Surge Tank

Abstract

A surge tank includes a reservoir wherein the reservoir defines a coolant receiving inlet for coupling to the engine. The reservoir further defines a reservoir outlet through which the flow of coolant is returned to the engine. The coolant receiving inlet receives a flow of coolant from the engine. The surge tank further includes a plurality of objects disposed within the coolant reservoir. The plurality of objects are operatively configured to float at an upper surface of the coolant in the reservoir and to dampen the momentum of the coolant flowing from the engine.

1 . A surge tank comprising:
 a reservoir including a coolant receiving inlet for coupling to the engine to receive a flow of coolant from the engine and a reservoir outlet through which the flow of coolant is returned to the engine; and   a plurality of objects disposed within the coolant reservoir, the plurality of objects operatively configured to float at an upper surface of the coolant in the reservoir and to dampen the momentum of the coolant flowing from the engine.   
     
     
         2 . The surge tank, as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of objects are balls. 
     
     
         3 . The surge tank, as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of objects are formed from a polymeric material. 
     
     
         4 . The surge tank, as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the balls are hollow. 
     
     
         5 . The surge tank, as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of objects are solid. 
     
     
         6 . A surge tank comprising:
 a reservoir including a coolant receiving inlet for coupling to the engine to receive a flow of coolant from the engine and a reservoir outlet through which the flow of coolant is returned to the engine;   a baffle; and   a plurality of objects disposed within the coolant reservoir, the plurality of objects operatively configured to float at an upper surface of the coolant in the reservoir and to dampen the momentum of the coolant flowing from the engine.   
     
     
         7 . The surge tank, as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of objects are hollow. 
     
     
         8 . The surge tank, as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of objects are formed from a polymeric material. 
     
     
         9 . The surge tank, as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of objects have a diameter of about 0.5 inches. 
     
     
         10 . The surge tank, as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of objects form multiple layers near the upper surface of the coolant in the reservoir. 
     
     
         11 . The surge tank, as defined in  claim 6  wherein the baffle spans the internal width of the reservoir. 
     
     
         12 . The surge tank, as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the baffle is a grate.