Apparatus for setting fluid level in an automatic transmission

Abstract

An apparatus for setting a level of fluid in an oil reservoir of an automatic transmission comprises a standpipe attached to the oil reservoir, and a regulator movable relative to the standpipe. Alternative means move the regulator relative to the standpipe to set a height of the regulator.

1 . An apparatus for setting a level of fluid in an oil reservoir of an automatic transmission, the apparatus comprising: 
 a standpipe attached to the oil reservoir;    a regulator movable relative to the standpipe; and    means for moving the regulator relative to the standpipe to set a height of the regulator.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means for moving the regulator comprises a coil spring.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means for moving the regulator comprises a lever.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means for moving the regulator comprises a thermal motor.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means for moving the regulator is thermally sensitive.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the height of the regulator is a function of temperature of the fluid.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for regulating a level of fluid in an oil reservoir of an automatic transmission, the apparatus comprising: 
 a standpipe attached to the oil reservoir;    a regulator movable relative to the standpipe;    a lever mounted to the standpipe; and    a coil spring engaged with the lever.    
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the coil spring is thermally sensitive.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein a height of the regulator is a function of temperature of the fluid.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the regulator is mounted as gate in the standpipe.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the regulator is mounted as a sliding gate in the standpipe.  
     
     
         12 . An apparatus for regulating a level of fluid in an oil reservoir of an automatic transmission, the apparatus comprising: 
 a standpipe attached to the oil reservoir;    a regulator; and    a thermal motor for moving the regulator relative to the regulator.    
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the thermal motor is thermally sensitive.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the thermal motor moves the regulator to a height as a function of temperature of the fluid.