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:
Sep. 16, 2003
Filed:
Sep. 04, 2001
Douglas A. Carlson, Morton, IL (US);
Scott A. Leman, Eureka, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc, Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
An enhanced braking mode for a work machine includes activating engine compression release brakes while placing a torque converter in an overspeed condition. By doing so, both the engine and the torque converter contribute to decelerating the work machine. This combined braking horsepower is greater than that available using the engine compression release brakes with the torque converter in a locked condition. In addition, the braking horsepower available in this enhanced braking mode is comparable to that available with the employment of hydraulic retarders, which can be substantially more expensive, and require additional hydraulic cooling system capability. The enhanced braking mode is preferably carried out automatically by the electronic control module when the vehicle is in a retarding mode.