Fluid handling – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-07
2001-04-03
Michalsky, Gerald A. (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Processes
C123S19800E, C137S388000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209559
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to valve assemblies and air cleaners. More specifically, this invention is directed to a valve assembly for an engine air cleaner to prevent the ingestion of liquid into an engine through the air intake of the engine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Certain types of motor vehicles such as four wheel drive sport utility vehicles, light trucks, agricultural vehicles, watercraft, all-terrain, military vehicles and mining vehicles at times may be operated in off-road areas. Such vehicles can typically have engine sizes of under 1 liter to more than 20 liters piston displacement, and horsepower of less than 10 to more than 1500 (7.5-1118 kw). In this off-road environment, vehicles may encounter liquid obstacles, such as rivers, streams, water-filled ditches, or water-filled ravines.
Crossing these liquid obstacles can have serious consequences if the depth of the liquid is deeper than the height of the engine air intake on the vehicle. If more than just a small amount of water enters the engine air intake, engine damage may occur. Such damage may include hydrostatic lock. If an engine cylinder gets more water in it than its compressed volume, the engine stops instantly and major engine damage, such as bent piston connecting rods may result.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a valve assembly for preventing liquid ingestion into an engine through the air intake of the engine. The valve assembly is configured and arranged to prevent the valve assembly from closing when conditions do not warrant its closing, due to vibration and bounce, for example.
In one embodiment, the valve assembly includes a housing defining an open interior, an inlet port, a valve seat having an outlet port extending therethrough and a float support region. The inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the open interior. The valve assembly includes a float within the housing. The float is movable between first and second positions along a float path. The first position includes the float being positioned within the float support region of the housing. The second position includes the float positioned within the valve seat to obstruct the outlet port in response to a selected liquid volume within the housing. The housing is constructed and arranged to inhibit movement of the float along the float path to the second position, unless the selected liquid volume within the housing is attained.
In one embodiment, the housing comprises projection members constructed and arranged to obstruct the float path. For example, the projection members include first and second eccentric, spaced rings positioned within the housing along the float path. In this manner, there is no clear path for the float to follow, in order to reach the valve seat in the second position.
In another embodiment, the float comprises a spherical ball, and the housing includes a cup member for holding the ball in the float support region. The cup is constructed and arranged to retain the float within the cup by vacuum pressure.
In another embodiment, the housing includes a magnet in the float support region, and the float includes a metallic material attracted to the magnet.
In another aspect, the invention is directed to an air cleaner assembly comprising an air cleaner housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. A filter element is positioned within the housing, downstream of the inlet and upstream of the outlet. A valve assembly is positioned downstream of the filter element within the air cleaner housing. The valve assembly includes a float and a valve seat. The valve seat circumscribes the air outlet. The float is movable between first and second positions along a float path. The first position includes the float being positioned away from the valve seat. The second position includes the float being positioned within the valve seat to obstruct the air outlet in response to a selected liquid volume within the housing. The air cleaner housing is constructed and arranged to inhibit movement of the float along the float path to the second position, unless the selected liquid volume within the housing is attained.
In one example, the valve assembly includes a cylindrical tube holding the float in the first position. The cylindrical tube is, for example, lined with obstruction members projecting inwardly to inhibit float movement along the float path.
In another arrangement, the valve assembly includes a cup member for holding the float in the first position. The cup is constructed and arranged to retain the float within the cup by vacuum pressure.
Methods for preventing liquid ingestion into an engine through the air intake of the engine are provided. In one method, a valve assembly is provided upstream of the engine. The valve assembly has a float and a valve seat. The float is movable along a float path between a first position away from the valve seat and a second position blocking the valve seat. Movement of the float is inhibited along the float path to prevent movement of the float to the second position, unless a selected liquid volume within the valve assembly is attained. Example methods include constructions as described herein.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate example embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
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Betts Pete A.
Gillingham Gary R.
Matthys Bernard A.
Risch Daniel T.
Tokar Joseph C.
Donaldson & Company, Inc.
Merchant & Gould P.C.
Michalsky Gerald A.
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