US3836253A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Internal combustion engine coolant system leak detection method
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1973-02-28
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Granted: 1974-09-17
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Expires: 1993-02-28
Abstract
Abstract This invention involves an apparatus and method for measuring the light reflecting capability of the lubricant in the lubricating system of the internal combustion engine as a measure of the integrity of the coolant system of the engine. The method involves operating the engine with a substantially water-free lubricant such as oil for a period of time sufficient to permit contamination of the oil in the event a coolant system leak exists and thereafter measuring the light reflective ability of the oil with increased light reflective capability being indicative of a coolant system leak. By situating a light source and a light sensing means axially displaced one from the other on a slender probe, the probe may be inserted into the oil dip stick passage of the engine to a depth sufficient to submerge the light source and the light sensing means and rotation of the probe about its longitudinal axis will eliminate light reflection from internal engine structure from giving false reading. Suitable filtering of the light source will also reduce reflection induced reading. A suitable calibrated electrical readout system may provide a direct reading of the magnitude of a suspected coolant leak or a go-no go indication.
Inventors
- 👤 A Colvin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 19:41
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of determining the integrity of the cooling system of a liquid cooled internal combustion engine comprising: placing the engine in an operational condition; submerging a light source in the lubricant reservoir of the engine; submerging a light sensing means in the lubricant reservoir of the engine, said light source and said light sensing means being mutually optically masked; and measuring the turbidity of the lubricant.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of determining the integrity of the cooling system of a liquid cooled internal combustion engine comprising: placing the engine in an operational condition; submerging a light source in the lubricant reservoir of the engine; submerging a light sensing means in the lubricant reservoir of the engine, said light source and said light sensing means being mutually optically masked; and measuring the turbidity of the lubricant.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said light source and said light sensing means are arranged on a common probe facing generally in the same direction with a light impervious portion situated between the light source and the light measuring means and the steps of submerging are performed substantially simultaneously.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the steps of submerging comprise: removing the lubricant level indicator and inserting the probe in the lubricant level indicator passage to a depth sufficient to submerge both the light source and the light sensing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 3 including the step of rotating the probe.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of determining the integrity of the cooling system of a liquid cooled internal combustion engine comprising: providing the engine with a substantially water-free lubricant having a known light reflecting capability; placing the engine in an operational condition; submerging a light source and a light sensing means in the lubricant, said light source and said light sensing means being mutually optically masked; measuring the quantity of light reflected from the lubricant to the light sensing means; and determining the difference between the measured light reflected and the normal reflection for the lubricant provided.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of determining the integrity of the cooling system of a liquid cooled internal combustion engine comprising: providing the engine with a substantially water-free lubricant having a known light reflecting capability; placing the engine in an operational condition; submerging a light source and a light sensing means in the lubricant, said light source and said light sensing means being mutually optically masked; measuring the quantity of light reflected from the lubricant to the light sensing means; and determining the difference between the measured light reflected and the normal reflection for the lubricant provided.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the step of determining the difference comprises the steps of comparing electronically an electrical signal valve indicative of the quantity of reflected light; and actuating a signalling mechanism whenever the electrical signal indicates a level of reflected light substantially in excess of the known light reflecting capability of the lubricant whereby the presence of coolant leaking from the coolant system of the engine into the lubricating system of the engine may be detected.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 5 including the step of rotating the light source and light sensing means about an axis; and determining the minimum difference between the measured light reflected and the normal reflection for the lubricant provided whereby reflections from interior surfaces of the engine may be avoided.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the step of submerging comprises the steps of removing the lubricant level indicator; and inserting a probe which includes the light source and the light system means into the lubrIcant level indicator passage to a depth sufficient to submerge both the light source and the light system 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) | 1977-09-16 | 1978-03-18 | 1978-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-16 | 1982-03-18 | 1982-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-16 | 1986-03-18 | 1986-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |