Caterpillar Inc.

Steven V Christensen

Andrew O Fonkalsrud

Dennis A Barney

Brett J Janson

Joshua Zulu

Wayne J Wulfert

David G Young

Mitchell J McGowan

Dale A Dalton

Thomas Lynn Grill

April D Scott

Ron J Penick

Christian A Schreiner

Timothy A Cross

Michael R Lyons

Rob E Stone

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

A control system for use in connection with control systems on construction equipment includes an electronic control module that records pressure sensor signals of a hydraulic pressure sensor and responsively determines whether the pressure sensor has failed.

Control system for use on construction equipment

An apparatus for controlling the torque on a power train of a machine is disclosed. The power train includes an engine, a transmission, and a torque converter for transmitting torque between the engine and transmission. A torque converter speed sensor produces a torque converter speed signal and an engine speed sensor produces an engine speed signal. A gear selector device produces a gear select signal indicating a desired gear ratio. A look-up table stores an upper engine power curve and a lower engine power curve. Finally, an electronic controller receives the torque converter, engine speed and gear select signals, and selects one of the upper and lower engine power curves to operate the engine in response to the selected gear ratio and torque converter speed.

Apparatus for limiting the torque on a power train and method of

An apparatus and method for controlling the torque on the power train of a machine is disclosed. The power train includes an engine and a torque converter. The machine includes a work implement that is moveable in response to the actuation of a plurality of hydraulic cylinders. An electronic controller determines an optimal engine speed based on the actual engine speed, torque converter output speed, and the fluid pressure associated with the hydraulic cylinders. The optimal engine speed is used to govern the speed of the engine to control the power train torque.

Apparatus for controlling the torque on a power train and method of

An electrohydraulic control device for a drive train of a machine including an engine, a transmission, a torque converter, and an impeller clutch is disclosed. A manually operated impeller clutch pedal produces an impeller clutch pedal signal in response to the position of the impeller clutch pedal. An impeller clutch electrohydraulic valve produces fluid flow to the impeller clutch to controllably engage and disengage the impeller clutch. An impeller clutch pressure curve that is responsive to the impeller clutch pedal position is stored in memory. A rotary position switch selects a desired rimpull setting indicative of a desired reduction in rimpull and produces a desired rimpull signal. An electronic controller receives the desired rimpull signal and reconfigures the impeller clutch pressure curve. Thereafter, the electronic controller receives the impeller clutch pedal signal and controllably actuates the electrohydraulic valve to produce a desired impeller clutch pressure defined by the impeller clutch pressure curve.

Electrohydraulic control device for a drive train of a machine

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Peoria, IL, United States of America

Steven V Christensen