Caterpillar Inc.

Steven R Genseal

Kenneth Lee Stratton

Richard J Skiba

Jean-Jacques Clar

Brian Gerard Funke

Steven R Krause

Patrick Pecchio

Steven R Kruase

A calibration system for use on a work machine wherein electro hydraulic controls are utilized to control the operation of a particular work element, the present calibration system being operable in both a semi-automatic mode and an automatic mode. In the semi-automatic mode, operator interaction is required and the calibration process is preferably initialized and controlled via a service tool which is in communication with a work machine controller. A command signal having a command signal value indicative of a command state of the component being calibrated is generated by a command signal generator, and a detector in communication with the component receives the component signal and detects when the component has reached the command state, and generates a detector signal having a value representing a calibration factor to be used in correlating the component signal value with the actual state of the component. In the automatic mode, no operator interaction is required and the controller automatically and dynamically correlates and compares the current state of the particular component being calibrated with its last stored state and thereafter calibrates the component upon detecting a difference therebetween.

Calibration system and method for work machines using electro hydraulic controls

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for determining a status of a relief valve located within a fluid system having a pump and an actuator valve. The fluid system is located on an earth moving machine, and the pump delivers fluid to the actuator through the actuator valve . The system includes a pressure compensation assembly adapted to control the fluid pressure of the system by bypassing fluid flow. The system also includes a relief valve, and a pressure sensor. The method includes the steps of positioning the actuator valve in a closed position, deactivating the pressure compensation assembly, and sensing a relief pressure of the system.

Method and apparatus for determining the status of a relief valve

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a work implement in order to enable an earth moving machine to move to a service area after a failure within an implement control system occurs. The method includes the steps of detecting the failure of the implement control system, enabling a limp home mode in response to the failure, and controlling the implement into a limp home position through operator interaction using a display and either an associated keypad or a touch screen.

Method and apparatus for a limp home mode

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Chillicothe, IL, United States of America

Steven R Genseal