Method and apparatus to extend the operating interval between oil changes for an internal combustion engine
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsPaul M. Gunshore, Larry W. Ishler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for extending the interval between lubricant changes in an internal combustion engine. A small volume of lubricant is removed from the engine at periodic intervals and combusted within the engine. Clean replacement lubricant is provided to replace the portion of the lubricant removed from the engine. A connection is provided between the lubricating circuit and the fuel supply system. The flow of lubricant through the connection may be controlled in response to the measurement of a quality perimeter of the lubricant. Replacement lubricant may be provided to the engine from an onboard storage tank.
Claims15
The method of extending the lubricant maintenance interval for an internal combustion engine, the method comprising:
- continuously withdrawing a portion of the engine lubricant from the engine;
- directing the withdrawn lubricant to a lubricant filter;
- removing impurities from the lubricant at the filter, with the separated impurities accumulating at the filter;
- returning the cleaned lubricant to the engine;
- periodically washing the filter with a cleaning fluid to remove accumulated impurities;
- and
- combusting the cleaning fluid with impurities in the engine.
Apparatus for extended lubricant maintenance intervals for an internal combustion engine, the apparatus comprising:
- a lubricant circuit having a sump for collecting lubricant flowing from the engine;
- a pump having an inlet receiving lubricant from the sump and an outlet for delivery of lubricant back to the engine;
- a filter receiving lubricant from the engine and separating impurities from the lubricant with the separated impurities accumulating in the filter;
- fluid flow connection connecting the pump, filter and engine;
- and
- a filter backwash circuit for directing cleaning fluid to the filter for removing impurities accumulated at the filter and directing the cleaning fluid with impurities to the engine for combustion in the engine.
In an engine for a vehicle having a lubricant circuit for circulating lubricant through the engine, the lubricant circuit including a filter for removing impurities from the lubricant upon circulation and for accumulating such impurities, the engine including a fuel system for providing fuel for combustion within the engine, an apparatus comprising:
- a filter cleaning circuit for delivering a cleaning fluid to the filter for removing accumulated impurities from the filter;
- and
- a connection between the filter cleaning circuit and the fuel system for providing the cleaning fluid carrying the removed impurities to the fuel system for combustion within the engine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.