PTO-logic configuration system

• US 20040230346A1
• Filed: 05/15/2003
• Published: 11/18/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Co. LLC (Volkswagen AG)
• Original Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Co. LLC (Volkswagen AG)
• Inventors: Rotz, John F., Brooks, David B.
• Granted Patent: US 6,928,358 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 25/06 from the transmission power take-off transmissions having power-take-off B60K17/28

Abstract

The present invention is a PTO-logic-configuration system for enabling the custom configuration of at least a portion of the PTO-control/monitoring logic for a PTO-monitoring/control computer through the utilization of standardized PTO-control specific software elements, data types, and/or data values. A PTO-logic-configuration system according to the present invention comprises PTO-logic-configuration software and prescribed methods of utilizing the PTO-logic-configuration software to configure PTO-monitoring/control logic according to which the PTO-monitoring/control computer will operate. A PTO-logic-configuration system according to the present invention also includes operating instructions for the PTO-logic-configuration system and means for enabling communication of operating instructions for the PTO-logic-configuration system to a user of the system.

Claims

1. A PTO-logic-configuration system for enabling the user thereof to quickly and easily configure at least a portion of PTO-monitoring/control logic according to which a PTO-monitoring/control computer, which monitors performance of a vehicle and a PTO unit thereof through a vehicle-monitoring network, will operate, comprising:

(a) PTO-logic-configuration software that is embodied in computer useable medium and that comprises a plurality of application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements;

(b) operating instructions for enabling communication to a user of said PTO-logic-configuration system a list of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements and both what application each is tailored for and what aspect of PTO-monitoring/control each is adapted for;

(c) for each one of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements, a prescribed method of integrating said one of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements into the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(d) for each said prescribed method for integrating said one of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements into the PTO-monitoring/control logic, operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed method for integrating said one of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements into the PTO-monitoring/control logic.

2. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 1, wherein:

(a) said PTO-logic-configuration software includes software elements for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-engagement logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic through the use of prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement-requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic and/or prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement inhibitors to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(b) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(c) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement inhibitors to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic.

3. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 2, wherein:

(a) said PTO-logic-configuration software includes software elements for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure automatic PTO-disengagement logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic through the use of prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-disengagement-compellers to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic and/or through prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement-sustenance requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(b) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-disengagement-compellers to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(c) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructionss for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement-sustenance requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic.

4. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 3, wherein:

(a) said PTO-logic-configuration software includes software elements for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-alarm logic through prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm compellers to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and/or prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm-inhibition requirements to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(b) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system includes for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm compellers to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(c) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system includes for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm-inhibition requirements to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic.

5. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 4, wherein:

(a) said PTO-logic-configuration software includes software elements for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure automatic PTO-reengagement logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic through prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-monitoring/control logic to add/subtract PTO-reengagement compellers to/from said automatic PTO-reengagement logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(b) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructionss for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract said PTO-reengagement compellersto/from said PTO-monitoring/control logic.

6. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 5, wherein:

(a) said PTO-logic-configuration system and said PTO-logic-configuration software are configured to enable the user to ultimately cause storage of the PTO-monitoring/control logic in reconfigurable memory of the PTO-monitoring/control computer and, as a result, there is no limit to the number of times that the PTO-monitoring/control logic according to which the PTO-monitoring/control computer operates can be reconfigured through the addition/subtraction of PTO-engagement requirements, PTO-engagement inhibitors, PTO-disengagement compeller, PTO-engagement-sustenance requirements, PTO-alarm compellers, and/or PTO-alarm-inhibition requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic.

7. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 6, wherein:

(a) said PTO-logic-configuration software and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement-requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic are constructed such that the user is enabled to add/subtract an indefinite number of PTO-engagement requirements to/from said PTO-engagement logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic.

8. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 7, further comprising:

(a) a predetermined list of key PTO-related parameter values upon the existence or absence of which it is commonly desirable to condition the control of PTO units;

(b) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said PTO-logic-configuration system said predetermined list of key PTO-related-parameter values,

(c) parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(d) prescribed methods of utilizing said parameter-value-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(e) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed methods of utilizing said parameter-value-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related-parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(f) wherein said parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and said prescribed methods of utilizing said parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic are constructed in such a manner that, when the user executes one of said prescribed methods for utilizing said parameter-value-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating one of said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as an element of the PTO-monitoring/control logic, said PTO-logic-configuration software responds by causing storage, in computer memory of the PTO-monitoring/control computer, of data that will serve to identify, for the PTO-monitoring/control computer, an appropriate signal and value thereof received from the vehicle-monitoring network.

9. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 8, wherein:

(a) said parameter-value-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to communicate said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof to the PTO-monitoring/control computer are teamed up with said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-engagement logic, said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure automatic PTO-disengagement logic, said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-alarm logic, and/or said software elementss of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure automatic PTO-reengagement logic in order to enable the addition of said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof to said PTO-monitoring/control logic as PTO-engagement requirements, PTO-engagement inhibitors, PTO-disengagement compellers, PTO-engagement-sustenance requirements, PTO-reengagement compellers, PTO-alarm compellers, and/or PTO-alarm-inhibition requirements.

10. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 9, wherein:

(a) said predetermined list of key PTO-related parameter values comprises two or more of—

park-brake status=set, park-brake status=released, ignition-switch status=run, ignition-switch status=off, transmission gear-selection=neutral, transmission gear-selection=not neutral, compressed-air-system pressure<

minimum engagement-appropriate air pressure, compressed-air-system pressure>

minimum engagement-appropriate air pressure, PTO-switch status=off, PTO-switch status=on, signal statuses=good, signal statuses=bad, vehicle speed>

maximum engagement-appropriate vehicle speed, vehicle speed<

maximum engagement-appropriate vehicle speed, engine speed>

maximum engagement-appropriate engine speed, engine speed<

maximum engagement-appropriate engine speed, clutch-pedal status=depressed, clutch-pedal status=not depressed, service brake-pedal status=depressed, service brake-pedal status=not depressed, master-switch status=on, master-switch status=off, engine operating-state=running, and engine operating-state=off.

11. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 10, wherein:

(a) one or more of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements comprises one or more of application-specific baseline PTO-engagement logic, application-specific baseline automatic PTO-disengagement logic, and application-specific baseline PTO-alarm logic.

12. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 11, wherein:

(a) one or more of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements comprises a PTO-unit-type-specific PTO-engagement procedure and/or a PTO-unit-type-specific PTO-disengagement procedure.

13. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 12, wherein:

(a) said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software include two or more application of an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with single-polarity electrical-engagement-mechanism type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-hydraulic clutched-engagement type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-air clutched-engagement type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-air non-clutched engagement type PTO units, and an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with dual-polarity electric-engagement-mechanism type PTO units.

14. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 2, wherein:

(a) one or more of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements comprises one or more of application-specific baseline PTO-engagement logic, application-specific baseline automatic PTO-disengagement logic, and application-specific baseline PTO-alarm logic.

15. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 14, wherein:

(a) one or more of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements comprises a PTO-unit-type-specific PTO-engagement procedure and/or a PTO-unit-type-specific PTO-disengagement procedure.

16. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 15, wherein:

(a) said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software include two or more of an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with single-polarity electrical-engagement-mechanism type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-hydraulic clutched-engagement type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-air clutched-engagement type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-air non-clutched engagement type PTO units, and an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with dual-polarity electric-engagement-mechanism type PTO units.

17. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 1, wherein:

(a) one or more of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements comprises one or more of application-specific baseline PTO-engagement logic, application-specific baseline automatic PTO-disengagement logic, and application-specific baseline PTO-alarm logic.

18. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 17, wherein:

(a) one or more of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements comprises a PTO-unit-type-specific PTO-engagement procedure and/or a PTO-unit-type-specific PTO-disengagement procedure.

19. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 18, wherein:

(a) said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software include two or more of an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with single-polarity electrical-engagement-mechanism type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-hydraulic clutched-engagement type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-air clutched-engagement type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-air non-clutched engagement type PTO units, and an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with dual-polarity electric-engagement-mechanism type PTO units.

20. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 1, wherein:

(a) one or more of said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements comprises a PTO-unit-type-specific PTO-engagement procedure and/or a PTO-unit-type-specific PTO-disengagement procedure.

21. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 20, wherein:

(a) said application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software include two or more of an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with single-polarity electrical-engagement-mechanism type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-hydraulic clutched-engagement type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-air clutched-engagement type PTO units, an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with electric-over-air non-clutched engagement type PTO units, and an application-specific PTO-monitoring/control algorithm element tailored for use with dual-polarity electric-engagement-mechanism type PTO units.

22. A PTO-logic-configuration system for enabling the user thereof to quickly and easily configure PTO-monitoring/control logic according to which a PTO-monitoring/control computer, which monitors performance of a vehicle and a PTO unit thereof through a vehicle-monitoring network, will operate, comprising:

(a) PTO-logic-configuration software;

(b) wherein said PTO-logic-configuration software includes software elementss for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-engagement logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic through the use of prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement-requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic and/or prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement inhibitors to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(c) wherein said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(d) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement inhibitors to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic.

23. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 22, wherein:

(a) said PTO-logic-configuration software includes software elements for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure automatic PTO-disengagement logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic through the use of prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-disengagement compellers to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic and/or through prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement-sustenance requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(b) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-disengagement compellers to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(c) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructionss for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement-sustenance requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic.

24. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 23, wherein:

(a) said PTO-logic-configuration software includes software elements for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-alarm logic through prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm compellers to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and/or prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm-inhibition requirements to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(b) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system includes for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm compellers to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(c) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system includes for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm-inhibition requirements to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic.

25. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 24, further comprising:

(a) a predetermined list of key PTO-related parameter values upon the existence or absence of which it is commonly desirable to condition the control of PTO units;

(b) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said PTO-logic-configuration system said predetermined list of key PTO-related-parameter values,

(c) parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(d) prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(e) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed methods of utilizing said special parameter-value-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related-parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(f) wherein said special parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic are constructed in such a manner that, when the user executes one of said prescribed methods for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating one of said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as an element of the PTO-monitoring/control logic, said PTO-logic-configuration software responds by causing storage, in computer memory of the PTO-monitoring/control computer, of data that will serve to identify, for the PTO-monitoring/control computer, an appropriate signal and value thereof received from the vehicle-monitoring network.

26. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 25, wherein:

(a) said parameter-value-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to communicate said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof to the PTO-monitoring/control computer are teamed up with said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-engagement logic, said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure automatic PTO-disengagement logic, said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-alarm logic, and/or said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure automatic PTO-reengagement logic in order to enable the addition of said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof to said PTO-monitoring/control logic as PTO-engagement requirements, PTO-engagement inhibitors, PTO-disengagement compellers, PTO-engagement-sustenance requirements, PTO-reengagement compellers, PTO-alarm compellers, and/or PTO-alarm-inhibition requirements.

27. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 26, wherein:

(a) said predetermined list of key PTO-related parameter values comprises two or more of—

park-brake status=set, park-brake status=released, ignition-switch status=run, ignition-switch status=off, transmission gear-selection=neutral, transmission gear-selection=not neutral, compressed-air-system pressure<

minimum engagement-appropriate air pressure, compressed-air-system pressure>

minimum engagement-appropriate air pressure, PTO-switch status=off, PTO-switch status=on, signal statuses=good, signal statuses=bad, vehicle speed>

maximum engagement-appropriate vehicle speed, vehicle speed<

maximum engagement-appropriate vehicle speed, engine speed>

maximum engagement-appropriate engine speed, engine speed<

maximum engagement-appropriate engine speed, clutch-pedal status=depressed, clutch-pedal status=not depressed, service brake-pedal status=depressed, service brake-pedal status=not depressed, master-switch status=on, master-switch status=off, engine operating-state=running, and engine operating-state=off.

28. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 22, wherein:

(a) a predetermined list of key PTO-related parameter values upon the existence or absence of which it is commonly desirable to condition the control of PTO units;

(b) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said PTO-logic-configuration system said predetermined list of key PTO-related-parameter values,

(c) parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(d) prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(e) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related-parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(f) wherein said special parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and said prescribed methods of utilizing said parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic are constructed in such a manner that, when the user executes one of said prescribed methods for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating one of said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as an element of the PTO-monitoring/control logic, said PTO-logic-configuration software responds by causing storage, in computer memory of the PTO-monitoring/control computer, of data that will serve to identify, for the PTO-monitoring/control computer, an appropriate signal and value thereof received from the vehicle-monitoring network.

29. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 28, wherein:

(a) said parameter-value-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to communicate said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof to the PTO-monitoring/control computer are teamed up with said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-engagement logic in order to enable the addition of said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof to said PTO-monitoring/control logic as PTO-engagement requirements and/or PTO-engagement inhibitors.

30. A PTO-logic-configuration system for enabling the user thereof to quickly and easily configure PTO-monitoring/control logic according to which a PTO-monitoring/control computer, which monitors performance of a vehicle and a PTO unit thereof through various sensors of the vehicle, will operate, comprising:

(a) PTO-logic-configuration software;

(b) wherein said PTO-logic-configuration software includes software elements for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure automatic PTO-disengagement logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic through the use of prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-disengagement compellers to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic and/or through prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement-sustenance requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(c) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-disengagement compellers to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(d) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructionss for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-engagement-sustenance requirements to/from the PTO-monitoring/control logic.

31. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 30, further comprising:

(a) a predetermined list of key PTO-related parameter values upon the existence or absence of which it is commonly desirable to condition the control of PTO units;

(b) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said PTO-logic-configuration system said predetermined list of key PTO-related-parameter values,

(c) parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(d) prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(e) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed methods of utilizingsaid PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related-parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(f) wherein said special parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic are constructed in such a manner that, when the user executes one of said prescribed methods for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating one of said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as an element of the PTO-monitoring/control logic, said PTO-logic-configuration software responds by causing storage, in computer memory of the PTO-monitoring/control computer, of data that will serve to identify, for the PTO-monitoring/control computer, an appropriate signal and value thereof received from the vehicle-monitoring network.

32. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 31, wherein:

(a) said parameter-value-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to communicate said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof to the PTO-monitoring/control computer are teamed up with said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure automatic PTO-disengagement logic in order to enable the addition of said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof to said PTO-monitoring/control logic as PTO-disengagement compellers and/or PTO-engagement-sustenance requirements.

33. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 30, wherein:

(a) a predetermined list of key PTO-related events upon the occurrence of which it is commonly desirable to condition the control of PTO units;

(b) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said PTO-logic-configuration system said predetermined list of key PTO-related events,

(c) event-identifier-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(d) prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(e) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(f) wherein said event-identifier-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic are constructed in such a manner that, when the user executes one of said prescribed methods for utilizing said event-identifier-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating one of said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as an element of the PTO-monitoring/control logic, said PTO-logic-configuration software responds by causing storage, in computer memory of the PTO-monitoring/control computer, of data that will serve to identify, for the PTO-monitoring/control computer, an appropriate combination of signal receipts over time from the vehicle-monitoring network.

34. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 33, wherein:

(a) said event-identifier-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to communicate said key PTO-related events of said predetermined list thereof to the PTO-monitoring/control computer are teamed up with said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure automatic PTO-disengagement logic in order to enable the addition of said key PTO-related events of said predetermined list thereof to said PTO-monitoring/control logic as PTO-disengagement compellers.

35. A PTO-logic-configuration system for enabling the user thereof to quickly and easily configure PTO-monitoring/control logic according to which a PTO-monitoring/control computer, which monitors performance of a vehicle and a PTO unit thereof through various sensors of the vehicle, will operate, comprising:

(a) PTO-logic-configuration software;

(b) said PTO-logic-configuration software includes software elements for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-alarm logic through prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm compellers to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and/or prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm-inhibition requirements to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(c) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system includes for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm compellers to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(d) said PTO-logic-configuration system comprises operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of any prescribed methods that said PTO-logic-configuration system includes for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to add/subtract PTO-alarm-inhibition requirements to/from said PTO-alarm logic of the PTO-monitoring/control logic.

36. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 35, wherein:

(a) a predetermined list of key PTO-related parameter values upon the existence or absence of which it is commonly desirable to condition the control of PTO units;

(b) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said PTO-logic-configuration system said predetermined list of key PTO-related-parameter values,

(c) parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(d) prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(e) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related-parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(f) wherein said special parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic are constructed in such a manner that, when the user executes one of said prescribed methods for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating one of said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as an element of the PTO-monitoring/control logic, said PTO-logic-configuration software responds by causing storage, in computer memory of the PTO-monitoring/control computer, of data that will serve to identify, for the PTO-monitoring/control computer, an appropriate signal and value thereof received from the vehicle-monitoring network.

37. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 36, wherein:

(a) said special parameter-value-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to communicate said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof to the PTO-monitoring/control computer are teamed up with said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-alarm logic in order to enable the addition of said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof to said PTO-monitoring/control logic as PTO-alarm compellers.

38. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 35, wherein:

(a) a predetermined list of key PTO-related events upon the occurrence of which it is commonly desirable to condition the control of PTO units;

(b) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said PTO-logic-configuration system said predetermined list of key PTO-related events,

(c) event-identifier-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(d) prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(e) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic; and

(f) wherein said special event-identifier-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic are constructed in such a manner that, when the user executes one of said prescribed methods for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating one of said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as an element of the PTO-monitoring/control logic, said PTO-logic-configuration software responds by causing storage, in computer memory of the PTO-monitoring/control computer, of data that will serve to identify, for the PTO-monitoring/control computer, an appropriate combination of signal receipts over time from the vehicle-monitoring network.

39. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 38, wherein:

(a) said event-identifier-translating elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software to communicate said key PTO-related events of said predetermined list thereof to the PTO-monitoring/control computer are teamed up with said software elements of said PTO-logic-configuration software for enabling the user to configure or reconfigure PTO-alarm logic in order to enable the addition of said key PTO-related events of said predetermined list thereof to said PTO-monitoring/control logic as PTO-alarm compellers.

40. A PTO-logic-configuration system for enabling the user thereof to quickly and easily configure PTO-monitoring/control logic according to which a PTO-monitoring/control computer, which monitors performance of a vehicle and a PTO unit thereof through various sensors of the vehicle, will operate, comprising:

(a) PTO-logic-configuration software;

(b) a predetermined list of PTO-related parameter values upon the existence or absence of which it is commonly desirable to condition the control of PTO units;

(c) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said PTO-logic-configuration system said predetermined list of key PTO-related-parameter values,

(d) parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(e) prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(f) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related-parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(g) wherein said parameter-value-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic are constructed in such a manner that, when the user executes one of said prescribed methods for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating one of said key PTO-related parameter values to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as an element of the PTO-monitoring/control logic, said PTO-logic-configuration software responds by causing storage, in computer memory of the PTO-monitoring/control computer, of data that will serve to identify, for the PTO-monitoring/control computer, an appropriate signal and value thereof received from the vehicle-monitoring network; and

(h) said predetermined list of key PTO-related parameter values comprises two or more of—

park-brake status=set, park-brake status=released, ignition-switch status=run, ignition-switch status=off, transmission gear-selection=neutral, transmission gear-selection=not neutral, compressed-air-system pressure<

minimum engagement-appropriate air pressure, compressed-air-system pressure>

minimum engagement-appropriate air pressure, PTO-switch status=off, PTO-switch status=on, signal statuses=good, signal statuses=bad, vehicle speed>

maximum engagement-appropriate vehicle speed, vehicle speed<

maximum engagement-appropriate vehicle speed, engine speed>

maximum engagement-appropriate engine speed, engine speed<

maximum engagement-appropriate engine speed, clutch-pedal status=depressed, clutch-pedal status=not depressed, service brake-pedal status=depressed, service brake-pedal status=not depressed, master-switch status=on, master-switch status=off, engine operating-state=running, and engine operating-state=off.

41. The PTO-logic-configuration system of claim 40, wherein:

(a) a predetermined list of key PTO-related events upon the occurrence of which it is commonly desirable to condition the control of PTO units;

(b) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said PTO-logic-configuration system said predetermined list of key PTO-related events,

(c) event-identifier-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(d) prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(e) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(f) wherein said event-identifier-translating-elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic are constructed in such a manner that, when the user executes one of said prescribed methods for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating one of said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as an element of the PTO-monitoring/control logic, said PTO-logic-configuration software responds by causing storage, in computer memory of the PTO-monitoring/control computer, of data that will serve to identify, for the PTO-monitoring/control computer, an appropriate combination of signal receipts over time from the vehicle-monitoring network; and

(g) said predetermined list of key PTO-related events comprises two or more of—

transmission is taken out of neutral, park-brake is released, engagement-transition time limit expires, engine is turned off, engine time limit expires, master switch is turned off.

42. A PTO-logic-configuration system for enabling the user thereof to quickly and easily configure PTO-monitoring/control logic according to which a PTO-monitoring/control computer, which monitors performance of a vehicle and a PTO unit thereof through various sensors of the vehicle, will operate, comprising:

(a) PTO-logic-configuration software;

(b) a predetermined list of key PTO-related events upon the occurrence of which it is commonly desirable to condition the control of PTO units;

(c) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said PTO-logic-configuration system said predetermined list of key PTO-related events,

(d) event-identifier-translating elements in said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events of said predetermined list thereof from the user to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(e) prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(f) operating instructions for enabling communication to the user of said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic;

(g) wherein said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic and said prescribed methods of utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as elements of the PTO-monitoring/control logic are constructed in such a manner that, when the user executes one of said prescribed methods for utilizing said PTO-logic-configuration software for communicating one of said key PTO-related events to the PTO-monitoring/control computer as an element of the PTO-monitoring/control logic, said PTO-logic-configuration software responds by causing storage, in computer memory of the PTO-monitoring/control computer, of data that will serve to identify, for the PTO-monitoring/control computer, an appropriate combination of signal receipts over time from the vehicle-monitoring network; and

(h) said predetermined list of key PTO-related events comprises two or more of—

transmission is taken out of neutral, park-brake is released, engagement-transition time limit expires, engine is turned off, engine time limit expires, master switch is turned off.