Fluid handling – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-04
2001-05-08
Chambers, A. Michael (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Processes
C137S549000, C137S550000, C137S552000, C137S574000, C137S592000, C060S453000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227221
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a hydraulic system and method for fluid distribution that is low maintenance and utilizes a single-fluid to supply all vehicle power and lubrication fluid requirements. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fluid operating system able to maintain and prioritize separate dedicated fluid reserves within one reservoir. The fluid operating system is also able to reach and to maintain consistent fluid temperature and viscosity. As a result consistent performance and extended component life are achieved while maintaining circulation with the hydraulic system.
It is, of course, generally known that mobile and/or marine hydraulic systems commonly employ several different fluids with isolated reservoirs that do not carry recommended fluid reservoir volumes for industrial hydraulic systems. Reduced reservoir capacity results in high flow rates, rapid fluid breakdown, high temperatures, and fluid aeration.
In addition, operation of hydraulic systems in dirty, dusty, wet or otherwise contaminated environments results in water and dirt incursion requiring increased fluid filtration and resulting in system degradation. Multiple lubricants increase logistic requirements, complicate service and increase the potential for error. With separate reservoirs, each hydraulic circuit is limited to the qualities available within a given fluid system. Separate cooling circuits may be required for each fluid with increased complexity for multiple fan drives, heat exchangers, and the like.
It is generally known that reservoirs in hydraulic circuits are isolated and used to varying degrees. Thus, temperature and viscosity vary between the hydraulic circuits. In addition, special and costly fluids are often required to maintain acceptable fluid viscosity at low temperatures. Cold, high viscosity operating fluids detrimentally influence performance, increase wear and may result in shorter component life.
A need, therefore, exists for an apparatus, system and method that combine separate fluid reservoirs and fluids into a single integrated system that services multiple systems without a need for multiple dedicated reservoirs. In addition, a need exists for an apparatus, system and method having a single fluid fill point, a common reservoir check point and fluid level monitor to minimize the opportunities for contamination and simplify maintenance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a single-fluid apparatus for supplying vehicle power and lubrication fluid requirements and a system and method for fluid distribution and delivery. The apparatus, system and method combine formerly separate fluid reservoirs and fluids into a single integrated system that services multiple systems without a need for multiple dedicated reservoirs.
To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for a single fluid multiple-volume self-prioritized reservoir and a method and system for fluid distribution and delivery are provided. The apparatus for a single fluid multiple-volume self-prioritized reservoir (herein after “reservoir”) has a container having a bottom and walls defining a volume and a plurality of partitions. Each partition has a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end of each of the plurality of partitions is attached to the bottom of the container, creating a plurality of volumes in the container. The reservoir has a plurality of outlet ports, where at least one of the plurality of outlet ports is located within each of the plurality of volumes. The reservoir also has a fluid inlet projecting into an innermost volume of the plurality of volumes.
In an embodiment, a fine mesh screen is provided and positioned over the top end of the plurality of partitions.
In an embodiment, a lid is fastened to the container.
In an embodiment, a return filter associated with the fluid inlet is provided.
In an embodiment, a level site-glass gage is installed in the wall of the container.
In an embodiment, an electronic level sensor is installed in the lid.
In an embodiment, a temperature sensor is installed on the container.
In an embodiment, a fluid is provided that flows into the container.
In an embodiment, a second priority volume surrounds a first priority volume and the second priority volume receives fluid from the first priority volume.
In an embodiment, a third priority volume receives fluid from a second priority volume and the fluid from the second volume passes over the top end of one of a plurality of partitions.
In an embodiment, a third-priority volume receives fluid from a second priority volume and the fluid from the second volume passes through a screen.
In an embodiment, a bottom plate with integral dividers is fastened to the bottom of the container.
In an embodiment, a filler-neck located over a return filter has a check valve to prevent fluid from passing through the filler-neck.
In an embodiment, fluid may be added to the container by removal of a filler cap located above a filler-neck.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for distribution and delivery of a fluid is provided. The system has a reservoir having a bottom, a volume, and a lid. The lid is fastened to the container. The system also has a plurality of partitions each having a bottom end attached to the bottom of the reservoir and each having a top end. A plurality of volumes are created by the division of the volume of the reservoir by the plurality of partitions. The system also has a plurality of outlet ports within each of the plurality of volumes, a fluid inlet that projects into an innermost volume of the plurality of volumes, and a plurality of drains that are located in the bottom of the container within each of the plurality of volumes.
In an embodiment, a screening means is provided over the top end of the plurality of partitions at a plurality of outlet ports or other location.
In an embodiment, fluid is filtered and directed into the inner most volume of the reservoir.
In an embodiment, a filler-neck is located over a return filter that contains a check valve. The check valve prevents the fluid from passing upward through the filler-neck, thereby preventing contamination of the fluid.
In an embodiment, mixing of a fluid is provided when a second priority volume, that is located around a first-priority volume, receives fluid from the first priority volume and when a third-priority volume receives fluid from the second priority volume.
In an embodiment, distribution of fluid is provided by a first priority circuit receiving fluid from a first priority volume and a second priority circuit receiving fluid from a second priority volume and a third priority circuit receiving fluid from a third priority volume.
In an embodiment, fluid is recovered and returned to the reservoir.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for distribution and delivery of a fluid is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a reservoir having a bottom and walls defining a volume; providing a plurality of partitions having a top end and a bottom end wherein the bottom end is attached to the bottom of the reservoir; creating a plurality of volumes by the division of the volume of the reservoir by the plurality of partitions; providing a plurality of outlet ports within each of the plurality of volumes; providing a fluid inlet projecting into an innermost volume of the plurality of volumes; and providing a plurality of drains wherein at least one of the plurality of drains is located within each of the plurality of volumes.
In an embodiment, the step of screening fluid within a reservoir is provided.
In an embodiment, fluid is filtered into the inner most volume of the reservoir.
In an embodiment, the level of the fluid is remotely monitored.
In an embodiment, the fluid temperature is measured.
In an embodiment, fluid is introduced into the reservoir through the inlet.
In an embodiment, fluid contamination is prevented at the inlet to the reservoir by using a check valve. The check valve prevents the
Chambers A. Michael
Patents +TMS
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