Shunt tank for engine cooling systems

Abstract

A shunt tank for an engine cooling system is disclosed. The shunt tank includes a floor portion and four walls, structured and arranged to define a tank interior with a first volume. At least one of a first wall and a second wall is structured proximal to a lateral edge of a radiator frame and includes a gauge attachment portion. A third wall includes a compartment attachment portion. A sight gauge is attached to the gauge attachment portion. A lower compartment is attached to the compartment attachment portion. The lower compartment extends at least partially beyond the floor portion, towards the radiator frame. The lower compartment includes a fluid outlet and defines a second volume. The second volume is substantially less than the first volume. A fluid conduit fluidly connects the shunt tank to a fluid pump of the engine cooling system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A shunt tank for an engine cooling system of a machine, the engine cooling system including a radiator with a radiator frame and a fluid pump, the shunt tank being disposed upstream to the fluid pump, the shunt tank comprising:
 a floor section mounted on the radiator frame;   a first wall and a second wall structured substantially uprightly on the floor section, the first wall being structured opposite to the second wall, wherein at least one of the first wall and the second wall is arranged proximal to a lateral edge of the radiator frame, and defines a gauge attachment portion;   a third wall and a fourth wall structured and arranged substantially uprightly on the floor section and extending between the first wall and the second wall, a tank interior with a first volume being defined by an enclosed space formed by the floor section, the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall, the third wall including a compartment attachment portion proximal to an interface between the third wall and the floor section;   a lower compartment attached to the compartment attachment portion and in fluid communication with the tank interior, the lower compartment being structured and arranged to extend at least partially beyond the floor section towards the radiator frame, the lower compartment defining a second volume and including a fluid outlet, wherein the second volume is substantially lesser than the first volume of the tank interior;   a fluid conduit fluidly connected to the fluid outlet and the fluid pump to facilitate a fluid communication between the shunt tank and the fluid pump; and   a sight gauge attached to the gauge attachment portion and being visually accessible to indicate a level of a coolant fluid in the tank interior.