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:
May. 29, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 23, 1998
Robert A. Lapke, Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A speed control system for controlling the ground speed or track speed of a particular work machine based upon the angle of inclination of the terrain upon which the work machine is operating, the present system including a first sensor for determining the angle of inclination of the terrain upon which the work machine is operating, a second sensor for determining the ground speed of the work machine, and an electronic controller coupled with the first and second sensors and with various speed retarding systems associated with the work machine for controlling the operation thereof so as to maintain the ground speed of the work machine below a predetermined maximum ground speed limit based upon the particular operating terrain angle of inclination. The controller will output a signal to one or more of the various ground speed retarding systems associated with the work machine when the controller receives a signal from the second sensor indicative of the ground speed of the work machine being equal to a predetermined ground speed. In certain situations, the controller may output a signal to the engine governor system to shutoff all fuel to the engine to further retard the ground speed of the machine. The controller may also output a signal to a monitoring or warning system so as to provide the machine operator with an overspeed warning signal in the operator compartment.