Patent ID: 6227153
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: F01P

Abstract:
An engine cooling apparatus operable for reducing the amount of time necessary to cool an engine from its normal operating temperatures to a lower temperature wherein maintenance operations may be safely accomplished, the apparatus comprising:a radiator in fluid communication with an engine;a pump operable to pump fluid between the engine and the radiator to transfer heat from the engine to the radiator;a fan operable to move air past the radiator to transfer heat from the radiator to the air, the fan having a first and a second cooling speed, the first cooling speed being the speed at which the fan operates, as the engine is operating, to cool the engine to its normal operating temperatures, the second cooling speed being higher than the first cooling speed for transferring heat, as the engine is operating, at a higher rate than the first cooling speed;a sensor operable to measure temperature indicative of engine temperature and to produce a corresponding temperature signal;a controller operatively connected to the fan, the sensor and the engine and having an input for receiving a maintenance cool down signal;logic within the controller operable to produce a signal for placing the fan in the second cooling speed upon receipt of the maintenance cool down signal; andlogic within the controller operable to deactivate the engine when the measured temperature drops below a predetermined value after receipt of the maintenance cool down signal to enable maintenance to be performed on the engine.