초록 ▼

A system for measuring the quality and level of lubricant in an engine lubricant reservoir includes a valve for selectively directing a portion of lubricant from the engine through a first conduit for return to the engine or through a second conduit for removal from the engine. Within the first cond

A system for measuring the quality and level of lubricant in an engine lubricant reservoir includes a valve for selectively directing a portion of lubricant from the engine through a first conduit for return to the engine or through a second conduit for removal from the engine. Within the first conduit are one or more sensors for sensing the condition of the lubricant passing through the first conduit. The sensors are monitored by a controller which is operative selectively to cause the valve to block the flow of lubricant through the first conduit and direct a portion of the lubricant through the second conduit based on the monitored conditions of the lubricant. Also, the controller directs a supply of fresh lubricant to the engine in response to the lubricant in the engine lubricant reservoir dropping below a predetermined level. The lubricant flowing through the second conduit may either be stored in a lubricant reservoir and if desired subsequently intermittently mixed with the fuel in the fuel tank, or caused to flow directly to the fuel tank on command of the valve by the controller which limits the amount of lubricant that can be added to the fuel tank so as not to exceed a predetermined lubricant/fuel ratio for the engine.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for maintaining the quality and level of lubricant in an engine lubricant reservoir comprising valve means for selectively diverting a portion of lubricant from said engine lubricant reservoir either through a first flow path that returns the lubricant to an engi

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for maintaining the quality and level of lubricant in an engine lubricant reservoir comprising valve means for selectively diverting a portion of lubricant from said engine lubricant reservoir either through a first flow path that returns the lubricant to an engine or through a second flow path that removes a portion of the lubricant from said engine lubricant reservoir, sensor means in said first flow path downstream of said valve means for diagnosing the lubricant passing through said first flow path, a controller operative in response to predetermined lubricant measurements by said sensor means to cause said valve means intermittently to divert the flow of a portion of the lubricant through said second flow path, and means for periodically adding fresh lubricant to said engine.