Modular engine delivery apparatus

• US 6,253,600 B1
• Filed: 04/01/1999
• Issued: 07/03/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Delivery Systems, LLC
• Original Assignee: Thomas F. Sondey
• Inventors: Sondey, Thomas F.
• Primary Examiner(s): MCCALL, ERIC SCOTT
• Application Number:
  US09/283,515
• Time in Patent Office: 824 Days
• Field of Search: 731/16, 731/172, 731/173, 731/181, 731/19.R, 269/16, 269/17, 269/20, 269/56
• US Class Current: 73/116.02
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 15/02 Details or accessories of testing apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for delivering an engine to a dynamometer is provided with an exhaust system, coolant system, electrical system, and an engine mounting system. The systems decrease the time required to dress an engine while increasing test reliability and the number of engines that can be tested in an engine test room.

Claims

1. An engine delivery system for use in testing an engine, the system comprising:

a portable pallet for delivering an engine to and from a dynamometer and for supporting an engine, the portable pallet including a base plate and an upwardly extending frame member;

an exhaust manifold system connected to the portable pallet, the exhaust manifold system including an adjustable exhaust connector operably connected to the engine, an exhaust collection cavity connected to the exhaust connector, a sensing device connected to the adjustable exhaust connector, and an exhaust outlet connected to the exhaust collection cavity;

an electrical system including a boom extending over the engine and secured to the frame member, a plurality of sensors and connectors connectable to the boom, and an electrical panel secured to the upwardly extending frame member;

a coolant system connected to the base plate, the coolant system including a fluid manifold to supply coolant to and from the engine; and

an engine mounting system including a pair of columns extending from the base plate and connectable to the engine, and a cradle for supporting and securing a front portion of the engine.

2. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pallet further includes wheels.

3. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable exhaust connector includes:

a column with a base that is secured to the exhaust collection cavity,

a sleeve slideable within the column and a head mounted to the sleeve,

a clamping system for holding the sleeve at a predetermined position, and

a spring disposed between the head and the column.

4. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable exhaust connector is selectively positioned to create a seal between an exhaust manifold of the engine and the exhaust collection cavity.

5. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable exhaust connector includes means for creating a seal.

6. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the boom includes a lock and is operable to pivot between a first position and a new position.

7. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coolant system includes a flow control valve.

8. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid manifold includes inlet and outlet pipes with quick disconnects.

9. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a housing secured to the engine, the housing having a flange portion that engages the cradle.

10. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 9, further comprising locking means for securing the housing to the cradle.

11. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cradle has a recess that receives the flange.

12. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each column has an engine receiving portion and a pin.

13. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a reinforcement member connected to the base plate and the fluid manifold.

14. An engine delivery system comprising:

a frame having a base plate and wheels for moving the engine delivery system to different locations;

a fluid handling system for delivering fluid to and from an engine, the fluid handling system including a manifold with first and second chambers, one of said chambers being connected to an outlet fluid connector and the other of said chambers being connected to an inlet fluid connector, the manifold being secured to the base plate;

an exhaust recovery system connected to the frame;

an engine support system mounted to an upper surface of the base plate; and

an electrical system including a moveable boom that is connected to an upwardly extending member that is secured to the frame.

15. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the exhaust recovery system includes a chamber, and an adjustable member that is operable to collect exhaust from the engine.

16. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the fluid handling system includes pipes that are connected to each chamber for delivering coolant to an intake and from an outlet.

17. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the engine support system includes a front engine support connected to the base plate and a rear engine support.

18. The engine delivery system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the electrical system includes connectors secured to the boom and wires that connect the engine to an electrical panel.

19. A vehicle for delivering an engine to a dynamometer, the vehicle comprising:

a base with wheels;

a coolant handling system integral with the base, the system being operable to deliver coolant through the engine;

a boom extending over the engine, the boom having an arm that articulates from a first position to a second position in order to assist in mounting the engine to the vehicle, the boom being mounted to a vertical support which in turn is secured to the base;

an exhaust collector integral with the base and connectable to the engine; and

an engine mount operable to secure the engine to the base.

20. The vehicle as claimed in claim 19, wherein the exhaust collector includes a sealed channel that receives gasses from an adjustable spring biased member that is connected to the channel.