US4522167A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lubricating oil monitor
Assignee: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
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Filing: 1983-12-15
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Granted: 1985-06-11
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Expires: 2003-12-15
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus which has the means to facilitate maintenance of appropriate lubricating oil levels within the engine of a vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Erwin E. Hurner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:47
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16N; F16N39/00; F01; F01M; F01M11/00; F01M11/04; F01M11/0458; F01M2011/0466; F02; F02B; F02B3/00; F02B3/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
An apparatus for attachment to an internal combustion engine to monitor lubricating oil levels within an oil pan of a lubrication system thereof comprising; means defining an elongated monitoring chamber, said chamber having a bottom and said means further defining on either said thereof a plurality of ports communicating with said chamber, said ports on one side being offset vertically from the ports on the other side thereof; means for mounting said elongated chamber in a vertical orientation; means in fluid communication between the bottom of said chamber and said oil pan; means communicating with an upper part of said chamber and said lubrication system for equalizing gaseous pressure above oil in said chamber and said lubrication system; means for detecting presence or absence of oil at a level within said chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
132 words
An apparatus for attachment to an internal combustion engine to monitor lubricating oil levels within an oil pan of a lubrication system thereof comprising; means defining an elongated monitoring chamber, said chamber having a bottom and said means further defining on either said thereof a plurality of ports communicating with said chamber, said ports on one side being offset vertically from the ports on the other side thereof; means for mounting said elongated chamber in a vertical orientation; means in fluid communication between the bottom of said chamber and said oil pan; means communicating with an upper part of said chamber and said lubrication system for equalizing gaseous pressure above oil in said chamber and said lubrication system; means for detecting presence or absence of oil at a level within said chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for mounting comprises an L shaped bracket having a short leg and a long leg, the short leg of said L shaped bracket adapted for attachment to a flange of an oil pan to thereby vertically dispose the long leg of said L, said long leg defining adjustable sites for attachment of said means defining an elongated chamber thereto at various levels.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of means for detecting the presence or absence of oil communicating with said chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 comprising means for adding fresh lubricating oil to said chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for equalizing gaseous pressure communicates with a PCV valve of said lubrication system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said offset is 5/8 of an inch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for detecting are mounted in appropriate ports for detecting levels therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for adding communicates with said chamber through one of said ports.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
85 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein one of said ports receive said means for detecting and said means for detecting a dangerously low oil level and further comprising means for detecting a desired oil level for a verticle elevation above said means for detecting a dangerously low oil level to activate means for adding and futher comprising means for detecting a desired cold oil level communicating with indication means located exteriorly of the engine compartment to permit remote detecting of a low oil level.
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) | 1988-06-10 | 1988-12-10 | 1989-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-06-10 | 1992-12-10 | 1993-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-06-10 | 1996-12-10 | 1997-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |