein the control unit automatically performs the stored sequence of operations so that the sequence of operations is performed at the same distance intervals at which they were learned, regardless of the speed of the vehicle.

Vehicle function management system

A monitoring or control system includes a plurality of senders or sensors which are coupled to a central control unit by separate cables. The control unit includes a microprocessor which executes an intermittent fault detection algorithm while an operator manually flexes each cable in turn. When a cable with a fault is manipulated the algorithm responds by energizing a horn.

Intermittent fault detection system

A fluid filter monitoring system includes a filter relief valve movable in response to a pressure buildup caused by filter clogging to sequentially actuate a pair of pressure-operated switches. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of fluid in the hydraulic system. A control unit, including a microprocessor, controls the energization of a plurality of indicators, depending upon the status of the temperature sensor, the pressure-operated switches and the duration of actuation of the switches.

Filter monitoring system

An engine oil pressure monitor includes an engine oil pressure sensor and an engine speed sensor. A plurality of pressure alarm values are generated to correspond to designated distinct ranges of engine speed. One of the alarm values is selected according to which engine speed range contains the sensed engine speed. An alarm signal is generated when the sensed pressure falls below the alarm value. The alarm is disabled when the engine speed falls below a minimum non-zero engine speed and is disabled unless the pressure failure condition persists for at least a predetermined time period.

Engine oil pressure monitor

A vehicle, such as an agricultural tractor, includes a hydraulic assist-type transmission with fluid control and lubricating circuits. A monitoring system senses the fluid pressure in the lubricating circuit, the hydraulic fluid temperature and the engine speed. The sensed pressure is compared to a temperature and engine speed-compensated alarm value. Alarm signals are generated when the sensed pressure is continuously below the alarm value for a certain period. The alarm is disabled when the engine speed falls below a non-zero threshold level.

Monitor for hydraulic transmission

An agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor, includes an engine and a hydraulic assist-type transmission coupled together by a clutch. A monitor includes sensors for sensing engine speed, clutch temperature and transmission temperature. Warning signals are generated if the clutch temperature is continuously and at least a certain amount hotter than the transmission temperature for a certain time period. The warning signals are disabled if the engine speed is less than a threshold and for a certain time interval after the engine speed exceeds the threshold.

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Waterloo, IA, United States of America

Stephen P Lang