Patent ID: 8511274
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: F01M

Abstract:
1. A pressure regulator for a lubrication system of an internal combustion engine, comprising: a housing in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid line and a reservoir; a pressure relief valve in the housing having an open position that creates a flow path between the pressurized fluid line and the reservoir, and a closed position; wherein the pressure relief valve is configured to open when an opening force exerted on the pressure relief valve by pressurized fluid entering the housing overcomes a closing force acting on the pressure relief valve, allowing pressurized fluid to flow from the pressurized fluid line to the reservoir to reduce pressure in the pressurized fluid line; and a governor coupled to the pressure relief valve, wherein the governor is configured to regulate the pressure in the pressurized fluid line by selectively adjusting the closing force exerted on the pressure relief valve based on engine speed, wherein the governor includes a rotatable shaft extending into the housing, and a bearing assembly slidably mounted on the rotatable shaft, and wherein a distal surface of the bearing assembly contacts a biasing mechanism coupling the governor with the pressure relief valve.