US4488140A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Clutch temperature monitor
Assignee: Deere and Co
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Filing: 1982-05-17
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Granted: 1984-12-11
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Expires: 2002-05-17
Abstract
Abstract An agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor, includes an engine and a hydraulic assist-type transmission coupled together by a clutch. A monitor includes sensors for sensing engine speed, clutch temperature and transmission temperature. Warning signals are generated if the clutch temperature is continuously and at least a certain amount hotter than the transmission temperature for a certain time period. The warning signals are disabled if the engine speed is less than a threshold and for a certain time interval after the engine speed exceeds the threshold.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen P. Lang
- 👤 Yolanda E. Martin
- 👤 Patrick E. Pinkston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 11:02
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R16/00; B60R16/02; B60R16/023; B60R16/0231; B60R16/0232
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
In an engine-driven vehicle having a hydraulic assist type transmission coupled to the engine by an operator-engageable and disengageable clutch, a clutch monitor system comprising: a clutch temperature sensor for generating a clutch temperature signal representing a temperature of the clutch; a transmission temperature sensor for generating a transmission temperature signal representing a temperature of hydraulic fluid in a portion of the hydraulic assist transmission; means for generating an alarm value derived from the sensed transmission temperature; and means for generating a warning signal when the sensed clutch temperature is greater than the alarm value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
In an engine-driven vehicle having a hydraulic assist type transmission coupled to the engine by an operator-engageable and disengageable clutch, a clutch monitor system comprising: a clutch temperature sensor for generating a clutch temperature signal representing a temperature of the clutch; a transmission temperature sensor for generating a transmission temperature signal representing a temperature of hydraulic fluid in a portion of the hydraulic assist transmission; means for generating an alarm value derived from the sensed transmission temperature; and means for generating a warning signal when the sensed clutch temperature is greater than the alarm value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
The invention of claim 1, further comprising: first means for sensing rotation speeds of the engine; disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal when the engine speed is not greater than a threshold value; and second disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal until a certain time interval expires following a time when the engine speed exceeds the threshold value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention of claim 1, further comprising: disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal unless the sensed clutch temperature continuously exceeds the alarm value for at least a predetermined time period.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
92 words
The invention of claim 1, further comprising: first disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal unless the sensed clutch temperature continuously exceeds the alarm value for at least a predetermined time period; second disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal when the engine speed is not greater than a threshold value; and third disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal until a certain time interval expires following a time when the engine speed exceeds the threshold value, the time interval being longer than the time period.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
109 words
In an engine-driven vehicle having a hydraulic assisttype transmission coupled to the engine by an operator-engageable and disengageable clutch, a clutch monitor system comprising: means for sensing rotation speeds of the engine; a clutch temperature sensor for generating a clutch temperature signal representing a temperature of the clutch; a transmission temperature sensor for generating a transmission temperature signal representing a temperature of hydraulic fluid in a portion of the hydraulic assist transmission; means for generating an alarm temperature value which is a certain temperature interval greater than the sensed transmission temperature; and means for generating a warning signal when the sensed clutch temperature is greater than the alarm value.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
109 words
In an engine-driven vehicle having a hydraulic assisttype transmission coupled to the engine by an operator-engageable and disengageable clutch, a clutch monitor system comprising: means for sensing rotation speeds of the engine; a clutch temperature sensor for generating a clutch temperature signal representing a temperature of the clutch; a transmission temperature sensor for generating a transmission temperature signal representing a temperature of hydraulic fluid in a portion of the hydraulic assist transmission; means for generating an alarm temperature value which is a certain temperature interval greater than the sensed transmission temperature; and means for generating a warning signal when the sensed clutch temperature is greater than the alarm value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
The invention of claim 5, further comprising: first disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal when the engine speed is not greater than a threshold value; and second disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal until a certain time interval expires following a time when the engine speed exceeds the threshold value.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention of claim 5, further comprising: disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal unless the sensed clutch temperature continuously exceeds the alarm value for at least a predetermined time period;
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
141 words
In an engine-driven vehicle having a hydraulic assisttype transmission coupled to the engine by an operator-engageable and disengageable clutch, a clutch monitor system comprising: means for sensing rotation speeds of the engine; a clutch temperature sensor for generating a clutch temperature signal representing a temperarure of the clutch; a transmission temperature sensor for generating a transmission temperature signal representing a temperature of hydraulic fluid in a portion of the hydraulic assist transmission; means for generating an alarm temperature value which is a certain temperature interval greater than the sensed transmission temperature; and first disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal when the engine speed is not greater than a threshold value; and second disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal until a certain time interval expires following a time when the engine speed exceeds the threshold value.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
141 words
In an engine-driven vehicle having a hydraulic assisttype transmission coupled to the engine by an operator-engageable and disengageable clutch, a clutch monitor system comprising: means for sensing rotation speeds of the engine; a clutch temperature sensor for generating a clutch temperature signal representing a temperarure of the clutch; a transmission temperature sensor for generating a transmission temperature signal representing a temperature of hydraulic fluid in a portion of the hydraulic assist transmission; means for generating an alarm temperature value which is a certain temperature interval greater than the sensed transmission temperature; and first disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal when the engine speed is not greater than a threshold value; and second disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal until a certain time interval expires following a time when the engine speed exceeds the threshold value.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention of claim 8, further comprising: disabling means for preventing generation of the warning signal unless the sensed clutch temperature continuously exceeds the alarm value for at least a predetermined time period.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 9, wherein the time interval is longer than the time period.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-12-11 | 1988-06-11 | 1988-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-12-11 | 1992-06-11 | 1992-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-12-11 | 1996-06-11 | 1996-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |