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AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsSarah D. Caldwell, Robert Q. Elliott, John E. Francis, W. Frank Landon, David M. Smith, Stephen M. Sturhahn
Estimating the term…
The present invention includes preventing an engine from stalling at a preselected low idle range during operation of a work machine. To accomplish this, a controller is located within a tachometer and disposed on the work machine. The controller is responsive to a first specified low idle RPM signal from the engine. The controller converts the RPM signal to an electrical signal that is directed to a relay. The relay is responsive to the electrical signal to automatically switch at least one device operating on the work machine from a first power output level to a second power output level lower than the first power output level. The controller is responsive to a second specified low idle RPM signal from the engine and converts it to another electrical signal. The relay is responsive to the another electrical signal to automatically switch the at least one device from the second power output level to the first power output level so that the engine is maintained within the preselected low idle range throughout operation of the work machine. This allows the preselected low idle range of the engine to have a lower RPM capability for smoother and more precise operational control of the work machine.
A work machine having an engine producing a rotational speed between a preselected low idle range and a preselected high idle range, an electrical power source, means for generating signals commensurate with rotational speed of the engine (RPM), and a tachometer for providing visual indication of the RPM, comprising:
A work machine having an engine producing a rotational speed between a preselected low idle range and a preselected high idle range, an electrical power source, means for generating signals commensurate with rotational speed of the engine (RPM), and a tachometer for providing visual indication of the RPM, comprising:
A method of preventing an engine from stalling during operation of a work machine, the engine being operatively associated with the work machine and producing a rotational speed between a preselected low idle range and a preselected high idle range, the work machine including an electrical power source, means for generating signals commensurate with rotational speed of the engine (RPM), and a tachometer for providing visual indication of the RPM, the method comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.