Gravity Feed Patents (Class 184/65)
  • Patent number: 11945108
    Abstract: A robot arm includes a first structural component, in particular a main frame for fixing the robot arm in its surroundings, a second structural component, in particular a carousel, which is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation on the first structural component and a transmission for twisting the second structural component relative to the first structural component. The transmission includes a transmission casing and, a casing of the first structural component has at least one integrated cavity for receiving lubricant for the transmission. The cavity is fluidically connected to the transmission casing by at least one connecting duct in the casing of the first structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: KUKA Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Leander Eisenwinter, Benjamin Kuhl, Valentina Antonovsky, Rainer Krumbacher
  • Patent number: 11834972
    Abstract: A pressurized lubrication system for turbomachinery includes a gravity rundown lubrication tank raised vertically above a turbomachinery train. The gravity rundown tank is typically designed to provide emergency fluid lubrication during shutdown if the main and standby lubrication pumps fail to operate. This invention describes a gravity rundown tank with additional novel function of providing higher pressure Accumulator action lubrication fluid to delay and prevent a shutdown trip of the turbomachinery. The gravity rundown tank with novel features can be a single tank with multiple functions, or a plurality of tanks utilizing gravity pressure to ensure emergency lubrication at rundown, and providing accumulator action delay pressure and flow when switching from main to standby lubrication pumps. This improvement in the state of the art leads to eliminating the need for conventional equipment such as Accumulators thus providing higher lubrication system reliability and minimizing cost and complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Abdulrahman Alkhowaiter
  • Patent number: 11732647
    Abstract: An oil distribution system including a shaft assembly, bearing assembly and mounting assembly is disclosed. The shaft assembly includes a shaft with an inner shaft. A pocket is defined between the shaft and the inner shaft. A ringed lattice containing oil is secured within the pocket, melting of the ringed lattice releases the oil. The shaft includes shaft slots to usher oil from the pocket towards the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly includes an inner and outer race. The inner and outer race each include axial slots and radial slots. The axial slots of the inner race align with the shaft slots to allow oil to flood the inner race. The mounting assembly includes a bearing support having bearing support slots to receive a stringed lattice. Oil from the bearing support flows into the outer race when the axial slots of the outer race align with the bearing support slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Daniella Sladen
  • Patent number: 11287020
    Abstract: A ballscrew actuator comprises a ballnut having at least one first helical groove formed on a radially inner surface and defining an axis (X), a ballscrew disposed along the axis (X) within the ballnut, the ballscrew having at least one second helical groove formed on a radially outer surface and opposed to the first helical groove so as to form at least one helical raceway and a plurality of balls or rolling elements disposed in the at least one helical raceway. The ballscrew is movable relative to the ballnut between a stowed position and a deployed position. The ballscrew comprises a ballscrew bore extending axially therein. A lubrication piston is mounted for sliding movement within the ballscrew bore and divides the ballscrew bore axially into a lubricant receiving portion and a pressurising portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS SAS
    Inventor: Marlène Trézières
  • Patent number: 11125274
    Abstract: An oil distribution system including a shaft assembly, bearing assembly and mounting assembly is disclosed. The shaft assembly includes a shaft with an inner shaft. A pocket is defined between the shaft and the inner shaft. A ringed lattice containing oil is secured within the pocket, melting of the ringed lattice releases the oil. The shaft includes shaft slots to usher oil from the pocket towards the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly includes an inner and outer race. The inner and outer race each include axial slots and radial slots. The axial slots of the inner race align with the shaft slots to allow oil to flood the inner race. The mounting assembly includes a bearing support having bearing support slots to receive a stringed lattice. Oil from the bearing support flows into the outer race when the axial slots of the outer race align with the bearing support slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventors: Daniella Sladen, Troy P. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 10859154
    Abstract: A screw drive includes a spindle and a nut with a nut body. The nut body has at least one hole for a fastening member that is configured to enable the screw drive to be fastened on a higher-level subassembly or on a higher-level construction component. The at least one hole is further configured as a coolant duct of a coolant path. In one embodiment, an interior space between the nut body and the spindle is configured as a coolant duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Schmaeling, Helmut Ament, Mario Ziegler, Michael Korbacher, Thomas Groganz
  • Patent number: 9695611
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new inflatable and flexible modular habitat for welding in wells and/or high fire risk rated facilities, offshore and onshore to trap slag, sparks and the like, by a structure and/or module-based assembly. The structure can be resized and assembled on site to allow it to adapt to different applications of hot work without having to stop the production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Juan Manuel Ceballos Jimenez
  • Patent number: 8602166
    Abstract: A lubrication system includes an additive and a delivery system. During normal operational conditions, the lubricating oil circulating in the transmission system is collected and contained in a secondary oil reservoir to retain a quantity of the lubricating oil for use in an oil-out condition. When an oil-out condition is detected, the additive is injected and mixed with the collected lubricating oil in the secondary oil reservoir or dispersed directly into a power transmission gearbox housing to enhance the characteristics of the lubricating oil and increases the operational time period of the power transmission gearbox during an oil-out condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Mullen, Clark V. Cooper, Adam R. Glasser, Thomas L. Sbabo
  • Patent number: 8522638
    Abstract: A Shift fork is provided for shifting gears of a transmission assembly of a gear box that includes, but is not limited to a basin for collecting splash oil. The basin includes, but is not limited to an outlet channel for guiding the collected oil away from the basin. By means of the basin splash oil can be collected and led via the outlet channel to nearly every place of the transmission assembly, where additional lubrication is wanted. This provides a better lubrication of parts of the transmission assembly with low effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Magnus Aberg
  • Patent number: 7779727
    Abstract: A power unit case for a power unit, including an internal combustion engine and a transmission, makes it possible to enhance the lubrication of a desired meshing portion of a group of transmission gears, while reducing the size of the engine. In the power unit case, a main shaft is arranged above a space between a crankshaft and a counter shaft arranged at a position substantially horizontally behind the crankshaft. A gear-ratio selecting member is arranged above a group of transmission gears on the counter shaft whose upper portion rotates toward a meshing portion between groups of transmission gears, and a lubricating projection that projects downwardly is formed in the transmission case above each of the transmission gears on the counter shaft and at a location on a ceiling surface of the transmission case where the gear-ratio selecting member is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hodaka Mukouhara, Tensei Hayashi, Eiko Shiozaki
  • Publication number: 20100180845
    Abstract: A valve timing controller is provided with a driving rotor rotating along with a crankshaft, a driven rotor rotating along with a camshaft, a planetary gear performing a planetary motion to adjust a rotational phase between the camshaft and the crankshaft, a motor shaft rotating for controlling the planetary motion, a cylindrical planetary carrier supporting the planetary gear and being connected with the control shaft so that the planetary gear performs the planetary motion, and a lubricating mechanism. The lubricating mechanism includes an introducing port which opens on a side surface of the second rotor axially confronting the planetary carrier. The introducing port extends across a supporting outer surface and a connecting inner surface. The lubricant is introduced into an interior of the first rotor through the introducing port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masao KURISU, Taei Sugiura
  • Patent number: 7651049
    Abstract: There is described a helicopter having a first member movable with respect to a second member; lubricated supporting means for supporting the first member with respect to the second member; and a primary lubricating circuit for lubricating the supporting means and in turn having primary storage means for accumulating a lubricating fluid, and primary fluid feed means for feeding the lubricating fluid to the supporting means; the helicopter also has an auxiliary lubricating circuit supplied continually by the primary storage means with a first lubricating fluid flow value, and itself continually supplying the supporting means with a second lubricating fluid flow value lower than the first value, so as to produce an auxiliary storage volume of lubricating fluid for use in the event of breakdown of the primary lubricating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Agusta, SpA
    Inventors: Silvano Carnelli, Roberto Regonini, Massimo Forni, Giuseppe Gasparini
  • Patent number: 7350622
    Abstract: The powdered graphite applicator includes a container with a lid at the upper end and a screen at the lower end. A plate is provided inside the container to define the bottom of the graphite chamber. The plate has an enlarged opening which is normally closed by a gate. The gate can be periodically opened to allow graphite to pass through the plate opening, and then to fall from the plate through the screen and onto the surface of an adjacent roller of a rotatable drum. Movement of the gate is controlled by a cylinder with an extensible arm. Extension and retraction of the cylinder arm is automatically controlled by a solenoid and a programmed controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Precision Rotary Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Laurito
  • Patent number: 7195103
    Abstract: An oil supplying device (34, 36, 38) for a vehicle transmission (2) having one transmission housing (4, 6) with gears (10, 12, 16, 18, 22) situated upon shafts (8, 14, 20) and having teeth, bearings in which gears (10, 12, 16, 18, 22) and shafts (8, 14, 20) are rotatably mounted and one switch gear (30, 32, 50) suited to connect the gears (10, 12, 16, 18, 22) and shafts (8, 14, 20) for a transmission of torque. The device has an oil collecting duct (34) arranged on movable elements (32, 50) of the switch gear (30, 32, 50) which moves with the elements (32, 50) of the switch gear (30, 32, 50) and which extends substantially through the part in the transmission housing (4, 6) having all the gears (10, 12, 16, 18, 22). The oil collecting duct (34) has at least one opening (36, 38) which during movements of the elements (32, 50) of the switch gear (30, 32, 50) coats areas within the transmission housing (4, 6) on which the bearings and teeth are situated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Kurt Bathe, Dirk Blechschmidt, Jens Cizmarik
  • Patent number: 6713133
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for applying a liquid lubricant to at least one surface of a moving metal sheet. The apparatus includes a wick and a liquid lubricant reservoir and at least one conduit in flow communication with the wick and reservoir. The liquid lubricant moves from the reservoir in controlled amounts, through the conduit or conduits to the wick by gravity flow and is moved by capillary action through the wick to the surface of the moving metal sheet without the application of an external mechanical force, such as a piston, to generate a pressure gradient through the wick to move the liquid lubricant therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Coral Chemical Company
    Inventors: Daniel L. Tracy, W. J. Alexander Hugill, Robert E. DeBlois
  • Patent number: 6164257
    Abstract: An engine has an oil passage for supplying oil discharged by an oil pump. An oil passage for a driving valve system, an oil passage for auxiliary machines, and a controlling oil passage all branch from the pump oil passage. A throttle portion for controlling the amount of oil supplied to a driving valve system is provided in the valve system passage, and a throttle portion for controlling the amount of oil supplied to auxiliary machines is provided in the auxiliary passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Kobayashi
  • 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: 6145623
    Abstract: An apparatus for draining oil from a side-draining crankcase, the crankcase having an oil outlet, the crankcase being supported on a chassis defining edge portions distal from the oil outlet. The apparatus includes a flexible fluid conduit having a first end and a second end and forming a fluid passageway there between, the apparatus being defined by a length along an axis of fluid flow, which length is greater than a shortest distance from the oil outlet to an edge portion of the chassis nearest the oil outlet. The apparatus further includes a first coupling secured to the first end of the flexible fluid conduit and configured to be threadably and removably connectable to the oil outlet, a sealing element removably connectable to the second end of the flexible fluid conduit, and a securing mechanism configured to removably secure the second end of the apparatus proximate the first end of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Robert E. Cordes
  • Patent number: 6125968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lubricating oil supply system provided in a rolling guide apparatus with which a track shaft and a slide member are engaged through a rolling element such as a ball or a roller, and lubricating a rolling surface of the rolling element formed on the rolling element or the track shaft, and more particularly to an improvement for securely performing a lubrication of the rolling guide apparatus by a simple and inexpensive structure. The lubricating oil supply system comprises a supply member impregnating the lubricating oil, fixed to the slide member and applying the lubricating oil with respect to the rolling surface of the rolling element or the track shaft together with a motion of the slide member, a reservoir tank receiving the lubricating oil and mounted to the movable element, and a supply tube having a fiber entangling element therewithin and introducing the lubricating oil within the reservoir tank to the supply member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeki Shirai
  • Patent number: 6082322
    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 injection control device for injecting small amounts of used lube oil into the engine's fuel system and an auxiliary flow control device for directing controlled quantities of fresh oil into the engine's lube oil system. An electronic controller is provided to vary the amount of used lube oil injected into the oil system based on the severity of engine operation. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Graham, Jerry C. Wang, Leslie A. Roettgen, Donald P. Carver, Colin I. Black, David M. Stehouwer, Ray C. Hatton
  • 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: 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: 6041751
    Abstract: An oil pan to be installed to a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine mounted on an automotive vehicle. The oil pan comprises an oil pan main body section which includes a deep pan section for storing lubricating oil, and a shallow pan section integral with the deep pan section. A baffle plate is fixedly disposed inside the oil pan main body and extends to cover a lower part of an inside of the deep pan section. The baffle plate is located generally horizontal in a condition where the vehicle on which the engine is mounted is located on a generally horizontal road. The baffle plate is located spaced from a surface of the lubricating oil stored inside the deep pan section. The baffle plate includes a generally horizontally extending main body section, and an oil maintaining wall which projects upward from an upper surface of the main body section so as to retain the lubricating oil on the main body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satomitsu Kuriyama, Tsukasa Yamazaki, Kazuhiko Matsuzaka
  • 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: 6019071
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle includes a crankshaft, a piston movable through a cycle, a piston rod connecting the piston and the crankshaft, an oil pan spaced from the crankshaft, and an oil source providing pressurized oil. An inventive windage tray is positioned between the crankshaft and the oil pan. The windage tray includes a passage having an inlet port receiving the pressurized oil and a first outlet port directing a first stream of the pressurized oil at the piston. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the passage further includes a second outlet port directing a second stream of pressurized oil at the piston. The first outlet port is positioned to direct the first stream of pressurized oil upon the piston unobstructed by the piston rod during a first portion of the piston cycle. The second outlet port is positioned to direct the second stream of pressurized oil upon the piston unobstructed by the piston rod during the remaining portion of the piston cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: William Maciejka, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5988129
    Abstract: An overhead cam engine with an engine lubrication system comprises a valve train assembly which includes a camshaft rotatably supported by a cylinder head. An oil lubricated camshaft drive chain engages the camshaft to rotate it. A valve train lubricating assembly is disposed above the cylinder head and includes a baffle, radially positioned from the drive chain, to capture oil spray departing from the drive chain and a trough positioned above the valve train assembly. The trough is configured as an upward facing U-shaped channel, including an end wall to close the trough, defining a reservoir to collect oil from the baffle. Side outlets allow oil to overflow from the trough where outward protruding dimples act as precipitation points to target lubrication onto the valve train assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Prior, Frank R. Zsirai, Ambyr D. Peterson
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 5960763
    Abstract: An oil pan structure for an internal combustion engine includes an oil pan and a baffle plate extending over a bottom of the oil pan. The oil pan is formed with at least one flow regulating barrier projecting upwards from the bottom, and extending along a longitudinal direction of the engine to separate first and second longitudinal channels. The baffle plate is formed with at least one oil collecting hole in the form of a slit extending closely along an upper end of the flow regulating barrier, at a position just behind the upper end of the barrier with respect to a rotational direction of a crankshaft. The flow regulating barrier defines a constricted venturi throat between the lower surface of the baffle plate and the upper end of the barrier, to create a fluid pressure drop as a fluid flows through the venturi throat from the first channel to the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Yamamura
  • Patent number: 5937817
    Abstract: A dry sump oil cooling system for an internal combustion engine includes an oil pan reservoir, an oil return port, an oil pickup port, and a baffle. The oil pan reservoir has a first end, a second end, a length therebetween, a top and a bottom. Both the oil return port and the oil pickup port are defined at the first end of the reservoir. The oil return port is located adjacent the top of the reservoir while the oil pickup port is located adjacent the bottom of the reservoir. The baffle is coupled to the reservoir between the top and the bottom or free-standing within the reservoir to divide the reservoir into a top chamber and a bottom chamber. The baffle at least partially defines an oil passageway between the top chamber and the bottom chamber at the second end such that most of the oil flows substantially across the length of the oil pan reservoir twice before being returned to the engine by the oil pickup port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
    Inventors: John W. Schanz, Bruce M. Roberts, Gary L. Lockwitz, Paul J. Troxler
  • Patent number: 5937812
    Abstract: A high strength, lightweight camshaft for an internal combustion engine, comprising a shaft body having an axially oriented hollow interior extending a predetermined length from between a pair of spaced points, respectively, adjacent the ends of the shaft body. Plural camshaft journal bearings are spaced apart on the shaft body and include a pair of end camshaft journal bearings positioned adjacent the ends of the shaft body, respectively, with at least one inner camshaft journal bearing positioned intermediate the pair of end camshaft journal bearings. Each end camshaft journal bearing has a lubricant transfer means formed therein for receiving lubricant from an external supply and for transferring lubricant into the hollow interior of the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Reedy, Rand D. Klopfer, Randal L. Myers
  • Patent number: 5913293
    Abstract: An oil passage structure of an engine is provided, wherein oil is prevented from being drained from an oil passage when the engine is stopped, and air mixed into the oil in the oil passage can be surely removed. The oil passage structure includes a first oil path or paths for supplying oil to lash adjusters of a cylinder head of the engine, a second oil path that communicates with an oil pump and supplies oil into an upstream portion of each first oil path, and an air vent passage that is connected to a downstream portion of each first oil path and has an opening through which the air is to be removed from the oil path. The second oil path and the opening of the air vent passage are located at higher positions than the first oil path(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroaki Ochiai
  • Patent number: 5899186
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine mounted on a small planing watercraft 1 having a deck frame 40, a riders' seat 4 mounted removably on the frame 40, a propelling means, an internal combustion engine 20 for driving the propelling means through a coupling 46. The engine 20 includes, an oil receptacle 32 located at the bottom of the engine body and communicating with internal space of a crankcase, an oil tank 30 separated from the engine body is inserted from above through the opening of the deck frame 40 and removably fixed to the deck frame at a position away from the space above the coupling 46 which interconnects the engine and the propelling means. An engine oil collected in the oil receptacle 32 is transported to the oil tank 30 by means of a scavenging pump, and the oil in the oil tank 30 is supplied to various parts in the engine body by means of a feed pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuichi Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 5887678
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine including a lubricant reservoir, a lubricant dispersing device disposed in communication with the lubricant reservoir, and a lubrication apparatus including a recess integrally formed with an engine housing and an elongated trough disposed substantially within the recess and in fluid communication with a shaft bearing. The recess has an opening that extends radially outward relative to the shaft axis such that the lubricant dispersing device can disperse lubricant, during at least a portion of the engine cycle, along a direct and substantially unobstructed path into the recess. The trough is adapted to direct the lubricant received in the recess to the shaft bearing. The trough also extends radially outward and is inclined downwardly in a direction toward the shaft bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen J. Lavender
  • Patent number: 5887565
    Abstract: An improved lubricating oil passage structure for an engine, which includes: a sub-gallery and a main gallery positioned adjacent to one another in a cylinder block; a head-side oil passage and a journal-side oil passage both being communicated to the main gallery and provided in the cylinder block, in which the head-side oil passage is led to an upper surface of the cylinder block, while the journal-side oil passage is inclined so as be oriented toward a journal portion of a crankshaft; a housing-side oil passage communicated to the journal-side oil passage, the housing-side oil passage being provided in a journal housing section of the cylinder block by the use of a spot facing for a housing bolt, the journal housing section supporting the journal portion; a metal-side oil passage communicated to the housing-side oil passage, the metal-side oil passage being provided in the journal housing section at the rear of a journal metal disposed between the journal portion and the journal housing section; and, a cha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Ozeki, Akiteru Ogawa
  • Patent number: 5875871
    Abstract: A pump apparatus for a milking machine is provided with a distribution device for the supply of lubricant to the bearings of the pump. The distribution device comprises an inlet for the supply of lubricant from a container, a distributor and at least two outlets for the delivery of lubricant to the different bearings of the pump. The distributor is provided to guide the lubricant, independently of the incoming amount thereof such that the lubricant is equally distributed to each outlets and hence to each bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Agri AB
    Inventors: Krzysztof Malecki, Waldemar Szymanski
  • Patent number: 5868109
    Abstract: In a housing cover, particularly a valve cover for an internal combustion engine, having a seal surface extending around its circumference at one side thereof with a seal structure molded onto the seal surface, deformable projections are formed on the side opposite the seal surface for engaging the housing cover by a tool when the seal is molded onto the seal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Glockler-Dichtsysteme Gunter Hemmrich GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz-Thomas Kunzel, Bernd-Martin Schuh
  • Patent number: 5860404
    Abstract: In an engine, an oil channel arrangement is formed between an outer periphery of a lower-case setting bolt and inner peripheries of a case-side bolt hole and a block-side bolt hole so as to prevent the flow of foreign matters as contained in lubricating oil flowing from a main gallery toward a crank journal. The oil channel has a cross section that varies between the main gallery and the crank journal so as to decrease the flow velocity of the lubricating oil flowing from the main gallery toward the crank journal. The decreased velocity of oil allows the foreign matter to settle by gravitational force in a collecting space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5852992
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes separated oil drain-back and crankcase ventilation passages. The oil drain-back passages extend from the cylinder head to a position below the top level of oil in the engine's crankcase. The crankcase ventilation passages extend from passages formed in the main bearing bulkheads from positions above the oil level in the crankcase and ultimately through the cylinder head. Oil dams surrounding the uppermost portions of the crankcase ventilation passages prevent oil from running downwardly through the crankcase ventilation passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lee Boggs, Daniel James Baraszu, David Mark Foulkes, Enio Goyannes Gomes
  • Patent number: 5836421
    Abstract: A lubricating system for an internal combustion engine maintains lubrication even in extreme emergency positions of the engine such as slants within the range of about 90.degree. to about 270.degree., relative to the horizontal and even for upside down engine positions. For this purpose, a hydraulic accumulator (16) is connected to the lubricant circulating circuit through a parallel connection of a non-return valve (17) and a controllable valve. Under normal operating conditions, the hydraulic accumulator is charged with lubricant under the pressure prevailing in the lubricant circulating system. Under emergency conditions, the normal lubrication is stopped and emergency lubrication continues through the controllable valve that is opened in response to a pressure drop in the normal lubricant circulating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: MTU Motoren- und Turbinen Union Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Leicht
  • Patent number: 5823154
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine having a cylinder head with a cam drive, which has a rocker arm pivotably supported in the cylinder head. A roller is supported in the rocker arm in which the roller rolls on a cam path of a cam of a camshaft and is intended for the drive of reciprocating components. The roller is supported in the rocker arm on a roller bolt which on at least one face end has a bore leading to the bearing point of the roller, to which bore lubricant can be delivered on the face end upon execution of a reciprocating motion by a lubricant delivery device associated in the region of the reciprocation path executed by the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Kuhn, Juergen Kirschner, Sandro Soccol
  • Patent number: 5797364
    Abstract: A cam roller pin for mounting a cam roller with a substantially uniform width to a rocker lever includes a substantially cylindrical pin body bounded by a pair of oppositely-disposed ends and having a length which extends from one end to the opposite end, the pin body defining an oblong trough therein which has a length that is at least 30 percent of the length of the pin body. The pin body has an outer surface which defines a passageway extending from the outer surface through the pin body and into one end of the oblong through. The passageway is configured with two portions having different entry locations into the pin body and the passageway provides a path for lubrication from the exterior of the cam roller pin to the oblong trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Meek, Frank M. Hager
  • Patent number: 5797362
    Abstract: A combustion engine with adjustable cam and lubrication mechanism including a cam shaft with a plurality of threads formed therein. At least one cam has a threaded bore formed therein for allowing the cam to be adjustably coupled with the threads of the cam shaft. Further included is a lubrication mechanism attached to the cam shaft for agitating oil within the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Myron S. Taller
  • Patent number: 5794581
    Abstract: An engine lubrication system according to the present invention includes a pair of lubrication galleries which extend through the engine block between the ends of the engine crankshaft and communicate with the crankshaft bearing journals through a plurality of lubrication passages. The lubrication galleries are connected to the lubricant pump at opposite ends of the engine. Lubrication passages of one gallery combine with lubrication passages of the other gallery at the crankshaft bearing journals to compensate for the lubricant pressure loss through the galleries with distance from the lubricant pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Torque Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond B. Wedel, Jr., Richard Moser
  • Patent number: 5782616
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil pump of the forced lubrication system in an automobile engine. The oil pump is mounted in the lower crank case, preferably at the bottom of the oil pan in order to be immersed in a lubricating oil filled therein. The oil pump of the present invention is a combination of the well known plunger type oil pump and the swash-plate pump, which has two pistons and one T-shaped operating rod incorporated therein. The outer end of the T-shaped operating rod is extended to the engine crank shaft. The outer end of the operating rod is directly coupled to the bearing load of the crank shaft, opposite to the engine connecting rod, to form a second connecting rod which allows translation of the connecting rod from rotation of the crank shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sung Choon Yoo
  • Patent number: 5724934
    Abstract: A combustion engine comprising a lubricated bearing mountable on the shaft of the engine, and a race/seal bearing plug engagable therewith and engagable with a housing member of the engine. The race/seal bearing plug comprises lubricant passage therein dispensing lubricant medium to the bearing, with the bearing discharging lubricant to a lubricant slinger which serves to centrifugally direct the lubricant to a peripheral collection channel for recirculation to the lubricant flow passages in the bearing plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventors: John A. Faraci, Anthony J. Nino
  • Patent number: 5715785
    Abstract: The method of operating machinery, the internal working elements of which are contained within a closed lubricating system and operating an internal combustion engine, in the presence of an electrical field, wherein the internal working elements are contacted during operation by the lubricating medium herein described. That lubricating medium comprises a major portion of an insulating oil having a hydrophobic nature such as natural or synthetic engine oil and a minor portion of an additive composition. The additive composition comprises an admixture of a metal soap, of the type often used as a thickening agent for greases; and fine particulate solid material of a hydrophilic nature, of the type often used in extreme pressure greases such as graphite and molybdenum disulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: George L. Gregg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5704770
    Abstract: An air passage insert for an oil fill spout disposed on a side of an oil crankcase which includes an air communication passageway having a first end thereof disposed within an interior portion of such oil crankcase at a position above an oil full level and a second end thereof being in communication with atmosphere for communicating air from such interior portion of such oil crankcase in a space located above such oil full level. There is an further provided an attachment device which is engageable with both such air communication passageway and such oil fill spout for attaching the air communication passageway at least to one of such oil fill spout and such interior portion of such oil crankcase thereby enabling air to be vented from such space located above such oil fill level during an oil filling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventor: Brian Cunkelman
  • Patent number: 5694829
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of piston pin piston connections and lubricating arrangements for lubricating the piston pin. The piston pin connections are such so as to minimize localized wear on the piston. The lubricating arrangement is configured so as to deliver lubricant toward the piston pin and piston for cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Onodera, Kazuo Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 5640881
    Abstract: A device for translating rotary to linear motion and vice versa includes a reciprocating linearly moving shuttle with a central aperture. The aperture has a pair of opposing gear racks protruding towards the center and which capture therebetween a pair of pinion sectors rotatably mounted to the crankpin of a rotatable crankshaft with the axis of crankshaft rotation perpendicular to the linear path of the shuttle. The pinion sectors are free to rotate about the crankpin and articulate independently of each other through a selected angular range. When the crankpin, including the pinion sectors, is inserted into the aperture of the shuttle with the pinion sectors engaging the racks, motion is transferable between the crankpin and the shuttle through the pinion sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett