Engine lubrication system
US4890695A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01M11/12
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a prelubrication system for an engine. It is desirable to prelubricate relatively large engines to prevent possible damage of certain components such as the crankshaft and camshaft bearings. Engines that must be started in a matter of seconds are provided with prelube pumps that run continually. During long periods of continuous prelube lubrication fluid being pumped upward into the upper rocker arm area may find its way into combustion chambers and result in damage of engine components. The present system provides a fluid level control device that prevents lubrication fluid from reaching the upper rocker arm area of the engine when the engine is not running and disables the control device when the engine is running allowing the supply of lubricant to reach the upper rocker arm area. The system further allows the engine to be started when it is sensed that there is a sufficient supply of fluid in critical areas of the engine and prevents the engine from being started if the supply of fluid is insufficient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.