US3640359A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Control system for hydrodynamic retarder
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1970-01-20
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Granted: 1972-02-08
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Expires: 1990-01-20
Abstract
Abstract A control system is provided for use with a hydrodynamic retarder for providing braking to a vehicle by using engine lubricant as the working fluid. The system comprises a first pressure responsive, priority valve which functions to direct engine lubricant to a second, control valve from the engine lubricant pump only after the pressure in the engine lubricant system has achieved a sufficiently high level to supply the engine''s requirements. In another embodiment, the first valve meters lubricant to both the engine and retarder at the same time by means of metering slots. The second control valve is operatoractuated and functions to direct lubricant through the heat exchanger, the lubricant filter, and then to the engine in one mode, or additionally by way of a hydrodynamic retarder in a second mode and thus to provide braking for the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard B Clark
- 👤 Hugh C Morris
- 👤 Gerald E Whitehurst
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 06:19
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60T; B60T1/00; B60T1/02; B60T1/08; B60T1/087; B60R; B60R17/00; B60R17/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/2496; Y10T137/2559; Y10T137/2574; Y10T137/2605; Y10T137/2617
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
In an internal combustion engine having a pressurized lubricating system, a control system comprising a pressurized lubricating fluid source and a hydrodynamic retarder operatively associated with said engine for selective braking purposes, retarder control valve means operatively connected to said fluid source and said retarder for selectively activating said retarder with said lubricating fluid, and priority valve means oPeratively connected between said fluid source and said retarder control valve means and further operatively connected to said engine for automatically communicating lubricating fluid only to said engine and not to said retarder when the pressure of the lubricating fluid in said engine falls below a predetermined level and for automatically communicating lubricating fluid under pressure to the lubricating system of said engine through said retarder control valve means when said pressure exceeds said predetermined level whereby sufficient lubricating fluid pressure to satisfy the requirements of the engine is insured.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
In an internal combustion engine having a pressurized lubricating system, a control system comprising a pressurized lubricating fluid source and a hydrodynamic retarder operatively associated with said engine for selective braking purposes, retarder control valve means operatively connected to said fluid source and said retarder for selectively activating said retarder with said lubricating fluid, and priority valve means oPeratively connected between said fluid source and said retarder control valve means and further operatively connected to said engine for automatically communicating lubricating fluid only to said engine and not to said retarder when the pressure of the lubricating fluid in said engine falls below a predetermined level and for automatically communicating lubricating fluid under pressure to the lubricating system of said engine through said retarder control valve means when said pressure exceeds said predetermined level whereby sufficient lubricating fluid pressure to satisfy the requirements of the engine is insured.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the priority valve means has pressure dependent means such that said valve means functions to direct lubricating fluid directly to the engine when lubricating fluid pressure is low such as during engine starting.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 2 further including means for actuating the control valve means such that the lubricating fluid may be directed either through or around the retarder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein the priority valve means comprises a priority valve having a spool therein and spring means biasing said spool to a first position wherein the fluid source is in fluid communication with the engine and out of fluid communication with the control valve means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
64 words
The invention of claim 4 wherein means are provided for communicating engine lubricating fluid pressure to the end of the spool opposite the spring means such that when engine operating pressure is achieved said spool may be shifted by said pressure to a position wherein the control valve means is in fluid communication with the fluid source by way of said priority valve means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein the means for communicating engine lubricating fluid pressure to the spool end is a conduit means connected to the means adapted to connect the priority valve means to the engine.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
71 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein the control valve means comprises a control valve having a spool therein and spring means biasing said spool to a first position wherein the priority valve is in fluid communication with the engine by way of said control valve means and upon valve actuation the spool is shifted wherein the retarder also is brought into the fluid circuit between the priority valve and the engine.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention of claim 7 wherein the means for actuating the control valve comprises a source of air pressure, an air control valve, and conduit means connecting said pressure source to said control valve by way of said air control valve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention of claim 7 further including check valve means in the fluid circuit between the control valve and the engine to prevent return flow of lubricant from the engine to said control valve.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
133 words
In an internal combustion engine having a lubricant pump, lubricant filter, a heat exchanger and a retarder, the improvement comprising a retarder control system comprising priority valve means for directing lubricant from the lubricant pump, said means being responsive to lubricant pressure whereby sufficient lubricant is directed to the engine during conditions below operating pressure in order that the engine has sufficient lubricant for proper operation at all times, and to control valve means after operating pressure is achieved, said control valve means functioning to direct lubricant from the valve means through a heat exchanger where heat is given off, thence through the lubricant filter and into the engine during one mode of operation and, additionally, through the retarder during a second mode of operation, thus to provide selective retarder operation for braking.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
133 words
In an internal combustion engine having a lubricant pump, lubricant filter, a heat exchanger and a retarder, the improvement comprising a retarder control system comprising priority valve means for directing lubricant from the lubricant pump, said means being responsive to lubricant pressure whereby sufficient lubricant is directed to the engine during conditions below operating pressure in order that the engine has sufficient lubricant for proper operation at all times, and to control valve means after operating pressure is achieved, said control valve means functioning to direct lubricant from the valve means through a heat exchanger where heat is given off, thence through the lubricant filter and into the engine during one mode of operation and, additionally, through the retarder during a second mode of operation, thus to provide selective retarder operation for braking.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as claimed in claim 10 wherein means are provided whereby the retarder is directly coupled to the engine output.
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) | 1975-02-07 | 1975-08-09 | 1976-02-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-07 | 1979-08-09 | 1980-02-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-07 | 1983-08-09 | 1984-02-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |