Safety Devices Patents (Class 123/196S)
  • Patent number: 4369743
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic lubricant metering system for an engine which includes a throttle for regulating the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, the system comprising a frequency to voltage converter for producing a first electrical signal representative of engine RPM, a potentiometer including a wiper coupled to move in response to movement of the engine throttle, the voltage appearing on the wiper producing a second electrical signal representative of the amount of fuel being delivered to the engine, an oil pump for supplying a variable amount of lubricant into the fuel delivered to the engine, and an electrical control circuit responsive to the first and second electrical signals for providing a control output which renders the oil pump operative to vary the lubricant/fuel ratio of the lubricant and fuel mixture delivered to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Holt, John M. Mahoney, Kenneth M. McLeod
  • Patent number: 4363214
    Abstract: A lubricating system for automotive components includes an oil reservoir to supply an initial charge of lubricating oil upon cold starting of the engine, with provision to maintain the reservoir in a full attitude after the engine lubricating oil has warmed and is freely circulating, thereby preserving a charge of oil available for the next cold starting of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Inventor: Robert W. Kiser
  • Patent number: 4359140
    Abstract: An auxiliary lubrication means is disclosed which is suitable for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine or similar mechanical device. The present apparatus includes a reservoir for storing a lubricant under pressure during normal operation of the engine. Upon failure of the engine's lubrication system, or during a subsequent start-up procedure, the means of the present invention is operative to provide lubricant to the moving parts of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Inventor: James S. Shreve
  • Patent number: 4331112
    Abstract: An arrangement for lubricating, especially for internal combustion engines is disclosed. The circuit of the arrangement is fed with the lubricating medium, e.g. oil, by means of a pump which delivers oil from a source, as required through an oil cooler and a filter, to bearings of the engine which require lubrication, and to more remote bearings, such as are used in auxiliary equipment, e.g. off-gas turbo-superchargers. In the main pressure conduit, relatively close to the pump, there is provided a flow control device with a direct conduit being provided to communicate the pump with the more remote bearings. The direct conduit is connected to the circuit between the pump and the flow control device. As required, an oil filter can be arranged in the direct conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Assignee: Klockner-Humboldt-Deutz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Heinz Pluequet
  • Patent number: 4306525
    Abstract: A single optical sensor coupled to an oil return line in an internal combustion engine is coupled to a control circuit for determining during a first time interval when the engine is started whether the crankcase oil level is sufficient and during a second time interval after the engine is running whether the oil needs to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick R. Faxvog
  • Patent number: 4282838
    Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00128 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 2, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 2, 1979 PCT Filed Mar. 2, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO80/01821 PCT Pub. Date Sept. 4, 1980A system for shutting-down an engine upon overspeeding thereof comprises an engine-driven shaft (19) having a flyweight mechanism (27) connected thereto and engageable with a reciprocally mounted trip shaft (32). The trip shaft (32) is, in turn, engageable with a pivotal latch (33) which is adapted to normally hold a spring-loaded control piston (44) in an inactive first position for permitting normal engine operation. A cable (12) connects the control piston (44) to a flapper valve (11), pivotally mounted in the intake manifold (13) of an engine. The manifold (13) is adapted to be closed upon tripping of the latch (33) to disengage the control piston (44) to permit its movement to an activated second position when the engine speed exceeds a predetermined maximum speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Harold C. Davidson, John H. Parks
  • Patent number: 4256069
    Abstract: Lubricant oil level detecting device adapted to be located in an oil sump provided in the engine crankchamber so that lubricant oil in the sump is splashed by a splashing bar formed in the connecting rod. A shield is provided between the detecting device and the splashing bar for dividing the sump into two sections which are connected together through openings in the shield. The shield is effective to absorb the movement of the oil surface under the influence of the splashing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudori Kabushiri Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Masuda, Seisaku Ota
  • Patent number: 4217926
    Abstract: An oil storage reservoir has a fluid flow passage which returns fluid to the main transmission reservoir. The storage reservoir is supplied with fluid by the transmission control system and the amount of fluid that returns to the main reservoir from the storage reservoir is controlled by a thermally responsive valve mechanism such that, as the fluid temperature increases, the flow passage is reduced so that the level of oil in the storage reservoir is increased. Thus, the change in fluid volume, due to temperature change, is accommodated by the storage tank as controlled by the thermally responsive valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1980
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jack H. Van Gorder
  • Patent number: 4206739
    Abstract: A casing for the lubrication of a camshaft of an internal combustion engine for automotive vehicles is partially filled with lubricating oil to effect splash lubrication of cams carried by the camshaft and has at least one lateral overflow port to maintain the oil at a substantially constant level. The overflow port is configured so as to prevent removal of oil which is not in excess of the required amount as a result of the shifting of the oil due to a uphill or downhill inclination of the vehicle. According to a preferred embodiment, the overflow port has a horizontal lower wall which corresponds to the desired maximum level of oil when the vehicle is level and this lower wall is flanked by inclined walls which correspond to the desired maximum level when the vehicle is in uphill and downhill orientations, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rolf Schrag
  • Patent number: 4174699
    Abstract: An engine oil cooling and filtering arrangement with a valve controlled bypass for the cooler and another valve controlled bypass for the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1979
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Lloyd T. Gill
  • Patent number: 4168693
    Abstract: A pre-oiling kit for an installation having a battery, an ignition switch, an internal combustion engine, an engine block and oil sump underlying the block, a port within the block leading to an oil gallery and a drain opening within the bottom of the sump, includes as a principal element of the kit; a container for mounting exterior of the block and housing a pre-oiler pump with an electric motor operatively coupled thereto, an oil pressure operated switch and an electrical relay. Two oil lines lead to the exterior of the container and are respectively connected to the inlet side of the pump through a strainer and from the outlet side of the pump through a check valve pressure switch and strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1979
    Assignee: Oilstart, Incorporated
    Inventor: Louis J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 4167172
    Abstract: The lubrication of an engine crank shaft is monitored using a wheatstone resistance measuring bridge one of the arms of which includes lubricating oil ducts between the crank shaft and crank case of the engine, balanced against a reference resistance provided by a resistance measuring cell through which the engine lubricating oil flows. The resistance measuring cell may have an external heater for heating the oil in the cell to a temperature compatible with that of the oil in the engine bearings when the engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1979
    Assignee: Fiat Societa per Azioni
    Inventors: Cesare Bassoli, Giorgio Cornetti
  • Patent number: 4157744
    Abstract: A system for pre-lubricating and post-shutdown cooling of an automotive engine system component, such as a turbocharger, comprising a first tank having an oil inlet, an oil outlet, oil cooling means, and pressure means responsive to accumulation of oil in the tank to pressurize the oil therein, a second tank having an oil inlet, an oil outlet, and pressure means responsive to accumulation of oil in the second tank to pressurize the oil therein, input conduit means connected to supply oil to the inlets during engine operation, first output conduit means connected between the first tank outlet and the component, second output conduit means connected between the second tank outlet and the component, and valve means normally preventing flow in the second output conduit means but responsive to engine cranking to permit flow from the second tank to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1979
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Capriotti
  • Patent number: 4147151
    Abstract: A three-terminal module contains a relay with normally closed switch contacts and a delay circuit for the coil which opens the switch. The module switch contacts are wired between the engine ignition switch and the ignition coil of the engine. Malfunction detectors energize the delay, which eventually energizes the switch-operating coil, thereby stopping the engine. Opening and reclosing of the ignition switch enables the engine to restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Inventor: George L. Wright
  • Patent number: 4144862
    Abstract: A system which normally prevents an attempt to start an engine while the engine lubricant pressure is high. However, in an emergency it is possible to crank the engine even though the lubricant pressure is high by operating the start switch and main switch in the reverse of the usual sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Michael H. Estkowski
  • Patent number: 4142504
    Abstract: Variable displacement type lubricating oil pump for two cycle engines having a displacement control element which is rotated in response to the engine throttle valve position. The control element has a cam which is so shaped that the pump displacement is changed in accordance with the engine throttle valve position. When the control element is accidentally disconnected from the engine throttle valve control device, the control element can be rotated beyond the minimum displacement position which corresponds to the engine idling position, whereby the pump displacement is increased than in the idling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryoji Uda, Tomoya Kimura
  • Patent number: 4117822
    Abstract: A safety device for controlling the flow of fuel to an internal combustion engine so as to protect the engine against damage due to insufficient oil pressure in the lubricating system, or to overheating, has a restricted manual override which supplies to the engine, after a full fuel shut-off effecting a full shut-down of the engine when abnormal pressure or temperature conditions arise, a restricted amount of fuel sufficient only to run the engine at a reduced power and at reduced speed so as to prevent damage to the engine which might result were the engine to operate at full speed and full power in the absence of adequate oil pressure, or when overheated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Assignee: Sentinel Distributors, Inc.
    Inventor: J. T. Mills
  • Patent number: 4114587
    Abstract: An oil pump control lever 3 is spring biased toward the fully open or maximum supply position 3b to implement fail-safe engine operation if the control wire 4 for the lever is cut or loosened. The far end of the wire 4 is connected to a handlebar throttle control lever 8 on the opposite side of its pivot point 10 from the connection of a throttle control wire 7, and the torque applied to the throttle control lever by the throttle control wire exceeds that applied by the oil supply control wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Amano, Hidetoshi Kaku
  • Patent number: 4112910
    Abstract: A pre-lube device for internal combustion engines. A quantity of oil, heated if desired, is stored in a chamber. Upon activation of the ignition for the engine, an electromagnet is energized, releasing a holding device for a coiled power spring which allows the spring to fully extend. The extending spring drives a piston located within the oil chamber to a fully extended position, thereby forcibly evacuating the oil from the chamber through a conduit into and throughout the engine galley in order to fully lubricate the engine prior to start, for the purpose of minimizing wear on the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Assignee: Prelube Corporation
    Inventor: Donald W. Percy
  • Patent number: 4108129
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety group for diesel engines, comprising a safety shutoff device, an overspeed mechanism, and an oil pressure collapse mechanism, in which the axis of the plunger forcing the fuel rack to off position has a radially extending pin sliding with said plunger. This pin is arranged to actuate a member driving the combustive air inlet valves.The safety group includes also an oil pressure piloting valve controlled by the circuit controlling the combustive air inlet valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Inventor: Armand Rognon
  • Patent number: 4106468
    Abstract: A pressure ratio valve is installed in an internal combustion engine having a pressurized air supply and an air actuatable throttle control means for limiting the engine RPM in response to a pneumatic control signal. The pressure ratio valve continuously senses both the engine oil pressure and the pressure of the engine compressed air system and generates the pneumatic control signal in response thereto. When the oil pressure-air pressure ratio decreases below a predetermined magnitude, an unsafe engine oil pressure condition is indicated and the pressure ratio valve generates a pneumatic control signal which causes the throttle control means to limit the engine RPM to a safe level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: Jetco, Inc.
    Inventor: Bill G. Davis
  • Patent number: 4105092
    Abstract: A drive mechanism lubricating system which includes a lubricating medium storage tank and an oil reservoir arranged at the drive mechanism for accommodating a predetermined quantity of lubricating medium. A first pump is arranged at the drive mechanism for constantly replenishing the oil reservoir with a supply of lubricating medium to maintain a predetermined quantity therein during an operation of the drive mechanism. A second pump, having a higher conveying power than the first pump, is arranged at the drive mechanism and operatively connects the oil reservoir with the storage tank for conveying excess lubricating medium from the reservoir to the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Assignee: Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Zeidler, Christian Gunther
  • Patent number: 4102316
    Abstract: An engine shutoff device includes provisions to shut down an internal combustion engine under conditions outside the normal operating limits of the engine. While the engine is idling, shutdown is initiated by fuel cutoff when engine oil pressure is below a predetermined level. As engine speed increases the low oil pressure cutoff provided in the idle range is isolated from the system so that shutdown again by fuel cutoff will occur if oil pressure drops below a second predetermined level relatively greater than first predetermined level. Engine shutdown is also initiated by fuel cutoff when either coolant temperature or lubricant temperature is excessive. The engine can be manually shut down by an emergency valve that causes cutoff of the fuel and air supply. Finally, the device initiates engine shutdown by both fuel and air cutoff when an overspeed condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Gary Glen Valbert
  • Patent number: 4100910
    Abstract: A pressure ratio valve is installed in an engine having an engine protection means for reducing the engine RPM to a safe level in response to an engine oil pressure below an acceptable level. The engine further includes a fuel pump for supplying fuel at a pressure linearly related to the engine RPM. The pressure ratio valve continuously senses both the oil pressure and the fuel pressure of the engine and reduces the engine oil pressure below the acceptable level of the engine protection means in response to a fuel pressure-oil pressure ratio in excess of a predetermined magnitude. This action by the pressure ratio valve causes the engine protection means to reduce the engine RPM to a safe level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1978
    Assignee: Jetco, Inc.
    Inventor: Bill G. Davis
  • Patent number: 4094293
    Abstract: A preoiler and lubricating fluid reservoir for use primarily with an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A hollow cylindrical reservoir is provided with an internal slidable piston which divides the cylinder into a compressed air retaining section and a lubricating fluid retaining section. A solenoid controlled valve assembly, which is controlled by the vehicle's oil pressure sensor unit, regulates the flow of lubricating fluid either out of the reservoir either during start up of the engine or in instances of low oil pressure, and into the reservoir during periods of normal engine operation. The valve is structured to insure that oil flow out of the reservoir during preoiling is unrestricted but that refilling of the reservoir is accomplished only after the engine's oil pressure has come up to normal operating level. The system also serves to provide emergency oiling of the engine should the oil pump fail or a loss of oil pressure be encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1978
    Inventor: John W. Evans
  • Patent number: 4092965
    Abstract: A control device for the fuel pump of an internal combustion engine includes a piston which can be subjected to a fluid pressure to move a control member of the fuel pump to a position in which no fuel is supplied to the engine. Fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder containing the piston through an inlet and a solenoid operable valve is provided for controlling the admission of fluid to the cylinder. The valve is under the control of a switch arranged so that when the switch is opened fluid under pressure is applied to the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited
    Inventor: Edward Robert Lintott
  • Patent number: 4080946
    Abstract: A valve in the fuel line of an internal combustion engine of the type which is normally biased to its closed position, causing engine shut-down, but prevented by an opposing oil pressure from doing so; the valve, in effect, therefore being one which promotes engine shut-down in the event of failure in the engine oil pressure. As an improvement to this class of valves, of which the within valve is a significant contribution, the valve has an engine shut-down function related not merely to the required oil pressure at engine start-up, but also to required oil pressures at full power speed as well as intermediate power speeds throughout its contemplated range of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1978
    Assignee: Lenmar Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul B. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 4061204
    Abstract: A pressurized vessel disclosed as an accumulator is in valve controlled communication with an oil gallery or passageway for pressurizing same prior to machinery motion. A solenoid actuated valve is energized to communicate the accumulator with the oil gallery. A flow control valve, between the accumulator and the oil gallery, automatically opens to release accumulator pressure and pump operation for recharging of the accumulator with pressurized oil during machinery operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1977
    Inventor: Walter C. Kautz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4059087
    Abstract: An oil pressure detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises an LC oscillator having an inductance variable in dependence upon variation in the oil pressure of the engine. The frequency or voltage of an output signal of the oscillator is compared with that of a reference signal having a predetermined relation to the number of revolutions of the engine, thereby to determine if the oil pressure is within an acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1977
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiko Tanigami, Akira Hasegawa, Shigeru Horikoshi
  • Patent number: 4020818
    Abstract: Oil pressure delay check valve and pressure switch for unattended Diesel engine to shut off the fuel supply valve after a low oil pressure signal, and to delay opening of the valve for a predetermined time interval. This delay is attained by the closing of a normally open pressure switch upon pressures decreasing from the order of 8 psi and by bleeding the oil pressure past a check valve through a bleeder tube in cooperation with an accumulator, from a pressure in the order of 8 psi to a pressure in the order of 5 psi to accommodate the opening of a normally closed switch as the pressure decrease from the order of 5 psi. The two switches are in series and when closed, energize the solenoid of an electrically energizable valve to shut off the supply of fuel to the Diesel engine. As the oil pressure decreases, one pressure switch will close and remain closed while the other pressure switch will open in a predetermined time delay interval and effect opening of the fuel supply valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1977
    Assignee: Controlled Power Products Company
    Inventors: George Lesnick, John M. Marshall
  • Patent number: 4018203
    Abstract: A decompressing device for facilitating starting of internal combustion engines, by lifting one of the engine valves at the beginning of the compression cycle, comprises a lever which is movable, by hydraulic pressure developed by an engine-driven oil pump, from an extended position in which one end of the lever effects said valve lifting to a retracted position. Lifting of the valve therefore stops when the engine speed (and hence the hydraulic pressure) reaches a predetermined level. The lever is moved between the extended and retracted positions by piston means located in a bore in the engine camshaft, the piston means being acted upon in one direction by the hydraulic pressure, and in the opposite direction by resilient means which tends to move the lever to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1977
    Assignee: Bernard-Moteurs
    Inventor: Andre Legros
  • Patent number: 4012012
    Abstract: An oil replenishment system provides a remote reserve oil tank and the plumbing necessary to fill the main oil tank or tanks of engines, especially aircraft engines during flight. This system includes apparatus to determine the quantity of oil pumped to any one engine so that a quantity gauge is not required on the engine. A selector valve located on the reserve tank which may be remotely controlled directs replenishment oil to the selected engine tank. The system is designed to be powered from the existing on board hydraulic power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1977
    Assignee: Lockheed Aircraft Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Ligler
  • Patent number: 3977384
    Abstract: A safety device for an internal combustion engine with a liquid cooling system, in which the internal combustion engine is stopped by interruption of the fuel supply when the lubricating oil pressure drops below a minimum lubricating oil pressure corresponding to the prevailing load; the pressure of the cooling medium is thereby utilized as measuring magnitude for the load of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1976
    Assignee: Motoren- und Turbinen-union Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventor: Gunter Jahn