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:
Apr. 23, 2013
Filed:
Dec. 17, 2010
Ryan Patrick Lenton, Buffalo, MN (US);
Ryan Patrick Lenton, Buffalo, MN (US);
Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling operation of an engine in a hydrostatically driven vehicle having high and economy modes may include monitoring one or more control inputs. When in the economy mode the engine may be operated: at a fixed propel neutral speed when a propel control input is in a neutral position; at a fixed propel drive speed when the propel control input is in a drive position and a propel pump displacement signal is less than a maximum displacement position of a propel pump; and at a variable drive speed when the propel control input is in the drive position and the propel pump displacement signal indicates a maximum displacement position. The economy mode conserves fuel while ensuring that sufficient engine power is maintained to operate the propel and any implement pumps provided on the vehicle.