Lubricators Patents (Class 123/196R)
  • Patent number: 6161515
    Abstract: A lubrication system is provided, including a pressure control valve for regulating oil pressure in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. An oil pump for circulating oil through the lubrication system is connected in flow communication with an engine lubrication circuit and a sump. A control valve in the oil pump is slidably movable in response to a control oil pressure. As oil pressure increases, the control valve functions to recirculate some of the oil back into the oil pump. By recirculating the oil, the control valve controls the flow of oil from the oil pump, and thereby regulating oil pressure in the lubrication system. During a cold engine start, the pressure control valve is actuated using a combined oil pressure, where a check valve is used to blend a first pressure prevailing at the outlet of said oil pump and a second pressure prevailing at or near the end of the lubrication circuit and.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Kopec
  • Patent number: 6155575
    Abstract: A first fluid passage for a crankshaft is plugged at an end portion to prevent fluid leakage from the passage. A plug having first and second cylindrical end portions of different diameters is slidably disposed in first and second cylindrical bore portions, respectively, of the first fluid passing passage and retained in the bore portions by a stop ring. A resilient member disposed in the second cylindrical bore portion engages a shoulder on the plug and a transition step surface in the second cylindrical bore portion and forcibly urges the plug against the stop ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Hawkins, David R. Mc Parland
  • Patent number: 6152098
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an internal combustion engine for a portable handheld work apparatus. The engine includes a cylinder having a combustion chamber and a piston rotates a crankshaft via a connecting rod. The crankshaft is mounted in a crankcase and is connected to a cam drive. The cam drive drives a valve control for an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The inlet valve controls an overflow channel which leads from the crankcase to the combustion chamber, and the outlet valve controls an outlet channel branching away from the combustion chamber. Furthermore, an intake channel, which opens into the crankcase, and a housing, which is separate from the crankcase, are provided for the cam drive. In order to provide a lubrication for the cam drive which is independent of position, the cam drive is configured as a gear wheel drive and an oil sump is provided in the housing of the cam drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Georg Becker, Jurgen Haberlein, Markus Husges
  • Patent number: 6148789
    Abstract: An engine-pressurized prestart oiler for an engine having pressure lubrication is provided, which rapidly lubricates critical engine bearing surfaces prior to the starting sequence. An accumulator for storing oil and pressurized air contains an air-oil separation float, which essentially fills the internal cross-sectional area and prevents absorption of the air. Discharge and recharge of the accumulator is preferably implemented by a normally closed solenoid valve. Discharge is controlled either manually by a switch or automatically by circuitry containing ignition-off time and accumulator pressure comparators, a starter interrupter, and a prestart oiling timer. Recharge is automatic, as the solenoid valve allows oil flow whenever the engine oil pressure sufficiently exceeds the accumulator pressure. A conduit connects the accumulator, solenoid valve, and engine, connecting to the engine either at the oil pressure sensor port or through an adaptor installed between the oil filter and the oil filter mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Ralph Howard Johns
  • Patent number: 6142257
    Abstract: An oil pickup tube includes a substantially straight portion, and a top and bottom portion interconnected with the straight portion. Each portion includes a cavity in fluid flow communication with the cavities of the other portions. Each cavity includes a substantially linear longitudinal axis. The cavities also include draft angles to allow the respective portions to be manufactured by injection molding, casting, or another suitable method. The top portion includes at least one recess adapted to receive a sealing member that creates a press-fit seal when the top portion is inserted into an oil gallery of an engine. Top and bottom flanges interconnected with the oil pickup tube facilitate securing the tube to the engine. A method for manufacturing the oil pickup tube includes the steps of defining the outer surface of the tube with a die, inserting two cores corresponding to the respective cavities of the top, straight, and bottom portions into the die, and delivering molten material into the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Bruener, Glen Eifert
  • Patent number: 6138634
    Abstract: An oil lubrication system for a marine outboard motor including an internal combustion engine. The oil lubrication system includes a series of oil passageways within the cylinder block of the internal combustion engine. The oil passageways are configured such that each cylinder in the internal combustion engine is supplied by its own oil passageway. Each of the oil passageways terminate in an outlet opening. The outlet opening is positioned within the cylinder block such that oil exiting the outlet opening is directed by the force of gravity into contact with a moving component of the internal combustion engine. As the internal components of the internal combustion engine move, oil contacting the components is physically distributed into contact with the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Kusche, Neil M. Andrasko
  • Patent number: 6138633
    Abstract: An overhead cam engine having an engine lubrication system for delivering oil includes an engine block and a cylinder head having a deck face adapted for mating with the engine block. The deck face forms an acute angle with a horizontal plane of the engine block. A valve train has transverse camshaft journal bearing assemblies with pressurized oil orifices to lubricate the bearings, a camshaft rotatably supported by the cylinder head through the transverse camshaft journal bearing assemblies, cams disposed on the camshaft, and valves actuated by the cams. The cylinder head has a transverse bridging surface bridging the transverse camshaft journal bearing assemblies. A bore is positioned along the bridging surface with a gasket supported by the bridging surface about the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory Paul Prior
  • Patent number: 6138632
    Abstract: A lubricant supply system is provided for the induction system of a marine propulsion engine. The lubricant supply system delivers lubricant to the a flow controlling valve in the induction system upon shutting down of the engine and can be operated manually at the discretion of a user. The lubricant serves to reduce the likelihood of post-operation corrosion of the valve, particularly at the sliding support surfaces of the valve and also provides lubricant from startup operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryoichi Nakase
  • Patent number: 6135070
    Abstract: Disclosed is a two cycle engine designed and configured to replace conventional four cycle engines in a modern day automobile without any alternations, while steel accepting all of the accessories (i.e. air conditioning, power steering, alternators), without any modifications to the external structure of the engine block. This engine composites casting carbon--carbon cylinders, having carbon--carbon pistons located therein, into an aluminum block so all of the current external dimensions are maintained for manufacturing purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Robert A. Crandall
    Inventor: Robert A. Crandall
  • Patent number: 6135083
    Abstract: A two cycle, crankcase compression, diesel engine having a high specific output. This is achieved by using an appropriately sized and located precombustion chamber into which the fuel is injected. The porting and direction of crankshaft rotation insure against compression and combustion leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Masuda, Masanori Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6132275
    Abstract: In an outboard marine drive, a tubular socket member is sealingly fitted into an opening formed on one side of the crankcase of the engine at a level corresponding to a normal engine lubricating oil level, and a transparent window member is sealingly fitted into an outer end of the tubular socket member. An engine cover covering the engine is provided with an opening aligned with the transparent window member so as to allow the level of lubricating oil in the crankcase to be inspected from outside the engine cover. The socket member may also be provided with an oil filler pipe bifurcating upwardly from the socket member at an oblique angle, and an oil drain pipe bifurcating downwardly from the socket member at an oblique angle so that filling and removing lubricating oil into and out of the crankcase of the engine can be easily accomplished without complicating the structure for managing engine lubricating oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Tanaka, Hiroshi Mizuguchi
  • Patent number: 6125799
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion engine provided with an engine block having a plurality of cylinders received therein and auxiliary equipment connected to the engine, wherein the engine block has identical connecting parts at a number of different locations and the auxiliary devices are each arranged on such a connecting part. The positions of the auxiliary devices can thus be interchanged in simple manner subject to the desired configuration of the engine. The invention further relates to an engine block, a cover embodied as casting, a supercharging unit, a lubricant unit and an exhaust gases conduit system, each intended for use in such a combustion engine. Finally, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a combustion engine, by manufacturing an engine block having identical connecting parts arranged thereon at a number of different positions, determining the use of the engine and, subject thereto, connecting the required auxiliary equipment to the connecting parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Wartsila NSD Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Josephus Andreas Van Son, Marnix Haitze Hacquebord
  • Patent number: 6119648
    Abstract: A four-stroke cycle internal combustion engine, having a crankcase. A connecting rod is provided in the crankcase. An inner wall extends to surround all sides and the bottom of the connecting rod. An outer wall extends to surround the inner wall. The upper ends of the outer wall are connected to the inner wall to form an oil reservoir under the crankcase and oil recess areas on both sides of the crankcase therebetween. An oil dipper for splattering the oil contained in the oil reservoir is provided at the big end of the connecting rod. A slit is formed at a bottom of the inner wall for allowing the oil dipper to go though to make contact with the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneo Araki
  • Patent number: 6116205
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a motorcycle engine includes a camshaft support plate that is separable from an ornamental cam cover. The camshaft support plate at least partially defines a cam chest of the engine. A crankcase defines a crankcase sump and the cam chest defines a cam chest sump. A divider wall is disposed between the crankcase sump and the cam chest sump to prevent oil from draining from one sump into the other. An oil pump is mounted on the camshaft support plate, with a pressure chamber of the oil pump being at least partially defined by the camshaft support plate. The oil pump independently draws oil from the crankcase sump and the cam chest sump through a split-kidney intake assembly. Oil pumped from the sumps is delivered to a reservoir, and is then drawn back out of the reservoir by the oil pump and delivered to components of the engine through a series of oil passages, some of which are defined by the camshaft support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Troxler, Timothy J. Trenkle, Jeffrey P. Coughlin, Robert L. Leppanen
  • Patent number: 6101996
    Abstract: An oil filter unit comprising a housing (4) and a filter element (14) accommodated therein is fitted to an engine (1) via a bracket (3) having a cylindrical holder (5). The housing (4) is secured to the holder (5) by screwing a male screw (19) on its outer circumference to a female screw (17) formed in the inner circumference of the holder (5). A first cut-out (24) is formed across the female screw (17) and a second cut-out (23) is formed across the male screw (19). When these cut-outs (24, 23) meet together, they form a drain passage which drains the oil in the housing (4) to outside. With this construction, the oil in the housing is drained via a predetermined path and prevented from scattering around, when the filter unit is removed from the engine (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignees: Tennex Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eriya Arita, Kunihiko Tsuchiya, Katsuya Yamada, Hideki Yamamura, Takeshi Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 6102159
    Abstract: A portable system for removing oil from an oil containing device. The system includes a pump, fluid conduit apparatus, and power conduit apparatus. The pump pumps the oil out of the oil containing device. The fluid conduit apparatus is in fluid communication with the pump and with the oil containing device. The power conduit apparatus is in electrical communication with the pump. The pump is in fluid communication with a receptacle for the oil, with circumferential threads around the pump threadably engaging a pre-existing threaded hole in the lid of the receptacle. The pump further has a lower vent hole in fluid communication with the receptacle and an upper vent hole in fluid communication with the lower vent hole and the ambient, which allows the pump to be self-venting. The fluid conduit apparatus comprises a tube that is in fluid communication with the pump and interfacing apparatus disposed on the tube and in fluid communication with the oil in the oil containing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Steven Rogate
  • Patent number: 6098587
    Abstract: A method of controlling the oil flow rate for an internal combustion engine including: a) defining a break-in period of the engine; b) determining whether the engine is running within the break-in period; and c) varying the oil flow rate for the engine if the engine is running within said break-in period from the oil flow rate for the engine when running under normal conditions outside the break-in period such that the oil flow rate during the break-in period is generally higher than the oil flow rate under normal engine conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Orbital Engine Company Australia
    Inventors: Stephen Reinhard Malss, David Richard Worth
  • Patent number: 6098752
    Abstract: An oil changing device and process that allows a customer to service the fluids in an internal combustion engine or automatic transmission (their application) in a completely environmentally safe manner. The device is a conveniently located oil changing center where the entire process can be accomplished safely, quickly, cleanly, and at a low cost. The oil changing center includes a sealable container (4) containing an oil filter (2), a first quick disconnect coupling (14), and a second quick disconnect coupling (16). The couplings allow access to the application's oil sump (32) and lubrication system. When a customer wishes to change their oil, they attach an evacuation oil pump (18) to the quick disconnect couplings and evacuate all the dirty oil from the oil sump and lubrication system into a dirty oil holding tank (22). They then replace the oil filter. A fill oil pump (24) is attached to the quick disconnect couplings and fills the application with an appropriate amount of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: David A. McCaleb
  • Patent number: 6098577
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine cooling device, comprising: a cylinder, having a lower end with an oil reservoir containing oil; a piston, moving inside the cylinder; and a crankshaft, mounted on the lower end of the cylinder. The crankshaft is connected to the piston, performing a rotating movement, further having several counterweights which take part in the rotating movement and partly dip into the oil during the rotating movement. Each of the counterweights has an oil reserve duct, which ends in an oil duct inlet and an oil exit and dips into the oil during the rotating movement. Thus oil is allowed to enter the oil reserve duct through the oil duct inlet, undergoing a centrifugal force and being splashed out through the oil exit, such that the cylinder and the piston are cooled and lubricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Yuh-Yih Wu
  • Patent number: 6082321
    Abstract: A lubrication system is provided, including a pressure control valve for regulating oil pressure in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. An oil pump for circulating oil through the lubrication system is connected in flow communication with an engine lubrication circuit and a sump. A control valve in the oil pump is slidably movable in response to a control oil pressure. As oil pressure increases, the control valve functions to recirculate some of the oil back into the oil pump. By recirculating the oil, the control valve controls the flow of oil from the oil pump, and thereby regulating oil pressure in the lubrication system. To provide a more stable response by the control valve, the control pressure used to actuate the valve is blended from a first pressure prevailing at the outlet of said oil pump and a second pressure prevailing at or near the end of the lubrication circuit. In addition, bleed can also be incorporated into the oil pump to increase flow rate throughout the lubrication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Kopec
  • Patent number: 6079380
    Abstract: An electronically controlled lube oil and fuel blending system is provided which controls the amount of lube oil delivered from an engine lube oil supply system to an engine fuel supply system based on the amount of fuel added to the fuel supply system thereby maintaining a constant lube oil/fuel ratio or lube oil concentration in the fuel supply system 16 regardless of variations in engine operation thereby minimizing emissions, such as particulate matter. The system includes a lube oil injection circuit connecting the engine lube oil supply system to the fuel supply system and an emission compliance lube oil concentration control system for controlling a lube oil concentration in the fuel supply system to maintain compliant engine emissions during engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Jorgensen, Steven R. Butler, Hugh M. Daugherty
  • Patent number: 6079383
    Abstract: The engine balancer unit includes a first oil pan attaching to the bottom of an engine cylinder block, a second oil pan attaching to the first oil pan to close a bottom of the first oil pan, and a unitary case inserted in the first oil pan to support counterbalance shafts with balance weights. The cylinder block does not need to be modified to install the engine balancer unit because the first oil pan which encloses the unitary case is attached under the cylinder block. Further, fluid tightness between the first oil pan block is not spoiled by the unitary case because the unitary case is provided inside the first oil pan. Furthermore, fluid tightness between the first oil pan and the second oil pan is not spoiled by conventional fastening structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Shirai, Hiroyoshi Tanikawa
  • Patent number: 6080025
    Abstract: A cowling latch for an outboard motor having an upper cowling having a lower surface and a lower cowling having an upper surface is disclosed. The cowling latch comprises a first latching member connected to the upper cowling and a second latching member connected to the lower cowling. The second latching member is moveable between a first position in which it engages the first latching member for connecting the upper and lower cowlings and a second position in which it does not engage the first latching member. The second latching member comprises a first latching member engaging part movably mounted with respect to a support, the support positioned below the upper surface of the lower cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Isogawa, Takaji Kawai
  • Patent number: 6076495
    Abstract: A crankshaft bearing support arrangement is disclosed for an engine arranged such that the crankshaft is vertically oriented. The crankshaft rotates within a crankcase chamber defined by the cylinder block and a crankcase cover connected thereto. First web members which support half-bearings extend from the cylinder block. Mating half-bearings are supported by second web members position opposite the first web members. An oil flow passage is defined through the crankcase chamber generally opposite the cylinder block from a top end to a bottom end of the chamber. In one arrangement, the oil flow passage comprises individual passages through the second web members. In another arrangement, the oil flow passage comprises a space between an end of the second web members opposite the cylinder block and the crankcase cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Takahashi, Hiroshi Oishi
  • Patent number: 6067962
    Abstract: An engine includes a high pressure hydraulic system having a high pressure pump and at least one hydraulically-actuated device attached to an engine housing. A low pressure engine lubricating system is attached to the engine housing and includes a circulation conduit fluidly connected to an outlet from the high pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6067952
    Abstract: A lubrication system for an internal combustion engine provides drain openings at locations within individual crankcase portions where residual oil collects during normal operation. The drain openings are connected to orifices formed through cylinder walls of other crankcase portions of the engine. Conduits connect preselected drain openings to associated orifice check valves to pump the residual oil from the collecting regions to the cylinder walls of other crankcase portions using differential pressures that occur naturally between the associated crankcase portions. The drain openings located at the collecting regions can be located directly under primary oil entry points of the crankcase portions, but this relationship is not absolutely necessary as long as the drain openings are placed at the collecting regions or, alternatively stated, as long as the drain openings are placed at locations where oil will tend to flow from the points of primary oil entry into the crankcase portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Neil M. Andrasko, Kenneth G. Appleby, David W. Kusche, Steven W. Habeck
  • Patent number: 6067951
    Abstract: An improved and simplified outboard motor construction wherein the cooling and exhaust systems for the engine are formed with a minimum number of components and sealing joints. The exhaust system includes an elongated expansion chamber formed in the drive shaft housing. In addition, the drive shaft housing has a cylindrical section that is journaled within a swivel bracket for its steering movement. The volume between the external portion of the drive shaft housing and the internal portion of the swivel bracket forms a second expansion chamber that is employed for the low speed above the water exhaust gas discharge. The flow of cooling the water to and from the engine is controlled so that the exhaust gas interchange area between the power head and the drive shaft housing will be well cooled, as will the oil reservoir for the engine and the oil returned to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Kitajima
  • Patent number: 6058900
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with fluid passages between adjacent cylinders. The fluid passages extend through walls that separate adjacent cylinders and are located axially within the cylinders at positions which advantageously define the periods when the fluid passages are blocked and unblocked by pistons moving within lower cylinders. Pressure differentials between adjacent crankcases cause pooled liquid lubricant to be pumped downward through the fluid passages and placed in liquid communication with the walls of the lower cylinder. This pumping action removes pooled lubricant from the transfer passages of one cylinder and causes the liquid lubricant to flow along the walls of a lower cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Kusche, Neil M. Andrasko
  • Patent number: 6047678
    Abstract: A power tool having a rotary implement driven by a four-cycle engine. The engine crankcase is vented via an axial passageway which extends through at least one cam shaft axial shaft of the crankshaft and cam shaft. The rotating shaft member inhibits the escape of oil when the engine is running due to centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Ryobi North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Katsumi Kurihara, Shiro Kawamoto, James M. Grayson
  • Patent number: 6044822
    Abstract: An automatic and initial adjustment of pertinent engine parameters to provide an engine with a gentle break-in period. The engine's electronic control unit adjusts the engine parameters most conducive to proper break-in during operating speeds greater than a predetermined speed and for a predetermined period of break-in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Daniels
  • Patent number: 6041752
    Abstract: An oil pan casting for an internal combustion engine having an integrated suction tube formed therein. The suction tube housing is cast as a separate piece, and then affixed to the interior of the oil pan in a clamshell configuration. The interior surface of the oil pan therefore forms a portion of the suction tube enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Technology Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas K. Van Klompenburg
  • Patent number: 6039020
    Abstract: A portable, operator-carried power tool having an implement supported on an operator-carried frame, and a lightweight, four-stroke, internal combustion engine drivably connected to the implement and supported by the frame. The engine has a crankshaft situated in a crankshaft housing and a cylinder block secured to the crankshaft housing, the crankshaft being provided with a crankcase ventilation passage extending between the crankcase and an outlet end in communication with an air/fuel induction passage. A passage establishes communication between the interior of the crankcase and the valve chamber through a cam and cam gear region of the cylinder block. An oil mist generator is connected drivably to the crankshaft for agitating liquid oil in the crankcase to establish a lubricating oil mist. The crankcase, the cam region and the valve chamber form a closed oil mist containment whereby lubricating oil mist is distributed throughout the engine during operation regardless of angular orientation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Ryobi Outdoor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Shiro Kawamoto, Harry Gene Richard, John Sheldon, Yoichi Imgawa
  • Patent number: 6032635
    Abstract: A single cylinder, internal combustion engine with a dry sump lubrication system. The engine includes an engine housing in which the overhead camshaft and crankshaft are rotatably supported, and the housing includes an integrally formed cylinder and head. A timing belt disposed externally of the engine housing interconnects the crankshaft and camshaft, and a piston connected to the crankshaft reciprocates within an internal bore provided in the engine housing cylinder. The cylinder wall around the internal bore is of a generally uniform thickness and circumscribed by cooling fins such that the cylinder resists bore distortion during operation. Dry sump lubrication is obtained by an external oil reservoir connected to a pump which supplies pressurized oil to the bearing journals of the camshaft. A portion of the oil at the camshaft bearing journals flows through passages provided within the cylinder to lubricate the bearing journals of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: James W. Moorman, Erik J. Christiansen, Roberto Molina, Gar M. Adams
  • Patent number: 6026770
    Abstract: To provide a carburetor for a two-cycle engine, and prevent water from entering into the engine, using a lubricating system of the engine. Oil sealing members are attached to bearings of a throttle shaft of a carburetor. Oil holes are formed at positions near a barrel passage and inside the oil sealing members, thereby forcibly supplying lubricating oil to the bearings. Therefore, the bearing are continuously lubricated, so that water is prevented from entering into the carburetor. The forcibly supplied lubricating oil leaks from the bearings to the barrel passage, and is supplied to the interior of the engine together with air-fuel mixture produced by the carburetor. The two oil holes communicate with each other via a dovetail groove, so that the lubricating oil from a lubricating oil plug is simultaneously supplied to the bearings at the opposite ends of the throttle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Ueda, Hideaki Andoh
  • Patent number: 6027384
    Abstract: A four-cycle engine is provided which is suitable for use in a vehicle or an apparatus such as a small jet boat to be operated on the premise that it often overturns, and which is simple in structure. An oil pan 22 is disposed below the bottom of a crankcase 13, the spaces in the components are communicated with each other via a communicating hole 27 which is formed in the bottom of the crankcase 13, and a cylindrical peripheral wall 26 which is downwardly extending from the bottom of the crankcase 13 toward the oil pan 22 is formed around the communicating hole 27 and is spacially separated from the side wall of the oil pan 22 by a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Nitta, Masato Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 6024193
    Abstract: A lubricating system for an engine having a cylinder body and a crankcase, the cylinder body defining at least one cylinder, a piston movably mounted in the cylinder and connected to a crankshaft rotatably mounted in the crankcase defined by a crankcase member. The lubricating system includes an oil pump supported at an inner side of a wall of the crankcase member and an oil filter housing area located at an outer side of the wall, the oil pump driven by the engine and delivering oil from an oil source to a filter positioned in the oil filter housing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masamitsu Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6016784
    Abstract: An oil filter attaching structure for an engine has a stand hole communicated with a main oil gallery formed in a lower casing of an engine. The stand hole is formed therein with either one of two different length female threads, one length female thread part is for use without an oil cooler and the other length female thread part is for use with an oil cooler. A filter stand is formed having one end with a male thread part for use without an oil cooler, with a length which is longer than that of the one female thread part. The filter stand is formed with a male thread part on the other end for use with an oil cooler, having a length which is longer than that of the other female thread part. The filter stand has one end screwed into the stand hole. The other end of the filter stand has an oil filter attached. The same filter stand can be used on engines with or without an oil cooler. The filter structure allows visible confirmation of proper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6015320
    Abstract: A lubrication cooling system for an internal combustion engine positioned within an engine compartment of a personal watercraft for powering a water propulsion unit thereof, is disclosed. The lubrication cooling system lowers the temperature of the lubrication for the internal combustion engine of a personal watercraft. Preferably, the lubrication cooling system incorporates cooling the lubrication by introducing the lubrication cooler to a fluid such as forced air or ambient water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayoshi Nanami
  • Patent number: 6012422
    Abstract: A single-use aerosol can having an outlet and no inlet and containing a lubricant under pressure that is used to prime an engine prior to start-up. The contents of the canister are pressurized with a substantially non-flammable propellant and are released from the single outlet atop the aerosol can through a valve that is interposed between the outlet and the interior of the canister. The valve may be manually depressed to cause the lubricant to be released. The lubricant is transported directly from the outlet of the canister to the interior of the engine through a hose having a first passageway, a first end, and a second end. The hose is sealingly connected to the canister on the first end and the oil passageway of the engine on the second end. A threaded fitting having a second passageway may be used to attach the second end of the hose to the oil passageway, thereby creating communication between the first and second passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Life Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry E. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6012421
    Abstract: A lubricating system for an internal combustion engine is provided wherein oil flows from a compressor oil drain port to a region of the engine which is to be lubricated. The source of lubricating fluid, such as the compressor, is transmitted through a first conduit between the compressor and a lubricant supply region of the engine block. The lubricant supply region is located between a first seal region, or labyrinth seal, and a region to be lubricated which can be a center main bearing. The region to be lubricated is located between the lubricant supply region and a first lower pressure region of the engine, such as the crankcase region associated with one of the cylinders of the engine. A check valve is used to resist flow of the lubricating fluid in a direction from the lubricant supply region to the lubricating fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Kusche, Neil M. Andrasko, James P. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6000373
    Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a lubrication system for internal combustion engines of the kind comprising a crankshaft (1) and an associated oil sump (3), a camshaft in a cylinder head above the oil sump, and a timing belt (5) connecting the crankshaft and camshaft via respective, pulleys (2, 4). In accordance with the invention, the timing belt is adapted to entrain a sufficient quantity of oil from the oil sump to lift it to the cylinder head for lubricating purposes, thereby eliminating the need for a separate oil pump. Preferably, an oil pulley (7) is provided below the crankshaft pulley (2) positioned to be immersed in oil within the oil sump for entraining oil therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Stephen Ronald Tickner (a part interest)
    Inventor: Timothy C. Woodhouse
  • Patent number: 5992037
    Abstract: An oil level indicator assembly for a vehicle engine including an elongated indicator member removably housed in a tubular sleeve which has spaced upper end and lower end portions with an interior passage therebetween and an internal shoulder-like formation therein. The elongated indicator member has a coil spring formation adapted to engage the shoulder-like formation when the indicator and sleeve are in an assembled relationship, thereby establishing a predetermined length of the indicator to project into the engine oil. The effect of oil on indicia formed on the indicator member when withdrawn from the sleeve member shows the level of oil in the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Klotz
  • Patent number: 5988265
    Abstract: A fuel cooler and coolant filter assembly for the filtering of coolant and the cooling of a fuel flow for use in connection with a cylinder head of a vehicle engine includes three primary components which are assembled to one another in a stacked configuration and which in turn are assembled to the cylinder head. These three primary components include a fuel cooler core which is assembled directly to the cylinder head and which includes a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet, and a heat exchanger. The interior of the fuel cooler core is designed for the incoming fuel to flow and circulate across the exterior of the heat exchanger prior to exiting. The second primary component includes a filter head assembly with various inlets, outlets, and passageways. The filter head assembly is attached directly to the fuel cooler core so as to deliver coolant into the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Marthaler
  • Patent number: 5988134
    Abstract: An oil pickup tube assembly for an internal combustion engine comprises a two-piece structure including a base member which attaches to an oil intake or inlet of an engine and includes an elbow therein permitting angling the inlet end of the pickup member into the appropriate position within a sump area of the oil pan. The pickup member comprises a U-shaped tube, one end of which engages the base member and another end of which depends into the sump area, with the inlet end being supported by a bracket attached to the crankcase. The interface between the tube and the base member includes an O-ring seal, with the tube and base member being releasably locked together by relative rotation therebetween and a tab and slot engagement formed between the pieces to permit a certain amount of stress-free misalignment between the base member and the pickup member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp
    Inventor: Richard A. Smietanski
  • Patent number: 5975041
    Abstract: High-temperature oil returning from a cylinder head is to be prevented from being sucked directly into an oil pump through an oil strainer. An oil intake space is defined by partition walls formed near a split plane of both a front casing and a rear casing. The interior of the oil intake space is partitioned into a lower oil chamber and an upper oil chamber by an oil strainer. The lower oil chamber is in communication with the interior of an oil pan through intake ports, while the upper oil chamber communicates with an oil pump. The oil strainer is separately formed as an intake duct and a screen. The oil strainer is fitted and held in a slot formed in the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoru Narita, Toshinari Mohara
  • Patent number: 5975042
    Abstract: An oil supply passage is provided for connecting an oil chamber with a valve chamber, an oil feed passage for connecting a valve chamber with a crank chamber, and an oil return passage for connecting the crank chamber with the oil chamber. The oil return passage is connected with the crank chamber via a plurality of return vents formed on an inner surface of the crank chamber at approximately equal intervals. Providing a bypass passage, one end of the bypass passage opens adjacent to a ceiling of the valve chamber. Another end of the bypass passage opens into a portion facing the restrictor formed adjacent to an outlet of the oil feed passage. Accordingly, the crank chamber and the valve chamber are lubricated by pressure fluctuations of the crank chamber according to the reciprocation of a piston. Thus, it is possible to lubricate the engine even when the engine is tilted in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ishiakawjima-Shibaura Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Aizawa, Toshio Hirabayashi, Masatomi Nijoh
  • Patent number: 5970942
    Abstract: An improved method and system for automatically continuously replacing an engine's used lubricating oil with fresh lubricating oil throughout operation based on engine operating conditions is disclosed. The present system includes an lube oil replacement pump system operable in a replacement mode for injecting small amounts of used lube oil into the engine's fuel system and directing controlled quantities of fresh oil into the engine's lube oil system to replace the removed oil. The process periodically determines an engine operating severity value, i.e. fuel consumption value, for an interval of engine operation and calculates a base line quantity of oil for injection based on the current fuel consumption of the engine during the current interval. The lube oil replacement pump may also be operated in a makeup mode for adding quantities of fresh oil to the engine lube oil sump to compensate for oil consumed by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Koeberlein, Paul D. Cantrell, Eric S. Keith, John P. Graham, Jerry C. Wang, Leslie A. Roettgen, Donald P. Carver, Colin I. Black, David M. Stehouwer, Ray C. Hatton
  • Patent number: 5964198
    Abstract: A lubrication system of an internal combustion engine is composed of an engine oil case and an engine oil pump located in the engine oil case such that an inlet of the engine oil pump is located in proximity of a geometrical center of the interior of the engine oil case. The engine oil kept in the engine oil case can be thus conveyed efficiently to all moving parts of the internal combustion engine even at the time when the internal combustion engine is tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Yuh-Yih Wu
  • Patent number: 5964256
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing oil and measuring oil consumption in an internal combustion engine having an internal oil lubrication distribution passage system with an oil filter and oil reservoir which includes the steps of connecting an external, separable apparatus to the internal oil lubrication distribution system at a first point upstream of the oil filter and at a second point in fluid communication with the oil reservoir; removing spent oil from the oil reservoir and measuring the amount removed; introducing a measured amount of fresh oil appropriate for the internal combustion engine into the oil reservoir; and calculating the difference between the amount of fresh oil introduced to and the spent oil removed from the oil reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: K.J. Manufacturing
    Inventors: Ram D. Bedi, Adrianus J. van der Griendt
  • Patent number: 5960764
    Abstract: A four-stroke internal combustion engine in accordance with the present invention comprises a piston, a valve chamber, a crankcase, an oil chamber separated from the crankcase, and an oil mist feeding passage extending from the oil chamber to the crank case via the valve chamber for supplying oil mist in the oil chamber. The oil mist feeding passage has a first passage extending from the oil chamber to the valve chamber, a second passage extending from the valve chamber to the crankcase, and a third passage extending from the crankcase to the first passage. The first passage has a first opening directed toward the oil chamber. The second passage has a second opening directed toward the crankcase located at a point where it can be closed by the piston when it travels downwardly. The third passage has a third opening directed toward the crankcase located at a point below a bottom dead center of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneo Araki