Transparent radiator hose

The transparent radiator hose is configured for use with the engine cooling system of a vehicle. The transparent radiator hose diagnoses the interchange of the cooling fluid pumped through the engine cooling system with a system fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid. The transparent radiator hose comprises a modified radiator hose, a plurality of tracer dyes and an ultraviolet lamp. Each tracer dye is a fluorescent compound. There is a one to one relationship between the plurality of tracer dyes and the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid. The modified radiator hose transports the cooling fluid used to cool the combustion engine. The modified radiator hose is partially transparent such that the cooling fluid can be seen through the modified radiator hose. The ultraviolet lamp generates ultraviolet radiation.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of engines and pumps including the cooling of internal combustion engines, more specifically, an arrangement for liquid-carrying pipes and hoses. (F01P11/04 and F01P11/14)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The transparent radiator hose is a diagnostic tool. The transparent radiator hose is a hose configured for use with the engine cooling system of the combustion engine of a vehicle. The transparent radiator hose diagnoses the interchange of the cooling fluid pumped through the engine cooling system of the combustion engine with a system fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid. The transparent radiator hose comprises a modified radiator hose, a plurality of tracer dyes and an ultraviolet lamp. Each tracer dye selected from the plurality of tracer dyes is a compound that fluoresces when exposed (stimulated) by an ultraviolet light. Any first tracer dye selected from the plurality of tracer dyes fluoresces with a hue that is different from any second tracer dye selected from the plurality of tracer dyes. There is a one to one relationship between the plurality of tracer dyes and the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid. The modified radiator hose is a hose that transports the cooling fluid used to cool the combustion engine. The modified radiator hose is partially transparent such that the cooling fluid can be seen as it moves through the modified radiator hose. The ultraviolet lamp is a lamp that generates ultraviolet radiation.

The theory of operation of the transparent radiator hose is described in this paragraph. Each of the plurality of tracer dyes is introduced into a fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid. Each selected fluid receives a selected tracer dye with a hue that is distinct from the other tracer dyes contained in the plurality of tracer dyes. In the circumstance that the vehicle systems fail such that a fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid is exchanged with the cooling fluid of the engine cooling system, the selected tracer dye will also be introduced into the system. Any tracer dye flowing through the engine cooling system will be fluoresced by an ultraviolet light that passes through the transparent portion of the modified radiator hose. The fluorescence is such that any leak can be seen through the transparent portion of the modified radiator hose. The leaked fluid can be identified by the hue of the generated fluorescence.

These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the transparent radiator hose will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The transparent radiator hose100(hereinafter invention) is a diagnostic tool. The invention100is a hose configured for use with the engine cooling system of the combustion engine of a vehicle. The invention100diagnoses the interchange of the cooling fluid pumped through the engine cooling system of the combustion engine with a system fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid. The invention100comprises a modified radiator hose101, a plurality of tracer dyes102and an ultraviolet lamp103. Each tracer dye selected from the plurality of tracer dyes is a compound that fluoresces when exposed (stimulated) by an ultraviolet light. Any first tracer dye selected from the plurality of tracer dyes102fluoresces with a hue that is different from any second tracer dye selected from the plurality of tracer dyes102. There is a one to one relationship between the plurality of tracer dyes102and the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid. The modified radiator hose101is a hose that transports the cooling fluid used to cool the combustion engine. The modified radiator hose101is partially transparent such that the cooling fluid can be seen as it moves through the modified radiator hose101. The ultraviolet lamp103is a lamp that generates ultraviolet radiation.

This paragraph describes the theory of operation of the invention100. Each of the plurality of tracer dyes102is introduced into a fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid. Each selected fluid receives a selected tracer dye with a hue that is distinct from the other tracer dyes contained in the plurality of tracer dyes102. In the circumstance that a vehicle system fails such that a fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid is exchanged with the cooling fluid of the engine cooling system, the selected tracer dye will also be introduced into the cooling system. Any tracer dye flowing through the engine cooling system will be fluoresced by an ultraviolet light that passes through the transparent portion of the modified radiator hose101. The fluorescence is such that any leak can be seen through the transparent portion of the modified radiator hose101. The leaked fluid can be identified by the hue of the generated fluorescence.

The modified radiator hose101transports the cooling fluid of the engine cooling system from the radiator into the combustion engine of a vehicle. The size, form factor, and the transport capability of the modified radiator hose101is customized to the make and model of the vehicle. A portion of the modified radiator hose101is transparent such that the cooling fluid of the engine cooling system can be viewed as the cooling fluid is pumped through the engine cooling system of the vehicle. The modified radiator hose101comprises a base hose111, a viewing window112, and a gasket113.

The base hose111is a hose. The base hose111installs in the cooling system of the combustion engine of the vehicle such that the base hose111physically transports the cooling fluid through a portion of the cooling system. The specifications of the base hose111are customized to the make and model of engine cooling system of the combustion engine of the make and model of the vehicle.

The viewing window112is a transparent hemispherical structure. The viewing window112is configured to allow visible and ultraviolet radiation to pass through the viewing window112. The viewing window112attaches to the lateral face of the base hose111such that the cooling fluid of the engine cooling system is visible as the cooling fluid flows through the cooling system. The position of the viewing window112is such that ultraviolet radiation generated by the ultraviolet lamp103can shine into the cooling fluid of the engine cooling system thereby illuminating any tracer dye selected from the plurality of tracer dyes102that may be in the cooling fluid.

The applicant prefers that the viewing window112be formed from poly(methyl methacrylic) (CAS 9011-14-7). The use of poly(methyl methacrylic) (CAS 9011-14-7) is preferred because of the durability and heat resistance of poly(methyl methacrylic) (CAS 9011-14-7).

In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the viewing window112is formed with a scale114. The scale114is an engraving etched on the surface of the viewing window112. The scale114forms a set of markings that help in the identification of a tracer dye in the cooling fluid of the engine cooling system. Specifically, the scale114that allows a viewer to see the motion of the tracer dye through the cooling system of the combustion engine. The scale114allows the viewer to readily identify false indications of leaks from reflections created by turbulent flow within the cooling fluid of the engine cooling system.

The gasket113is a fluid impermeable seal that attaches the viewing window112to the lateral face of the base hose111. The gasket113: a) secures the viewing window112in position; and, b) prevents the leakage of cooling fluid of the engine cooling system from the base hose111.

Each of the plurality of tracer dyes102is a chemical compound. Each of the plurality of tracer dyes102contains a fluorescent dye. Each of the plurality of tracer dyes102is soluble in a fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid. Any tracer dye selected from the plurality of tracer dyes102has a fluorescent hue that differs from the fluorescent hue of the tracer dyes remaining in the plurality of tracer dyes102.

There is a one to one correspondence between each tracer dye selected from the plurality of tracer dyes102and a fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid. Each of the plurality of tracer dyes102is mixed into a solution with a fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid. Each of the plurality of tracer dyes102remains within its selected fluid during the operation of the vehicle. Should a leak develop between the cooling system of the combustion engine of the vehicle and a system supported by the selected fluid, then an exchange of the fluid containing the selected tracer dye and the cooling fluid will occur. This exchange of fluid will cause the transport of the selected tracer dye into the cooling fluid of the engine cooling system.

Tracer dyes suitable for use in the plurality of tracer dyes102are well-known and documented in the automotive repair arts.

The ultraviolet lamp103is a device that illuminates a space with ultraviolet radiation. The ultraviolet radiation generated by the ultraviolet lamp103is used to stimulate the fluorescent dye used in each of the plurality of tracer dyes102.

As the tracer dye associated with any fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid moves through the viewing window112, the fluorescent dye of selected tracer dye can be stimulated by shining ultraviolet radiation through the viewing window112into the cooling fluid of the engine cooling system thereby illuminating the fluorescent dye.

The illumination of the fluorescent dye indicates that the cooling system of the combustion engine of a vehicle has a leak. The hue of the illumination of the fluorescent dye indicates that the fluid selected from the group consisting of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, and the power steering fluid that has leaked into the cooling fluid of the engine cooling system.

The following definitions were used in this disclosure:

Color: As used in this disclosure, a color refers to the visible portion of the spectrum that is reflected off of an object that is exposed to an external source of electromagnetic radiation. A color is often referred to as a shade.

Congruent: As used in this disclosure, congruent is a term that compares a first object to a second object. Specifically, two objects are said to be congruent when: 1) they are geometrically similar; and, 2) the first object can be superimposed over the second object such that the first object aligns, within manufacturing tolerances, with the second object. Always use Geometrically similar, correspond and one to one

Combustion engine: As used in this disclosure, a combustion engine is an engine powered by burning fuel within the engine. Two common examples would be: 1) internal combustion engines; and, 2) engines designed with one or more cylinders where combustion takes place within the cylinder.

Engine: As used in this disclosure, an engine is a device with moving parts that is used to convert energy into rotational or linear motion.

Engraving: As used in this disclosure, an engraving refers to the formation of an image in a surface by removing material along the surface to form a negative space. The verb to etch refers to the process of forming the engraving in the surface.

Fluorescence: As used in this disclosure, fluorescence is the emission of electromagnetic radiation, especially visible light, resulting from the absorption of stimulating radiation and persisting only so long as the stimulating radiation is continued. In a secondary usage, fluorescence will also refer to the electromagnetic radiation that is emitted as described above.

Fluorescent: As used in this disclosure, fluorescent is an adjective that is used to describe an object that exhibits or is capable of exhibiting fluorescence.

Gasket: As used in this disclosure, a gasket is an elastomeric material that is placed between a first surface and a second surface for the purpose of: 1) creating a liquid or gas impermeable seal between the first surface and the second surface; or, 2) preventing the first surface from damaging the second surface (or vice versa).

Hemisphere: As used in this disclosure, a hemisphere is a structure formed in the shape of a half a sphere. Such a structure would be described as hemispherical.

Hose: As used in this disclosure, a hose is a flexible hollow prism-shaped device that is used for transporting liquids and gases. When referring to a hose in this disclosure, the terms inner diameter and outer diameter are used as they would be used by those skilled in the plumbing arts.

Hue: As used in this disclosure, a hue refers to a color.

Scale: As used in this disclosure, refers to a visual system of ordered markings that are used as a reference for measurement.

Spectrum: As used in this disclosure, a spectrum refers to the distribution and amplitude of the component frequencies of a source of electromagnetic radiation. Spectrums are typically organized and displayed by frequency or frequency range.

Transparent: As used in this disclosure, transparent refers to a material that allows light to pass through the material without significant scattering such that an object can be clearly seen through the material.

Ultraviolet Light: As used in this disclosure, ultraviolet light is understood to be electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength lesser than visible light. In general usage, ultraviolet light is taken to mean electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength less than 400 nm.

UV: As used in this disclosure, UV is an abbreviation for ultraviolet.

Vehicle: As used in this disclosure, a vehicle is a motorized device that is used for transporting passengers, goods, or equipment. The term motorized vehicle refers to a vehicle can move under power provided by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.

Window: As used in this disclosure, a window is an opening is formed in a structure that is fitted with glass or other transparent material in a frame to that allows the passage of light through the structure.