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:
Jun. 19, 2001
Filed:
May. 19, 1999
Thomas P. Muller, Montgomery, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
The present method and apparatus provide a control system on a machine including an electronic controller for controlling operation of at least one subsystem, an internal data storage device containing data readable by the controller representative of an allowable range for controlling an operating parameter for the subsystem, and a data interface operable for allowing the controller to access data contained in an external data storage device. The present method and apparatus additionally provide an external data storage device containing data accessible by the controller representative of at least one preferred value for controlling the operating parameter. The controller is operable to access the at least one preferred value and compare it to the allowable range, and if the at least one preferred value is within the allowable range, then selecting the at least one preferred value for controlling the operating parameter, and if the at least one preferred value is beyond the allowable range, then selecting the allowable range for controlling the operating parameter. Additionally, preferably the data contained in the portable external data storage device is readable by controllers of at least one other machine for customizing or limiting operation of at least one operating parameter thereof, and the card is movable from machine to machine. The preferred value can optionally be a global limiting factor for customizing or limiting operation of a plurality of subsystems of one or more machines.