Abstract: An engine crankcase oil surveillance system with restoration of oil sufficiency. A vertical oil detection member extends down and into the engine sump. A timer is set for a specific period of time after initiation. The timer is initiated upon shut-off of the engine ignition system. An oil level indicator is activated when said timed period has taken place, and determines the sump oil level. An oil supply means is connected to a reservoir and to the oil level indicator for supplying reserve oil from the reservoir to the sump, upon indication by the oil level indicator that the sump oil level is below a predetermined level. The fluid from the reservoir is cut off the desired oil level is reached.

Abstract: An ignition-powered interlock switch is provided for disabling a low oil pressure switch in power-driven apparatus such as lawn mowers, pumps, generators, tractors and the like. The interlock switch disables the low oil pressure switch when the engine is not running to permit the engine to be easily started. The interlock switch preferably comprises a diode, a relay, and a capacitor connected in parallel with the relay solenoid. The capacitor discharges through the relay solenoid after the engine stops running to operate the relay. The interlock switch may also include either a manual or an electronic switch.

Abstract: A starter-powered interlock switch means is provided for disabling a low oil pressure switch in power-driven apparatus such as lawn mowers, pumps, generators, tractors and the like. The interlock switch means disables the low oil pressure switch when the engine is not running to permit the engine to be easily started. Several embodiments of the interlock switch means are disclosed. The embodiments include a capacitor that is charged by the starter motor during cranking of the engine, and a relay switch that interrupts the circuit between the ignition primary and the low oil pressure switch to disable the low oil pressure switch. When the engine has started, the capacitor discharges to control one or more other switches that in turn close the circuit between the ignition primary and the low oil pressure switch. The closing of the latter circuit enables the low oil pressure switch to be activated when a low oil pressure condition is sensed.

Abstract: An oil change apparatus for use in changing the motor oil in a motor vehicle includes a key-operated drain valve removably mounted within a lockable protective housing and a flexible line connecting the drain valve with the engine oil pan of the motor vehicle. An oil filter relocation flange and bracket accessibly mounted within the engine compartment and coupled via oil lines to the original engine block receptacle for the oil filter serves to relocate the engine oil filter to a position that provides easy access. A power assisted oil change apparatus includes an electrical pump and electromechanical valve conveniently mounted within the engine compartment of the motor vehicle for pumping used motor oil from the engine oil pan into a disposable container at oil change times.

Abstract: An engine oil condition sensor which measures oil temperature and the time the engine has been in operation since the last oil change. The sensor determines when the amount of "cold" engine operation exceeds a predetermined portion of the total engine operation in order to warn the operator to change engine operation patterns by providing more operation time at warmer temperatures. The sensor also accumulates the actual time the oil has been in the engine and the time the engine has been operated at elevated "hot" temperatures. Whenever any accumulation exceeds predetermined threshold levels, appropriate warnings are given to the operator.

Abstract: A lubricant system for an internal combustion engine of the type employed to power a vehicle that does not have a braking system of its own. In connection therewith, lubricant is supplied to the engine in response to throttle valve position. Additional lubricant is supplied under deceleration conditions when rapid closure of the throttle valve will not necessarily be accompanied by rapid reduction of engine speed so that additional lubricant is required.

Abstract: A valve operation mode changing system for the intake or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine is controlled in response to engine speed and temperature of the working oil utilized in the system in such a way as to permit the valve operating mode to be changed from a low-speed to a high-speed mode in response to engine speed requirements only when the temperature of the working oil exceeds a predetermined value. The system also provides for terminating fuel supply to the engine when the temperature of the working oil is below a predetermined temperature and the speed of the engine exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A prelubricating system for an internal combustion engine includes an oil intake dimensioned for insertion into the dipstick well of the engine. The oil intake tube is connected to an inlet side of an electric pump. An outlet side of the pump is connected to the oil pressure sender coupling aperture on the engine block for supplying oil to internal oil passages. A pressure activated switch causes actuation of the electric oil pump when the engine ignition switches is activated. When a predetermined oil pressure is achieved, the electric pump is deactuated and the engine starter motor solenoid is energized. In a second embodiment, the system includes an electric oil heater and a thermostatic control for preventing starting of the engine until a predetermined oil pressure and temperature has been reached. The oil intake tube includes a quick release coupling and a graduated scale for measuring the quantity of oil in the sump.

Abstract: A combination of electrical, mechanical and hydraulic components specifically arranged in communication with the existing lubrication system of high performance internal combustion engines, such as are utilized in the motor home industry, so as to enable the pre-lubing of the moving parts of the engine before it is started or turned over, the components of which are existing items of manufacture and the combination can be readily installed by owners without expensive modifications to the engine, said prelube system being primarily comprised of the removal of engine oil from the oil pan sump, pressurization of the oil by an electrically-driven pump and reinsertion of the oil into the engine through a one-quarter inch pipe Tee adapter, placed between the oil-sender and the engine block at the end of the engine farthest away from the engine-driven oil pump, said prelube system being controlled by a manually-activated electrical switch on the dashboard of the vehicle.

Abstract: An ignition system for a fuel burning engine is provided connected to and from a battery, a coil, and a starter motor. A protection circuit having pressure and temperature sensing switches has relay contacts in series with the coil. The relay contacts open when abnormal running temperatures and pressures occur to shut down the engine. During startup, a battery voltage is supplied to the coil through a conventional key operated switch and in response to the energization of the starter solenoid. The latter makes possible the elimination of an undesirable prior art bypass switch.

Abstract: A marine outboard drive unit (10) includes a two-cycle internal combustion engine (14), an oil storage tank (30) storing lubricating oil for the engine, and an assembly (44) mounted to the tank and extending into the tank for drawing oil from the tank and indicating the amount of oil in the tank. The assembly includes a collar (60) mounted to the tank in a top opening (42) and having first and second tubular portions (62, 64) extending integrally downwardly therefrom. The first tubular portion (62) is connected through a flexible coupling (80) to a lower tubular portion (78) formed on the outer surface of a cup member (74) mounted to the second tubular portion (64). The second tubular portion (64) retains an annular float member (66) and magnet (112) therearound in the annular space (76) between the second tubular portion (64) and the cup member (74).

Abstract: A separate lubricating system for an engine including a lubricant reservoir and a system for delivering lubricant from the reservoir to the engine for its lubrication. A sensing device is provided in the lubricant system for sensing the lubricant flow and comparing it with a desired flow for providing a warning signal in the event of inadequate lubricant flow. The invention is illustrated in a specific embodiment as applied to an outboard motor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of and apparatus for changing oil and an oil filter in an engine or the like having an oil sump and a mount for an oil filter. The method includes the steps of draining or adding oil to the oil sump to or from an external reservoir by use of a manually or electrically actuated pumping action. Simultaneously, if desired, the method includes the steps of changing the oil filter at a remote disconnected position. The method can be carried out by various apparatus, each of which has a first portion permanently connected to the engine to establish oil communication from the existent oil sump and filter mount to quick-disconnect couplers joined to a removable second portion including an external oil reservoir and a mount for an oil filter.

Abstract: A reversible drain valve that is remotely actuated is disclosed. The valve includes a longitudinal fluid passageway having a pair of identical connecting means located at opposite ends. An outlet sleeve having a sealing surface is joined with either of the connecting means. A closure member is joined with the other connecting means and cooperates with the longitudinal passageway to form a valve chamber. A cable actuated valve member is urged to a closed position against the sealing surface with the use of a biasing spring and fluid collected in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A marine outboard drive unit (10) includes a powerhead (12) having a two-cycle internal combustion engine (14), a lower depending driveshaft housing (16) extending downwardly from the powerhead and having a lower submerged propeller (18), and an oil tank (30) mounted adjacent the driveshaft housing (16) below the powerhead (12). The oil tank (30) has a U-shape and extends partially around and conforms to the driveshaft housing (16) and is mounted in the space between the driveshaft housing (16) and a trim cover (34) which extends downwardly from the engine cowl (24). Particular mounting structure, rattle-reducing structure, and visual oil level monitoring structure is provided.

Abstract: An improved interlocked remote oil filter and drain provides a system for draining oil from the oil sump of an engine. The system comprises an improved interlock that includes an interlock tab movable between a drain position to permit draining of the engine oil when the oil filter is not in place and a safe position to prohibit draining of the engine oil when the oil filter is in place. The interlock tab allows the convenient use of different sizes and shapes of oil filters.

Abstract: A valve operating control device for an internal combustion engine having a valve operating mode changing mechanism for switching the opening/closing operation of an intake or exhaust valve between a low-speed operation mode corresponding to a low-speed operation of the engine and a high-speed operation mode corresponding to a high-speed operation of the engine. A control device controls the operation of the valve operation mode changing mechanism according to the rotational speed of the engine for shifting the valve operation mode changing mechanism from the high-speed mode to the low-speed mode where the output torque of the engine is the same in the low- and high-speed operation modes of the valve operation mode changing mechanism and for shifting the valve operation mode changing mechanism from the low-speed operation mode to the high-speed operation mode at a second rotational speed that is higher than the first rotational speed.

Abstract: An oiling apparatus for an internal combustion engine serviced for pre-oiling the engine before the engine is started. The apparatus includes a manually operated positive displacement oil pump with an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other. An oil suction line connects the pump inlet to the oil sump of the engine, while an oil feed line connects the pump outlet to an oil gallery of the engine through the fitting usually provided for a pressure light or gage sender unit. An oil pressure switch in the feedline is normally open and closes when the oil pressure in the feedline is greater than that necessary to pre-oil the engine. The ignition switch of the engine is connected in series with the oil pressure switch between the battery and the starter motor relay so that the starter motor is disabled until the oil pressure in the feedline is sufficient to close the oil pressure switch.

Abstract: The filter according to the invention comprises an outer casing which is provided with an end cover having a connection to the engine lubrication circuit. The outer casing houses a first filter pack or element positioned to be passed through by the engine lubricating oil. A pressure relief valve, which allows the oil to bypass the first filter pack or element in the case of excessive pressure drop, is provided. The pressure relief valve cooperates with a piston element associated with an electrically conducting spring to establish electrical connection between an electrical contact and a part of the filter casing. A second filter pack or element is positioned to filter part of the oil which the pressure relief valve allows to pass when a high pressure drop in the oil flow through the first filter pack or element occurs.

Abstract: A device (1) for use in conjunction with an engine (25) is adapted to contain a predetermined level (A) of a liquid such as oil therein. A fill passage (4) is provided for adding liquid to the device and a drain passage (7) is provided for draining liquid from the device when the liquid is above the predetermined level. A movable valve (12) is provided for opening and closing the fill passage and the drain passage. The valve is automatically positioned so as to close both passages in response to start up of the engine whereby liquid will not be lost through the passage during operation of the engine. The device may be an integrated drive generator in an aircraft which is designed to operate successfully in any aircraft attitude.

Abstract: A pre-lubricant oil pressure adapter that enables oil and oil pressure to be supplied to an engine before it is engaged to crank. The adapter is comprised of an oil pump that is linked to an oil filter, and both of these are in turn linked to an oil system of an engine. Oil from the engine oil system is able to flow into the filter through the linkage, as well as oil from the oil pump. The oil cleaned by the filter passes from the filter back into the engine. When the engine is started, a delay switch allows the pump to operate but not the engine. The switch senses when the pressure is great enough in the engine and at that time allows the engine to engage. The pump is then disengaged. In another embodiment, the oil pump is disposed in the engine and is fluidically connected to an existing oil pump of an engine to provide oil pressure to the engine before it is engaged to crank.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically changing engine lubricating oil while the engine is running, in which small increments of used lubricating oil are periodically removed from the lubricating oil system, and substantially simultaneously with the removal of each increment of used oil, a corresponding increment of fresh oil is delivered to the lubricating oil system, so the volume of oil in the lubricating system is not reduced by the removal. Oil sump level sensing determines the destination of each used oil increment that is removed. If the sump level is not substantially below a predetermined satisfactory operating level when an increment of used oil is removed, the increment is delivered to the fuel tank for burnoff with the fuel for diesel engines, or to a holding tank for other engines, in a normal oil change mode of operation.

Abstract: An oil change interval monitor is provided which senses diesel engine variables such as oil temperature, fuel flow and the volume of oil added to the engine since the last oil change and combines these variables with values determined by known engine parameters to provide a continuously updated indication of the percentage of oil life used by the engine since the last oil change.

Abstract: A process for displaying engine oil change information for an internal combustion engine equipped with an electronic injection calculator linked to an onboard computer consisting of the calculation of (N) number of weighted kilometers. The reduction of the period (T) pulses by a period (d) at each (N) kilometers to a minimum threshold (T.sub.o) corresponding to (M.N.) weighted kilometers. The storage of (M.N.) weighted kilometers, their subtraction of the stored weighted kilometers from the actual kilometers remaining to be traveled and the display of the actual kilometers remaining to be traveled before oil change.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an oil degradation warning system for an engine equipped with a turbocharger. The system comprises first means for detecting the temperature of the engine oil in the turbocharger, second means for deriving a correction coefficient from informations issued from the first means; third means for multiplying a predetermined time increment by the correction coefficient to derive a modified time increment; fourth means for integrating the modified time increment to derive a time dependent oil degradation value; and fifth means for issuing a warning when the time dependent oil degradation value becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine has a first plurality of movable parts which require lubrication during relative movement to reduce wear. The vehicle has N systems, each of which has a corresponding plurality of movable parts which require lubrication during relative movement of reduce wear. There is also an electrical mechanical starter mechanism for initiating movement within the engine. In addition there is a first oil supply system having a main engine oil pump which circulates oil to the first plurality of moveable parts and responds to movement within the engine. Also a supplemental engine oil pump communicates with the first oil supply system. The vehicle also has N oil supply systems. Each of the N oil supply systems have a corresponding main oil pump which circulates oil to the corresponding plurality of moveable parts in response to movement within the corresponding system.

Abstract: A system for automatically injecting lubricating oil into the lubricating system of an engine prior to startup of the engine or following shutdown of the engine is described which comprises a solenoid controlled spring-loaded piston and cylinder arrangement which is filled with oil under pressure during normal engine operation and a control circuit responsive to the ignition switch of the engine for controlled or metered release of oil from the cylinder either just prior to engine startup or after engine shutdown.

Abstract: An engine control system of a marine outboard engine has an oscillator which operates in response to an abnormality signal resulting from detection signals from an oil level sensor and a temperature sensor, and in response to a signal from a tachometric sensor to transmit normal and retarded ignition signals alternately and repeatedly to a firing timing control circuit, which thereupon controls the engine ignition with normal firing timing when receiving the normal ignition signal and with retarded firing timing when receiving the retarded ignition signal. The engine power output under retarded firing time is lower than that under normal firing timing, whereby the engine emits an abnormal humming sound, warning the operator that an abnormal condition has occurred.

Abstract: Herein disclosed in an oil degradation warning system which comprises several sensors for sensing parameters which are closely related to degradation factors of the engine oil, a microcomputer which processes the detected parameters to compute oil degradation coefficients of them in each factor, integrates the oil degradation coefficients in each factor with passage of time, and issues an instruction signal when at least of the integrated values of the oil degradation coefficients exceeds a corresponding reference value, and a warning device which gives a warning when the instruction signal is applied thereto.

Abstract: A fuel supply control system for an engine has an engine speed sensor for producing an engine speed signal, a sensor for sensing amount of lubricating oil in an oil pan of the engine and for producing an oil signal dependent on the amount of the oil. In response to the engine speed signal and oil signal, fuel supply is cut off when the engine speed exceeds a predetermined engine speed above which bouncing of intake and exhaust valves of the engine occurs.

Abstract: In a marine drive having a wiring harness (14) connected between the engine (2) and the helm (8), an alarm sensing module (26) is connected to the harness (14) and provides a warning of one or more abnormal engine conditions, without altering the existing wiring harness or adding wires thereto. A temperature switch (30) and an oil pressure switch (32) are provided at the engine, and the sensing module (26) is connected to the engine temperature gauge (10) and engine oil pressure gauge (12) at the helm. The module activates an alarm (28) in response to high engine temperature or low engine oil pressure.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of outboard motors incorporating lubricating systems having a filter for filtering gravity flow of lubricant to the engine and for sensing a clogged filter condition. In each embodiment, a warning is given when the filter clogging condition is noted and furthermore there is provided an arrangement for reducing the speed of the engine and accordingly the lubricant consumption in response to such a clogging condition. In addition, the sensing device also provides an indication of the level of lubricant within the reservoir.

Abstract: At least one hook or clip is mounted to the inside surface of the engine compartment hatch door so as to removably receive the engine oil dipstick so that the dipstick protrudes beyond an edge of the hatch door and prevents its full closure.

Abstract: A low oil sensor especially for application with an internal combustion engine is provided with an over-center spring and diaphragm structure to maintain the sensor in the inactivated mode whenever there is an adequate oil level in an engine sump. Crankcase pulse pressures provide an adequate pressure differential across the diaphragm to move the switch to activate an indicator circuit and to stop the engine. Inadvertent switch operation is prevented by utilization of a check valve and bleed port arrangement. The switch can be reset by an externally operable reset plunger.

Abstract: An automatic oil level maintenance system for an internal combustion engine of the type having a crankcase containing a supply of oil and a vacuum source when the engine is running. An airtight oil reservoir contains a supply of make up oil and a vacuum actuated pump has a spring-biased flexible diaphragm therein. The crankcase, oil reservoir, pump, and vacuum are operatively connected by conduits, with the source of vacuum usually the carburetor of the engine. The pump maintains the oil in the crankcase at predetermined engine run and stop levels. The vacuum is applied to the diaphragm when the engine is running and any excess make up oil is withdrawn from the crankcase with the resulting oil level therein falling to an engine run level. The vacuum is removed from the diaphragm when the engine is stopped and make up oil is forced into the crankcase by movement of the spring-biased diaphragm with the resulting oil level in the crankcase rising to engine stop level.

Abstract: The lubricating oil filter of the invention comprises an outer casing which houses a filter element through which the oil passes, a pressure relief valve which prevents the oil passing through said filter element in the case of excessive pressure drop, and mutually facing metal plates separated by the filter element and arranged to form a capacitor, of which the filter element forms the dielectric, one of the plates being connected to the vehicle earth and the other being connected to an electrical conductor leading to the outside of the filter, the pressure relief valve being provided with means for connecting the electrical conductor to earth in the case of high pressure drop in the oil flow through the filter element, and with further means for connecting the electrical conductor to earth following repeated opening movements of the pressure relief valve, there being provided an instrument for measuring the capacitance of said capacitor and for indicating when the electrical conductor has been connected to

Abstract: An oil level sensor includes a sensor body adapted to be mounted to the block or casing of an oil-containing reservoir. A probe including a pair of electrodes forming a capacitor extends from the sensor body so that the capacitor will be at least partially immersed in the oil to detect the level thereof. At least one of the electrodes is insulated so that the apparent capacitance of the capacitor is relatively insensitive to any change in the conductivity of the oil at high temperatures. Circuitry is provided in response to the capacitance of the capacitor for signalling the level of the oil, which capacitance is a function of the oil level. The sensor body is mounted to the block by external threads on the probe. The electrodes of the probe extend proximally past the threads to provide an increased capacitance for the sensor. The electrodes of the probe are concentric and the inner electrode is supported at both ends to reduce fatigue.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an oil drain fitting for internal combustion engines which permits a quick draining of the oil. A body threaded into the conventional oil pan drain hole includes an axial passage having a tubular valve reciprocally mounted therein. The valve is open at its lower end and closed at its inner end having a head which seats against the inner end of the body. The lower end of the valve includes an abutment surface for engagement by a drain conduit fitting for axially displacing the valve inwardly to open the valve and permit flow therethrough. A cap may be mounted on the body to enclose the lower end of the valve when the fitting is not in use.

Abstract: An electrically responsive oil level sensor is mounted within a vehicle oil sump. An enclosure encloses the ends of two spaced electrodes. The high voltage electrode has a pointed end and the other low voltage electrode has a blunt end opposed to the pointed end. The low voltage electrode is connected to ground in series with an indicator. The enclosure has three vertically spaced openings. An entrance opening is aligned with the electrode gap for in flow of oil. A second is located below the entrance opening and establishes a restricted oil outflow. The third opening is above the entrance opening for air and fume escapement. A baffle is interposed between the entrance opening and the electrode gap. The baffle prevents the motion of the oil in the sump from moving directly through the entrance opening and into the electrode gap. The enclosure has an integral tower for the high voltage electrode and the tower has annular radial projections to increase the surface creepage path.

Abstract: A number indicative of the number of engine revolutions corresponding to the useful life of the engine oil in a motor vehicle is stored in nonvolatile memory. As the vehicle is operated, the number is periodically decremented by an amount determined in relation to a penalty factor and the number of engine revolutions which occur in the period. The penalty factor is periodically updated and is determined in relation to the operating temperature of the engine oil, based on empirically determined data. The stored number represents the remaining life of the engine oil and is continuously displayed for the information of the operator. A warning lamp is lit to alert the operator to change the oil soon when the stored number is reduced to within 10% of the originally stored value. When the oil is changed, a reset switch is actuated and the number is reset to its original value.

Abstract: An automatic engine oil dispenser and indicator is provided and consists of a device for sensing low engine oil pressure, a reservoir storing a quantity of oil when the engine oil pressure is at a specified level, a device for indicating a low amount of oil in the reservoir and a check valve communicating with the reservoir. The check valve allows unrestricted flow of the oil from the reservoir to the engine when the engine oil pressure falls below the specified level until the oil pressure in the engine rises back to the specified level stopping the oil flow.

Abstract: An oil dispenser for internal combustion engines having a crankcase includes an oil-containing, airtight reservoir disposed at a vertical location above the crankcase. A conduit connects the reservoir and the crankcase in order to establish fluid communication between the reservoir and the crankcase. The conduit has a lower end disposed in the crankcase at a level at which oil is desired to be maintained in the crankcase. A solenoid-activated valve is disposed at the lower end of the conduit to selectively permit or prevent the flow of oil through the conduit. The solenoid-activated valve includes a cup-like member which surrounds and is fitted against the lower end of the conduit upon valve closure. A control means is connected to the solenoid-activated valve for opening the solenoid-activated valve only after the engine has ceased operation and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: Several embodiments of outboard motors embodying four-cycle engines and improved lubricating systems therefor. In all of the embodiments, an oil reservoir is provided in the drive shaft housing and a combined screen and drain plug assembly filters the oil flowing from the oil reservoir to the engine lubricating system and for facilitating servicing of the screen by removal of the drain plug. In one embodiment, the oil reservoir is formed integrally with the drive shaft housing. A pressure relief valve depends into the oil reservoir and is carried by a plate that connects the engine to the drive shaft housing for facilitating servicing and reducing the likelihood of leakage back of oil to the engine when the outboard motor is tilted up. An improved relief valve screen assembly is also illustrated in one embodiment where in the screen may be bypassed if it becomes clogged.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an oil degradation warning system of a motor vehicle, which can issue a warning at the time when the oil change is really needed. The system comprises first means for detecting respective values of degradation factors of oil, the degradation factors being closely related to the operation history of the motor vehicle, second means for adding the values by using a predetermined calculation formula and integrating the added result with passage of time, third means for issuing a warning signal when the integrated result exceeds a predetermined limit, and fourth means which, when oil replenishment is carried out, postpones the issue of the warning signal in accordance with the amount of the replenished oil.

Abstract: An improvement for lubricating internal combustion engines whereby an external source of pressurized oil is connected through the engine oil filter port into cooperative association with the internal engine lubrication galleys and the engine starting mechanism, whereby oil pressure is applied to critical internal parts of the engine before the starting mechanism is enabled, thereby to ensure adequate lubrication for engine starting.

Abstract: An alarm system for a two-cycle internal combustion engine having a lubricating oil pump and an alternator generating electric pulses at a frequency related to engine speed. An integrated circuit configured as a counter has an input connected to receive the alternator pulses. A pressure switch generates an electric signal in response to the oil pressure increase in the pump output each time the pump operates. The integrated circuit has a first output which changes logic state in response to a predetermined count and has a second output which changes value at a frequency related to engine speed. The signal generated by the pressure switch is connected to a reset input to the integrated circuit so the counter is reset to zero in response to each oil pressure signal. An SCR switch controls operation of an alarm horn. A control connected to the integrated circuit and to the SCR operates the horn at a frequency related to engine speed.

Abstract: In order to obviate the need to manually input data relating to the grade of oil used to lubricate an engine, a monitoring system includes a sensor which senses the grade of oil along with sensors which enable the oil change procedure per se to be detected. After each oil change the output of the oil grade sensor is read and the appropriate values which determine the limits to which the oil may be permitted to degradate are automatically determined.

Abstract: A pump comprising a housing, an oil pumping chamber in the housing, an oil passageway in the housing communicating with the oil pumping chamber, an oil pumping piston reciprocally movable in the oil pumping chamber to produce oil flow into the oil passageway in response to reciprocation of the oil pumping piston, a switch mounted on the housing and adapted to be operably connected to a device for actuation thereof, and a mechanism for closing the switch in response to oil flow in the oil passageway.

Abstract: A safety device for a fuel injected diesel engine that shuts off the supply of fuel to the injection nozzles when the lubricant level in the reservoir falls below a predetermined amount. The device includes a control lever that can be latched in a fuel supply position and which is released by a solenoid when the pressure of lubricant in the engine lubricating system falls to indicate a low oil level.

Abstract: Several embodiments of separate lubricating systems for two-cycle internal combustion engines and particularly those of outboard motors. In each embodiment, the lubricating system includes a relatively large lubricant storage tank that is adapted to be carried in the hull of the associated watercraft and a relatively small lubricant delivery tank carried by the engine of the outboard motor. A pump is provided for transferring lubricant from the storage tank to the delivery tank and warning devices are incorporated to indicate when the level in each of the tanks falls below a predetermined value. Furthermore, the transfer pump is disabled upon the falling of the level of the liquid in the storage tank below a predetermined value. The pump is positioned in proximity to this storage tank and is juxtaposed and plumbed in such a way that it will not pick up foreign particles from the bottom of the tank, but will always have its inlet and outlet subject to liquid so that the pump will not run dry.