System and method for measuring oil condition in large engines
First Claim
1. A system for determining oil condition in a vehicle driven by an engine that is in communication with an oil pan, comprising:
- at least one engine;
at least one oil pan;
at least one oil pump in communication with the engine and the oil pan;
at least one oil measurement chamber in communication with the engine; and
at least one bypass valve installed between the engine and the oil pan, the bypass valve being energizable to divert oil to the measurement chamber where the condition of the oil is determined.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for measuring oil condition in large engines includes a bypass valve that is installed in a lubrication system along a fluid line between an oil pan and an engine. The bypass valve communicates with a measurement chamber and when energized by a control module, the bypass valve diverts oil from the lubrication system to the measurement chamber. An oil condition sensor is disposed within the measurement chamber and is used to determine the condition of the oil that is diverted to the chamber. After the condition of the oil is determined, the bypass valve is energized to release the oil from the measurement chamber back into the lubrication system.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system for determining oil condition in a vehicle driven by an engine that is in communication with an oil pan, comprising:
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at least one engine;
at least one oil pan;
at least one oil pump in communication with the engine and the oil pan;
at least one oil measurement chamber in communication with the engine; and
at least one bypass valve installed between the engine and the oil pan, the bypass valve being energizable to divert oil to the measurement chamber where the condition of the oil is determined. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for determining oil condition adapted for use in a vehicle driven by an engine that is in communication with an oil pan, comprising:
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providing a measurement chamber in fluid communication with engine;
providing a bypass valve between the engine and the oil pan, the bypass valve being energizable to divert oil to the measurement chamber; and
determining the condition of the oil diverted to the measurement chamber. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A lubrication system for a vehicle driven by an engine, comprising:
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at least one engine;
at least one oil pan;
at least one bypass valve installed in a fluid line between the engine and the oil pan;
at least one measurement chamber in fluid communication with the engine; and
a control module electrically connected to the bypass valve, the control module including logic means for energizing the bypass valve to divert oil to the measurement chamber where the condition of the oil is determined. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification