Combination lubrication system for an internal combustion engine and associated gear devices
US6457564B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01M2011/0475
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lubrication system for supplying a portion of the engine lubricant to one or more gear devices driven thereby and return to the engine independent of whether the gear devices are being driven at the time. Thus even when the engine is idling engine lubricant is circulated through the gear devices to maintain the temperature of the lubricant circulating through the gear devices within a relatively narrow temperature range. Also, the lubricant level within the gear devices will be maintained without the need for inspection of the gear devices as long as the engine lubricant level is regularly checked and maintained either manually or automatically. Further, by changing the engine lubricant at regular service intervals or using an automated lubricant change system, the quality and level of the lubricant in the gear devices is also maintained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.