Automatically adjustable oil renewal system
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorJames W. Harris
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An oil renewal system for an engine is disclosed. The oil renewal system may have a removal device configured to selectively remove oil from the engine, and a condition sensor situated to generate a condition signal indicative of an oil condition. The oil renewal system may also have a controller in communication with the condition sensor and the removal device. The controller may be configured to determine a deterioration rate of the oil based on the condition signal, and adjust a removal rate of the oil from the engine based on the deterioration rate.
Claims20
An oil renewal system for an engine, comprising:
- a removal device configured to selectively remove oil from the engine;
- a condition sensor situated to generate a condition signal indicative of an oil condition;
- a level sensor configured to generate a level signal indicative of an amount of oil contained within the engine;
- a replenishing device operable to selectively replenish the engine with new oil based on the level signal;
- and
- a controller in communication with the condition sensor and the removal device, the controller being configured to:
- determine a deterioration rate of the oil based on the condition signal;
- and
- adjust a removal rate of the oil from the engine based on the deterioration rate.
(canceled)
A method of operating an engine, comprising:
- removing oil from the engine;
- sensing a condition of oil circulated through the engine;
- determining a deterioration rate of the oil based on the sensed condition;
- adjusting a rate of the oil removing based on the deterioration rate;
- determining an amount of oil contained within the engine;
- and
- selectively replenishing the engine with new oil based on the determined amount.
(canceled)
An oil renewal system for an engine, comprising:
- a level sensor configured to generate a level signal indicative of an amount of oil contained within the engine;
- a replenishing device operable to selectively replenish the engine with new oil based on the level signal;
- and
- a controller in communication with the level sensor and the replenishing device, the controller being configured to:
- regulate operation of the replenishing device based on the level signal;
- receive an indication of an impending service of the engine;
- and
- selectively inhibit replenishment of the oil based on a time duration until the impending service.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.