초록 ▼

Method and apparatus for automatically changing engine lubricating oil while the engine is running, in which small increments of used lubricating oil are periodically removed from the lubricating oil system, and substantially simultaneously with the removal of each increment of used oil, a correspon

Method and apparatus for automatically changing engine lubricating oil while the engine is running, in which small increments of used lubricating oil are periodically removed from the lubricating oil system, and substantially simultaneously with the removal of each increment of used oil, a corresponding increment of fresh oil is delivered to the lubricating oil system, so the volume of oil in the lubricating system is not reduced by the removal. Oil sump level sensing determines the destination of each used oil increment that is removed. If the sump level is not substantially below a predetermined satisfactory operating level when an increment of used oil is removed, the increment is delivered to the fuel tank for burnoff with the fuel for diesel engines, or to a holding tank for other engines, in a normal oil change mode of operation. If, however, the sump level is substantially below the predetermined level, then the increment is delivered back to the lubricating oil system in an oil makeup mode of operation. Actuation and timing of the apparatus are microprocessor or otherwise electronically controlled.

대표청구항 ▼

The method of changing oil in the lubricating oil system of an internal combustion engine while the engine is running, the oil in at least a portion of said system being pressurized, which comprises the steps of: periodically removing a series of small increments of used lubricating oil from said sy

The method of changing oil in the lubricating oil system of an internal combustion engine while the engine is running, the oil in at least a portion of said system being pressurized, which comprises the steps of: periodically removing a series of small increments of used lubricating oil from said system; not later than said removing of each of said increments of used oil, delivering a small increment of fresh lubricating oil into said system which is volumetrically not substantially less than such increment of used oil; and utilizing force from such pressurization to cause said periodic removing of said increments of used oil from said system; whereby the volume of oil in said system is not materially reduced by said removing of each of said increments of used oil.