Patent ID: 6109251
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: F01M

Abstract:
A reciprocating piston engine comprising:a cylinder defining a longitudinal axis;a piston guided to move longitudinally in said cylinder;a crankcase connected to said cylinder and defining an interior space wherein pressure can develop during operation of said engine;a crankshaft assembly rotatably journalled in said crankcase and defining a rotational axis;a connecting rod operatively connected to said crankshaft assembly;said piston being connected to said connecting rod for imparting rotational movement to said crankshaft assembly;said crankshaft assembly including a component which rotates therewith and is subjected to centrifugal force during the rotation; and,a crankcase venting system including: a channel formed in said component leading from said interior space to vent said interior space to a location external of said interior space; and, a shutoff device arranged in said channel and being transferable between a first state wherein said channel is closed to said location and a second state wherein said shut-off device responds to said centrifugal force during said rotation and clears said channel to said location.