Patent ID: 8371279
Filing Date: 2013-02-12
Classification: F01M,F02B,F15B,F16K

Abstract:
1. An internal combustion engine comprising: a crankcase having a crankcase pressure defined within the crankcase relative to an ambient pressure, the crankcase pressure varying in response to operation of the internal combustion engine; an oil sump pump in fluid communication with the crankcase, the oil sump pump operable to remove oil and air from the crankcase to reduce the crankcase pressure; a crankcase pressure regulator in fluid communication with the crankcase, the crankcase pressure regulator including, an oil tank; a scavenge discharge line that provides fluid communication between the crankcase, the oil sump pump, and the oil tank; an oil supply pump operable to supply oil to the crankcase; and a crankcase breather line including a first portion that extends between the crankcase pressure regulator and the crankcase to provide fluid communication between the crankcase and the crankcase pressure regulator, and a second portion that extends between the crankcase pressure regulator and the oil tank to provide fluid communication between the crankcase pressure regulator and the oil tank, wherein when the crankcase pressure is less than a first predetermined pressure, the first valve moves from the closed position to the open position to allow a fluid flow into the crankcase through the first passageway while the second valve remains in the closed position to inhibit fluid flow through the second passageway, wherein when the crankcase pressure is greater than a second predetermined pressure, the second valve moves from the closed position to the open position to allow a fluid flow from the crankcase through the second passageway while the first valve remains in the closed position to inhibit fluid flow through the first passageway, and wherein the second predetermined pressure is greater than the first predetermined pressure.