US3760779A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable pumping system for a propeller fan
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1972-05-03
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Granted: 1973-09-25
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Expires: 1992-05-03
Abstract
Abstract An inflatable rubber tube is attached to the interior of a fan shroud for the cooling fan of a reciprocating engine where the tube surrounds the rotation envelope of the fan. A temperature sensing mechanism deflates the tube to increase the clearance space of the fan and thereby decrease pumping efficiency when engine temperature is below its normal operating level. The temperature sensing mechanism inflates the tube to increase pumping efficiency if engine temperature rises above its normal operating level.
Inventors
- 👤 Lennan A Mac
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 12:17
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01P; F01P7/00; F01P7/02; F01P7/026; F01P5/00; F01P5/02; F01P5/06; F04; F04D; F04D27/00; F04D27/002; F04D29/00; F04D29/08; F04D29/16; F04D29/161; F04D29/164
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
An internal combustion engine having a propeller type cooling fan driven thereby, a shroud including a generally cylindrical section adapted to surround and axially enclose said fan, said fan being mounted rotatably within the shroud, and a control mechanism for varying the pumping efficiency of the fan comprising inflatable means attached to said shroud between said shroud and said fan to circumferentially surround the fan and define the radial clearance space between the fan and the shroud, and engine operating condition responsive pressure control means for varying the pressure within said inflatable means to contract or expand the inflatable means and thereby vary the radial clearance space.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
An internal combustion engine having a propeller type cooling fan driven thereby, a shroud including a generally cylindrical section adapted to surround and axially enclose said fan, said fan being mounted rotatably within the shroud, and a control mechanism for varying the pumping efficiency of the fan comprising inflatable means attached to said shroud between said shroud and said fan to circumferentially surround the fan and define the radial clearance space between the fan and the shroud, and engine operating condition responsive pressure control means for varying the pressure within said inflatable means to contract or expand the inflatable means and thereby vary the radial clearance space.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The engine of claim 1 in which engine temperature responsive means is connected to the pressure control means to reduce the pressure within and deflate the inflatable means and thereby increase the clearance space when a predetermined engine temperature is reached.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The engine of claim 2 in which the shroud is mounted adjacent a cooling radiator for the engine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The engine of claim 3 including means connecting engine intake manifold pressure to the pressure control means whereby the latter applies intake manifold pressure to the inflatable means to reduce the pressure within the inflatable means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The engine of claim 4 in which the inflatable means is a hollow elastomeric tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The engine of claim 5 in which the elastomeric tube is in a fully formed inflated configuration when the pressure within the tube substantially equals the pressure outside of the tube.
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) | 1976-09-24 | 1977-03-26 | 1977-09-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-24 | 1981-03-26 | 1981-09-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-24 | 1985-03-26 | 1985-09-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |