Liquid purification or separation – Bracket or leg support for static separator assembly
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-06-12
Savage, Matthew O. (Department: 1723)
Liquid purification or separation
Bracket or leg support for static separator assembly
C210S167150, C210S181000, C210SDIG009
Reexamination Certificate
active
06245232
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The subject matter of this application is related to Applicant's copending application entitled “Pressure Lubrication System For Countershaft Transmissions”, application Ser. No. 09/364,391, filed concurrently herewith on Jul. 30, 1999, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an oil filtration system. More particularly the present invention relates to an oil filtration system including a filter and an adapter that is suitable for filtering oil in a mechanical transmission.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Transmission systems are a vital link in the powertrain of any vehicle. In vehicles, the purpose of the transmission system is to employ gears of various sizes to provide an engine with a mechanical advantage over the driving wheels. Maintaining good lubrication is a key to proper operation and long-lasting transmission life. Significant problems often result if the amount of oil falls below minimum levels or if the oil becomes too dirty.
Transmission system lubricants include single and multiple viscosity gear oils, engine oils, and automatic transmission fluids. Such fluids can be petroleum-based, partially synthetic, or entirely synthetic. To reduce wear and friction inside a transmission, some lubricants are further mixed with friction modifiers or other additives.
Proper flow characteristics of the fluid are also important in transmission operation. If the fluid flow is inadequate, the chances of a leak increases, parts may prematurely wear due to a lack of adequate lubrication, system pressure will be reduced, and overall hydraulic control will be less effective.
When a transmission is in use, especially in harsher applications, such as when towing or undergoing continual stop-and-go movements, the oil or lubricant can often pick up shavings and other particles. While the majority of the particles in the transmission are encountered in the first several thousand miles of operation, activities such as the snubbing of clutching teeth can cause such particles to exist over the life of the unit. Accordingly, it is recommended that the oil or lubricant be changed periodically, and generally no less frequently than as specified by the manufacturer. For most transmission lubrication systems, the procedure necessarily involves removing an oil pan to drain the transmission lubricant, although some transmission pans include a drain plug for such a purpose.
To provide additional protection for the system, a filter or screen is often attached to a valve body located above the oil pan. Conventional filters are made of paper or fabric, and are generally held in place by screws, clips, or bolts. Unfortunately, in most conventional transmission lubrication systems, the transmission oil drain pan must be removed and the oil in the system drained before the filter can be unbolted from the valve body to be inspected and/or replaced. With the great amount of work and inconvenience involved with accessing conventional transmission filters, such filters are rarely inspected and/or replaced as part of a preventative maintenance effort. Further, because a significant portion of the wear on a transmission occurs during the first several thousand miles of operation, most conventional filters are designed for the initial “break-in” period of the transmission, not for future maintenance over the life of the system.
Because of the effort and difficulty involved with maintaining conventional transmission systems, there is a need in the industry for an oil filtration system having a filter that can be more easily accessed, inspected and/or replaced—without requiring the draining of a significant amount of the oil or lubricant from the system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes the disadvantages and limitations commonly associated with the operation and maintenance of conventional transmission oil lubrication and filtration systems.
By constructing an oil lubrication/filtration system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the functionality and maintenance of the system can be greatly improved. Further, the present invention provides the additional advantage of being readily adapted for inclusion in conventional oil lubrication/filtration systems.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an oil filtration system is provided that includes a transmission, an oil filter, and an adapter. The transmission includes an oil circulator, usually an oil pump, and at least one transmission inlet and at least one transmission outlet to facilitate the flow of oil through the transmission. The oil filter, which may be of the conventional spin-on type, is in communication with the transmission inlet and transmission outlet. The adapter, which contains a plurality of passages, is connected in some manner to both the filter and the transmission. The filter is positioned for ease of access for inspection and/or replacement without requiring the removal of an oil pan and/or the draining of a significant amount of oil from the system. Moreover, the system is readily adapted to conventional transmission lubrication systems, which may also include an oil cooler.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3463317 (1969-08-01), Prier
patent: 3929643 (1975-12-01), Donaldson et al.
patent: 5039406 (1991-08-01), Whittington
patent: 5546999 (1996-08-01), Parker
patent: 5567306 (1996-10-01), De Wachter
Eaton Corporation
Rader & Fishman & Grauer, PLLC
Savage Matthew O.
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