Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the momentum of oil-containing air rotating with a crankshaft counterweight in an engine crankcase is converted to static pressure by blocking the flow and directing the resulting static pressure through an orifice to a vent chamber wherein the pressure acts against a cam ring of a variable displacement oil pump. The arrangement modifies the action of an oil pressure control by increasing the effective pump outlet pressure as a function of engine speed using relatively low cost modifications of the engine and oil pump. This pressure may also be used in various ways to modify the control functions of other devices.

Abstract: A dynamic engine oil pickup system is disclosed. The dynamic engine oil pickup system includes a scavenge pump and a pickup tube assembly in fluid communication with the scavenge pump. The pickup tube assembly includes at least two oil pickup portions operable to pickup engine oil from at least two different oil pickup locations and a flow control operable to control a flow of engine oil between the at least two different oil pickup locations and the scavenge pump. The flow control includes a suction valve, and movement of the suction valve is controlled by selectively applying a high pressure oil to a head of the suction valve.

Abstract: An engine oil system comprises an oil condition sensing device and a control module. The oil condition sensing device includes an electrically actuated member and is in fluid communication with an engine oil reservoir. The control module selectively causes current to be supplied to the oil condition sensing device to actuate the member, measures the current, determines a parameter of the current, and selectively identifies at least two of an oil level, an oil change event, and an oil viscosity level based on the parameter.

Abstract: A windage tray apparatus is provided and is configured to be mountable within a crankcase at least partially defined by an engine block of an internal combustion engine. The crankcase has a first bay and a non-adjacent second bay. The internal combustion engine has a crankshaft rotatably supported within the crankcase. The windage tray includes a tray member and a passage at least partially defined by said tray member and in communication with the first bay and the non-adjacent second bay. The passage is operable to allow gas transfer between the first bay and the non-adjacent second bay to reduce the motoring friction of the internal combustion engine. An internal combustion engine incorporating the disclosed windage tray apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A windage tray apparatus is provided and is configured to be mountable within a crankcase at least partially defined by an engine block of an internal combustion engine. The crankcase has a first bay and a non-adjacent second bay. The internal combustion engine has a crankshaft rotatably supported within the crankcase. The windage tray includes a tray member and a passage at least partially defined by said tray member and in communication with the first bay and the non-adjacent second bay. The passage is operable to allow gas transfer between the first bay and the non-adjacent second bay to reduce the motoring friction of the internal combustion engine. An internal combustion engine incorporating the disclosed windage tray apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An engine oil viscosity measurement system is provided. The system includes: a solenoid response module that determines an actual response time based on a position signal; an expected response module that determines an expected response time based on a system voltage and engine oil temperature; and a diagnostic module that diagnoses viscosity of the engine oil based on the actual response time and the expected response time.

Abstract: A method of monitoring pressure of oil that is implemented within an internal combustion engine includes determining an expected oil pressure value based on engine operating conditions and monitoring an actual oil pressure value based on a signal generated by an oil pressure sensor. A difference between the expected oil pressure value and the actual oil pressure value is calculated and is compared to a threshold difference. A diagnostic trouble code is generated when the difference exceeds the threshold difference.

Abstract: A variable displacement engine oil vane pump includes a displacement control for controlling displacement of the pump. The control includes a cam ring in a housing pivotally connected to a wall of the housing by a pivot. The cam ring is internally engaged by slide vanes. A control chamber is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall. A control orifice provides for communication of control oil from a pressurized source to the control chamber. A vent chamber is generally opposite the control chamber and is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall. A dump chamber is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall and is generally disposed between the control chamber and the vent chamber. A dump orifice provides for communication between the control chamber and the dump chamber. A vent orifice provides for communication between the vent chamber and the dump chamber.

Abstract: An engine oil change detection control system is provided. The system includes an armature position module that monitors a solenoid armature position based on a position signal. A solenoid control module selectively generates a solenoid control signal and estimates a delay time based on the solenoid control signal and the armature position. An engine oil change detection module detects an engine oil change event based on the delay time.

Abstract: An automotive engine oil pump assembly having first and second pump mechanisms contained within a common housing. A shaft rotatably supported in the housing drives the pump mechanisms in a conventional manner. The pump mechanisms are offset in phase to reduce flow pulsations through the housing and limit pump noise and vibration. The first pump mechanism communicates with a common inlet and first outlet of the housing. The second pump mechanism communicates with the common inlet and second outlet of the housing. A common reservoir connected to inlets of the first and second oil pump mechanisms provides a supplemental oil source to balance oil pressures at the pump inlets to prevent pump cavitation and further reduce pump noise and vibration.

Abstract: An engine valve train has oil flow to valve actuating components cut off or restricted when the valves are closed, to reduce parasitic losses. In an exemplary embodiment, a pushrod has a pivotable connection with a valve actuating rocker arm through which internal oil passages conduct oil for lubricating the rocker arm. The passages are aligned during valve actuation but become misaligned when the valve is closed. Misalignment of the passages at the sliding connection reduces the amount of oil flow through the connection to improve engine efficiency. When applied to cylinder deactivation engines, oil flow to rocker arms of deactivated valves is completely cut off, or reduced, further reducing parasitic losses.

Abstract: A lubrication system for an internal combustion engine includes a variable displacement oil pump supported on the engine block and connected to draw oil from the oil pan and to supply pressurized oil to various engine components. The pump defines variable displacement pumping chambers for carrying oil from an inlet to a pressurized outlet. An exemplary embodiment includes a vane pump with a feedback displacement control using pressure from the lubrication system to actuate a slide ring in the pump to control the pump output. Numerous features of the pump are disclosed.

Abstract: A lubrication system for an internal combustion engine includes a variable displacement oil pump supported on the engine block and connected to draw oil from the oil pan and to supply pressurized oil to various engine components. The pump defines variable displacement pumping chambers for carrying oil from an inlet to a pressurized outlet. An exemplary embodiment includes a vane pump with a feedback displacement control using pressure from the lubrication system to actuate a slide ring in the pump to control the pump output. Numerous features of the pump are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oil sensor system having an oil sensor including two spaced apart electrodes, a triangular waveform means, a comparison means and a signal means. The oil system is used in situ (i.e., used directly in the engine) to determine the presence of two-stroke or four-stroke oil, or the occurrence of an engine malfunction, such as a leakage of antifreeze into the oil.

Abstract: Support means for placement on a ceiling or wall structure for the support of ornamental or functional items. The support means includes a load supporting attachment for abutment with a flat surface which attachment is held in place by a flexible wire of small diameter which extends through a ceiling or wall opening also of reduced diameter. The wire is removably secured in place by a locking plate which is frictionally engageable with a load bearing member in place on the unseen side of the ceiling or wall structure. Means are provided interengaging the locking plate and the load bearing member to retain said plate against undesired movement after installation.