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

{
  "publication_number": "US6577909B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Method for automatically shutting down a machine during an operator's absence",
  "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."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This invention relates generally to a method for preventing potential damage to a machine and more particularly to a method for automatically shutting down a machine during an operators absence.\n\nIn excavators and other machines, monitoring and diagnostic devices are typically employed to detect the presence of various undesirable operating conditions, such as overheating of the engine, low engine oil pressure, low coolant level, high hydraulic oil temperature, low implement oil pressure, and the like. Usually, these devices are connected to electronic control systems, for example electronic engine controls, electronic transmission controls, and the like. Indicators are provided to warn the operator of such conditions, thereby providing the operator an opportunity to take appropriate action. Damage to the machine and/or components could occur if the undesirable operating conditions were ignored.\n\nHowever, machines may be left unattended by an operator while the machine is running. For example, the operator may leave a running machine to survey the surrounding area, or during a shift change. Also, when a machine is initially started in a cold climate, it is not uncommon to leave a machine unattended while it is warming up. During the time a machine is left running while no operator is present on the machine, undesirable operating conditions may occur. For example, a leak in the engine oil line may cause the lubricating fluid to be reduced to a level where the pistons may stick to the cylinders and cause the engine to seize. Without an operator present to take appropriate action, damage may occur to the machine.",
  "cpc": [
    "G05B 9/02"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "G05B 9/02"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Caterpillar Inc"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Mitchell J. McGowan",
    "Dean J. Schlickbernd"
  ],
  "filing_date": "1999-03-31",
  "publication_date": "2003-06-10",
  "grant_date": "2003-06-10",
  "priority_date": "1999-03-31",
  "application_number": "US-28211399-A",
  "family_id": "23080154",
  "cited_by_count": 35,
  "citations": [
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  ]
}