The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 29, 2000
Filed:
Dec. 11, 1998
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A method for retarding a work machine having a fluid-cooled brake system includes the step of advancing said work machine at a first ground speed during a first period of time. The method also includes the step of sensing a fluid temperature of brake coolant circulating through said brake system during the first period of time. The method further includes the step of advancing said work machine at a second ground speed during a second period of time based on said fluid temperature. During retarding of the work machine, the radiator fan is operated at a predetermined, maximum fan speed irrespective of engine speed of the work machine's engine. Moreover, during retarding of the work machine according to the method of the present invention, the circulation pumps of the work machine's brake cooling system are operated at a predetermined, maximum pump speed irrespective of engine speed of the work machine's engine. An apparatus for retarding a work machine is also disclosed.