Actuated air filter dust valve

Abstract

An air intake system may include an engine air cleaner having a dust valve. The intake system may be configured for arrangement on the engine. The dust valve may also be operable to open or close based on operating characteristics of the engine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dust valve for an air intake system, comprising:
 a body portion defining a passageway for discarding dust;   an operable portion arranged within the body portion and configured to open and close the passageway; and   an actuation portion operably coupled to the operable portion to operate the operable portion between an open position and a closed position.   
     
     
         2 . The dust valve of  claim 1 , wherein the actuation portion comprises a physically responsive actuation portion. 
     
     
         3 . The dust valve of  claim 1 , wherein the actuation portion comprises a controlled device. 
     
     
         4 . The dust valve of  claim 3 , wherein the actuation portion comprises a dust valve control module configured to monitor engine RPM's to control the controlled device. 
     
     
         5 . The dust valve of  claim 1 , wherein the actuation portion comprises a dust valve control module configured to monitor pressure or air flow.