Abstract: An oil containment boot to prevent oil spillage during removal of inverted oil filter canisters and method of using same. The oil containment boot includes a peripheral side wall defining an open top end and an open bottom end. The open bottom end of the boot is operably sealingly secured over the oil filter receiving base such that the peripheral side wall extends upwardly a distance above the oil filter receiving base to surround at least the lower portion of the inverted oil filter canister. Upon removal of the inverted oil filter canister from the oil filter receiving base through the open top end, any oil in the inverted oil filter canister is contained within the peripheral side wall of the boot.

Abstract: An oil airless sucking machine that has features of easy control, smaller volume for carrying, and is suited to any size oil container. The machine has a three-way T-shaped nozzle carrier, which has a radial valve through-hole built as a valve buckle for a control valve cock fitting so as to construct a control valve. A non-home switch handle snaps on long tenons of the valve cock for spinning together, and by means of a friction force between a couple of O-rings located approaching both ends of the valve cock and the valve buckle, the non-home switch can be kept in any position for cut-in or off processes without needing to be held all the time during running. The dividable joint structure of the cap and the nozzle carrier makes changing different size oil tanks for working on different gear boxes easy.

Abstract: A funnel includes a housing that has a perimeter wall for defining an interior space. An attachment assembly is coupled to the housing. The attachment assembly is for stabilizing the housing to a support surface of a vehicle. The housing includes a receiving portion for securely receiving a container of lubricant. The housing includes a directing portion that is in fluid communication with the receiving portion for facilitating the flow of lubricant from the receiving portion to the directing portion into an engine of a vehicle. The housing includes a handle portion that is coupled to the receiving portion for facilitating gripping of the housing by the hand of a user. A light assembly is positioned proximate the handle portion of the housing. The light assembly is for providing light to a distal end of the housing allowing the user to easily position the funnel assembly in low light conditions.

Abstract: A fluid transfer apparatus having a lid portion, and outer bucket and an insert container, forming a double wall container for the receipt of transferred fluid, the apparatus utilizes a compressed air to operate a venturi pump to remove fluids, such as oils and greases, from sources, such as engines and transmissions, for delivery to the double wall container. Activation of the venturi pump seals the lid to the inner and outer containers during liquid transfer operations. Safety checks are provided to ensure leak resistance should the unit inadvertently tip over.

Abstract: An oil drain system and method for draining oil for a personal watercraft that includes an oil reservoir coupled to a flow regulator, located in the interior of the personal watercraft. The flow regulator is additionally coupled to a cover that seals an access opening formed on the exterior of the personal watercraft by means of a tether such that when the cover is removed for an oil change the tether pulls the flow regulator to the exterior of the watercraft so that oil in the reservoir can be drained to the exterior of the watercraft.

Abstract: A fail-safe service machine for the power steering system of automotive vehicles includes a pair of pumps each driven by electrical power from a vehicle under service, and a suction/delivery probe extending into the power steering system reservoir of the vehicle to remove old power steering fluid, and to simultaneously deliver new power steering fluid as a downwardly directed jet or stream of fluid extending toward the bottom of the power steering fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A spent transmission fluid is drained from a transmission and replaced with new fluid. The transmission's converter forces the spent fluid into a spent fluid container, while air displaced by the entering spent fluid is forced into a second container holding a new replacement fluid. The second container is thereby pressurized and the new fluid is thus forced through an interconnecting conduit line into the dipstick tube so as to replace the spent fluid flowing out. The spent fluid leaving the transmission causes suction to appear at the dipstick tube which sucks the new fluid into the transmission. To assure that this suction is maintained, the dipstick tube is sealed so that the system is closed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sump for an internal combustion engine and a method for draining a sump. In prior sumps, a drain aperture was commonly provided in the floor of the sump to provide good draining characteristics. Where a drain aperture in the sump floor was not practical, a side wall drain aperture was used, but with less than desirable draining characteristics because the drain aperture was above the sump floor for structural reasons. In accordance with this invention, the sump floor has at least one gutter. A closable drain aperture is located such that at least its lowermost part is located within the gutter. When the drain aperture is opened, oil within the sump can flow along the gutter and through the aperture. The gutter may form a support rail to support the weight of an engine.

Abstract: A vehicular accessory device comprising a liquid vessel having a cap with an aperture incorporated therein. A tube is inserted through the first aperture and into an interior portion of the vessel. The vessel also includes a second aperture on its surface allowing for a valve stem to be connected to the second aperture. An air pump, or alternatively an air compressor, is attached to the valve stem; and as air is pumped into the bottle, liquid stored within the vessel moves up the tube and into an intended destination, namely into the engine, namely a transmission, or rear end of a vehicle.

Abstract: Interconnecting a fluid interchange apparatus with a power steering system of a vehicle; pumping spent fluid from the power steering system into a fluid receiving container to compress air pressure therein; interconnecting, with a pressure actuated valve, the fluid receiving container and a replacement fluid container, the replacement fluid container holding a replacement fluid; automatically opening the pressure actuated valve when a selected amount of the spent fluid from the power steering system is transferred into the fluid receiving container resulting in an air pressure sufficient to open the pressure actuated valve; and draining, under the force of the sufficient air pressure, the replacement fluid from the replacement fluid container into the power steering system to replace the spent fluid in the power steering system with the replacement fluid.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for use in conjunction with a servicing apparatus for exchanging fluid between a serviceable automobile component and new and used fluid tanks and including a rigid manifold body with a fluid circuit defining a plurality of pathways connecting a plurality of ports whereby fluid is directed through the fluid circuit and ports by selectively operating first and second valves and circulated using a common pump to exchange fluid, recirculate fluid, and drain both the used and new fluid tanks as desired.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically replenishing additives lost from the lubricating oil of an IC engine, by injecting controlled quantities of the additive into the oil. The amount and frequency of injection is controlled by either the operating conditions of the oil (e.g. its thermal history), or changes the properties of the oil (e.g. its electrochemical activity, or dielectric constant).

Abstract: A fluid servicing apparatus for exchanging fluids with a power steering fluid reservoir including drain and supply conduits with inline pumps coupled to a control board on a cabinet housing new and used fluid receptacles and a remote pump actuator in communication with the control board including a switch selectively operable to actuate either of said pumps to drain and fill the reservoir.

Abstract: A servicing apparatus for exchanging fluid between a serviceable automobile component and new and used fluid tanks and including a manifold with a fluid circuit defining a plurality of pathways connecting a plurality of ports whereby fluid is directed through the fluid circuit and ports by selectively operating first and second valves and circulated using a common pump to exchange fluid, recirculate fluid, and drain both the used and new fluid tanks as desired.

Abstract: A drain valve for mounting as a replacement for the drain plug in the oil pan of a motor vehicle includes a body member having an upstream end threaded for attachment to the oil pan, a downstream end, and a passageway therethrough normally closed by a valve element adjacent the downstream end thereof. A valve actuator is mountable on the downstream end of the body member to displace the valve element to open the passageway, and the downstream end of the actuator receives a drain hose for directing the oil to a collection receptacle. A dust cap covers the downstream end of the valve between draining operations to protect the valve from damage.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes elongated conduits connected at one end with Couplings to a plurality of fluid reservoirs of a machine or engine and at the other end with a Control valve for selective quick evacuation. Evacuation is powered by a pump operably connected to the control valve. Another embodiment includes a first pump for the evacuation of an engine oil reservoir and a second pump for the selective evacuation of transmission and hydraulic fluid reservoirs. The control valve and the pumps may be operated remotely through electrical switches on brackets or on a service panel. Associated methods of removing fluids and replacing fluids from a plurality of reservoirs includes coupling the fluid transfer system to the reservoirs.

Abstract: Easy Change Oil System is a unit composed of a disposable plastic bag, jug or bottle adapted to screw directly into the oil drain aperture of fourstroke outboard engines, and/or other small fourstroke engines. The system has a threaded cap or closure to seal the container. The system differs from all previous patents, see cross reference, in that it is threaded, screws directly into the oil drain aperture, is one unit, completely disposable, and requires no additional valves, or nozzles.

Abstract: A housing for a fluid transfer machine includes a base and a pedestal extending outward from the base in a substantially vertical orientation and terminating in a platform. The base has a perimeter defined by an edge, and the pedestal is offset inward from the edge to provide an open space beneath the platform between an underside of the platform and a topside of the base member. This space stores at least one container for a fluid. A cover is mounted to move between an open position where the platform is exposed and a closed position where the platform is covered.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing of the oils and lubricants from an automobile or similar transportation vehicles employing the use of lubricant containers that have the means to determine fluid level by a dip stick type device. The apparatus provides a means of coupling to the vehicles dipstick tube through a flexible hose enabling quick removal of the fluids contained within the vehicle's reservoir. The fluid is transferred to a storage canister by means of the pressure differential created by a reversible positive displacement electrically driven pump with automatic shut off feature when the desired amount of fluid is removed or the reservoir is empty. The light-weight, modular construction enables ease of movement of the apparatus for storage and transport for disposable of the spent lubricants and oils in an environmentally safe and responsible manner.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a lubrication system of a machine includes removing existing lubricant and circulating a cleaning fluid through the lubrication system. After the cleaning fluid has been removed, a neutralising fluid is circulated through the lubrication system, whereby the neutralising fluid combines or reacts with the cleaning fluid to produce a fluid that does not adversely affect the lubricating qualities of fresh lubricating fluid. An apparatus (1) for carrying out the method includes first (3) and second (15) reservoirs to receive the cleaning fluid and neutralising fluid respectively, one or more connectors to connect the apparatus to the machine, one or more pumps adapted to circulate cleaning fluid and neutralising fluid and a controller to control the transfer of the cleaning fluid and neutralising fluid from the reservoirs to the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing power steering fluid in an automotive power steering system, uses the components of an fluid receiving container; an fluid supply container; a utility fluid pump, a pressure actuated fluid valve; and a fluid conducting means. The components are arranged such that air is compressed in the fluid receiving container by entry of spent power steering fluid and builds to open the pressure actuated valve so as to drive replacement power steering fluid into the power steering system, replacing the spent fluid.

Abstract: An engine cleaning system has a cleaning solution container (11) having a filter element (52) therein and is adapted to establish a predetermined quantity of solution for a particular engine. Solution is pumped from the solution container (11) to the engine interior by the engine oil pump, and a solution drain line (31) connects the engine interior and the solution container. Oil and cleaning solution are pumped by the engine oil pump continuously during the cleaning process. The solution container has a removable closure for filter replacement and a drain valve (12) for solution and oil.

Abstract: An attachment (3) for a vacuum gun (2), for introducing new coolant into a cooling system of a vehicle after spent coolant has been drained from the cooling system. The attachment (3) comprises: a body (4) having a first inlet (36) for air left in the cooling system of the vehicle after spent coolant has been drained from the cooling system; a second inlet (37) for the new coolant; an outlet (38); a passage (39) connecting the outlet (38) to each of the inlets (36, 37); and, a jumper valve (40) located within the passage (39). The jumper valve (40) is moveable between a first closed position and a second open position, and it is biased with a coil spring (41) to remain in the first position. Whilst a vacuum is applied to the attachment (3) by the vacuum gun (2), the jumper valve (40) is in the second position and air may be drawn from the cooling system to form a partial vacuum within the cooling system.

Abstract: A lubricant discharge device for discharging lubricant from a bearing housing (1) of an electric motor includes a tubular element (3) consisting of components (3a, 3b) arranged at a lubricant discharge opening (2) in the bearing housing. A piston (4) is arranged inside the tubular element (3) being connected to an arm section (5). The tubular element comprises a first end (3d) placed at the grease discharge opening and a second end (3c) that is opposite to the first end and is situated at the outer edge of an end shield of the electric motor. An opening (6) is provided in the casing of the tubular element close to the second end (3c) of the tubular element, and a closing means (7) is arranged inside the tubular element to open and close the opening (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling device for oil level regulation on oil pans in engines and transmissions, with an opening 1 in the base of the oil pan 2 which is closable with an oil drain screw 10, an oil filling collar 3 being arranged over the opening 1, the oil filling collar 3 projecting into the interior 4 of the oil pan, and a filling pipe 5 as an extension of the oil filling collar 3 being releasably attached to the oil filling collar 3, the free end 6 of the filling pipe 5 representing an overflow opening 7; the invention also relates to an oil pan containing the inventive filling device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method supplies lubricating fluid to an oil lubricating fluid receiving port of a mechanical device. A tank is adapted to hold the lubricating fluid, and a manually operated pump is mounted to the tank. A hose extends from the pump, so that the pump when operated pumps lubricating fluid from the tank into the hose. A shut-off valve is located at an end of the hose, and is manually moveable between an open position and a closed position. An adapter is attached to the shut-off valve and also attaches to the lubricating fluid receiving port, so that operation of the pump when the shut-off valve is in the open position forces lubricating fluid through the tube and through the adapter and into the lubricating fluid receiving port.

Abstract: This invention provides a pipe coupling used for changing oil in an engine oil pan with an oil drain port. A drain plug has a drain plug main body having one end to be attached to the oil drain port of the engine oil pan, a recess formed in its outer surface of the other end projecting outward from the oil pan, and an axial oil flow path extending in an axial direction, a valve holder to be arranged in the plug main body, and a valve body held by the valve holder and capable of closing the flow path.

Abstract: A sealing device for securing an oil plug in threaded engagement with the oil pan to prevent inadvertent loss of lubricating oil therefrom. The sealing device includes an elastomeric washer that underlies the bolt head of the oil plug, a partially closed-ended cylindrical sleeve that surrounds and is integral with the washer, and a cap that is interconnected to the sleeve by a membrane. The sleeve has a protruding lip extending about its upper periphery that interlocks with an abutment extending inwardly from an upper peripheral portion of the cap. Once engaged, the cap prevents the oil plug from being tampered with and from inadvertently dropping out.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the efficacy of an engine oil change includes an oil filter adapter positioned in sandwiched relation between an oil filter housing of an engine and an oil filter. A plurality of outlets formed in the oil filter adapter is in fluid communication with the oil filter inlet and with the oil filter housing. An air inlet formed in the oil filter adapter is in fluid communication with a source of compressed air so that when compressed air is admitted into the air inlet, the compressed air flows through the oil filter housing opening and into the oil pan. The compressed air dislodges residue from an oil pump screen when the engine is not running, dislodges residue from interior walls of the oil pan after the engine has been operated and shut down, and purges dirty oil and residue when dirty oil is drained from the oil pan.

Abstract: A service center for the self-service lubrication of over-the-road vehicles, and the method of use thereof, which center has at least one service area into which the vehicle can be driven for servicing, one or more mobile lifting devices positionable by the vehicle operator to engage and lifts and to subsequently lower, a portion of the vehicle to be serviced under control of such operator, lubricant draining apparatus engageable with the vehicle by the operator and operable thereby to effect the drainage of lubricant from the vehicle, lubricant fill apparatus engageable with the vehicle and operable by the vehicle operator to feed fresh lubricant to the vehicle as required, including metering apparatus for determining the amount of lubricant fed to the vehicle, and an attendant system for controlling use of said service center and its equipment, including calculation of amounts due by the vehicle operator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus provided to accurately test flow and flush cooling systems.

Abstract: A coolant transfer machine for an automotive engine includes first and second fluid transfer systems. The first system, operated when the engine is not running, sequentially first removes at least a substantial portion of used coolant from the engine. The first system then collects in a used fluid container the used coolant as the used coolant is being removed and then replaces the removed used coolant with new coolant from a new fluid container. The second system, operated when the engine is running, simultaneously displaces at least a substantial portion of used coolant in the engine with new coolant from the new fluid container and collects the displaced used coolant in the used fluid container. A manually operable switch has a first position that enables operation of the first fluid transfer system and a second position that enables operation of the second fluid transfer system.

Abstract: This invention is directed to lubricating compositions which contain detergent components derived from linear alkylbenzenes including sulfonates and salts and esters thereof. Detergents provided by the invention have a higher content of the 2-phenyl alkylbenzene isomers than was previously available in materials of prior art. The detergents of the present invention are more powerful detergents over those previously available and may be employed as additives in various lubricating compositions, including motor oils, cutting fluids, emulsions, and motor fuels.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of replacing old fluid in a transmission system by feeding clean fluid into the system from a clean fluid tank using a pump and draining the old fluid into a waste tank and using a processor to monitor the clean fluid pressure in the clean tank and the old fluid pressure in the waste tank and adjusting the pump's speed using the processor such that the old fluid is drained at substantially the same rate as the clean fluid is fed.

Abstract: A control device for an oil drain valve can control opening and closing of the oil drain valve at a far end. The oil drain valve includes a base and a control element connected to the base. The control device further includes a guide element and a driving element. The guide element at an end thereof is joined to the base and the driving element passes through the guide element. An end of the driving element is joined to the control element and another end of the driving element can be pulled from the far end to rotate the control element for controlling opening and closing.

Abstract: An oil drain valve comprises a base and a control part. The base is fixedly attached to a drain hole at the bottom of the oil container. The base at the interior is a hollow chamber to communicate with the oil container and a guide opening is provided at the lateral wall of the base to communicate with the hollow chamber. The control part at the interior thereof has a communication chamber communicates with the hollow chamber and the lateral side thereof has an outlet connects with the communication chamber. The base at the lateral wall thereof has a guide groove and receiver grooves with a resilient piece being received in each receiver groove. A ball is disposed on the respective resilient piece to be biased against the guide groove so that the control part can fit with the base pivotally to block the guide opening.

Abstract: Marine engines often do not provide access to the crankcase drain plug. A conduit is screwed into the crankcase oil filter port to replace the standard oil filter to execute an oil change. The conduit is shaped like an oil filter and has a large orifice exit port on the bottom which receives a garden hose. The engine is cold cranked to push the oil out the crankcase oil filter port. Then the conduit is replaced with a new oil filter. An alternate embodiment incorporates the orifice and valve into the bottom of a standard oil filter.

Abstract: A method of replacing radiator fluid in an automotive radiator includes providing two gas tight containers, a fluid conducting hose with a gas tight nozzle fitted into a radiator fill pipe nipple. The method further includes the steps of filling one of the containers with a fresh radiator fluid, drawing a high vacuum on a second one of the containers, drawing spent radiator fluid into the second one of the containers using only suction from the container, thereby leaving the automotive radiator under a partial vacuum and then drawing the fresh radiator fluid, from the first one of the containers, into the radiator using only suction from the partial vacuum in the radiator. A radiator flush step may also be applied following the same method, using two additional containers, one with initial high vacuum and the other containing flush fluid.

Abstract: A system (10) for ensuring the quality of lubricating oil in an engine of a locomotive without the need for specialized diagnostic and fluid handling systems on the locomotive. A test portion (28) of lubricating oil is removed from the engine and is analyzed at an oil analysis center (26) to determine an oil quality parameter (32). The oil quality parameter is used as an input to a calculator (34) to determine a quantity of oil (36) that must be replaced by fresh oil during a current maintenance outage in order to ensure that the engine oil quality will remain acceptable throughout a forthcoming operating period. In this manner, a complete change-out of the lubricating oil may be delayed or avoided. The oil replacement decision and quantity is communicated to a service center (18) via a communications link such as the Internet (40) prior to the arrival of the locomotive at the service center.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for servicing a system having a used fluid, an inlet and an outlet. An exemplary apparatus comprises a first hose capable of being connected to the inlet, a second hose capable of being connected to the outlet, a first fluid tank including a first new fluid, a second fluid tank including a second new fluid, a pump and a selector. The selector selects one of the tanks and the pump pumps the new fluid from the selected tank into the system through the first hose and the inlet, and the second hose receives the used fluid via the outlet. For example, the first and second fluid tanks may communicate with the pump via first and second valves, respectively, and the selector may open the first valve and close the second valve, so that the pump pumps the first new fluid from the first fluid tank.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an oil collector housing positioned beneath a crankcase housing. A lubricating oil pump is positioned inside the oil collector housing, and the oil collector housing contains at least one oil-collecting chamber, into which an oil suction line leads from the lubricating oil pump, forcing the lubricating oil through the delivery side to consumers. A system for supplying lubricating oil to the drive shaft of at least one turbocharger is mounted on the internal combustion engine. The lubricating oil that is fed to the turbocharger is returned via oil lines to the oil-collecting chamber of the internal combustion engine. At least one ascending channel is integrated into the oil collector housing, via which the lubricating oil that has been suctioned off from the turbochargers is returned above the oil level in the oil collecting chamber.

Abstract: An oil-pump-screen (1) cleaning method and apparatus with which an oil pan (3) of an internal-combustion engine (2) is drained by removal of a drain plug (7) from a drain aperture (15); the drain plug is reinserted in the drain aperture; a measured amount of a predetermined carbon-disintegrative liquid is put in the oil pan, preferably through a dipstick tube (10), to immerse the oil-pump pickup screen, but not the oil pump (41) without contacting engine bearings, gaskets, or other engine components that could be deteriorated or otherwise damaged by the carbon-disintegrative liquid. The cleaner liquid is left in the oil pan long enough, preferably about one hour, for it to disintegrate and dislodge all carbonic and other material from the oil-pump pickup screen while not running the engine or otherwise conveying the carbon-disintegrative liquid to other parts of the engine.

Abstract: A system for periodically maintaining non-fuel fluids required for proper performance by various apparatus and for reporting non-fuel fluid maintenance action taken. Maintenance systems include means for replacing, replenishing or renewing non-fuel fluids or renewing non-fuel fluid filters. Reporting systems include means for communicating information between on- and off-apparatus sub-systems and for generating reports that document non-fuel fluid maintenance actions taken.

Abstract: A sealing device for securing an oil plug in threaded engagement with the oil pan to prevent inadvertent loss of lubricating oil therefrom. The sealing device includes an elastomeric washer that underlies the bolt head of the oil plug, a partially closed-ended cylindrical sleeve that surrounds and is integral with the washer, and a cap that is interconnected to the sleeve by a membrane. The sleeve has a protruding lip extending about its upper periphery that interlocks with an abutment extending inwardly from an upper peripheral portion of the cap. Once engaged, the cap prevents the oil plug from being tampered with and from inadvertently dropping out.

Abstract: A system for periodically maintaining non-fuel fluids required for proper performance by various apparatus and for reporting non-fuel fluid maintenance action taken. Maintenance systems include means for replacing, replenishing or renewing non-fuel fluids or renewing non-fuel fluid filters. Reporting systems include means for communicating information between on- and off-apparatus sub-systems and for generating reports that document non-fuel fluid maintenance actions taken.

Abstract: A system for periodically maintaining non-fuel fluids required for proper performance by various apparatus and for reporting non-fuel fluid maintenance action taken. Maintenance systems include means for replacing, replenishing or renewing non-fuel fluids or renewing non-fuel fluid filters. Reporting systems include means for communicating information between on- and off-apparatus sub-systems and for generating reports that document non-fuel fluid maintenance actions taken.

Abstract: A system and method for removing liquids from engines, the system including first and second liquid storage tanks that are disposed for serial flow therebetween, a pressure source, and a vacuum source. The first liquid storage tank is continuously connected to the vacuum source, while the second liquid storage tank is alternatively connected to either the vacuum source, during filling, or the pressure source, during draining. Opening and closing the valves is controlled in response to sensed liquid levels in the tanks.

Abstract: An oil drain valve comprises a base and a control part. The base is fixedly attached to a drain hole at the bottom of the oil container. The base at the interior is a hollow chamber to communicate with the oil container and a guide opening is provided at the lateral wall of the base to communicate with the hollow chamber. The control part at the interior thereof has a communication chamber communicates with the hollow chamber and the lateral side thereof has an outlet connects with the communication chamber. The base at the lateral wall thereof has a guide groove and receiver grooves with a resilient piece being received in each receiver groove. A ball is disposed on the respective resilient piece to be biased against the guide groove so that the control part can fit with the base pivotally to block the guide opening.

Abstract: A fluid servicing apparatus for exchanging fluids with a power steering fluid reservoir including drain and supply conduits with inline pumps coupled to a control board on a cabinet housing new and used fluid receptacles and a remote pump actuator in communication with the control board including a switch selectively operable to actuate either of said pumps to drain and fill the reservoir.

Abstract: Method and apparatus, for servicing engine cooling systems, including a service inlet, a vacuum pump, a two-way solenoid interposed between the vacuum pump and the service inlet, a service outlet, a disposal hose, a new fluid tank, a pressure pump interposed between the service outlet and the new fluid tank, a three-way solenoid interposed between the service outlet and the two-way, solenoid, a low-level trigger mechanism, a flow control relief valve and other elements to enhance various modes of operation. The apparatus is capable of performing various operations, including closed-loop fluid cycle, fluid vacuum, fluid top-off, fluid exchange and fluid flow control.