Abstract: A gravity-activated valve for use in supplying an uninterrupted supply of fluid is disclosed. The valve includes a housing having an outlet, an inlet positioned below the outlet, and a sleeve disposed within the housing. The valve also includes a buoyant piston disposed within the sleeve, which is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position. The piston is positioned above the outlet when the piston is in the open position to allow fluid flow through the outlet and positioned proximate the outlet in the closed position to prevent fluid flow through the outlet. The piston is in the open position when the fluid level exceeds a predetermined fluid level and in the closed position when the fluid level is at or below the predetermined fluid level. The valve further includes a plurality of gaskets, which are adapted to create a seal between the piston and the sleeve.

Abstract: An oil pan (200) for an internal combustion engine includes a body (201) that defines a reservoir cavity (202). A collector cavity (222) is defined by at least one wall of the body (201) and is in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity (202). An oil supply passage (220) is defined by at least one wall of the body (201) and is in fluid communication with the collector cavity (222).