US3872842A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Speed control system for fan in engine cooling system
Assignee: Kress Corp
•
Filing: 1973-06-14
•
Granted: 1975-03-25
•
Expires: 1993-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A system for controlling the speed of an engine-driven fan that is part of the cooling system for the driving engine. The fandrive system includes a pair of sheaves interconnected by a drive belt, with one sheave being driven by the engine and the other sheave driving the fan. Both sheaves are pneumatically adjustable to vary the depth of the belt groove, thereby adjusting the effective diameter of the sheave. A pneumatic control system connected to the sheaves maintains both sheaves at minimum effective diameters when the engine temperature is below a first predetermined level, so that the drive belt is slack to prevent driving of the fan, so that the fan does not use any power when its cooling effect is not needed. When the engine temperature reaches the first predetermined level, the pneumatic control system increases the effective diameter of one of the sheaves to drive the fan at a first fan speed/engine speed ratio. When the engine temperature reaches a second, higher predetermined level, the pneumatic control system increases the effective diameter of the other sheave to drive the fan at a higher fan speed/engine speed ratio. The pneumatic control system also includes a governor-operated valve which monitors the engine speed and responds to a predetermined engine speed, when the fan is operating at the higher fan speed/engine speed ratio, to change the effective diameters of the sheaves to reduce the fan speed/engine speed ratio. This reduction in the speed ratio at high engine speeds is desirable because the efficiency of the torque converter is increased at the higher engine speed, so less cooling capacity is required.
Inventors
- 👤 Jackson C Medley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 01:40
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01P; F01P7/00; F01P7/02; F01P7/04; F01P7/046
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
303 words
A speed control system for an engine-driven fan that is part of the cooling system for the driving engine, said speed control system comprising the combination of a. a pair of sheaves one of which is connected to said engine anD the other of which is secured to a shaft carrying the fan, each of said sheaves including 1. a fixed sheave member, 2. a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave, 3. and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. a drive belt trained around the two sheaves for driving the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the effective diameters of the sheaves as well as the engine speed, d. a pair of thermostatically operated valves connected between the source of fluid pressure and the adjusting means of the two sheaves with the thermostats of the two valves sensing the engine temperature, said valves being 1. responsive to engine temperatures above said first predetermined level and below a second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the fan sheave to increase the effective diameter of the fan sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a first predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed, 2. and responsive to engine temperatures above said second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the engine sheave to increase the effective diameter of the engine sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a second predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed to increase the fan speed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
303 words
A speed control system for an engine-driven fan that is part of the cooling system for the driving engine, said speed control system comprising the combination of a. a pair of sheaves one of which is connected to said engine anD the other of which is secured to a shaft carrying the fan, each of said sheaves including 1. a fixed sheave member, 2. a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave, 3. and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. a drive belt trained around the two sheaves for driving the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the effective diameters of the sheaves as well as the engine speed, d. a pair of thermostatically operated valves connected between the source of fluid pressure and the adjusting means of the two sheaves with the thermostats of the two valves sensing the engine temperature, said valves being 1. responsive to engine temperatures above said first predetermined level and below a second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the fan sheave to increase the effective diameter of the fan sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a first predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed, 2. and responsive to engine temperatures above said second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the engine sheave to increase the effective diameter of the engine sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a second predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed to increase the fan speed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
and responsive to engine temperatures above said first predetermined level and below a second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the fan sheave to increase the effective diameter of the fan sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
and responsive to engine temperatures above said first predetermined level and below a second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the fan sheave to increase the effective diameter of the fan sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave,
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave,
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave,
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave,
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave,
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave,
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the engine sheave in response to engine temperatures above said second predetermined level to increase the effective diameter of the engine sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a second predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed to increase the fan speed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
56 words
connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the engine sheave in response to engine temperatures above said second predetermined level to increase the effective diameter of the engine sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a second predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed to increase the fan speed.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave,
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave,
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
57 words
and responsive to engine temperatures above said second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the engine sheave to increase the effective diameter of the engine sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a second predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed to increase the fan speed.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
57 words
and responsive to engine temperatures above said second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the engine sheave to increase the effective diameter of the engine sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a second predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed to increase the fan speed.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
45 words
A speed control system as set forth in claim 1 which includes means responsive to a preselected engine speed for adjusting the fluid pressure on the adjusting means of at least one of said sheaves to reduce the ratio of fan speed to engine speed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave,
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
a movable sheave member mounted for axial movement relative to the fixed sheave member for varying the effective diameter of the sheave,
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
57 words
responsive to engine temperatures above said first predetermined level and below a second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the fan sheave to increase the effective diameter of the fan sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a first predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed,
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
57 words
responsive to engine temperatures above said first predetermined level and below a second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the fan sheave to increase the effective diameter of the fan sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a first predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed,
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
64 words
A speed control system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said means responsive to the preselected engine speed adjusts the fluid pressure on the adjusting means of both of said sheaves to increase the effective diameter of the one sheave and reduce the effective diameter of the other sheave to effect the desired reduction in the ratio of fan speed to engine speed.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
100 words
and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. a drive belt trained around the two sheaves for driving the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the effective diameters of the sheaves as well as the engine speed, d. a pair of thermostatically operated valves connected between the source of fluid pressure and the adjusting means of the two sheaves with the thermostats of the two valves sensing the engine temperature, said valves being
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
100 words
and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. a drive belt trained around the two sheaves for driving the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the effective diameters of the sheaves as well as the engine speed, d. a pair of thermostatically operated valves connected between the source of fluid pressure and the adjusting means of the two sheaves with the thermostats of the two valves sensing the engine temperature, said valves being
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
98 words
and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. a drive belt trained around the two sheaves for driving the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the engine speed and the effective diameters of the sheaves, d. a pair of thermostatically operated valves connected between the source of fluid pressure and the adjusting means of the two sheaves with the thermostats of the two valves sensing the engine temperature, said valves being
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
98 words
and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. a drive belt trained around the two sheaves for driving the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the engine speed and the effective diameters of the sheaves, d. a pair of thermostatically operated valves connected between the source of fluid pressure and the adjusting means of the two sheaves with the thermostats of the two valves sensing the engine temperature, said valves being
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
98 words
and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. a drive belt trained around the two sheaves for driving the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the engine speed and the effective diameters of the sheaves, d. a pair of thermostatically operated valves connected between the source of fluid pressure and the adjusting means of the two sheaves with the thermostats of the two valves sensing the engIne temperature, said valves being
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
98 words
and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. a drive belt trained around the two sheaves for driving the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the engine speed and the effective diameters of the sheaves, d. a pair of thermostatically operated valves connected between the source of fluid pressure and the adjusting means of the two sheaves with the thermostats of the two valves sensing the engIne temperature, said valves being
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
111 words
and responsive to engine temperatures above said second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the engine sheave to increase the effective diameter of the engine sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a second predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed to increase the fan speed, e. and a governor responsive to the fan speed for varying the adjusting means of the fan sheave at fan speeds above a predetermined level to increase the effective diameter of the fan sheave and thereby reduce the effective diameter of the engine sheave to reduce the ratio of fan speed to engine speed.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
111 words
and responsive to engine temperatures above said second predetermined level for connecting said pressure source to the adjusting means of the engine sheave to increase the effective diameter of the engine sheave and thereby drive the fan at a speed corresponding to a second predetermined ratio of fan speed to engine speed to increase the fan speed, e. and a governor responsive to the fan speed for varying the adjusting means of the fan sheave at fan speeds above a predetermined level to increase the effective diameter of the fan sheave and thereby reduce the effective diameter of the engine sheave to reduce the ratio of fan speed to engine speed.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
65 words
and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. providing a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. training a drive belt around the two sheaves to drive the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the effective diameters of the sheaves as well as the engine speed,
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
65 words
and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. providing a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. training a drive belt around the two sheaves to drive the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the effective diameters of the sheaves as well as the engine speed,
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
160 words
and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. a drive belt trained around the two sheaves for driving the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the engine speed and the effective diameters of the sheaves, d. a pair of pressure regulating valves each of which is connected between the source of fluid pressure and the adjusting means of one of said sheaves for maintaining a preselected constant pressure on the movable members of the respective sheaves, e. and a pair of thermostatically operated valves each of which is connected between one of said pressure regulating valves and the adjusting means of the corresponding sheave with the thermostats of the two valves sensing the engine temperature, said thermostatically operated valves adjusting the effective diameters of the two sheaves in response to different engine temperatures.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
160 words
and fluid pressure-operated adjusting means connected to the movable sheave member for adjusting the axial position thereof, b. a source of fluid pressure for operating said adjusting means, c. a drive belt trained around the two sheaves for driving the fan from the engine with the speed of the fan depending on the engine speed and the effective diameters of the sheaves, d. a pair of pressure regulating valves each of which is connected between the source of fluid pressure and the adjusting means of one of said sheaves for maintaining a preselected constant pressure on the movable members of the respective sheaves, e. and a pair of thermostatically operated valves each of which is connected between one of said pressure regulating valves and the adjusting means of the corresponding sheave with the thermostats of the two valves sensing the engine temperature, said thermostatically operated valves adjusting the effective diameters of the two sheaves in response to different engine temperatures.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
39 words
A speed control system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said means responsive to the preselected engine speed continuously reduces the ratio of fan speed to engine speed with continuing increases in engine speed above said preselected speed.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
33 words
A speed control system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said engine is connected to a torque converter, and said preselected engine speed is the speed corresponding to 70 percent converter efficiency.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
33 words
A speed control system as set forth in claim 1 which includes means for terminating the driving of the fan in response to engine temperatures below said first predetermined level of engine temperature.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
58 words
A speed control system for an engine-driven fan that is part of the cooling system for the driving engine, said speed control system comprising the combination of: a. a pair of sheaves one of which is connected to said engine and the other of which is secured to a shaft carrying the fan, each of said sheaves including
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
58 words
A speed control system for an engine-driven fan that is part of the cooling system for the driving engine, said speed control system comprising the combination of: a. a pair of sheaves one of which is connected to said engine and the other of which is secured to a shaft carrying the fan, each of said sheaves including
Claim 40
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of controlling the speed of an engine-driven fan that is part of the cooling system for the driving engine, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a pair of sheaves one of which is connected to said engine and the other of which is secured to a shaft carrying the fan, each of said sheaves including
Claim 41
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of controlling the speed of an engine-driven fan that is part of the cooling system for the driving engine, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a pair of sheaves one of which is connected to said engine and the other of which is secured to a shaft carrying the fan, each of said sheaves including
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
47 words
A speed control method as set forth in claim 8 which includes the step of adjusting the fluid pressure on the adjusting means of at least one of said sheaves in response to a preselected engine speed to reduce the ratio of fan speed to engine speed.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
32 words
A speed control method as set forth in claim 9 wherein the ratio of fan speed to engine speed is continuously reduced with continuing increases in engine speed above said preselected speed.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
33 words
A speed control method as set forth in claim 9 wherein said engine is connected to a torque converter, and said preselected engine speed is the speed corresponding to 70 percent converter efficiency.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
34 words
A speed control method as set forth in claim 8 which includes the step of terminating the driving of the fan in response to engine temperatures below said first predetermined level of engine temperature.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
58 words
A speed control system for an engine-driven fan that is part of the cooling system for the driving engine, said speed control syStem comprising the combination of: a. a pair of sheaves one of which is connected to said engine and the other of which is secured to a shaft carrying the fan, each of said sheaves including
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
58 words
A speed control system for an engine-driven fan that is part of the cooling system for the driving engine, said speed control syStem comprising the combination of: a. a pair of sheaves one of which is connected to said engine and the other of which is secured to a shaft carrying the fan, each of said sheaves including
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
25 words
A speed control system as set forth in claim 13 wherein said pressure regulating valves are adjustable to permit selection of different preselected constant pressures.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
58 words
A speed control system for an engine-driven fan that is part of the cooling system for the driving engine, said speed control system comprising the combination of: a. a pair of sheaves one of which is connected to said engine and the other of which is secured to a shaft carrying the fan, each of said sheaves including
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
58 words
A speed control system for an engine-driven fan that is part of the cooling system for the driving engine, said speed control system comprising the combination of: a. a pair of sheaves one of which is connected to said engine and the other of which is secured to a shaft carrying the fan, each of said sheaves including
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-24 | 1978-09-23 | 1979-03-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-24 | 1982-09-23 | 1983-03-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-24 | 1986-09-23 | 1987-03-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |