Method and apparatus for continuously purging gaseous matter from the cooling system of an internal combustion engine
OwnerWalter C. Avreainventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sealed accumulator is positioned at a location remote from the conventional pressurized liquid cooling system of an internal combustion engine. An overflow conduit communicates between a high point in the system and the accumulator. A make-up conduit communicates between the accumulator and a low point in the system. A normally closed pressure valve, opening in response to system pressure exceeding a predetermined value, is in series with the overflow conduit. In series with the make-up conduit, is a normally closed one-way check valve. Minimum and maximum pressures within the accumulator are regulated respective relief valves. Optionally, a vent valve is installed at a high point for escape of air as coolant is introduced into the system.
Claims14
The method of continuous maintenance of the liquid cooling system of an internal combustion engine, which system includes
- a coolant jacket carried by said engine,
- a radiator,
- circulation means communicating between said jacket and said radiator,
- liquid coolant normally carried within said system for circulation through said jacket and said radiator in response to said circulation means, and
- said coolant absorbing heat within said jacket and relinquishing heat within said radiator,
- and for removing gaseous matter which may be present in said system, said method comprising the steps of:
- establishing an alternate path for unidirectional flow of coolant between a selected first location in said system and a selected second location in said system;
- receiving coolant into said alternate path at said first location in response to pressure within said system exceeding a predetermined maximum value;
- maintaining a pressure within said alternate path which is lesser than said maximum vlaue and greater than ambient pressure and
- purging said coolant at an intermediate location to remove gaseous matter flowing with the coolant along said alternate path.
In the cooling system of an internal combustion engine, which system includes:
- a coolant jacket carried by said engine,
- a radiator,
- circulation means communicating between said jacket and said radiator,
- liquid coolant normally carried within said system for circulation through said jacket and said radiator in response to said circulation means,
- said coolant absorbing heat within said jacket and relinquishing said heat within said radiator,
- improvements therein for continuous maintenance of said system and for removal of gaseous matter which may be present in said system, said improvements comprising:
- first means establishing an alternate path of circulation for said coolant between a selected first location and a selected second location in said system;
- first valve means being normally closed and opening in response to pressure with said system exceeding a predetermined maximum value for flow of coolant from said system into said alternate path;
- means for maintaining a second pressure with said alternate path with said alternate path which is lessor than said maximum value and greater than ambient pressure;
- and
- second means in series with said first means for separating gaseous matter from said coolant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.