Method and apparatus for continuously maintaining a volume of coolant within a pressurized cooling system
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.
Claims5
In a pressurized liquid cooling system for circulation of coolant and dissipation of heat from an internal combustion engine, which system has a finite capacity and includes
- a water jacket having an inlet and an outlet,
- a radiator having an inlet tank and an outlet tank,
- a supply conduit communicating between the outlet tank and the inlet of the water jacket,
- a return conduit communicating between the outlet of the water jacket and the inlet tank, and
- a pump for circulating coolant through the supply conduit from the radiator to the water jacket,
- improvements therein for purging gaseous matter from the system and for continuous maintenance of the volumetric capacity of coolant within the system, said improvements comprising:
- a. a normally sealed accumulator for holding a reserve supply of coolant and for receiving overflow coolant from said system;
- b. an overflow conduit communicating between a high point in said system and said accumulator;
- c. normally closed pressure valve mean in series with said overflow conduit for permitting flow of fluid from said system into said accumulator when the pressure within said system exceeds a predetermined maximum value;
- d. vent valve means for venting said accumulator to atmosphere in response to a predetermined pressure being attained within said accumulator, said predetermined pressure having a value lesser than the maximum value of said system and greater than ambient;
- e. a make-up conduit communicating between said accumulator and a location within said system up-stream of said pump;
- and
- f. a check valve in series with said make-up conduit for permitting flow of fluid from said accumulator into said system in response to the differential pressure across said check valve exceeding a predetermined value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.