Eductor at an outlet side of a filter assembly, said filter assembly having a crankcase pressure regulator assembly thereon

Abstract

An apparatus includes a pressure regulator assembly having a pressure regulator housing. The apparatus further includes a filter assembly having a filter housing. A filter element which can be an air / oil coalescing filter resides in a hollow delimited by the filter housing. The pressure regulator housing resides on top of the filter housing. An eductor (which can also be called a vacuum pump) resides at the outlet side of the filter housing.

Description

[0001] 4449P05T

[0002] EDUCTOR AT AN OUTLET SIDE OF A FILTER ASSEMBLY, SAID FILTER ASSEMBLY HAVING A CRANKCASE PRESSURE REGULATOR ASSEMBLY THEREON

[0003] This International Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 689,504, filed August 30, 2024, hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0004] I. FIELD

[0005] The invention concerns an apparatus which includes a pressure regulator assembly having a pressure regulator housing; a filter assembly having a filter housing; and an eductor. A filter element, which can be an air / oil coalescing filter, resides in a hollow delimited by the filter housing. The pressure regulator housing resides atop of the filter housing. The eductor (which can also be called a vacuum pump) resides at an outlet side of the filter housing.

[0006] II. BACKGROUND

[0007] Pressure regulators atop a filter housing are known. US Patent 10352209, Pressure Regulator Assemblies, July 16, 2019, Solberg, discloses a filter in combination with a pressure regulator. The combination includes a primary housing which carries an air / oil separation element; a valve member extends into a throat of the element; a secondary housing forms a regulator chamber and an atmospheric chamber; and a partition of the secondary housing delimits and fluidly seals the atmospheric chamber from the regulator chamber. The partition is moveable in opposite axial directions responsive to a change in a pressure differential between the atmospheric chamber and regulator chamber without the use of a spring. The valve opens into and is in fluid connection with the regulator chamber. The secondary housing is carried by the primary housing. Alternatively, a fluid port can open out of the secondary housing and the valve does not open into the regulator chamber.

[0008] Patent publication WO 2023 / 212086 Al, Crankcase Pressure Regulator Having Umbrella Style Valve, November 2023, Solberg, discloses a pressure regulator for a crankcase integrated with a filter assembly which includes an internal hollow having a first portion and a second portion delimited by a filter element housing; a filter element is in said housing. An atmospheric chamber is delimited by a regulator housing; a pressure regulator chamber is delimited by said regulator housing; a partition in said regulator housing fluidly seals off said pressure regulator chamber from said atmospheric chamber; a valve assembly having a valve head and a valve orifice, both in said internal hollow, delimited by said filter housing, said 4449P05T valve head connected to said partition, said valve orifice having a first open access and a second open access. The assembly adjustable to place the valve orifice in a valve orifice closed orientation, a first partially open orientation, a second partially open orientation, and an open orientation. An intake orifice is delimited by said filter housing opening into said hollow first portion. An exhaust orifice is delimited by said filter housing opening into said hollow second portion. A reference inlet is in fluid connection with said pressure regulator chamber. The valve orifice provides fluid access to said filter element. The partition is moveable in a first axial direction and a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction responsive to a change in a pressure differential between the pressure in the regulator chamber and the pressure in the atmospheric chamber. Movement of the partition in said first axial direction moves said valve head in a first axial direction and said movement of said partition in said second axial direction moves said valve head in a second axial direction opposite said first valve head first axial direction. Movement of said valve head in said first axial direction moves said head relative to said valve orifice to place the orifice into the partially first open orientation from the closed orientation. Movement of the valve head in the first axial moves said valve head relative to the valve orifice to place the valve assembly orifice into the second partially open orientation from the first partially open orientation. Movement of said valve head in said first axial direction moves said valve head relative to said valve assembly orifice to orient said orifice from said second partially open position to said open position. When the valve orifice is in the partially open position or open position, fluid prior to passing to said exhaust orifice passes through said valve orifice and then through a sidewall of said filter element.

[0009] III. SUMMARY

[0010] An apparatus includes a springless pressure regulator assembly to regulate pressure, positive or negative, in a crankcase. The pressure regulator assembly has a pressure regulator housing and a pressure regulator valve. The apparatus further has a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filter housing. A filter housing surface of the filter housing delimits a filter housing hollow, a filter housing inlet and a filter housing outlet. The pressure regulator housing connects to the filter housing. The pressure regulator valve connects to the pressure regulator housing. The pressure regulator valve is disposed in the filter housing hollow. An eductor connects to the filter housing the filter housing outlet. The eductor includes an eductor motive compressible fluid inlet open to the filter housing outlet. It also includes an eductor filtered compressible fluid channel. The motive compressible fluid inlet is open to the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel. 4449P05T

[0011] Naturally, further objects and examples of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

[0012] IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an apparatus embodying features of the invention; the apparatus has a springless pressure regulator assembly, said pressure regulator assembly has a pressure regulator housing and a pressure regulator valve; said apparatus further having a filter assembly having a filter housing; said pressure regulator housing connected to said filter housing; and an eductor connects to the filter housing by surface delimiting a filter housing outlet.

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

[0015] Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 4A is cross sectional view of Figure 3 wherein the air flow is shown with differing arrow tails to indicate different fluid characteristics and the filter element with hatching different from the filter housing.

[0017] Figure 4B is also a cross sectional view of Figure 3 wherein the air flow is shown with differing arrow tails to indicate different fluid characteristics and the filter element with hatching different from the filter

[0018] Figure 5 A is an isometric view of the eductor shown in Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 5B is a cross sectional view of the eductor shown in Figure 5A.

[0020] Figure 6 is a cross sectional view like that shown in Figure 3 except the view shows a second embodiment of an eductor of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 is a close up view of the eductor shown in Figure 6 modified to show the eductor’s internal channels.

[0022] Figure 8 is a close up view of the seal (gasket) shown in Figure 7 modified to show that the seal can be selected from a plurality of seals each having a different width.

[0023] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the eductor shown in Figure 7.

[0024] Figure 10A is a close up cross sectional view of the eductor shown in Figure 7 having a gasket with a width of 2.0 mm. 4449P05T

[0025] Figure 1 OB is a close up cross sectional view of the eductor shown in Figure 10A having a gasket with a width of 1.5 mm.

[0026] Figure IOC is a close up cross sectional view of the eductor shown in Figure 10B having a gasket with a width of 1.0 mm.

[0027] Figure 10D is a close up cross sectional view of the eductor shown in Figure 10C having a gasket with a width of 0.5 mm.

[0028] Figure 11 is a schematic view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing the apparatus connected to a vacuum source and a crankcase.

[0029] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. The terms over, under, around, and about include both directly and indirectly over, under, around, and about. The terms in and delimits includes items partially in or partially delimiting. The phrase “compressible fluid” herein includes ambient air, and / or gas, and / or ambient air with liquid and or solid particles mixed therewith, crankcase emissions and combinations of these.

[0030] V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Now referring to Figures 1 through 11 an apparatus includes a pressure regulator assembly (20) having a pressure regulator housing (21) and a pressure regulator valve assembly (22). The apparatus further includes a filter assembly (23) having a filter housing (24). The filter assembly (23) includes a filter element (25) which can be an air / oil coalescing filter element which resides in a filter housing hollow (27) delimited by surface of the filter housing (24). The pressure regulator housing (21) resides on top of the filter housing (24). The apparatus also 4449P05T includes an eductor (70; 2270). The eductor (70; 2270) (which can also be called a vacuum pump) resides at the filter housing outlet side of the filter housing (24). In more detail it resides at the filter housing outlet (29).

[0032] In more detail, an eductor motive compressible fluid inlet (71; 2271) formed by a portion of the eductor (70; 2270) is open to an eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (72; 2272) formed by a portion of the eductor (70; 2270). The eductor filtered compressible fluid channel extends downstream from an eductor filtered compressible fluid inlet (73; 2273) formed by a portion of the eductor (70; 2270); the eductor filtered compressible fluid inlet (73; 2273) receives filtered compressible fluid (37) from a filter housing hollow second portion (27b) formed by the filter housing (24). The eductor filtered fluid channel (72; 2272)extends downstream to an eductor filtered compressible fluid outlet (74; 2274) formed by a portion of the eductor (70; 2270). The eductor filtered compressible fluid inlet (73; 2273) forms an inlet of the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (72; 2272). The eductor filtered compressible fluid outlet (74; 2274) forms an outlet of the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (72; 2272).

[0033] During operation of the apparatus, motive compressible fluid (75; 2275) at low pressure of only between 10-30 PSI first passes through the eductor motive fluid inlet (71; 2271). The low pressure motive fluid (75; 2275) provides a motive force, and can be called pressurized motive compressible fluid (75; 2275). The pressurized motive compressible fluid (75; 2275) comes from a preexisting source such as the exhaust side (32) of a preexisting turbo charger (33) of the type shown in the present application. The turbo charger (33) is normally used in connection with an engine having a crankcase (34), of the type shown in the present application. The pressure source being used in the engine assembly (35) regardless of the presence of the eductor (70; 2270).

[0034] The eductor motive compressible fluid inlet (71; 2271) provides an opening of an eductor motive compressible fluid channel (76; 2276). The eductor motive compressible fluid channel (76; 2276) includes an eductor motive compressible fluid outlet (77; 2277). The eductor motive compressible fluid outlet (77; 2277) opens to the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (72; 2272). Concurrently with motive compressible fluid (75; 2275) at 10-30 psi flowing into the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (72; 2272); filtered compressible fluid (37) passes from the filter housing hollow second portion (27b) and through the filter housing outlet (29) into the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (72; 2272). 4449P05T

[0035] The motive compressible fluid (75; 2275) passing into the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (72; 2272) and the filtered compressible fluid (37) passing into the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (72; 2272) merge and flow to and out of the eductor filtered compressible fluid outlet (74; 2274) of the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (72; 2272). The passing of the motive compressible fluid (75; 2275) at a low pressure of between 10 to 30 psi into the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (72; 2272) increases velocity of the flow of the filtered compressible fluid (37) in the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (72; 2272). The passing of the motive compressible fluid (75; 2275) also increases the suction, via the increase in velocity at the filter housing outlet (29), at the filter housing hollow second portion (27b) upstream of the filter housing outlet (29), at the filter element (25), in a throat of the filter element (25a), downstream of the a channel outlet (40c) delimited by a partition (40) in the filter housing, at the channel outlet (40c), at the filter housing hollow first portion (27a), and at the filter housing inlet (46). The increased suction is in comparison to an apparatus having only the pressure regulator assembly and the filter assembly, the apparatus excluding the eductor. The apparatus having only the pressure regulator assembly and only the filter assembly can be like those shown in US Patent 10352209, Pressure Regulator Assemblies, July 16, 2019, Solberg; or Patent publication WO 2023 / 212086 Al, Crankcase Pressure Regulator Having Umbrella Style Valve, November 2023, Solberg. Both are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

[0036] Now referring to the structure of the eductor in more detail, the eductor (70; 2270) includes a first end (78; 2278). The eductor filtered compressible fluid inlet (73; 2273) resides at and proximate the eductor first end (78; 2278). The eductor includes a second end (79; 2279) opposite the first end. The eductor filtered compressible fluid outlet (74; 2274) resides at the second end (79; 2279). The term proximate includes at or near.

[0037] Now further referring to the embodiment of the eductor (70) shown in Figures 1-5B, the eductor (70) includes a housing (90). The housing includes an interior surface (90a) that delimits a hollow (90b). A tube (93) resides in the hollow (90b). The tube (93), at a tube first end (94a), includes a tube first inlet (95b) of a tube first channel (95a). The tube, at a tube second end (94b), includes a tube first outlet (95c) of the tube first channel (95a). The tube first channel (95a) extends from the tube first inlet (95b) to the tube first outlet (95c). An interior surface (93a) of the tube delimits the tube first channel (95a). An exterior tube surface (93b) resides over the interior tube surface (93a). The exterior and interior surface form surfaces of a tube sidewall (93c) forming the first tube channel (95a). The tube exterior surface (93b) forms threading (93d) at and proximate the tube first end (94a) and forms threading 4449P05T

[0038] (93e) at and proximate the tube second end (94b). The tube’s exterior surface (93b) faces the interior surface (90a) of the housing (90).

[0039] The eductor housing (90) includes an exterior surface (90c) over the housing interior surface (90a). The interior (90a) and exterior (90c) surfaces form surfaces of an eductor housing wall (90d). The eductor housing (90) includes a first end surface (91) at a housing first end (78). The eductor housing exterior surface (90c) over the housing interior surface (90a) can form threading (92) at the housing first end (78) and proximate the housing first end (78). The housing first end surface (91) resides about an eductor housing channel inlet (99). At the eductor housing first end (78), the eductor housing channel inlet (99) is open to an eductor housing channel (96) delimited by eductor housing surface. The eductor housing channel (96) includes an eductor channel outlet (98) opposite the eductor housing channel inlet (99). A portion of the eductor housing surface which delimits said eductor housing channel (96) forms threading proximate and at the eductor housing channel outlet (98). The eductor housing channel (96) is open to said tube first inlet (95b) and said tube first inlet (95) is downstream of said eductor housing channel inlet (99). The threading (93d) formed by the tube exterior surface (93b) at the tube first end (94a) couples to and mates with the threading (96a) which delimits said eductor housing channel proximate the eductor housing channel outlet (98). The threads (96a) connect the eductor tube (93) to the eductor housing (90). The eductor housing (90) includes a second end surface (91a) at a housing second end (100). The second end (100) surface resides about an eductor housing orifice (101) which opens into the eductor housing hollow (90b). The eductor tube first outlet (95c) can be upstream, downstream, at, or proximate the eductor housing orifice (101).

[0040] The eductor housing wall (90d) having the eductor housing exterior (90c) and interior (90a) surfaces delimits an opening (102) that opens through the wall (90d). A tube second channel (110) extends through the opening (102). The second tube channel (110) includes a tube second inlet (111) providing an opening to the tube second channel (110). The tube second channel (110) includes a tube second outlet (112) providing an opening out of the tube second channel (110) and into the tube first channel (95a).

[0041] The tube described herein includes a first tube (113) threadably connected to a second tube (114). The first tube (113) forms the tube first channel (95a), a portion of the tube second channel (110), and the tube second outlet (112). The first tube (93) also forms the exterior

[0042] (93b) and interior (93a) surface forming surfaces of a tube sidewall (93c) forming the tube first 4449P05T channel (95a). The educator tube (93) is the first tube (93). It further includes interior surface forming threading (115) that delimits a portion of the tube second channel (110). The second tube (114) forms the tube second inlet (111) and a portion of the tube second channel (110). The second tube (114) further includes exterior surface forming threading (116). The threading’s (115), (116) threadably engage to couple the first tube (93) to the second tube (114). The eductor housing channel inlet (99) forms the eductor filtered compressible fluid inlet (73). The tube first outlet (95c) forms the eductor filtered compressible fluid outlet (74). The tube second inlet (111) forms the eductor motive compressible fluid inlet (71). The tube second channel (110) forms the motive compressible fluid channel (76). The tube second outlet (112) forms the motive compressible fluid outlet (77). The eductor housing exterior threaded surface (92) couples to and mates with the threading delimiting said filter housing outlet (29).

[0043] Now further referring to the eductor (2270) shown in Figures 6-10D in more detail; the motive compressible fluid channel (2276), downstream of the inlet (2271) opens to, into, and merges with a motive compressible fluid reservoir (2280). The reservoir (2280) extends continuously about and around the filtered compressible fluid channel (2272). The motive compressible fluid channel (2276), downstream of the reservoir (2279), includes a tapering channel portion (2276a) which extends continuously about and around the filtered compressible fluid channel (2272). The motive fluid tapering channel portion (2276a) tapers in the downstream direction and towards filtered compressible fluid channel outlet (2274) and away from the compressible fluid channel inlet (2273). The tapering channel (2276a) opens to the filtered compressible fluid channel (2272) at the motive compressible fluid outlet (2277). The space forming the tapered channel (2276a) can be considered an annulus when viewed in cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (2272) and the axis of the tapering channel (2276a) of the motive fluid channel. The space is annular when viewed in the cross section.

[0044] A first tapering surface (2281) facing in a direction away from a longitudinal axis of the filtered compressible fluid channel (2272) tapers in the downstream direction and towards the filtered compressible fluid channel outlet (2274) and away from the inlet (2273). The first tapering surface (2281) extends about and around the filtered compressible fluid longitudinal axis and about the filtered compressible fluid channel (2272). The first tapering surface (2281) delimits the tapering motive compressible fluid channel portion (2276a). The surface (2281) is frustoconical. The surface (2281) along the cross section is annular. 4449P05T

[0045] A second tapering surface (2282) facing in a direction towards the longitudinal axis of the filtered compressible fluid channel (2272) tapers in the downstream direction and towards the filtered compressible fluid channel outlet (2274) and away from the inlet (2273). The second tapering surface (2282) delimits the tapering motive compressible fluid channel portion (2276a). The second tapering surface (2282) extends about and around the filtered compressible fluid longitudinal axis and about and around the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (2272). The surface is frustoconical. The surface (2282) along the cross section is annular. The second tapering surface (2282) faces the first tapering surface (2281) and parallel thereto and both delimit the motive fluid tapering channel portion (2276a).

[0046] The eductor (2270) includes a first section (2270a) removably connected to a second section (2270b). The first section (2270a) includes the first tapering surface (2281), it also delimits the motive compressible fluid inlet (2271), the portion of the motive compressible fluid channel (2272) upstream of the motive compressible fluid tapering channel (2276a). It delimits a majority of the reservoir (2280), except for one end. It delimits the inlet (2273) of the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (2272) and a portion of the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (2272) upstream of the tapering motive fluid channel (2276a). A first facing surface (2283) at the first section (2270a) second end (2285) delimits an opening (2289) into a portion of the filtered compressible fluid channel (2272) delimited by a first tapering wall (2286) formed with the first tapering surface (2281) and a first interior tapering surface (2287). The first facing surface (2283) delimits a plurality of thread holes (2288) about the opening (2289). The facing surface (2283) is flat and faces downstream.

[0047] The eductor (2270) includes the second section (2270b) removably connected to the first section (2270a). The second section (2270b) includes the second tapering surface (2282). It delimits a side of the reservoir (2280). It delimits the outlet (2274) of the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (2272). A second facing surface (2284) at the second end of second section second end (2290) delimits an opening (2291) into a portion of the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (2272). The second section (2270b) delimits a plurality of holes (2292) about the opening (2291). The second facing surface (2284) is flat and faces upstream. The first facing surface (2283) faces the second facing surface (2284). The second facing surface (2284) faces the first facing surface (2283). The surfaces (2283) and (2284) are opposite facing. 4449P05T

[0048] One may adjust the width of the tapering motive compressible fluid channel (2276a) measured along a line (22100) perpendicular to the first tapering surface (2281) or along a line (22100) perpendicular to the second tapering surface (2282), or both to different fixed widths. One adjusts the widths by fixedly adjusting the distance between the first face surface (2283) and second face surface (2284), the distance measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis (22101) of the eductor filtered compressible fluid channel (2272). A plurality of flat gaskets (22102) of varying widths as measured along the gaskets longitudinal axis allow one to select a gasket (22102) from the gaskets (22102) of varying widths. The selected gasket once operationally disposed resides between the first (2283) and second (2284) facing surfaces. The first face surface (2283) abuts up against the first flat side of the gasket (22102) and the second face surface (2284) abuts up against an oppositely facing second side of the gasket (22102). Screws (22105) passing through the thread holes (2288) and (2292) when rotated adjust the distance between the first (2283) and second (2284) face surface to reduce the distance between the faces. The distance is reduced until the first face surface (2283) abuts against the gasket (22102) first side and the second face surface (2284) abuts up against the gasket (22102) second side. The abutments with sufficient force to place the gasket (22102) in fixed relation to the first (2270a) and second (2270b) sections. The first (2270a) and second sections (2270b) are in fixed relation to each other. Further the width of the tapering channel (2276a) is also fixed.

[0049] The width of the tapering channel (2276a) is dependent upon the distance between the faces (2283), (2284) and thus the thickness / width of the gasket (22102). The gasket more broadly can be a seal. The greater the distance between the faces (2283), (2284), the greater the width of the tapered channel (2276a). For example, a gasket (22102) of a width of 0.5 mm operationally disposed as part of the eductor construction show in Figure 10D results in a tapered channel (2276a) width of 0.2 mm. A gasket (22102) with a width of 1.0 mm results in a tapered channel having a width of 0.4 mm. See Figure 10C. A gasket (22102) with a width of 1.5 mm results in a tapered channel having a width of 0.6 mm. See Figure 10B. A gasket with a width of 2.0 mm results in a tapered channel (2276a) having a width of 0.8 mm. See Figure 10 A.

[0050] The eductor includes an external surface. The external surface at and proximate the educator first end includes threading (22103). The external surface at the second end forms ridges (22104) at and proximate the eductor second end. 4449P05T

[0051] The components of the eductor (70; 2270) once operationally assembled to each other, remain in fixed relation to each other. The eductor’s (70; 2270) construction does not include moving parts to operate. The eductor (70; 2270)remains static during operation. The eductor (70; 2270) can couple to the outlet side of the filter housing shown in US Patent 10352209, Pressure Regulator Assemblies, July 16, 2019, Solberg; or Patent publication WO 2023 / 212086 Al, Crankcase Pressure Regulator Having Umbrella Style Valve, November 2023, Solberg. More particularly the eductor (70; 2270) couples at its first end (78); (2278) to the filter housing outlet of US Patent 10352209 (listed as exhaust port 131 of US Patent 10352209) and of Patent publication WO 2023 / 212086 Al (listed as exhaust orifice (128) of Patent publication WO 2023 / 212086 Al ). The eductor’s external threading (92); ( 22103) couples to the threading delimiting the outlets.

[0052] The external surface of the eductor (70; 2270) forming threading (92); (22103) resides at and proximate the eductor first end (78); (2278). The eductor couples to the outlet side of the filter housing (24) shown in Figure 3 and Figure 6. More particularly, the eductor (70; 2270) couples at its first end (78); (2278) to the filter housing outlet (29) of Figure 3 and Figure 6. The eductor’s external threading (92); (22103) couples to the threading delimiting the outlets (29). A press fit could be used.

[0053] Now referring to the pressure regulator assembly (20) of the apparatus in more detail, a partition (201) resides in the pressure regulator housing (21). The partition seals off an atmospheric chamber (202) from a pressure regulator chamber (203). The partition is moveable in a first axial direction (204) and a second axial direction (205) opposite the first axial direction (204). The partition (201) moves responsive to a change in pressure in the pressure regulator chamber (203) relative to the atmospheric pressure in the atmospheric chamber (202) without the aid of a spring. A springless valve (206) having a valve regulating orifice (206a) resides in the filter the housing hollow (27). The valve (206) is moveable from and to a closed configuration / position, to various partially open configurations / positions, and to and from a fully open configuration / position responsive to movement of the partition. It is further moveable to and from various partially open configurations / positions responsive to movement of the partition. It is also moveable to and from a closed configuration / position from an open configuration / position, and from and to various configurations / positions in-between the open and the closed configuration / position, responsive to movement of the partition. A bracket (28) resides between the filter housing and the pressure regulator housing and facilitates coupling of the items together. 4449P05T

[0054] The pressure regulator housing (21) resides at an end of the filter housing and over the filter housing (24). The pressure regulator housing (21) connects to the filter housing (24). The pressure regulator housing (21) delimits the pressure regulator chamber (203), and the atmospheric chamber (202), fluidly sealed off from the pressure regulator chamber (203). The pressure regulator chamber partition (201) on the first side, has a first side surface (201a) facing in the first axial direction (204), the side surface (201a) forms a boundary surface of the pressure regulator chamber (203). The partition on the second side opposite the first side has a second side surface (201b) opposite the first side surface which forms a boundary surface of the atmospheric chamber (202). The partition includes a flexible and resilient diaphragm (201c) which seals off the pressure regulator chamber (203) from the atmospheric chamber (202). The axial movement of the partition (201) in the first (204) and second (205) axial directions moves the delimited valve regulating orifice (206a) of the valve (206) in the axial first (204) and opposite axial second directions (205). The valve 206 at an end (206b) is connected to the partition (201).

[0055] The delimited valve regulating orifice (206a) of the valve (206) cooperates with a partition (40) in the filter housing (24) to variably delimit the volume of a partition channel inlet (40b) of a channel (40a) delimited by the partition (40). All unfiltered compressible fluid (crank case emissions) must pass through the channel inlet (40b) before they enter the throat (25a) of the filter element (25) and then pass through the elements media (25b); then into the filter housing second portion (27b); then to the filter housing outlet (29); and then into the eductor filtered compressible fluid inlet (71; 2271) as the filtered compressible fluid (37). The partition channel (40a), delimited by the partition (40), provides the exclusive passage which opens into the filter throat (25a) for unfiltered compressible fluid (38) passing into the filter housing (24) through the filter housing inlet (46). The partition (40) includes a partition inlet (40d) which opens into a partition hollow (40e). The partition hollow (40e) opens to a valve receiving open space (40f) delimited by surface (40g) of the partition. The open space (40f) delimited by surface(40g) of the partition includes an orifice (40h) which opens out of the partition through a partition end surface (40i). The open space (40f) and the orifice (40h) delimited by the surface (40g), (40i) of the partition (40) forms a sleeve (40f ,40g, 40h, 40i) in which the valve (206) moves in the first (204) and second (205) axial directions. The sleeve (40f ,40g, 40h, 40i) prevents movement of the valve in a direction lateral to the axial directions (204), (205). The partition hollow (46e), when the valve (206) resides in the sleeve (40f ,40g, 40h, 40i) opens into a valve inlet (206c) of a valve passage (206d). The valve passage (206d) has an outlet (206e) that opens into the pressure regulator chamber (203). The valve passage (206d) also opens into 4449P05T the valve regulating orifice (206a). The valve passage (206d) is always open to the filter housing inlet (46) and the pressure regulator chamber (203). The valve passage (206d) thus operates as a sensor of the crankcase pressure, or as a sensor to a proxy for the crankcase pressure. The pressure in the crankcase (34) is preferably negative.

[0056] The valve (206) and valve regulating orifice (206a) move axially in the first (204) and second (205) directions. The valve (206) and regulating valve orifice (206a) can move to and from an open position where the regulating valve orifice (206a) is in a position, so it is fully or maximally open to the partition channel inlet (40b). The partition channel inlet (40b) is maximally or fully open. The valve (206) and valve orifice (206a) can move axially in the first (204) and second (205) directions, so the valve (206) and valve orifice (206a) are in various partially open positions where the valve orifice (206a) is less than maximally or fully open to the partition channel inlet (40b). The partition channel inlet (40b) is less than maximally or less than fully open. The valve (206) and valve orifice (206a) can move to and from a closed position where the valve orifice (206a) is maximally or fully closed to the partition channel inlet (40b). The partition channel inlet (40b) is maximally closed or fully closed. The valve (206) and valve orifice (206a) can move to and from and between any of the described positions or any combination of the described positions.

[0057] A vacuum source (33) draws emissions out of the crankcase (34) and through the filter element (25). The crankcase emissions (38) are drawn in through the filter housing inlet (46); then downstream into the filter housing hollow first portion (27a), then further downstream into the partition delimited inlet (40d), then into the partition delimited hollow (40e), then into the valve passage (206d) through the valve passage inlet (206c); then through the valve passage orifice (206a) and into the inlet (40b) of channel passage (40a). Then through the channel passage (40a) and out its outlet (40c) and into the throat (25a) of the filter element (25); then through the media (25b) of the filter element (25) and into the filter housing hollow second portion (27b); then into the filter housing outlet (29) and into the eductor (70; 2270), where the filtered compressible fluid (37) merges with the motive fluid (75; 2275). As the crankcase emissions (38) are drawn through the filter housing inlet (46) and into the partition hollow (40e), and through the regulating valve orifice (206a), the pressure regulator assembly partition (201) moves up and down due to changes in pressure sensed through the valve passage (206d). The partition’s (201) movement causes the valve (206) and valve orifice (206a) to move up and down in the first (204) and second (205) axial directions. The valve’s (206) and orifice’s (206a) movement causes changes in the pressure drop across the partition channel (40a). The changes 4449P05T cause the pressure in the crankcase (34) to remain constant or in a constant range. The above occurs without the aid of a spring.

Claims

4449P05TVI. CLAIMS1. An apparatus having a springless pressure regulator assembly, said pressure regulator assembly having a pressure regulator housing and a pressure regulator valve, said apparatus further having a filter assembly, said filter assembly having a filter housing and a filter housing hollow delimited by surface of said filter housing, and said filter assembly further having a filter housing outlet delimited by surface of said filter housing, said pressure regulator housing connected to said filter housing, said pressure regulator valve connected to said pressure regulator housing, and said valve in said filter housing hollow, said apparatus further having an educator open to and connected to said filter housing outlet, said eductor comprising: an eductor motive compressible fluid inlet; and an eductor filtered compressible fluid channel, said motive compressible fluid inlet open to said eductor filtered compressible fluid channel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said eductor filtered compressible fluid channel comprises: an eductor filtered compressible fluid inlet; an eductor filtered compressible fluid outlet; and wherein, said eductor filtered compressible fluid outlet open to said filter housing outlet.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said eductor comprises: an eductor motive compressible fluid channel, said eductor motive compressible fluid inlet forming an inlet of said motive compressible fluid channel; and an eductor motive compressible fluid outlet of said eductor motive compressible fluid channel.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said eductor motive compressible fluid outlet opens into said eductor filtered compressible fluid channel.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said eductor comprises: a first end and a second end, and wherein, said first end proximate to said eductor filtered compressible fluid inlet relative to said second end.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said second end proximate to said eductor filtered compressible fluid outlet relative to said first end.4449P05T7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said eductor filtered compressible fluid inlet proximate said filter housing outlet relative to said eductor filtered compressible fluid outlet.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said eductor comprises: an eductor housing, said housing includes an interior surface that delimits a hollow; and a tube resides in said hollow delimited by said interior surface of said eductor housing.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said eductor housing comprises: eductor housing exterior surface over eductor housing interior surface, said exterior surface forms threading proximate eductor housing first end.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said tube comprises: a tube first inlet of a tube first channel, said tube first inlet at a tube first end.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said tube comprises a tube first outlet of the tube first channel, said outlet at a tube second end.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said tube first channel extends from the tube first inlet to the tube first outlet.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said tube comprises: an exterior surface which forms threading proximate the tube first end.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said tube comprises: a second tube channel which opens through said eductor housing exterior surface; and said eductor housing interior surface, said second tube channel having a tube second inlet and tube second outlet.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said tube second inlet forms said eductor motive compressible fluid inlet and said tube second outlet forms said eductor motive compressible fluid outlet.

16. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said eductor comprises: a motive compressible fluid reservoir, said reservoir downstream of the motive compressible flid inlet, said motive compressible fluid channel opens to and merges with said motive compressible fluid reservoir.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said eductor motive compressible fluid channel comprises: a tapering channel portion which extends continuously about and around said eductor filtered compressible fluid channel.4449P05T18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said eductor comprises: a first section removably connected to a second section, said first section includes a first tapering surface delimiting said tapering channel portion, said second section includes a second tapering surface delimiting said tapering channel portion.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first section comprises: a first facing surface; said second section comprises a second facing surface; said first and second face surfaces oppositely facing; a seal between said first and second oppositely facing surfaces; wherein the first facing surface abuts up against a surface of said seal and the second facing surface abuts up against another surface of said seal; and said seal is of a particular width, said seal interchangeable with seals of varying widths different than said particular width.

20. An eductor comprising: an eductor motive compressible fluid inlet opening into a motive compressible fluid channel; an eductor filtered compressible fluid channel, said motive compressible fluid inlet open to said eductor filtered compressible fluid channel; a tapering channel portion of said motive compressible fluid channel which extends about and around said eductor filtered compressible fluid channel, said tapering channel has a width; a first facing surface and a second facing surface oppositely facing each other, a seal between said first and said second oppositely facing surfaces; and wherein, the first facing surface abuts up against a surface of said seal and said second facing surface abuts up against another surface of said seal; said seal is of a particular width, said seal interchangeable with seals of varying widths different from said seal of said particular width; the width of the tapering channel is dependent upon a distance between the first and second facing surfaces; and the greater the width of the seal, the greater the distance between the first and second facing surfaces, and the greater the width of the tapered channel.

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