Michael K Van

US Patent:

56594704, Aug 19, 1997

Filed:

Nov 23, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/344818

Inventors:

Walter J. Goska - Portland OR
Joseph Y. Muller - Kirkland WA
Dennis W. Gaibler - Gresham OR
David Thompson - Portland OR
Donald A. Lawe - Carnation WA
Michael M. Van Schoiack - Issaquah WA

Assignee:

Atlas Copco Wagner, Inc. - Stockholm

International Classification:

G01G 1908
G01G 1940

US Classification:

36442404

Abstract:

A computerized monitoring system is provided for sensing, displaying and storing a plurality of vehicle parameters for determining efficiency and to provide a detailed history of the vehicle throughout a work shift. The system is primarily intended for use on vehicles that carry heavy payloads many times a day such as are used in mining and general off-road, heavy-duty construction. The system incorporates up to 40 sensors to monitor vehicle parameters such as payload weight fluid temperatures, fluid pressures, fluid levels, shift position, direction of vehicle motion and vehicle speed. The system is provided with a display for showing the information to a vehicle operator. In addition, a central processing unit monitors the sensors and continuously compares the sensor output against predetermined maximum and minimum levels which indicate a "normal" range of operation. The system is initialized by a computer card that must be inserted into a card reader. In addition to initializing the system, the card provides an operator identification and provides memory to store the vehicle parameters that are generated by the sensors during an entire work shift.