U.S. patent application number 13/492112 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-12 for variable fluid flow techniques for machine fluid systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to RPM Industries, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is John K. Apostolides, John J. McCosby, Carl Preston Shaffer. Invention is credited to John K. Apostolides, John J. McCosby, Carl Preston Shaffer.
Application Number | 20130330205 13/492112 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49712656 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130330205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Apostolides; John K. ; et
al. |
December 12, 2013 |
VARIABLE FLUID FLOW TECHNIQUES FOR MACHINE FLUID SYSTEMS
Abstract
Methods, systems, and techniques for structuring, operating,
and/or controlling a variable fluid flow system of a machine are
provided. In various embodiments, a supplemental pump and/or an
electric motor can be leveraged in combination with the existing
components of a machine, such as the main fluid pump of the
machine.
Inventors: |
Apostolides; John K.;
(Pittsburgh, PA) ; McCosby; John J.; (Washington,
PA) ; Shaffer; Carl Preston; (Columbus, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apostolides; John K.
McCosby; John J.
Shaffer; Carl Preston |
Pittsburgh
Washington
Columbus |
PA
PA
IN |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
RPM Industries, LLC
Washington
PA
|
Family ID: |
49712656 |
Appl. No.: |
13/492112 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/12 ; 417/1;
417/13; 417/32; 417/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01M 2001/123 20130101;
F04B 23/04 20130101; F01M 5/025 20130101; F01M 1/18 20130101; F01M
2005/026 20130101; F01M 1/16 20130101; F04B 49/065 20130101; F04B
53/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/12 ; 417/1;
417/32; 417/42; 417/13 |
International
Class: |
F04B 53/20 20060101
F04B053/20; F04B 49/00 20060101 F04B049/00; F04B 53/18 20060101
F04B053/18; F04B 23/04 20060101 F04B023/04 |
Claims
1. A fluid flow system comprising: a main pump structured to
provide sufficient fluid flow for at least a highest rated speed of
at least one component of a machine; at least one supplemental pump
connected for fluid communication with the main pump, wherein the
supplemental pump is positioned onboard with respect to the
machine, and wherein the supplemental pump is structured to provide
fluid flow at multiple speeds for at least one component of the
machine or to provide fluid flow for multiple loading conditions of
at least one component the machine; and, a control module
programmed to activate or deactivate the supplemental pump or the
main pump in association with a triggering condition.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
supplemental filter apparatus positioned in fluidic series with the
supplemental pump, wherein the supplemental filter apparatus is
structured with: (i) an inlet to receive fluid flow from the
supplemental pump; and, (ii) an outlet to direct fluid flow to at
least a portion of a fluid reservoir system of the machine.
3. The system of claim 3, wherein the supplemental filter apparatus
includes at least one fine filtration medium.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the supplemental pump includes a
pre-lubrication pump.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the triggering condition includes
at least one of a threshold fluid temperature or a threshold fluid
pressure.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the triggering condition includes
a threshold machine speed.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the triggering condition includes
a threshold fluid contaminant level.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the triggering condition includes
a threshold time duration of operation.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the triggering condition includes
an injection timing variable.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the triggering condition
includes a fuel consumption value.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the triggering condition
includes a filter condition.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the control module is programmed
to activate or deactivate the supplemental pump during operation of
the machine.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the control module is programmed
to process time stamp data associated with at least one component
of the machine.
14. A method for directing fluid flow in a machine, the method
comprising: structuring a main pump of a machine to provide
sufficient fluid flow for at least a highest rated speed of at
least one component of the machine; connecting a supplemental pump
for fluid communication with the main pump and positioning the
supplemental pump onboard with respect to the machine; structuring
the supplemental pump to provide fluid flow at multiple speeds for
at least one component of the machine or to provide fluid flow for
multiple loading conditions of at least one component of the
machine; and, activating or deactivating, with a control module,
the supplemental pump or the main pump in association with a
triggering condition.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning at least
one supplemental filter apparatus in fluidic series with the
supplemental pump, wherein the supplemental filter apparatus
includes: (i) an inlet to receive fluid flow from the supplemental
pump; and, (ii) an outlet to direct fluid flow to at least a
portion of a fluid reservoir system of the machine.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the supplemental filter
apparatus includes at least one fine filtration medium.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising performing at least
one pre-lubrication operation with the supplemental pump.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising performing at least
one post-lubrication operation with the supplemental pump.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising performing at least
one periodic lubrication operation with the supplemental pump.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising performing at least
one of a fluid refill procedure or a fluid evacuation procedure
with the supplemental pump.
21. The method of claim 14, wherein the triggering condition
includes at least one of a threshold fluid temperature or a
threshold fluid pressure.
22. The method of claim 14, wherein the triggering condition
includes a threshold machine speed.
23. The method of claim 14, wherein the triggering condition
includes a threshold fluid contaminant level.
24. The method of claim 14, wherein the triggering condition
includes a threshold time duration of operation.
25. The method of claim 14, wherein the triggering condition
includes an injection timing variable.
26. The method of claim 14, wherein the triggering condition
includes a fuel consumption value.
27. The method of claim 14, wherein the triggering condition
includes a filter condition.
28. The method of claim 14, further comprising activating or
deactivating, with the control module, the supplemental pump during
operation of the machine.
29. The method of claim 14, further comprising processing, with the
control module, time stamp data in association with at least one
component of the machine.
30. A fluid flow system comprising: a main pump of a machine; an
electric motor operatively associated with the main pump, wherein
the motor is structured to drive the main pump to provide fluid
flow at multiple speeds for at least one component of the machine
or to provide fluid flow at multiple loading conditions of at least
one component of the machine; and, a control module programmed for
activating or deactivating the main pump or the motor in response
to at least one triggering condition.
31. A fluid flow system comprising: a main pump of a machine
structured to be mechanically driven by the machine to deliver
fluid flow for at least one component of the machine; an electric
motor operatively associated with the main pump through a gear box,
wherein the motor is structured to drive the main pump to provide
fluid flow at multiple speeds for at least one component of the
machine or to provide fluid flow at multiple loading conditions of
at least one component of the machine; a control module programmed
for activating or deactivating the main pump or the motor in
response to at least one triggering condition.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Machines such as diesel engine systems used in connection
with construction equipment, earth-moving equipment, transportation
equipment (e.g., locomotives) and the like, are often implemented
in adverse operating conditions. Typical operating conditions for
such equipment can require extensive maintenance, repair, and
overhaul work to sustain the equipment and its components,
including the engine systems. As a consequence of these adverse
equipment operating conditions, certain equipment components may be
exhausted long before the expected end of their useful lives. Such
component exhaustion can occur despite efforts to ensure proper
component installation and maintenance, including periodic
maintenance of equipment oil supply and lubrication systems, as
well as other fluid systems. Also, operating a machine with a
lubrication system that does not adjust lubricant flow by
considering important factors such as engine speed and load level
on the engine can result in excessive fuel consumption.
[0002] Extensive and premature wear of large-capacity diesel
engines, for example, can be caused by a combination of factors,
including poor filtration and contamination of fluids, inadequate
lubrication of components prior to engine ignition, failure to
adhere to prescribed maintenance schedules, failure to collect and
analyze data associated with equipment operation, system
malfunction, general misuse of the equipment, and other factors.
Downtime costs for processing fluid operations for heavy machinery
and other machine fluid systems can be substantial. Accordingly, if
downtime for maintenance in such machines can be minimized, then
substantial economic benefits often result. Reducing downtime for
maintenance can also result in users being more likely to perform
preventative maintenance on a regular basis and in accordance with
a maintenance schedule. In addition, if the machine can be operated
more efficiently at different engine speeds and/or under different
load requirements, then advantages in the form of reduced fuel
costs, for example, can be realized.
[0003] In view of the issues described above, improved strategies,
techniques, methods, and systems are needed for processing and/or
filtering the fluids employed in machine fluid systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a machine
including a variable fluid flow system structured in accordance
with various embodiments of the invention;
[0005] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a machine
including a variable fluid flow system structured in accordance
with various embodiments of the invention;
[0006] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of a machine
including a variable fluid flow system structured in accordance
with various embodiments of the invention;
[0007] FIG. 4 includes a process flow diagram illustrating various
functions or processes that may be performed in association with a
triggering condition;
[0008] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates various data communication
methods and data transmission devices that may be employed in
connection with various embodiments of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a side view in partially schematic form of an
engine that may be employed in connection with various embodiments
of the invention, with portions broken away or not shown for
convenience of disclosure; and,
[0010] FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of a starter and a
pre-ignition oil pump mechanism structured for use in connection
with the engine of FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION
[0011] The inventors have recognized that manufacturers of machines
such as engines traditionally have implemented relatively simple,
fixed ratio fluid pump and drive systems. Such systems are designed
to produce output fluid flow that increases with machine rotational
speed. However, because fluid flow requirements are a function of
machine loading, among other variables, the actual amount of fluid
flow needed can decrease with engine speed, for example. Since the
flow output of an engine is typically a fixed characteristic, the
machine manufacturer is generally forced to design a fluid pump and
drive system (e.g., lubrication pump) that under most operating
conditions (e.g., different engine speeds or loads) yields more
fluid flow than is actually needed to provide sufficient flow to
lubricate bearings and other machine components. Also, fluid
requirements can change as the machine is operated throughout its
useful life and components become worn or clearances increase. For
example, an engine lubrication pump designed to supply sufficient
flow at the lowest engine speed at which high torque occurs when
the engine is worn may supply twice as much or more fluid flow than
would have been needed at the engine's highest rated speed when the
engine was new. Such excess fluid flow can produce extra pressure
at a fluid pump outlet, unless the excess fluid is removed to a
sump through a relief valve that is located within a relatively
short distance of the pump outlet. The inventors have recognized
that the combination of excess flow and excess pressure may mean
that an engine-driven lubrication pump needs to consume two to
three times more parasitic power from the engine than would be
required if the pump could be adjusted to deliver sufficient flow
under different engine operating conditions and life cycle stages.
Among other benefits, it can be seen that reducing parasitic power
loss can increase engine fuel efficiency which consequently results
in significant fuel cost savings.
[0012] In many of the various embodiments of the invention
described herein, methods, systems, and techniques for structuring,
operating, and/or controlling a variable fluid flow system are
provided for different types of machines. In various embodiments, a
pump of a machine may be driven by a variable speed electric motor,
so that it delivers sufficient fluid flow to meet the needs of the
machine. As applied herein to various embodiments, a "sufficient"
flow may be considered an amount of fluid flow (e.g., selected by a
machine manufacturer) that strikes a balance between delivering
optimal durability of the machine while minimizing parasitic power
loss. In certain embodiments, "sufficient" fluid flow may be within
+/-5% of the actual fluid flow amount required by a machine under
different loads, for example, or under other operating conditions.
For example, sufficient fluid flow may be an amount of fluid that
is within +/-5% of the amount of fluid actually required by the
engine at its highest rated speed. In combination with the
sufficiently sized main pump, a separate pump may be provided to
supply additional flow on an as-needed basis at various engine
speeds and/or under different loading conditions.
[0013] Many embodiments of the invention have the benefit of saving
mechanical horsepower that would otherwise be demanded from the
engine. As described in various embodiments in more detail below,
it can be seen that a mechanical pump may still be present but can
be down-sized to reduce horsepower requirements or reduce fuel
costs. Such a mechanical pump may also provide a certain amount of
lubrication to machine bearings, for example, during emergency
shutdown in the event of motor failure. As applied to the different
embodiments of the invention, motors may be variable speed electric
motors, such as DC (e.g., brushless) or AC (e.g., variable
frequency drive), or a variety of other motors suitable to perform
the functions and operations described herein.
[0014] In certain embodiments, a machine may be provided with an
engine-driven fluid pump (e.g., lubrication pump) and a drive
system designed to produce sufficient flow at a highest rated speed
for the engine. The main pump of the machine may be driven by a
variable speed electric motor, for example, to deliver the fluid
flow required at different engine speeds and/or under different
loading conditions. An electrically driven pump can replace a
previously installed mechanical pump, for example, and become the
main lubrication pump. In certain embodiments, an undersized
engine-driven pump can be coupled to a variable speed motor to
boost the pump speed in relation to engine speed as needed. The
motor may be coupled to the engine-driven pump by driving the
normally-fixed portion of a planetary gear arrangement (e.g., a
gear box)) to deliver fluid flow as needed at various engine speeds
and/or loading conditions.
[0015] It can be appreciated that various embodiments of the
invention may provide a built-in supplemental pumping capacity for
a machine. For example, various embodiments include a fluid pump
that can be operated without operating the engine or that otherwise
operate independently of the engine. The fluid flow from such pumps
can be communicated through the engine for prelubrication fluid
functions (e.g., lubricate before starting) or post-lubrication
fluid functions (e.g., lubricate after shutdown). In another
example, in fluid evacuation operations, dirty or used oil can be
pumped out of the engine using the fluid pump. Likewise, in fluid
replacement operations, clean oil can be pumped back into the
engine by using the fluid pump. The fluid pump may also be
structured to provide an interface for filter purge operations,
which may involve pumping air into the machine fluid system to
remove fluid or other debris from a filter within the fluid system.
In other examples, the fluid pump may be incorporated into a fluid
system that performs post-lubrication (e.g., circulate oil for
turbocharger bearing cooling), periodic prelubrication (e.g., for
stand-by generators, backup generators, gen-set arrangements, or
other applications that require substantially immediate start up
and cannot allow time for a pump to pre-lubricate the machine
before starting), and/or parallel prelubrication (to provide oil
pressure in connection with activation of the engine starter). In
other examples, the variable output of different fluid pumps allows
for the deployment of various machine accessories (e.g., a fan
clutch) to use a greater quantity of machine fluid while adding
substantially no parasitic power loss to the system when additional
fluid flow is not needed.
[0016] Various embodiments of the invention may employ one or more
control modules to perform various tasks or functions in
association with operation of the machine. The control module may
be programmed to activate or deactivate the supplemental pump
and/or the motor, for example, in association with detecting the
existence of one or more kinds of triggering conditions. Such
triggering conditions may be associated with a condition of the
fluid (e.g., viscosity or the presence of contaminants), an
operational state of one or more components of the machine (e.g.,
engine speed or main pump pressure), occurrence of a predetermined
event (e.g., a fixed time), and/or a variety of other potential
triggering conditions or events. One or more sensors may be
operatively associated with the control module to detect and to
provide signals indicative of machine conditions or fluid
conditions in connection with operation of the machine or the
supplemental pump, for example. In various embodiments, operation
of the supplemental pump may provide the function or effect of a
"kidney loop" arrangement, as that term is understood by those
skilled in the art of performing fluid processes or other
maintenance on machines, including heavy machinery.
[0017] The term "machine" as applied herein may include any
equipment suitable for use in accordance with the present
techniques, methods, and systems. Examples of "machines" as applied
herein can include, without limitation, lubrication systems,
engines, diesel engines, large-scale diesel engines, motors,
rotating equipment, generators, aircraft engines, emergency
machines, emergency generators, compressors, equipment that
includes a machine (e.g., such as mining equipment, construction
equipment, marine equipment, aircraft, etc.), and many other
machines. As described in various portions of the present
disclosure, the example of an "engine" is employed for convenience
of disclosure in describing various embodiments and aspects of the
present invention. It can be appreciated by those skilled in the
art, however, that such use of "engine" as one example of a type of
machine is intended merely for convenience of disclosure and is not
necessarily intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0018] Another example of a machine is a "fluid reservoir system"
which may include any reasonable combination of fluid reservoirs,
fluid components such as valves, pumps, conduits, and/or other
components suitable for incorporation into a fluid reservoir
system.
[0019] The term "evacuation" as applied to the systems and methods
disclosed herein may include evacuation of any portion of a fluid
of a machine, a receptacle, a reservoir, or other like
fluid-retaining system or apparatus. Similarly, the term "refill"
as applied to the systems and methods disclosed herein may include
refill of any portion of the fluid capacity of a machine,
receptacle, reservoir, or other like fluid-retaining system or
apparatus.
[0020] The term "valve system" as applied to the systems and
methods disclosed herein may include any combination of valves,
pipes, disconnects, adapters and other like structural components
configured for performing one or more fluid refill and/or fluid
evacuation processes. Examples of valves included within a valve
system may include, without limitation, single-position valves,
multi-position valves (e.g., such as junction block assemblies or
five-way control valves), mechanical valves, electronic valves,
electro-mechanical valves, pneumatic-actuated valves, and/or other
types of valves with or without electronic control for actuating
the various possible open or closed positions of such valves.
[0021] Where suitable and applicable to the various embodiments of
the present systems and methods discussed herein, it can be
appreciated that various components, structures, elements, and
other configurations may be applied or installed in a location
considered external or internal to the operation of a particular
machine. In applicable portions herein in which the use of pumps
and/or supplemental pumps is disclosed, for example, such pumps may
be positioned, installed, or operated as internal components of a
machine and/or as externally positioned components that assist, or
otherwise operate in conjunction with, the functions of the
machine. For example, in certain embodiments a supplemental pump or
other engine component may be considered "onboard" or "off board"
with respect to the machine.
[0022] As employed herein, the term "type" or "kind" used with
regard to various fluids discussed herein is intended to
distinguish different types or kinds of fluids between/among each
other. For example, oil is considered one "type" of fluid,
transmission fluid is considered another, different "type" of
fluid, and hydraulic fluid is considered another, different "type"
of fluid. It should be noted, for example, that a used amount of a
"type" of fluid is not considered different with respect to a clean
or fresh fluid of the same "type" (e.g., clean oil used in a fluid
refill or replacement process for a machine is not considered a
different "type" of fluid with respect to the used oil drained from
the machine during a fluid evacuation process).
[0023] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example arrangement of a
machine 102 including a supplemental pump 104 and a supplemental
filter apparatus 106 in accordance with various embodiments of the
invention. As shown, the machine 102 may include an engine 108
comprising one or more fluid reservoirs 110 (e.g., hydraulic fluid
reservoir 110A, transmission fluid reservoir 110B, oil sump 110C,
or various other fluid reservoirs 110D). The engine 108 may also
include a main pump 112 that performs primary fluid processing for
the engine 108, such as pumping oil, air, or other fluids through
the engine 108, for example. One or more filters 114 may be
included in the engine, as well as potentially a variety of other
engine components 116. In various embodiments, the supplemental
filter apparatus 106 and/or the filters 114 may include one or more
of an electrical filter, a magnetic filter, a centrifugal filter, a
paper-based filter, or a synthetic filter. In certain embodiments,
the supplemental pump 104 may be positioned onboard or off board
(e.g., as an internal component or an external component) with
respect to the machine 102 and/or the engine 108.
[0024] In various embodiments, the machine 102 may be structured
with one or more fluid components 118. The fluid component 118 may
include one or more of the following fluidic structures, for
example and without limitation: a pump that is off-board with
respect to the machine 102; a pump that is on-board with respect to
the machine 102; a flow control means such as a hand-held device,
for example; a bracket or evacuation bracket; and/or, a
quick-disconnect structure. The fluid component 118 may also be one
or more other types of components, devices, or systems suitable for
supplying positive and/or negative fluid pressure to one or more
fluid inlet ports or fluid outlet ports associated with the fluid
component 118. For example, the fluid component 118 may be employed
to perform one or more types of fluid evacuation processes and/or
fluid refill processes (e.g., oil changes or other machine 102
maintenance operations) in association with different fluid
reservoirs 110, for example, of the machine 102. It can be
appreciated that the fluid component 118 may be positioned in one
or more other places within the fluid system or valve system of the
machine 102.
[0025] In various embodiments, a control module 122 may be
operatively associated with the machine 102 to collect, process,
and/or communicate data indicative of operational states,
triggering conditions, machine 102 conditions, component functions,
events, or other like data. For example, the control module 122 may
be programmed to activate or deactivate the supplemental pump 104;
to receive, transmit, and/or process data signals in communication
with one or more components of the machine 102; and/or, to process
or analyze data communicated from one or more sensors 124A-124D
that can be operatively associated with various parts of the
machine 102. For example, the sensor 124A may be configured to
detect contaminants or other aspects of fluid composition
associated with fluid flow passing through the supplemental filter
apparatus 106. The control module 122 may include one or more
processors or computer systems programmed with software, firmware,
or other computer-executable instructions to perform the various
functions of the control module 122. The control module 122 may be
operatively associated with one or more data transmission devices
132 which may receive and/or store data received or processed by
the control module 122. In certain embodiments, the control module
122 may communicate signals to one or more indicators 142 which
reflect the activity or function of different aspects of the
control module 122. For example, one such indicator 142 may include
a warning light, or an alert graphical display positioned on the
console of a vehicle in which the machine 102 is installed. In
certain embodiments, the control module 122 may activate or
deactivate a valve system or otherwise operate a valve or valve
apparatus in connection with a triggering condition, for
example.
[0026] Referring again to FIG. 1, in the example shown, the engine
108 may include two pumps, the main pump 112 and the supplemental
pump 104. The main pump 112 can be structured or sized to provide
sufficient fluid flow for the engine 108 at approximately its
highest attainable speed or at approximately its highest rated
speed. As applied to different embodiments herein, the term
"approximately" includes a range of values within +/-5% of the
actual value. In various embodiments, the supplemental pump 104 can
be structured to be activated or deactivated as needed to provide
required fluid flow at various engine 108 speeds and/or loading
conditions.
[0027] In various embodiments, the machine 102 may include a fluid
filtration apparatus comprising the supplemental pump 104 and the
supplemental filter apparatus 106. The supplemental pump 104 may be
connected for fluid communication with the main pump 112 of the
engine 108. In certain embodiments, the supplemental pump 104 may
be a pre-lubrication pump or a parallel lubrication pump, for
example. The supplemental pump 104 may be structured for fluid
communication with at least one component of the engine 108, such
as one or more of the fluid reservoirs 110. The supplemental filter
apparatus 106 may be connected to the supplemental pump 104 and
structured with an inlet for receiving fluid flow from the
supplemental pump 104. The supplemental filter apparatus 106 may be
structured with an outlet to direct the fluid flow to one or more
of the fluid reservoirs 110, or other components, of the engine
108. From the outlet or discharge side of the supplemental filter
apparatus 106, fluid may be directed to flow to a primary oil
filter 114 of the engine 108, for example. In various embodiments,
the supplemental filter apparatus 106 may include at least one fine
filtration medium. In certain embodiments, one of the filters 114
of the engine 108 may be positioned between the outlet of the
supplemental filter apparatus 106 and one or more of the fluid
reservoirs 110 of the engine 108.
[0028] In various embodiments, the control module 122 may be
programmed to perform one or more functions upon detecting the
existence of various triggering conditions or other events.
Likewise, the control module 122 may be programmed to perform one
or more functions when a triggering condition is no longer
detected, is out of a predefined parameter range (e.g., 10% above
or 10% below a predefined engine speed), or otherwise no longer
exists as a triggering condition. For example, the control module
122 may be programmed to activate or deactivate the supplemental
pump 104 in association with detecting the existence of a
triggering condition. Examples of potential triggering conditions
may include a combination of one or more of the following:
threshold fluid temperature, threshold fluid pressure, threshold
engine speed, threshold fluid contaminant level, filter condition,
threshold time duration of operation, an injection timing variable,
a fuel consumption value, a predetermined day or time, machine
state of operation. For example, supplemental filtration can be
activated as a function of oil condition, engine 108 hours,
mileage, fuel consumption, and/or engine 108 component speed (e.g.,
as measured in revolutions per minute (RPM)). In certain
embodiments, engine 108 hours may mean total time of operation,
such as operation time between two or more defined points in time,
or time between fluid operations such as oil changes performed on
the engine 108. In another example, the triggering condition which
results in actuating the supplemental pump 104 may involve
detecting a threshold fluid pressure at various points within the
machine 102. Also, supplemental filtration by the supplemental
filter apparatus 106 may be engaged based on condition monitoring
of the fluid, for example, to regulate when and how long the
supplemental pump 104 is activated.
[0029] In another example, fluid condition monitoring may be
performed to detect a triggering condition, such as particle count,
particle accumulation, oxidation level, and/or fluid dilution
level. In various embodiments, a contaminant sensor may be
configured to detect soot levels, for example, or the presence of
other contaminants in a fluid flowing through the machine 102. For
example, a triggering condition may be employed that corresponds
with a maximum soot level that is acceptable for desired or optimum
engine 108 operation, which may be specified by an original
equipment manufacturer or by other engineering specifications. The
control module 122 may be programmed to activate the supplemental
filter apparatus 106 upon reaching the predetermined soot level for
the specifications of a given engine 108. In another example, the
supplemental filter apparatus 106 may function to remove a dilutant
such as water, for example, from oil or fuel employed by the
machine 102.
[0030] In various embodiments, a triggering condition may involve a
deviation from a predetermined range for an engine 108 idle speed,
a turbo boost pressure, a fuel consumption rate, a waste gate
function, or an injection rate, for example. In addition,
calculated values such a fuel-to-air ratio can be considered at
least part of a triggering condition. For example, clogging an air
filter in the engine 108 can cause a change in the fuel-to-air
ratio, in addition to potentially causing the fuel to increase its
soot level. Other factors related to combustion chemistry, or other
phenomena that impact quality of combustion, may also form the
basis for defining a triggering condition. In certain embodiments,
a triggering condition can be logged by the control module 122 as a
fault condition, such as when fluid pressure is too high at the
supplemental filter apparatus 106 perhaps indicating that the
filter medium needs to be cleaned or changed. In addition, a
triggering condition may be accompanied by activating or
deactivating an indicator 142 in connection with the triggering
condition. For example, a high fluid pressure triggering condition
may cause an indicator 142 in the operator area of the machine 102
to activate, signaling to the operator that the filter medium of
the supplemental filter apparatus 106 needs to be changed.
[0031] It can be seen that arrangements such as the one illustrated
in FIG. 1 can provide more than a partial bypass for the machine
102. In one embodiment, the fluid filtration apparatus may be
employed to draw fluid flow from a reservoir or oil sump 110C of
the engine 108, for example, and divert more than 15 percent of the
oil flow through the engine 108 through a two to five micron
supplemental filter apparatus 106 using the main pump 112 of the
engine 108. In various embodiments, the filter apparatus can
provide full flow from the engine 108 through the supplemental
filter apparatus 106 by using the supplemental pump 104.
[0032] There are advantages in determining whether to use the
supplemental pump 104 to direct fluid flow through a filter 114 of
the engine 108 or to an appropriate fluid reservoir 110. For
example, fluid that has passed through the supplemental filter
apparatus 106 may be sufficiently clean so as not to require
further filtering through a filter 114 of the engine 108. In
another example, directing fluid flow with the supplemental pump
104 from the supplemental filter apparatus 106 into a filter 114,
oil rifle, and bearings of the engine 108 can boost oil pressure.
Such a boost in oil pressure may be useful at times when the engine
108 is idling, for example, or during other states of machine 102
operation when a boost in oil pressure or other fluid pressure is
required. It can be seen that this arrangement can boost engine oil
pressure while lowering the power required from the engine 108. In
other words, one of the problems identified by the inventors is
that typically the oil pump on the engine 108 has to be oversized
in order to deliver sufficient lubrication during engine 108 idle.
Accordingly, the oil pump is often oversized to deliver appropriate
pressure at engine 108 idle speed, even though such an oil pump is
larger than it has to be to deliver pressure at comparatively
higher engine 108 speeds achieved during machine 102 operation. In
various embodiments, use of the supplemental pump 104 can serve as
a way to downsize the flow range of the engine pump 112, for
example.
[0033] In various embodiments, the control module 122 may be
programmed to activate the supplemental pump 104 and direct fluid
flow back to the filter 114 to allow for using a smaller engine
primary oil pump and/or reduce the duty cycle needed from certain
engine 108 components. This arrangement has the potential to
provide supplemental fluid flow at low engine speeds 108 in a way
that can allow engine 108 manufacturers to reduce the flow rate and
thus reduce parasitic loading associated with operation of the main
pump 112. Likewise, the control module 122 may be programmed to
decide when to deactivate the supplemental pump 104. For example,
deactivating the supplemental pump 104 may be performed in response
to analyzing a combination of one or more factors such as engine
108 speed (e.g., within a tolerance range at idle speed, full
speed, or other operational speeds), engine oil rifle pressure, or
fluid temperature. For example, an oil regulator may be disabled if
the oil is too thick (i.e., viscosity), and the engine 108 may then
run on the pressure supplied by the supplemental pump 104 to raise
the rifle pressure.
[0034] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example arrangement of a
machine 202 including a supplemental pump 204 and a supplemental
filter apparatus 206 in accordance with various embodiments of the
invention. As shown, the machine 202 may include an engine 208
comprising one or more fluid reservoirs 210 (e.g., hydraulic fluid
reservoir 210A, transmission fluid reservoir 210B, oil sump 210C,
and/or other fluid reservoirs 210D). The engine 208 may also
include a main pump 212 that performs primary fluid processing for
the engine 208, such as pumping oil, air, or other fluids through
the engine 208, for example. One or more filters 214 may be
included in the engine, as well as potentially a variety of other
engine components 216. In various embodiments, the supplemental
filter apparatus 206 and/or the filters 214 may include one or more
of an electrical filter, a magnetic filter, a centrifugal filter, a
paper-based filter, or a synthetic filter. In certain embodiments,
the supplemental pump 204 may be positioned onboard or off board
(e.g., as an internal component or an external component) with
respect to the machine 202 and/or the engine 208.
[0035] In various embodiments, the machine 202 may be structured
with one or more fluid components 218. The fluid component 218 may
include one or more of the following fluidic structures, for
example and without limitation: a pump that is off-board with
respect to the machine 202; a pump that is on-board with respect to
the machine 202; a flow control means such as a hand-held device,
for example; a bracket or evacuation bracket; and/or, a
quick-disconnect structure. The fluid component 218 may also be one
or more other types of components, devices, or systems suitable for
supplying positive and/or negative fluid pressure to one or more
fluid inlet ports or fluid outlet ports associated with the fluid
component 218. For example, the fluid component 218 may be employed
to perform one or more types of fluid evacuation processes and/or
fluid refill processes (e.g., oil changes or other machine 202
maintenance operations) in association with different fluid
reservoirs 210, for example, of the machine 202. It can be
appreciated that the fluid component 218 may be positioned in one
or more other places within the fluid system or valve system of the
machine 202.
[0036] In various embodiments, a control module 222 may be
operatively associated with the machine 202 to collect, process,
and/or communicate data indicative of operational states,
triggering conditions, machine 202 conditions, component functions,
events, or other like data. For example, the control module 222 may
be programmed to activate or deactivate the supplemental pump 204;
to receive, transmit, and/or process data signals in communication
with one or more components of the machine 202; and/or, to process
or analyze data communicated from one or more sensors 224A-224D
that can be operatively associated with various parts of the
machine 202. For example, the sensor 224A may be configured to
detect contaminants or other aspects of fluid composition
associated with fluid flow passing through the supplemental filter
apparatus 206. The control module 222 may include one or more
processors or computer systems programmed with software, firmware,
or other computer-executable instructions to perform the various
functions of the control module 222. The control module 222 may be
operatively associated with one or more data transmission devices
232 which may receive and/or store data received or processed by
the control module 222. In certain embodiments, the control module
222 may communicate signals to one or more indicators 242 which
reflect the activity or function of different aspects of the
control module 222. For example, one such indicator 242 may include
a warning light, or an alert graphical display positioned on the
console of a vehicle in which the machine 202 is installed. In
certain embodiments, the control module 222 may activate or
deactivate a valve system or otherwise operate a valve or valve
apparatus in connection with a triggering condition, for
example.
[0037] In various embodiments, the main pump 212 may be driven by a
variable speed electric motor 217 to deliver different levels of
fluid flow for a variety of engine 208 operating conditions,
including different rotational speeds and/or different loading
conditions, for example. The motor 217 may be operatively
associated with the control module 222, such as to activate or
deactivate the motor 217 in response to one or more types of
triggering conditions detected by the control module 222, for
example.
[0038] In various embodiments, the machine 202 may include a fluid
filtration apparatus comprising the supplemental pump 204 and the
supplemental filter apparatus 206. The supplemental pump 204 may be
connected for fluid communication with the main pump 212 of the
engine 208. In certain embodiments, the supplemental pump 204 may
include a pre-lubrication pump or a parallel lubrication pump, for
example. The supplemental pump 204 may be structured for fluid
communication with at least one component of the engine 208, such
as one or more of the fluid reservoirs 210. The supplemental filter
apparatus 206 may be connected to the supplemental pump 204 and
structured with an inlet for receiving fluid flow from the
supplemental pump 204. The supplemental filter apparatus 206 may be
structured with an outlet to direct the fluid flow to one or more
of the fluid reservoirs 210, or other components, of the engine
208. From the outlet or discharge side of the supplemental filter
apparatus 206, fluid may be directed to flow to a primary oil
filter 214 of the engine 208, for example. In various embodiments,
the supplemental filter apparatus 206 may include at least one fine
filtration medium. In certain embodiments, one of the filters 214
of the engine 208 may be positioned between the outlet of the
supplemental filter apparatus 206 and one or more of the fluid
reservoirs 210 of the engine 208.
[0039] In various embodiments, the control module 222 may be
programmed to perform one or more functions upon detecting the
existence of various triggering conditions or other events.
Likewise, the control module 222 may be programmed to perform one
or more functions when a triggering condition is no longer
detected, is out of a predefined parameter range (e.g., 10% above
or 10% below a predefined engine speed), or otherwise no longer
exists as a triggering condition. For example, the control module
222 may be programmed to activate or deactivate the supplemental
pump 204 and/or the motor 217 in association with detecting the
existence of a triggering condition. Examples of potential
triggering conditions may include a combination of one or more of
the following: threshold fluid temperature, threshold fluid
pressure, threshold engine speed, threshold fluid contaminant
level, filter condition, threshold time duration of operation, an
injection timing variable, a fuel consumption value, a
predetermined day or time, machine state of operation. For example,
supplemental filtration can be activated as a function of oil
condition, engine 208 hours, mileage, fuel consumption, and/or
engine 208 component speed (e.g., as measured in revolutions per
minute (RPM)). In certain embodiments, engine 208 hours may mean
total time of operation, such as operation time between two or more
defined points in time, or time between fluid operations such as
oil changes performed on the engine 208. In another example, the
triggering condition which results in actuating the supplemental
pump 204 or the motor 217 may involve detecting a threshold fluid
pressure at various points within the machine 202. Also,
supplemental filtration by the supplemental filter apparatus 206
may be engaged based on condition monitoring of the fluid, for
example, to regulate when and how long the supplemental pump 204 is
activated.
[0040] In another example, fluid condition monitoring may be
performed to detect a triggering condition, such as particle count,
particle accumulation, oxidation level, and/or fluid dilution
level. In various embodiments, a contaminant sensor may be
configured to detect soot levels, for example, or the presence of
other contaminants in a fluid flowing through the machine 202. For
example, a triggering condition may be employed that corresponds
with a maximum soot level that is acceptable for desired or optimum
engine 208 operation, which may be specified by an original
equipment manufacturer or by other engineering specifications. The
control module 222 may be programmed to activate the supplemental
filter apparatus 206 upon reaching the predetermined soot level for
the specifications of a given engine 208. In another example, the
supplemental filter apparatus 206 may function to remove a dilutant
such as water, for example, from oil or fuel employed by the
machine 202.
[0041] In various embodiments, a triggering condition may involve a
deviation from a predetermined range for an engine 208 idle speed,
a turbo boost pressure, a fuel consumption rate, a waste gate
function, or an injection rate, for example. In addition,
calculated values such a fuel-to-air ratio can be considered at
least part of a triggering condition. For example, clogging an air
filter in the engine 208 can cause a change in the fuel-to-air
ratio, in addition to potentially causing the fuel to increase its
soot level. Other factors related to combustion chemistry, or other
phenomena that impact quality of combustion, may also form the
basis for defining a triggering condition. In certain embodiments,
a triggering condition can be logged by the control module 222 as a
fault condition, such as when fluid pressure is too high at the
supplemental filter apparatus 206 perhaps indicating that the
filter medium needs to be cleaned or changed. In addition, a
triggering condition may be accompanied by activating or
deactivating an indicator 242 in connection with the triggering
condition. For example, a high fluid pressure triggering condition
may cause an indicator 242 in the operator area of the machine 202
to activate, signaling to the operator that the filter medium of
the supplemental filter apparatus 206 needs to be changed.
[0042] It can be seen that arrangements such as the one illustrated
in FIG. 2 can provide more than a partial bypass for the machine
202. In one embodiment, the fluid filtration apparatus may be
employed to draw fluid flow from a reservoir or oil sump 210C of
the engine 208, for example, and divert more than 15 percent of the
oil flow through the engine 208 through a two to five micron
supplemental filter apparatus 206 using the main pump 212 of the
engine 208. In certain embodiments, the motor 217 may drive the
action of the main pump 212 in connection with a triggering
condition, for example, or at a predetermined time. In various
embodiments, the filter apparatus can provide full flow from the
engine 208 through the supplemental filter apparatus 206 by using
the supplemental pump 204.
[0043] There are advantages in determining whether to use the
supplemental pump 204 to direct fluid flow through a filter 214 of
the engine 208 or to an appropriate fluid reservoir 210. For
example, fluid that has passed through the supplemental filter
apparatus 206 may be sufficiently clean so as not to require
further filtering through a filter 214 of the engine 208. In
another example, directing fluid flow with the supplemental pump
204 from the supplemental filter apparatus 206 into a filter 214,
oil rifle, and bearings of the engine 208 can boost oil pressure.
Such a boost in oil pressure may be useful at times when the engine
208 is idling, for example, or during other states of machine 202
operation when a boost in oil pressure or other fluid pressure is
required. It can be seen that this arrangement can boost engine oil
pressure while lowering the power required from the engine 208. In
other words, one of the problems identified by the inventors is
that typically the oil pump on the engine 208 has to be oversized
in order to deliver sufficient lubrication during engine 208 idle.
Accordingly, the oil pump is often oversized to deliver appropriate
pressure at engine 208 idle speed, even though such an oil pump is
larger than it has to be to deliver pressure at comparatively
higher engine 208 speeds achieved during machine 202 operation. In
various embodiments, use of the filtration system including the
supplemental pump 204 can serve as a way to downsize the flow range
of the main pump 212, for example.
[0044] In various embodiments, the control module 222 may be
programmed to activate the supplemental pump 204 and direct fluid
flow back to the filter 214 to allow for using a smaller engine
primary oil pump and/or reduce the duty cycle needed from certain
engine 208 components. This arrangement has the potential to
provide supplemental fluid flow at low engine speeds 208 in a way
that can allow engine 208 manufacturers to reduce the flow rate and
thus reduce parasitic loading on the main pump 212. Likewise, the
control module 222 may be programmed to decide when to deactivate
the supplemental pump 204. For example, deactivating the
supplemental pump 204 may be performed in response to analyzing a
combination of one or more factors such as engine 208 speed (e.g.,
within a tolerance range at idle speed, full speed, or other
operational speeds), engine 208 oil rifle pressure, or fluid
temperature. For example, an oil regulator may be disabled if the
oil is too thick (i.e., viscosity), and the engine 208 may then run
on the pressure supplied by the supplemental pump 204 to raise the
rifle pressure.
[0045] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example arrangement of a
machine 302 operatively associated with a supplemental pump 304 and
a supplemental filter apparatus 306 in accordance with various
embodiments of the invention. As shown, the machine 302 may include
an engine 308 comprising one or more fluid reservoirs 310 (e.g.,
hydraulic fluid reservoir 310A, transmission fluid reservoir 310B,
oil sump 310C, and/or other fluid reservoirs 310D). The engine 308
may also include a main pump 312 that performs primary fluid
processing for the engine 308, such as pumping oil, air, or other
fluids through the engine 308, for example. One or more filters 314
may be included in the engine, as well as potentially a variety of
other engine components 316. In various embodiments, the
supplemental filter apparatus 306 and/or the filters 314 may
include one or more of an electrical filter, a magnetic filter, a
centrifugal filter, a paper-based filter, or a synthetic filter. In
certain embodiments, the supplemental pump 304 may be positioned
onboard or off board (e.g., as an internal component or an external
component) with respect to the machine 302 and/or the engine
308.
[0046] In various embodiments, the machine 302 may be structured
with one or more fluid components 318. The fluid component 318 may
include one or more of the following fluidic structures, for
example and without limitation: a pump that is off-board with
respect to the machine 302; a pump that is on-board with respect to
the machine 302; a flow control means such as a hand-held device,
for example; a bracket or evacuation bracket; and/or, a
quick-disconnect structure. The fluid component 318 may also be one
or more other types of components, devices, or systems suitable for
supplying positive and/or negative fluid pressure to one or more
fluid inlet ports or fluid outlet ports associated with the fluid
component 318. For example, the fluid component 318 may be employed
to perform one or more types of fluid evacuation processes and/or
fluid refill processes (e.g., oil changes or other machine 302
maintenance operations) in association with different fluid
reservoirs 310, for example, of the machine 302. It can be
appreciated that the fluid component 318 may be positioned in one
or more other places within the fluid system or valve system of the
machine 302.
[0047] In various embodiments, a control module 322 may be
operatively associated with the machine 302 to collect, process,
and/or communicate data indicative of operational states,
triggering conditions, machine 302 conditions, component functions,
events, or other like data. For example, the control module 322 may
be programmed to activate or deactivate the supplemental pump 304;
to receive, transmit, and/or process data signals in communication
with one or more components of the machine 302; and/or, to process
or analyze data communicated from one or more sensors 324A-324D
that can be operatively associated with various parts of the
machine 302. For example, the sensor 324A may be configured to
detect contaminants or other aspects of fluid composition
associated with fluid flow passing through the supplemental filter
apparatus 306. The control module 322 may include one or more
processors or computer systems programmed with software, firmware,
or other computer-executable instructions to perform the various
functions of the control module 322. The control module 322 may be
operatively associated with one or more data transmission devices
332 which may receive and/or store data received or processed by
the control module 322. In certain embodiments, the control module
322 may communicate signals to one or more indicators 342 which
reflect the activity or function of different aspects of the
control module 322. For example, one such indicator 342 may include
a warning light, or an alert graphical display positioned on the
console of a vehicle in which the machine 302 is installed. In
certain embodiments, the control module 322 may activate or
deactivate a valve system or otherwise operate a valve or valve
apparatus in connection with a triggering condition, for
example.
[0048] In various embodiments, the main pump 312 may be driven by a
variable speed electric motor 317A to deliver different levels of
fluid flow for a variety of engine 308 operating conditions,
including different rotational speeds and/or different loading
conditions, for example. The motor 317A may be operatively
associated with the control module 322, such as to activate or
deactivate the motor 317A in response to one or more types of
triggering conditions detected by the control module 322, for
example. In certain embodiments, the pump 312 may be normally
mechanically driven by the engine 308 to deliver fluid flow. The
motor 317A may be coupled to the pump 312 through a gear box 317B.
The gear box 317B may employ a planetary gear train, for example,
or any other arrangement of gears suitable for use by the engine
308. It can be appreciated that operation of the motor 317A can
increase the speed of the pump 312, for example, to increase fluid
flow as needed within the engine 308 by using a connection or
coupling of the motor 317A through the gear box 317B.
[0049] In various embodiments, the machine 302 may include a fluid
filtration apparatus comprising the supplemental pump 304 and the
supplemental filter apparatus 306. The supplemental pump 304 may be
connected for fluid communication with the main pump 312 of the
engine 308. In certain embodiments, the supplemental pump 304 may
be a pre-lubrication pump or a parallel lubrication pump, for
example. The supplemental pump 304 may be structured for fluid
communication with at least one component of the engine 308, such
as one or more of the fluid reservoirs 310. The supplemental filter
apparatus 306 may be connected to the supplemental pump 304 and
structured with an inlet for receiving fluid flow from the
supplemental pump 304. The supplemental filter apparatus 306 may be
structured with an outlet to direct the fluid flow to one or more
of the fluid reservoirs 310, or other components, of the engine
308. From the outlet or discharge side of the supplemental filter
apparatus 306, fluid may be directed to flow to a primary oil
filter 314 of the engine 308, for example. In various embodiments,
the supplemental filter apparatus 306 may include at least one fine
filtration medium. In certain embodiments, one of the filters 314
of the engine 308 may be positioned between the outlet of the
supplemental filter apparatus 306 and one or more of the fluid
reservoirs 310 of the engine 308.
[0050] In various embodiments, the control module 322 may be
programmed to perform one or more functions upon detecting the
existence of various triggering conditions or other events.
Likewise, the control module 322 may be programmed to perform one
or more functions when a triggering condition is no longer
detected, is out of a predefined parameter range (e.g., 10% above
or 10% below a predefined engine speed), or otherwise no longer
exists as a triggering condition. For example, the control module
322 may be programmed to activate or deactivate the supplemental
pump 304 and/or the motor 317A in association with detecting the
existence of a triggering condition. Examples of potential
triggering conditions may include a combination of one or more of
the following: threshold fluid temperature, threshold fluid
pressure, threshold engine speed, threshold fluid contaminant
level, filter condition, threshold time duration of operation, an
injection timing variable, a fuel consumption value, a
predetermined day or time, machine state of operation. For example,
supplemental filtration can be activated as a function of oil
condition, engine 308 hours, mileage, fuel consumption, and/or
engine 308 component speed (e.g., as measured in revolutions per
minute (RPM)). In certain embodiments, engine 308 hours may mean
total time of operation, such as operation time between two or more
defined points in time, or time between fluid operations such as
oil changes performed on the engine 308. In another example, the
triggering condition which results in actuating the supplemental
pump 304 or the motor 317A may involve detecting a threshold fluid
pressure at various points within the machine 302. Also,
supplemental filtration by the supplemental filter apparatus 306
may be engaged based on condition monitoring of the fluid, for
example, to regulate when and how long the supplemental pump 304 is
activated.
[0051] In another example, fluid condition monitoring may be
performed to detect a triggering condition, such as particle count,
particle accumulation, oxidation level, and/or fluid dilution
level. In various embodiments, a contaminant sensor may be
configured to detect soot levels, for example, or the presence of
other contaminants in a fluid flowing through the machine 302. For
example, a triggering condition may be employed that corresponds
with a maximum soot level that is acceptable for desired or optimum
engine 308 operation, which may be specified by an original
equipment manufacturer or by other engineering specifications. The
control module 322 may be programmed to activate the supplemental
filter apparatus 306 upon reaching the predetermined soot level for
the specifications of a given engine 308. In another example, the
supplemental filter apparatus 306 may function to remove a dilutant
such as water, for example, from oil or fuel employed by the
machine 302.
[0052] In various embodiments, a triggering condition may involve a
deviation from a predetermined range for an engine 308 idle speed,
a turbo boost pressure, a fuel consumption rate, a waste gate
function, or an injection rate, for example. In addition,
calculated values such a fuel-to-air ratio can be considered at
least part of a triggering condition. For example, clogging an air
filter in the engine 308 can cause a change in the fuel-to-air
ratio, in addition to potentially causing the fuel to increase its
soot level. Other factors related to combustion chemistry, or other
phenomena that impact quality of combustion, may also form the
basis for defining a triggering condition. In certain embodiments,
a triggering condition can be logged by the control module 322 as a
fault condition, such as when fluid pressure is too high at the
supplemental filter apparatus 306 perhaps indicating that the
filter medium needs to be cleaned or changed. In addition, a
triggering condition may be accompanied by activating or
deactivating an indicator 342 in connection with the triggering
condition. For example, a high fluid pressure triggering condition
may cause an indicator 342 in the operator area of the machine 302
to activate, signaling to the operator that the filter medium of
the supplemental filter apparatus 306 needs to be changed.
[0053] It can be seen that arrangements such as the one illustrated
in FIG. 3 can provide more than a partial bypass for the machine
302. In one embodiment, the fluid filtration apparatus may be
employed to draw fluid flow from a reservoir or oil sump 310C of
the engine 308, for example, and divert more than 15 percent of the
oil flow through the engine 308 through a two to five micron
supplemental filter apparatus 306 using the main pump 312 of the
engine 308. In certain embodiments, the motor 317A may drive the
action of the main pump 312 in connection with a triggering
condition, for example, or at a predetermined time. In various
embodiments, the filter apparatus can provide full flow from the
engine 308 through the supplemental filter apparatus 306 by using
the supplemental pump 304.
[0054] There are advantages in determining whether to use the
supplemental pump 304 to direct fluid flow through a filter 314 of
the engine 308 or to an appropriate fluid reservoir 310. For
example, fluid that has passed through the supplemental filter
apparatus 306 may be sufficiently clean so as not to require
further filtering through a filter 314 of the engine 308. In
another example, directing fluid flow with the supplemental pump
304 from the supplemental filter apparatus 306 into a filter 314,
oil rifle, and bearings of the engine 308 can boost oil pressure.
Such a boost in oil pressure may be useful at times when the engine
308 is idling, for example, or during other states of machine 302
operation when a boost in oil pressure or other fluid pressure is
required. It can be seen that this arrangement can boost engine oil
pressure while lowering the power required from the engine 308. In
other words, one of the problems identified by the inventors is
that typically the oil pump on the engine 308 has to be oversized
in order to deliver sufficient lubrication during engine 308 idle.
Accordingly, the oil pump is often oversized to deliver appropriate
pressure at engine 308 idle speed, even though such an oil pump is
larger than it has to be to deliver pressure at comparatively
higher engine 308 speeds achieved during machine 302 operation. In
various embodiments, use of the filtration system including the
supplemental pump 304 can serve as a way to downsize the flow range
of the main pump 312, for example.
[0055] In various embodiments, the control module 322 may be
programmed to activate the supplemental pump 304 and direct fluid
flow back to the filter 314 to allow for using a smaller engine
primary oil pump and/or reduce the duty cycle needed from certain
engine 308 components. This arrangement has the potential to
provide supplemental fluid flow at low engine speeds 308 in a way
that can allow engine 308 manufacturers to reduce the flow rate and
thus reduce parasitic loading associated with operation of the main
pump 312. Likewise, the control module 322 may be programmed to
decide when to deactivate the supplemental pump 304. For example,
deactivating the supplemental pump 304 may be performed in response
to analyzing a combination of one or more factors such as engine
308 speed (e.g., within a tolerance range at idle speed, full
speed, or other operational speeds), engine 308 oil rifle pressure,
or fluid temperature. For example, an oil regulator may be disabled
if the oil is too thick (i.e., viscosity), and the engine 308 may
then run on the pressure supplied by the supplemental pump 304 to
raise the rifle pressure.
[0056] FIG. 4 includes an example of a process flow illustrating
aspects of detecting and identifying triggering conditions in
accordance with various embodiments of the invention. At step 402,
a fluid condition or an engine component condition may be detected,
for example, such as by the function of one or more of the control
modules or sensors described herein. As shown, examples of fluid
and component conditions 404 include fluid pressure 404A, fluid
temperature 404B, contaminant level 404C, injection timing 404D,
engine speed 404E, time of operation or service 404F, fuel
consumption rate 404G, or many other conditions 404H (including the
various triggering conditions described herein). At step 406, a
control module or other device may determine whether a triggering
threshold has been reached (e.g., whether the fluid temperature has
fallen below or risen above a predetermined threshold). If the
predetermined threshold has been reached, then the system may
perform an action 408 such as actuating a valve 408A, activating or
deactivating a supplemental pump 408B, bypassing a supplemental
filter 408C, activating or deactivating a motor 408D, and/or taking
various other actions as may be appropriate under the
circumstances, such as initiating a supplemental filtration
process. In one example, the supplemental pump may be activated to
perform a kidney loop operation during braking or deceleration of
the machine, or otherwise when the engine speed 504E of the machine
is reduced.
[0057] In various embodiments, the control modules described herein
may include various components for controlling and monitoring a
fluid system, as well as for monitoring, collecting and analyzing
data associated with various fluid system and method embodiments
described herein. The control module may include a processor for
executing various commands within, and directing the function of,
the various components of the control module. One or more sensor
inputs can be provided in the control module for receiving and
processing data communicated from one or more sensors installed
within a fluid system. Sensors applicable to operation of a machine
can include, without limitation, sensors to detect temperature,
sensors to detect pressure, sensors to detect voltage, sensors to
detect current, sensors to detect contaminants, sensors to detect
cycle time, flow sensors and/or other sensors suitable for
detecting various conditions experienced by the machine during the
various stages of operation of the machine. In addition, one or
more indicators can be provided in operative association with the
control module for providing alerts or notifications of conditions
detected and communicated to the control module. Such indicators
can be conventional audio, visual, or audiovisual indications of a
condition detected within a fluid system. The control module may
also include one or more operatively associated data transmission
devices or data storage media for storing, retrieving and/or
reporting data communicated to the control module. Data stored
within the data storage media may include a variety of data
collected from the condition of the fluid system including, for
example and without limitation, oil condition, particle count of
contaminants, cycle time data for time to evacuate or time to
refill a given reservoir, and/or fluid receptacle or fluid storage
data.
[0058] The control module may include one or more controls for
permitting manipulation of various elements of a fluid system
and/or for receiving and processing data communicated from a fluid
system. Machine controls can be provided for controlling various
aspects of an engine, for example, such as ignition,
pre-lubrication operations, initiating a fluid evacuation process,
motor controls, initiating a fluid refill process, and various
other machine operations. Pump controls can be provided for
controlling the action of a pump or supplemental pump operatively
associated with a fluid system, such as the fluid system of a
machine, for example. One or more valve controls can be provided to
actuate the position (e.g., open, closed, or other position) of one
or more valves included within a fluid system. In addition, one or
more multi-position valve controls can be provided to operate a
multi-way valve or a multi-position valve apparatus or system. In
addition, evacuation bracket controls can be provided for the
particular function of one or more evacuation brackets included
within, or introduced into, a fluid system as fluid components. In
addition, in various embodiments described herein, it can be
appreciated that the controls need not be located within the same
location such as included within the same service panel, for
example, or other like centralized location. It can be further
appreciated that the controls may be operatively associated with a
machine, a fluid system, a valve system, motor, or other component
by one or more wireline and/or wireless communication methods or
systems.
[0059] Data can be communicated to the control module to and/or
from a fluid system through a variety of methods, systems, or
techniques. In various embodiments, data may be communicated, for
example, by a wireline connection, communicated by satellite
communications, cellular communications, infrared and/or
communicated in accordance with a protocol such as IEEE 802.11, for
example, or other wireless or radio frequency communication
protocol among other similar types of communication methods and
systems. As shown in FIG. 5, one or more data transmission devices
502 can be employed in operative association with a control module
504 for the purpose of receiving, processing, inputting and/or
storing data and/or for cooperating with the control module 504 to
control, monitor or otherwise manipulate one or more components
included within a fluid system. Examples of data transmission
devices 502 include, for example and without limitation, computers
502A, laptops 502B, mobile phones 502C, tablets 502D, personal
digital assistants (PDA's) 502E, and/or other data devices 502
suitable for executing instructions on one or more
computer-readable media. The control module 504 may also include or
may be operatively associated with a global positioning system
("GPS") 502F that can be programmed to determine a position of a
machine, for example. In certain embodiments, the data transmission
device 502 may include one or more types of data storage media 502G
suitable for receiving data signals and/or storing data. In one
example, a triggering condition may generate a signal which
represents performance of a particular fluid operation. Such a
signal could be communicated wirelessly to a mobile device, for
example, by use of the various media or devices described
herein.
[0060] Various types of sensors can be employed in various
embodiments to detect one or more conditions, states, or other
characteristics of a fluid system, different fluids, or components
employed in the fluid system. For example, the sensors can detect
one or more of the following conditions within a fluid system:
engine oil pressure, oil temperature in the engine, amount of
current drawn by a pre-lubrication circuit, presence of
contaminants (such as oil contaminants, for example) in the engine,
amount of time that has elapsed for performance of one or more
cycles of various engine operations (i.e., cycle time) such as
pre-lubrication operations, fluid evacuation operations, fluid
refill operations, fluid flow rates, and others. One example of a
sensor that may be used in accordance with various embodiments of
the present systems and methods is a contamination sensor marketed
under the "LUBRIGARD" trade designation (Lubrigard Limited). A
contamination sensor can provide information regarding oxidation
products, water, glycol, metallic wear particles, and/or other
contaminants that may be present in the engine oil, hydraulic oil,
gearbox oil, transmission oil, compressor oil and/or other fluids
used in various machines. In various aspects of the present methods
and systems, the contamination sensor may be employed during one or
more fluid processes, for example, such as a fluid evacuation
process or a fluid refill process.
[0061] It can be appreciated that the control module can receive
and store data associated with activation and deactivation of
various components of a fluid system and operation of a machine,
such as an engine, for example, included within the fluid system.
Cycle time, for example, can be calculated from analysis of
collected data to provide an indication of elapsed time for
completing evacuation and/or refill operations. For a given oil
temperature or temperature range (e.g., as can be detected and
communicated by a temperature sensor), an average cycle time, for
example, can be calculated through analysis of two or more
collected cycle times. In one aspect, the present methods and
systems can determine whether the most recently elapsed cycle time
deviates from a nominal average cycle time, or range of cycle
times, for a given oil temperature or temperature range. In
addition, factors may be known such as the type and viscosity of
fluids (e.g., such as oil) used in connection with operation of the
machine. An unacceptable deviation from a nominal cycle time, or
range of times, can result in recording a fault in a data storage
medium operatively associated with the control module. It can be
appreciated that many other types of fault conditions may detected,
analyzed and recorded in connection with practice of the present
systems and methods. In other illustrative examples, conditions
associated with battery voltage, current, and/or the presence of
contaminants in the machine, for example, may be detected,
analyzed, and one or more fault conditions recorded by the control
module.
[0062] In various embodiments, data collected from fluid system
operation can be stored on an internal data module 117, 217, 317
installed on or near a machine, for example. The internal data
module 117, 217, 317 can include a processor with an operatively
associated memory. In one aspect, the internal data module 117,
217, 317 can be a "one-shot" circuit, as that term is understood by
those skilled in the art. The internal data module 117, 217, 317
can be configured to receive and store data related to various
conditions of a fluid system, a machine, a valve, a pump, a motor,
or other components of a fluid system. In one embodiment, the
internal data module 117, 217, 317 can store data in the memory
prior to engine ignition and then transfer the stored data to the
control module, for example, or another computer system, once
engine ignition is initiated. In another embodiment, the internal
data module 117, 217, 317 can store condition data for subsequent
download to the control module or another suitable computer system.
In various embodiments, the internal data module 117, 217, 317 can
be configured for use in performing data collection and storage
functions when the control module is not otherwise active (e.g.,
during various machine service operations). In this manner, the
internal data module 117, 217, 317 can be employed to store data
corresponding to the electrical events associated with an oil
change, for example, or another type of fluid evacuation or refill
procedure and can transmit data related to the procedure to the
control module. In various embodiments, the internal data module
117, 217, 317 can be a stand-alone, discrete module, or can be
configured for full or partial integration into the operation of
the control module.
[0063] Collected and analyzed data, as well as recorded fault
events, can be stored in association with the control module, the
internal data module 117, 217, 317 and/or at a remote location. In
various embodiments, the control module and/or the internal data
module 117, 217, 317 can be configured for operation as integral
components of a machine or as remote components not installed
locally on the machine. The collected and analyzed information can
be stored in one or more of the data transmission devices and/or
data storage media operatively associated with the control module,
or on another conventional storage suitable for use in connection
with the control module. The information can also be stored
externally with respect to a machine and its components. Data can
be transmitted wirelessly by a radio frequency communication or by
a wireline connection from the control module to one or more data
devices (as described herein). A mobile phone 502C, for example,
may be configured and employed as a computer system for receiving
and processing data collected from the control module during fluid
evacuation and fluid refill processes.
[0064] In various embodiments, data can be collected, stored and/or
analyzed for multiple reservoirs connected with, or operatively
associated with, a machine. A control module or other data device
can be employed to collect, store, and/or analyze data in
accordance with one or more of the process steps shown in FIG. 4,
for example, as well as in connection with other functions
performed in connection with fluid operations and/or maintenance
for a machine. In one example, the control module can be used to
collect and analyze time-stamp information associated with an event
such as an evacuation/refill process performed in connection with
an oil reservoir, for example. Data such as current valve position,
valve type, and/or reservoir type, for example, can be collected in
connection with performance of an evacuation/refill procedure for a
fluid reservoir, for example. Data stored within the data
transmission devices and/or data storage media may include a
variety of data collected from the condition of a fluid system
including, for example and without limitation, oil condition;
particle count of contaminants; cycle time data for time to
evacuate or time to refill a given reservoir; time stamp data on a
reservoir-by-reservoir basis; time stamp data on a
component-by-component basis; time stamp data on a system-by-system
basis; and/or, data associated with a fluid receptacle or another
fluid storage medium.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 6, for purposes of illustrating an
operative environment for certain embodiments of the invention, a
diesel engine 610 is shown having portions removed and/or broken
away for convenience of illustration of the lubrication system of
the engine 610. It can be appreciated that the diesel engine 610 is
shown and described herein merely for purposes of convenience of
disclosure and illustration and that many other machines, as
defined herein, can be employed in accordance with the various
embodiments of the present systems and methods. The lubrication
system may include a main oil pump 620 that is mechanically driven
from the crankshaft 622 of the engine 610. When actuated by
rotation of crankshaft 622, the main oil pump 620 draws oil from a
sump 624 through a screening element 626 and distributes it under
pressure through a plurality of conduits 628. The pressurized oil
is delivered to the crankshaft bearings 630 of the engine 610, to
the turbocharger unit 632, to the valve train assembly 634, to the
pistons 636, through a filtering assembly 638, and to other engine
components that require lubrication. It can be appreciated that one
or more valves and/or passages (not shown) may be included within
the lubrication system of the engine 610 to control the flow of oil
provided to various engine components.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, during operation of the
engine 610, the main oil pump 620 may not actuate until the
crankshaft 622 begins to rotate due to the operation of an
electromechanical starter assembly 640. The starter assembly 640
can be conventional in configuration and can include a direct
current motor assembly 650 having an armature shaft 652 extending
therethrough. The armature shaft 652 supports a starter gear 654
adjacent to one end of the starter assembly 640. The starter gear
654 engages a flywheel 623 to rotatably drive crankshaft 622 when
actuated. A bendix drive mechanism 656 controls the axial movement
of the starter gear 654 to engage and disengage the starter gear
654 from the flywheel 623. Because a significant time period can
elapse before the main oil pump 620 is able to achieve normal
operating oil pressure in the lubrication system, vital components
of the engine 610 may move and interact through a number of cycles
with little or no lubrication pressure. This can result in
undesirably excessive wear and premature failure of engine
components.
[0067] In various embodiments, a pre-lubrication electromechanical
system can be activated prior to combustion in the engine 610 and
rotation of the crankshaft 622. The pre-lubrication system can be
employed to supply at least some lubrication or oil pressure before
initial movement and interaction of engine 610 components. To
provide lubrication to the engine 610 components, the
pre-lubrication system can include a supplemental oil pump 642
operatively connected to the starter assembly 640. In one aspect,
the supplemental oil pump 642 can include a mechanically driven
gear-type oil pump having an elongated drive shaft 643 and gears
644 and 645. It can be seen that the supplemental oil pump 642
communicates with the lubrication system of the engine 610 through
an oil inlet line 646 and an oil output line 647. The drive shaft
643 of the supplemental oil pump 642 may be connected to the
armature shaft 652 of the starter motor 640 opposite the starter
gear 654 in any convenient manner, so that the two shafts 643, 652
can rotate together. The supplemental oil pump 642 and the starter
motor 640 may be conveniently incorporated within a single housing
to form an integral unit. In certain embodiments, the supplemental
oil pump 642 can be installed as an on-board component of the
engine 610, or as a remotely positioned external pump.
[0068] In certain embodiments, a check valve can be mounted on the
engine 610 adjacent to the outlet line 647 to resist oil backflow
while the supplemental oil pump 642 is inoperative. This check
valve can also resist spinning of the starter assembly 640 caused
by oil flow during normal operation of the engine 610. It can be
seen that failure of the supplemental oil pump 642 would not render
the engine 610 inoperative, thereby avoiding potentially expensive
down-time and maintenance for the engine 610 and its associated
equipment. Likewise, because the supplemental oil pump 642 pumps
oil through the filtering assembly 638 before the oil enters the
engine 610, failure of the supplemental oil pump 642 would not
likely introduce damaging particles into the engine 610.
[0069] Various aspects of the following disclosure include
operational examples for the various system and method embodiments
described herein. It can be appreciated that such operational
examples are provided merely for convenience of disclosure, and
that no particular aspect or aspects of these operational examples
are intended to limit the scope of application of the present
systems and methods.
[0070] Where applicable and operational in the context of various
embodiments of valve assemblies and systems described herein, one
or more valves may be in a normally closed or normally open
position prior to, during, or after performance of a particular
fluid operation. In addition, one or more types of valves may be
employed in certain embodiments of the present systems and methods
(e.g., a reasonable combination of check valves and/or electronic
valves may be employed).
[0071] It can be appreciated that, where applicable and operational
in the context of various embodiments of valve assemblies and
systems described herein, performing a refill fluid operation to a
pre-filter portion of a fluid system improves filtration of the
refill fluid. In various embodiments, the refill fluid encounters
at least one filter, for example, before the refill fluid
encounters various other operative components of the fluid
system.
[0072] Data can be communicated with the control modules to and/or
from a fluid system through a variety of methods and systems. In
various embodiments disclosed herein, data may be communicated, for
example, by a wireline connection, communicated by satellite
communications, cellular communications, infrared and/or
communicated in accordance with a wireless or radio frequency
communication protocol among other similar types of communication
methods and systems. One or more data devices can be employed in
operative association with the control modules for the purpose of
receiving, processing, inputting and/or storing data and/or for
cooperating with the control modules to control, monitor or
otherwise manipulate one or more components included within a fluid
system.
[0073] In one illustrative example, information related to an oil
filter purge operation, such as the date and time of the filter
purge or the cycle time of the filter purge, for example, and/or
other machine conditions can be recorded and processed in
connection with operation of the control modules. In addition, the
condition (e.g., open or closed) of various valve inlets and
outlets, and the date/time at which they are actuated, may be
detected, recorded and/or analyzed for various fluid operations. In
accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein, data may
be collected and recorded on a reservoir-by-reservoir basis and/or
on a fluid system-by-fluid system basis as service is performed on
a machine, for example.
[0074] It should be appreciated that all the figures are presented
for illustrative purposes and not as construction drawings. Omitted
details and modifications or alternative embodiments are within the
purview of persons of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore,
whereas particular embodiments of the invention have been described
herein for the purpose of illustrating the invention and not for
the purpose of limiting the same, it will be appreciated by those
of ordinary skill in the art that numerous variations of the
details, materials and arrangement of parts may be made within the
principle and scope of the invention without departing from the
invention as described in the appended claims.
[0075] The examples presented herein are intended to illustrate
potential and specific implementations of the present invention. It
can be appreciated that the examples are intended primarily for
purposes of illustration of the invention for those skilled in the
art. No particular aspect or aspects of the examples are
necessarily intended to limit the scope of the present
invention.
[0076] Any element expressed herein as a means for performing a
specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing
that function including, for example, a combination of elements
that performs that function. Furthermore the invention, as may be
defined by such means-plus-function claims, resides in the fact
that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are
combined and brought together in a manner as defined by the
appended claims. Therefore, any means that can provide such
functionalities may be considered equivalents to the means shown
herein.
[0077] In various embodiments, modules or software can be used to
practice certain aspects of the invention. For example,
software-as-a-service (SaaS) models or application service provider
(ASP) models may be employed as software application delivery
models to communicate software applications to clients or other
users. Such software applications can be downloaded through an
Internet connection, for example, and operated either independently
(e.g., downloaded to a laptop or desktop computer system) or
through a third-party service provider (e.g., accessed through a
third-party web site). In addition, cloud computing techniques may
be employed in connection with various embodiments of the
invention. In certain embodiments, a "module" may include software,
firmware, hardware, or any reasonable combination thereof.
[0078] Moreover, the processes associated with the present
embodiments may be executed by programmable equipment, such as
computers. Software or other sets of instructions that may be
employed to cause programmable equipment to execute the processes
may be stored in any storage device, such as, for example, a
computer system (non-volatile) memory, an optical disk, magnetic
tape, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, some of the processes may be
programmed when the computer system is manufactured or via a
computer-readable memory medium.
[0079] It can also be appreciated that certain process aspects
described herein may be performed using instructions stored on a
computer-readable memory medium or media that direct a computer or
computer system to perform process steps. A computer-readable
medium may include, for example, memory devices such as diskettes,
compact discs of both read-only and read/write varieties, optical
disk drives, and hard disk drives. A computer-readable medium may
also include memory storage that may be physical, virtual,
permanent, temporary, semi-permanent and/or semi-temporary.
[0080] A "computer," "computer system," or "processor" may be, for
example and without limitation, a processor, microcomputer,
minicomputer, server, mainframe, laptop, personal data assistant
(PDA), wireless e-mail device, cellular phone, pager, processor,
fax machine, scanner, or any other programmable device configured
to transmit and/or receive data over a network. Computer systems
and computer-based devices disclosed herein may include memory for
storing certain software applications used in obtaining,
processing, and communicating information. It can be appreciated
that such memory may be internal or external with respect to
operation of the disclosed embodiments. The memory may also include
any means for storing software, including a hard disk, an optical
disk, floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access
memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable
PROM) and/or other computer-readable memory media. In various
embodiments, a "host," "engine," "updater," "loader," "filter,"
"platform," or "component" may include various computers or
computer systems, or may include a reasonable combination of
software, firmware, and/or hardware.
[0081] In various embodiments of the present invention, a single
component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple
components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a
given function or functions. Except where such substitution would
not be operative to practice embodiments of the present invention,
such substitution is within the scope of the present invention. Any
of the servers described herein, for example, may be replaced by a
"server farm" or other grouping of networked servers (e.g., a group
of server blades) that are located and configured for cooperative
functions. It can be appreciated that a server farm may serve to
distribute workload between/among individual components of the farm
and may expedite computing processes by harnessing the collective
and cooperative power of multiple servers. Such server farms may
employ load-balancing software that accomplishes tasks such as, for
example, tracking demand for processing power from different
machines, prioritizing and scheduling tasks based on network
demand, and/or providing backup contingency in the event of
component failure or reduction in operability.
[0082] In general, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art that various embodiments described herein, or components or
parts thereof, may be implemented in many different embodiments of
software, firmware, and/or hardware, or modules thereof. The
software code or specialized control hardware used to implement
some of the present embodiments is not limiting of the present
invention. For example, the embodiments described hereinabove may
be implemented in computer software using any suitable computer
programming language such as .NET, SQL, MySQL, or HTML using, for
example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. Programming
languages for computer software and other computer-implemented
instructions may be translated into machine language by a compiler
or an assembler before execution and/or may be translated directly
at run time by an interpreter. Examples of assembly languages
include ARM, MIPS, and x86; examples of high level languages
include Ada, BASIC, C, C++, C#, COBOL, Fortran, Java, Lisp, Pascal,
Object Pascal; and examples of scripting languages include Bourne
script, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, and Perl. Various
embodiments may be employed in a Lotus Notes environment, for
example. Such software may be stored on any type of suitable
computer-readable medium or media such as, for example, a magnetic
or optical storage medium. Thus, the operation and behavior of the
embodiments are described without specific reference to the actual
software code or specialized hardware components. The absence of
such specific references is feasible because it is clearly
understood that artisans of ordinary skill would be able to design
software and control hardware to implement the embodiments of the
present invention based on the description herein with only a
reasonable effort and without undue experimentation.
[0083] Various embodiments of the systems and methods described
herein may employ one or more electronic computer networks to
promote communication among different components, transfer data, or
to share resources and information. Such computer networks can be
classified according to the hardware and software technology that
is used to interconnect the devices in the network, such as optical
fiber, Ethernet, wireless LAN, HomePNA, power line communication or
G.hn. The computer networks may also be embodied as one or more of
the following types of networks: local area network (LAN);
metropolitan area network (MAN); wide area network (WAN); virtual
private network (VPN); storage area network (SAN); or global area
network (GAN), among other network varieties.
[0084] For example, a WAN computer network may cover a broad area
by linking communications across metropolitan, regional, or
national boundaries. The network may use routers and/or public
communication links One type of data communication network may
cover a relatively broad geographic area (e.g., city-to-city or
country-to-country) which uses transmission facilities provided by
common carriers, such as telephone service providers. In another
example, a GAN computer network may support mobile communications
across multiple wireless LANs or satellite networks. In another
example, a VPN computer network may include links between nodes
carried by open connections or virtual circuits in another network
(e.g., the Internet) instead of by physical wires. The link-layer
protocols of the VPN can be tunneled through the other network. One
VPN application can promote secure communications through the
Internet. The VPN can also be used to separately and securely
conduct the traffic of different user communities over an
underlying network. The VPN may provide users with the virtual
experience of accessing the network through an IP address location
other than the actual IP address which connects the access device
to the network.
[0085] The computer network may be characterized based on
functional relationships among the elements or components of the
network, such as active networking, client-server, or peer-to-peer
functional architecture. The computer network may be classified
according to network topology, such as bus network, star network,
ring network, mesh network, star-bus network, or hierarchical
topology network, for example. The computer network may also be
classified based on the method employed for data communication,
such as digital and analog networks.
[0086] Embodiments described herein may employ internetworking for
connecting two or more distinct electronic computer networks or
network segments through a common routing technology. The type of
internetwork employed may depend on administration and/or
participation in the internetwork. Non-limiting examples of
internetworks include intranet, extranet, and Internet. Intranets
and extranets may or may not have connections to the Internet. If
connected to the Internet, the intranet or extranet may be
protected with appropriate authentication technology or other
security measures. As applied herein, an intranet can be a group of
networks which employ Internet Protocol, web browsers and/or file
transfer applications, under common control by an administrative
entity. Such an administrative entity could restrict access to the
intranet to only authorized users, for example, or another internal
network of an organization or commercial entity. As applied herein,
an extranet may include a network or internetwork generally limited
to a primary organization or entity, but which also has limited
connections to the networks of one or more other trusted
organizations or entities (e.g., customers of an entity may be
given access an intranet of the entity thereby creating an
extranet).
[0087] Computer networks may include hardware elements to
interconnect network nodes, such as network interface cards (NICs)
or Ethernet cards, repeaters, bridges, hubs, switches, routers, and
other like components. Such elements may be physically wired for
communication and/or data connections may be provided with
microwave links (e.g., IEEE 802.12) or fiber optics, for example. A
network card, network adapter or NIC can be designed to allow
computers to communicate over the computer network by providing
physical access to a network and an addressing system through the
use of MAC addresses, for example. A repeater can be embodied as an
electronic device that receives and retransmits a communicated
signal at a boosted power level to allow the signal to cover a
telecommunication distance with reduced degradation. A network
bridge can be configured to connect multiple network segments at
the data link layer of a computer network while learning which
addresses can be reached through which specific ports of the
network. In the network, the bridge may associate a port with an
address and then send traffic for that address only to that port.
In various embodiments, local bridges may be employed to directly
connect local area networks (LANs); remote bridges can be used to
create a wide area network (WAN) link between LANs; and/or,
wireless bridges can be used to connect LANs and/or to connect
remote stations to LANs.
[0088] In various embodiments, a hub may be employed which contains
multiple ports. For example, when a data packet arrives at one port
of a hub, the packet can be copied unmodified to all ports of the
hub for transmission. A network switch or other devices that
forward and filter OSI layer 2 datagrams between ports based on MAC
addresses in data packets can also be used. A switch can possess
multiple ports, such that most of the network is connected directly
to the switch, or another switch that is in turn connected to a
switch. The term "switch" can also include routers and bridges, as
well as other devices that distribute data traffic by application
content (e.g., a Web URL identifier). Switches may operate at one
or more OSI model layers, including physical, data link, network,
or transport (i.e., end-to-end). A device that operates
simultaneously at more than one of these layers can be considered a
multilayer switch. In certain embodiments, routers or other like
networking devices may be used to forward data packets between
networks using headers and forwarding tables to determine an
optimum path through which to transmit the packets.
[0089] As employed herein, an application server may be a server
that hosts an API to expose business logic and business processes
for use by other applications. Examples of application servers
include J2EE or Java EE 5 application servers including WebSphere
Application Server. Other examples include WebSphere Application
Server Community Edition (IBM), Sybase Enterprise Application
Server (Sybase Inc), WebLogic Server (BEA), JBoss (Red Hat), JRun
(Adobe Systems), Apache Geronimo (Apache Software Foundation),
Oracle OC4J (Oracle Corporation), Sun Java System Application
Server (Sun Microsystems), and SAP Netweaver AS (ABAP/Java). Also,
application servers may be provided in accordance with the .NET
framework, including the Windows Communication Foundation, .NET
Remoting, ADO.NET, and ASP.NET among several other components. For
example, a Java Server Page (JSP) is a servlet that executes in a
web container which is functionally equivalent to CGI scripts. JSPs
can be used to create HTML pages by embedding references to the
server logic within the page. The application servers may mainly
serve web-based applications, while other servers can perform as
session initiation protocol servers, for instance, or work with
telephony networks. Specifications for enterprise application
integration and service-oriented architecture can be designed to
connect many different computer network elements. Such
specifications include Business Application Programming Interface,
Web Services Interoperability, and Java EE Connector
Architecture.
[0090] In various embodiments, computers and computer systems
described herein may have the following main components: arithmetic
and logic unit (ALU), control unit, memory, and input and output
devices (I/O devices). These components can be interconnected by
busses, often comprising groups of wires or cables. The control
unit, ALU, registers, and basic I/O (and often other hardware
closely linked with these sections) can be collectively considered
a central processing unit (CPU) for the computer system. The CPU
may be constructed on a single integrated circuit or
microprocessor. The control unit (control system or central
controller) directs the various components of a computer system.
The control system decodes each instruction in a computer program
and turns it into a series of control signals that operate other
components of the computer system. To enhance performance or
efficiency of operation, the control system may alter the order of
instructions. One component of the control unit is the program
counter, a memory register that tracks the location in memory from
which the next instruction is to be read.
[0091] The ALU is capable of performing arithmetic and logic
operations. The set of arithmetic operations that a particular ALU
supports may be limited to adding and subtracting or might include
multiplying or dividing, trigonometry functions (sine, cosine,
etc.) and square roots. Some may be programmed to operate on whole
numbers (integers), while others use floating point to represent
real numbers, for example. An ALU may also compare numbers and
return Boolean truth values (e.g., true or false). Superscalar
computers may contain multiple ALUs to facilitate processing
multiple instructions at the same time. For example, graphics
processors and computers with SIMD and MIMD features often possess
ALUs that can perform arithmetic operations on vectors and
matrices. Certain computer systems may include one or more RAM
cache memories configured to move more frequently needed data into
the cache automatically.
[0092] Examples of peripherals that may be used in connection with
certain embodiments of the invention include input/output devices
such as keyboards, mice, screen displays, monitors, printers, hard
disk drives, floppy disk drives, joysticks, and image scanners.
[0093] Embodiments described herein may divide functions between
separate CPUs, creating a multiprocessing configuration. For
example, multiprocessor and multi-core (multiple CPUs on a single
integrated circuit) computer systems with co-processing
capabilities may be employed. Also, multitasking may be employed as
a computer processing technique to handle simultaneous execution of
multiple computer programs.
[0094] In various embodiments, the computer systems, data
transmission devices, data storage media, or modules described
herein may be configured and/or programmed to include one or more
of the above-described electronic, computer-based elements and
components, or computer architecture. In addition, these elements
and components may be particularly configured to execute the
various rules, algorithms, programs, processes, and method steps
described herein.
[0095] While the present embodiments have been principally
described in relation to engines, it will be recognized that the
invention is also useful in a wide variety of other types of
machines. Therefore, whereas particular embodiments of the
invention have been described herein for the purpose of
illustrating the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the
same, it can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
that numerous variations of the details, materials and arrangement
of parts may be made within the principle and scope of the
invention without departing from the invention as described in the
appended claims.
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