Method for automatically shutting down a machine during an operator's absence

• US 6,577,909 B1
• Filed: 03/31/1999
• Issued: 06/10/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Sarl (Caterpillar Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Schlickbernd, Dean J., McGowan, Mitchell J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Follansbee, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hartman, Jr., Ronald D
• Application Number:
  US09/282,113
• Time in Patent Office: 1,532 Days
• Field of Search: 701/29, 701/31, 701/36, 701/49, 701/54, 701/86, 180/271, 180/272, 180/273, 700/21, 700/79, 280/780.1, 280/735
• US Class Current: 700/79
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 9/02 electric

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for automatically shutting down an engine on a machine in during an operators absence in order to prevent potential damage to the machine. A determination is made regarding if the machine is running, and an if an operator is not present. In the preferred embodiment a plurality of predetermined shutdown values, which correspond with at least one of a plurality of critical parameters, are stored in the controller. The machine will shutdown if the critical parameters are determined to be beyond the shutdown values. Additionally, a cool down feature, if enabled, will cause the machine to cool down prior to the machine being shutdown.

Claims

1. A method for automatically shutting down a machine, comprising:

determining if the machine is running;

determining if an operator is present;

determining if at least one critical parameter has changed beyond a respective predetermined value, wherein damage to the machine results if the at least one critical parameter attains the predetermined value;

determining if a cool down feature is enabled;

enabling at least one of a hydraulic cooling fan system and an engine cooling fan system in response to determining if the cool down feature is enabled;

activating machine shutdown in response to the machine being running, the operator not being present, the at least one critical parameter being beyond the predetermined value, and the cool down feature not enabled;

activating machine cool down and then activating machine shutdown in response to the machine being running, the operator not being present, the at least one critical parameter being beyond the predetermined value, and the cool down feature enabled.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein determining if the cool down feature is enabled includes the operator enabling a manual switch.

3. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein determining if the cool down feature is enabled includes enabling a software switch.

4. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising activating the machine shutdown in response to enabling at least one of a hydraulic cooling fan system and an engine cooling fan system.