The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 02, 1990
Filed:
May. 30, 1989
Leslie C Morris, Washington, IL (US);
Craig W Riediger, Pekin, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
The invention relates to a prelubrication system for an engine. It is desirable to prelubricate relatively large engines to prevent possible damage of certain components such as the crankshaft and camshaft bearings. Engines that must be started in a matter of seconds are provided with prelube pumps that run continually. During long periods of continuous prelube lubrication fluid being pumped upward into the upper rocker arm area may find its way into combustion chambers and result in damage of engine components. The present system provides a fluid level control device that prevents lubrication fluid from reaching the upper rocker arm area of the engine when the engine is not running and disables the control device when the engine is running allowing the supply of lubricant to reach the upper rocker arm area. The system further allows the engine to be started when it is sensed that there is a sufficient supply of fluid in critical areas of the engine and prevents the engine from being started if the supply of fluid is insufficient.