US3620197A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Crankcase ventilating means for submerged engine operation
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1970-01-20
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Granted: 1971-11-16
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Expires: 1990-01-20
Abstract
Abstract A crankcase ventilating means comprises a spring-biased valve means adapted to open to vent gases from the crankcase of an internal combustion engine to the intake manifold thereof when the pressure of such gases exceeds a predetermined level. The opening and closing of the valve means is automatically controlled by pressure level variations occurring in a control chamber normally communicating with ambient air pressure, via a pressure sensing conduit, during ''''on land'''' operations. An open end of the conduit is positioned adjacent to a crankshaft sealing area to sense the increasing pressure level occasioned thereat due to progressive submersion of the engine in water. Thus, the pressure level in the crankcase, required to open the valve means, will automatically increase in direct proportion to the increased depth of engine submersion.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas M Albright
- 👤 James S Barton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 04:38
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01M; F01M13/00; F01M13/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
In a submersible internal combustion engine comprising an intake manifold, a crankcase and ventilating means for automatically venting gases from said crankcase to said intake manifold when the pressure of said gases exceeds a predetermined level, said ventilating means comprising valve means, control chamber means for containing a variable pressure level therein for urging said valve means to a closed position against the counteracting opening pressure of said gases, and pressure sensing means connected to said control chamber means for sensing varied pressure levels occasioned at a critical pressure point, located adjacent to said engine and further located vertically downwardly and remote from said valve means, in response to submersion of said engine to varied depths underwater and for communicating said varied pressure levels to said control chamber means, and air pressurizing means for communicating a substantially constant, predetermined, above atmospheric air pressure to said control chamber means and to said pressure sensing means during submersion to a predetermined depth.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
In a submersible internal combustion engine comprising an intake manifold, a crankcase and ventilating means for automatically venting gases from said crankcase to said intake manifold when the pressure of said gases exceeds a predetermined level, said ventilating means comprising valve means, control chamber means for containing a variable pressure level therein for urging said valve means to a closed position against the counteracting opening pressure of said gases, and pressure sensing means connected to said control chamber means for sensing varied pressure levels occasioned at a critical pressure point, located adjacent to said engine and further located vertically downwardly and remote from said valve means, in response to submersion of said engine to varied depths underwater and for communicating said varied pressure levels to said control chamber means, and air pressurizing means for communicating a substantially constant, predetermined, above atmospheric air pressure to said control chamber means and to said pressure sensing means during submersion to a predetermined depth.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said pressure sensing means comprises a conduit terminating at an open end thereof adjacent to said critical pressure point.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said critical pressure point is located at a crankshaft sealing area of said engine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said ventilating means comprises a flexible diaphragm assembly continuously separating said control chamber means from the gases in said crankcase, said valve means operatively connected to said diaphragm assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
The invention of claim 4 further comprising spring means disposed in said control chamber means and attached to said diaphragm assembly for urging said valve means to a normally closed position whereby the gas pressure in said crankcase is counteracted by the force of said spring and the pressure level in said control chamber means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-15 | 1975-05-17 | 1975-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-15 | 1979-05-17 | 1979-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-15 | 1983-05-17 | 1983-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |