US 11,938,942 B2
Method and apparatus for automating power take-offs for vehicles and equipment
Bryan Wutzke, Bixby, OK (US); Sam Dallas, Collinsville, OK (US); and Phillip Chavez, Pompano Beach, FL (US)
Assigned to Auto Crane Company, Tulsa, OK (US)
Filed by Auto Crane Company, Tulsa, OK (US)
Filed on Jun. 18, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/904,764.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/862,922, filed on Jun. 18, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2020/0398845 A1, Dec. 24, 2020
Int. Cl. B60W 30/188 (2012.01); B60K 17/28 (2006.01); B60K 25/06 (2006.01); B60W 10/30 (2006.01); B66C 13/20 (2006.01); B66C 23/40 (2006.01)
CPC B60W 30/1888 (2013.01) [B60K 17/28 (2013.01); B60K 25/06 (2013.01); B60W 10/30 (2013.01); B66C 13/20 (2013.01); B66C 23/40 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/416 (2013.01); B66C 2700/0357 (2013.01); B66C 2700/08 (2013.01)] 6 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system adapted for control of a power take-off connected to an engine of a motor vehicle and to a fluid power circuit including a crane and an air compressor mounted on the motor vehicle, the system comprising:
a first and a second timer;
a sensor arranged to monitor a power demand on the fluid power circuit;
a controller including a microprocessor and associated software in circuit communication with the first and second timers, the sensor, the power take-off and the engine;
wherein when the engine is at idle rpm and at least one of the crane and the air compressor transitions from an off state to an on state, the controller automatically engages the power take-off and increases engine rpm above the idle rpm; and
wherein when the at least one of the crane and the air compressor is in the on-state and the power demand on the fluid power circuit as indicated by the sensor is at or below a predetermined threshold, the first timer is started and the controller maintains engagement of the power take-off and the increased engine rpm; and
wherein when the at least one of the crane and the air compressor is in the on-state for a predetermined amount of time as indicated by the first timer and the power demand on the fluid power circuit as indicated by the sensor is at or below the predetermined threshold during the predetermined amount of time, the controller automatically disengages the power take-off and resets the first timer, decreases the engine rpm, and sets the second timer; and
wherein, when the power take-off is disengaged for a predetermined amount of time as indicated by the second timer, the controller shuts off the engine and resets the second timer; and
wherein the at or below the predetermined threshold indicates no load on the at least one of the crane and the air compressor, and
wherein above the predetermined threshold indicates a power demand on the fluid power circuit because of a load on the at least one of the crane and the air compressor.