Abstract: A machine for replacing used transmission or power steering fluid in a vehicle with new transmission or power steering fluid includes a frame having a housing. The machine includes a pair of service hoses that extend from the machine and connect to the vehicle for placing the machine in the fluid flow. New, used, and axillary fluid tanks are provided. A pump and a manifold are associated with two of the tanks. The pumps provide for the selective withdraw or insertion of fluid into or out of the tanks. A display on the housing presents an operator of the machine with various tasks or options the machine can perform. A processor controls activation of the pumps and other electrical components based on inputs received by the display. Scales are provided under one or more of the tanks for determining the amount of fluid going into and out of the tanks during the exchange process.

Abstract: A track for a track vehicle has sensor-receiving cavities disposed therein. Removeable sensors are placed in the sensor-receiving cavities for sensing characteristics of the track during operation.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a lubrication circuit of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The system includes a viscometer for detecting the viscosity of a lubricating liquid of the lubrication circuit, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the lubricating liquid, and a control unit to acquire the state of the lubricating liquid, given by the viscosity detected for a given lubricating liquid condition, which includes the lubricating liquid temperature and the date of last replacement of the lubricating liquid, and for a given condition of use of the engine, and to assess the state of the lubricating liquid by comparing the detected viscosity of the lubricating liquid with the viscosity reference values stored in the database in the same or similar condition of lubricating liquid temperature, date of last replacement of the lubricating liquid and use of the engine.

Abstract: A mobile writing board system includes a frame extending from an upper portion to a lower portion; a writing board secured to the frame; a module secured to the lower portion of the frame; and a mobile device secured to the lower portion of the frame. The mobile device includes a housing; and a plurality of wheels configured to move within the housing while in a stationary position and configured to extend outside the housing during transit.

Abstract: A fluid monitoring apparatus, including a circuitry housing containing circuitry for processing fluid sensing signals and responsively transmitting an output, with a sensor assembly adapted for mechanical and electrical coupling to the circuitry housing. The sensor assembly includes at least one sensing member arranged to respond to a fluid species of interest in the monitored fluid, for generation of an output. The apparatus includes at least one of (A) a printed circuit board adapted to engage the circuitry housing and to mechanically couple to the sensor assembly, (B) the sensor assembly including a base and sensing element removably connected to the base by press-fit coupling elements, and (C) the sensor assembly including a base and a sensing filament connected thereto, and a filament guard to protectively circumscribe the sensing filament.

Abstract: An automatic lubrication system for automatic and demand-driven charging of a bearing with a lubricant includes an automatic lubrication device configured to automatically charge the bearing with the lubricant, a detecting device configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the bearing, and a data-transmission device that is configured to transmit data from the detecting device to the lubrication device. The automatic lubrication device is configured to charge the bearing with the lubricant based on the operating parameters detected by the detecting device.

Abstract: A roller bearing device (1) and to a method for operation thereof, including a roller bearing (2) having roller contacts (6, 7) in contact with a medium and lubricated by the liquid medium (10). In order to improve the lubrication and load capacity of such a medium-lubricated roller bearing (2) while simultaneously improving the biologically compatible behavior, a biologically neutral additive material (13) that thickens the medium is held available in a holding device (14) and metered to the roller contacts (6, 7) on demand.

Abstract: A bearing system includes a bearing housing configured to house a bearing, the bearing housing enclosing a free volume for receiving lubricant, a quantity of the lubricant in the free volume, a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter affecting a degradation rate at which the lubricant will degrade and to produce at least one output signal indicative of the measured at least one parameter, a pump for pumping lubricant into the bearing housing, and a controller configured to receive the at least one output signal from the sensor and to control the pump based a function of the received at least one output signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to lubrication system having a reservoir having a body. A follower is moveably disposed in the body. The system further comprises an alarm system having an electrical switch operably associated with the follower. The alarm generates a signal when the follower is at a predetermined location in the body. The alarm system may generate a signal when the follower is at a lower location in the body such as when the reservoir has an amount of lubricant representing a predetermined amount of usage time remaining. The alarm system may also generate a signal when the follower is at an upper location in the body such as when the reservoir is filled with lubricant wherein the signal acts to automatically interrupt the fill of lubricant.

Abstract: A lubricating oil reservoir has an open end closed by a cap removably coupled to the open end. The cap is formed with a sensor located in the lubricating oil reservoir. The sensor is for sensing the presence of lubricating oil that fills the lubricating oil reservoir to a recommended oil level for providing machine lubrication, and the non-presence of lubricating oil that does not fill the lubricating oil reservoir to the recommended oil level, and a signal apparatus is operatively coupled to the sensor for issuing a first stimulus in response to the sensor sensing the presence of lubricating oil for identifying a normal lubricating oil level condition, and for issuing a second different stimulus in response to the sensor sensing the non-presence of lubricating oil for identifying a low oil level condition.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining remaining oil life prior to an oil change in an internal combustion engine that uses a body of oil. The method includes transferring the body of oil to the engine and determining a volume of the transferred body of oil. The method also includes determining quality of the transferred body of oil and determining the remaining oil life based on the determined quality and volume of the body of oil. The method additionally includes activating an oil change indicator when the remaining oil life reaches a predetermined level. A system for determining a number of engine revolutions permitted on a volume of oil is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring oil in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes measuring a sump temperature of the engine and measuring a power output of the engine. Oil consumption is calculated as a function of the measured sump temperature and the measured power output. Remaining oil life is calculated as a function of the calculated consumption. The method may include alerting a receiver of the calculated remaining oil life.

Abstract: A method for applying a liquid composition to a rail surface is provided. This method involves supplying a liquid composition in one or more reservoirs on a rail car (revenue generating car), and applying the liquid composition from the one or more reservoirs to the rail surface. A liquid composition application system is also provided. The liquid composition application system includes a reservoir(s) for holding a liquid composition mounted on a rail car. A pipe is connected to the reservoir(s), and a pump, for moving the liquid composition from the reservoir(s) to a dispensing nozzle(s), is provided. A controller processes topological information, data from the liquid composition application system, or both. The application of the liquid composition may be monitored and controlled from a remote site separate from the rail car.

Abstract: A device for monitoring and/or indicating an oil level in an oil sump of a screw-type compressor, the oil level fluctuating in different operating states of the screw-type compressor. A device for monitoring and indicating the oil level in a screw-type compressor, the reliability thereof being improved over the prior art and erroneous measurements being excluded. The device is an optical unit which has no mechanically moving parts that can become damaged during the often rough use of the device.

Abstract: An automatic grease dispensing monitoring and alarm system using a control unit in each automatic grease dispenser to provide message to a center monitoring control and alarm system wirelessly, achieving wireless remote lubrication control, abnormality alarm, and auto grease-dispensing functions. Each automatic grease dispenser comprises a driving mechanism for driving a piston to dispense the lubricating grease, a microprocessor-based control unit for the setting of the lubricating cycle and for checking the grease dispensing amount subject to the detection of the rate of turn of the driving mechanism through a sensor and a black and white reflective plate.

Abstract: A tool for use in a lubrication system having an oil-containing sump for supplying lubricating oil to a mechanical device and an oiler device connected to the sump for delivering a supply of oil to the sump, the oiler device comprising a base for supporting an oil reservoir and an adjustable element movably disposed within the base for predetermining a level of oil to be maintained within the sump. The tool has a first portion configured to extend into the base for engagement with the adjustable element and a second portion disposed exteriorly of the base to visually indicate the disposition of the adjustable element relative to the oil-containing sump, preferably in the form of a pointing device, optimally a laser beam generating instrument, for representing the disposition of the adjustable element.

Abstract: A pressure accumulator tank system for applying a substance and a method of applying substance are provided. The pressure accumulator tank system of an embodiment includes a main distribution line, a main pump, a pressure switch and at least one feeding line. The main pump is configured to pump the substance into the main distribution line. The pressure switch is located in the main distribution line and is configured to control operation of the main pump to maintain a select pressure in the main distribution line. Each feeding line includes a feeding conduit, a pressure accumulator and a manifold. The feeding conduit is coupled to the main distribution line to receive the substance in the main distribution line. The pressure accumulator is coupled to provide a select pressure in the feeding conduit. The manifold has an inlet and at least one outlet. The inlet of the manifold is coupled to the feeding conduit. Each outlet is configured to output the substance to a distribution zone.

Abstract: A system and methodology is provided for dynamically adjusting fluids that operate as a lubricant in a machine. The system includes a control module having a processor and one or more sensors providing data to the processor in situ with the machine, wherein the processor employs the data to monitor the fluid. One or more inputs are provided to receive a plurality of additives that are associated with the fluid, wherein actuators are employed by the processor to dispense the additives to the fluid. The processor dispenses the fluid based upon one or more parameters of the fluid.

Abstract: A gas laser apparatus including a laser oscillating section including a blower forcibly circulating a medium gas in a medium circuit, and a blower monitoring section monitoring a maintenance state of the blower. The blower includes a lubricant storage chamber storing a lubricant, and a lubricant monitoring chamber connected to the lubricant storage chamber to ensure fluidic communication therebetween at a position lower than an oil level of a lubricant having a predetermined appropriate volume and stored in the lubricant storage chamber.

Abstract: A system and methodology is provided for dynamically adjusting fluids that operate as a lubricant in a machine. The system includes a control module having a processor and one or more sensors providing data to the processor in situ with the machine, wherein the processor employs the data to monitor the fluid. One or more inputs are provided to receive a plurality of additives that are associated with the fluid, wherein actuators are employed by the processor to dispense the additives to the fluid. The processor dispenses the fluid based upon one or more parameters of the fluid.

Abstract: A ball screw device includes a number of bearing members engaged between a ball nut and a screw shaft, and a warning signal generating device for generating a warning signal when the lubricating oil is not good enough to lubricate the ball nut and the screw shaft or when the lubrication for the balls or the bearing members or between the ball nut and the screw shaft has become fail or when the lubricating oil may not be suitably supplied to the balls or the bearing members or between the ball nut and the screw shaft, such that the users may be aware when the lubricating oil is not suitably filled or supplied into the raceway and may refill the lubricating oil into the raceway right away.

Abstract: A method for dispensing lubricants uses a lubricant dispenser that has a lubricant reservoir connected to a housing outlet in a housing, and a gas production region that borders on the lubricant reservoir and accommodates an electrolyte fluid. To start dispensing the lubricant, a galvanic gas production element is introduced into the electrolyte fluid, whereby the lubricant is pressed out of the lubricant reservoir, through the housing outlet, under the pressure of a gas that is produced via electrochemical decomposition of the gas production element. An additional component is introduced into the electrolyte fluid at the same time with the galvanic gas production element, which component is decomposed in the electrolyte fluid during a shorter period of time, with reference to the entire period of operation, with the production of gas, and thereby brings about an increase in the gas production rate, part of the time. A gas production element for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A volumetric lubricant dispensing apparatus for delivering a precise volume of lubricant, such as oil, to a rotating machine element. The delivery mechanism includes a piston and cylinder assembly. A plurality of sensors are utilized to record operating conditions of the machine, element, environment, and lubricant. The apparatus is controlled either manually or with the aid of a controller unit such as a microprocessor. The output from each sensor is inputted into the microprocessor wherein an algorithm computes an responsive output. The responsive output is sent to the piston and cylinder assembly, which maintains an optimum lubricant condition within the reservoir wherein a rotating machine element located. Alternatively, for the purpose of qualitative control, the present invention may be described as a system intended for controlling lubricants, both mineral (natural) and synthetic based by measuring the condition characteristics of the lubricant.

Abstract: A modular oil delivery system has a mount with at least one passage, a flange and a body depending from the flange. A mounting bracket is carried by the mount to support an oil pump having an oil outlet in fluid communication with at least one passage in the mount. A float arm is pivotally supported relative to the mounting bracket and is constructed and arranged to be responsive to the level of the oil in the reservoir. An oil pressure sensor is supported by either the mounting bracket, the body, or the flange. The oil pressure sensor is in fluid communication with at least one passage in the mount and with the oil outlet of the oil pump to monitor the pressure of oil discharged from the oil pump.

Abstract: A grease supply confirming device confirming the supply of a grease into a bearing, according to the present invention includes a detecting member an elastic supporting member and a movable body. The movable body such as a metal spherical body is movably provided in a piping through which a grease to be supplied flows. The elastic supporting member is provided in the piping for supporting the movable body. The detecting member such as an eddy current type displacement sensor detects to see whether or not the grease is supplied in accordance with the displacement of the movable body. The grease supply confirming device further includes an abnormality judging circuit connected to the detecting member for judging the abnormality in grease supply, and an outputting portion for outputting an alarm according to the instruction from the abnormality judging circuit.

Abstract: A circulating lubrication system for a centrifugal pump, or other rotating equipment utilizing an oil sump, is disclosed. The lubrication system includes an external reservoir located distant from the main lubrication chamber, so that lubricating fluid from the main misting chamber is forced out of the main chamber, cooled and cleaned (i.e. filtered) in the external reservoir, and thereafter fed back into the main lubricating chamber. In such a manner, the lubrication system maintains substantially clean, cool, and moisture free lubricating fluid in the main misting chamber and reduces the required downtime of the device. Thus, the life span of the device is lengthened while at the same time production is increased.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for creating a signal that indicates the pressure of the fluid in an engine. A switch or sensor determines whether the actual pressure is greater or less than a threshold pressure. If the actual pressure is less than the threshold pressure, a sensed pressure (e.g., the output of a pressure sensor) is used. If the sensed pressure is greater than the threshold pressure, then the output is derived from an estimate of the fluid pressure, where the estimate is based on other operating parameters of the engine. The output signal can be used as an input to a display visible by an operator, controller logs, diagnostic systems, and the like.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for creating a signal that indicates the pressure of the fluid in an engine. A switch or sensor determines whether the actual pressure is greater or less than a threshold pressure. If the actual pressure is less than the threshold pressure, a sensed pressure (e.g., the output of a pressure sensor) is used. If the sensed pressure is greater than the threshold pressure, then the output is derived from an estimate of the fluid pressure, where the estimate is based on other operating parameters of the engine. The output signal can be used as an input to a display visible by an operator, controller logs, diagnostic systems, and the like.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a vibratory apparatus such as a hydraulic striking device. The system includes a lubricant pump for pumping lubricant to one or more points of lubrication on the device and a drive for the pump powered in response to vibration of the device. The system includes a base for attachment to the device for vibration therewith, and a lubricant pump for pumping lubricant from a supply. The pump includes a cylinder and a plunger reciprocable in the cylinder through a stroke between a retracted position for intake of lubricant into the cylinder and a forward position for delivery of the intake from the cylinder. A weight is mounted on the base for oscillation in response to the vibration of the device, oscillation of the weight effecting reciprocation of the plunger through a stroke.

Abstract: An oil pressure control warning system for an outboard motor which uses timers dependent on various predetermined oil pressures to correctly determine actual harmful lubrication deficiencies and warn the operator of such lubrication deficiencies. The alarm warning can include an audible and visual operation and is turned off as soon as the correct oil pressure is resumed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-speed gear with oil lubrication, with oil-recycling ducts (8) leading out of the labyrinth chambers of contactless shaft seals (6) to the crankcase (5) of the gear casing (3). According to the invention, the oil-recycling ducts (8) terminate in regions (10) in which a vacuum is automatically established during running operation, independently of the direction of rotation of the gear.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting ultrasonic energy generated by a mechanical device and for applying lubricant to the device is presented. The apparatus includes a lubrication tool, such as a grease gun, which has a lubrication delivery element for delivering lubrication to the mechanical device. An ultrasonic transducer is contained in a housing which is removably attached to the outside of the lubrication delivery element. The housing is configured to acoustically isolate the transducer from the lubrication tool. An acoustic waveguide depending from the housing is provided to carry ultrasonic energy from the device to the transducer when the lubrication tool is applied to the device. An electrical circuit, which may be attached to the lubrication device, produces an output signal which indicates the magnitude of detected ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A device having an extraction pipe that can be inserted into the bottom of the oil pan through the opening of the oil level dipstick tube of the engine until the end of the extraction pipe contacts the bottom of the oil pan. The lubricating oil in the oil pan is extracted by the suction pump of the device and is deposited into the reservoir via the pipe. The device of the present invention can remove the oil safely without splashing high temperature lubricating oil on the operator. Moreover, it can prevent the problems that occur when oil leaks out, when a person forgets to screw in the oil plug, or when a person damages the seal of the oil drain plug by tightening the drain plug too tight.

Abstract: Described is a device (10) for monitoring bearing performance in apparatus having an aperture sized and configured to receive a grease fitting. The device includes temperature sensing components (34) or vibration sensing components (36), or both, to enable detection of impending bearing failure, and is adapted to either replace or supplement conventional grease fittings (28). The device is configured so as to cooperate with bearings housings of widely divergent dimensions, and in each case to permit adjustment of the device, including the sensing components thereof, to place it in very close proximity to the bearing.

Abstract: Devices for monitoring bearing performance in apparatus having an aperture sized and configured to receive a grease fitting. The devices comprise a temperature sensor or a vibration sensor, or both, to enable detection of impending bearing failure, and further comprise rigidly attached electronic components which amplify signals generated by the temperature sensor and/or vibration sensor. The devices may be adapted to either replace or supplement conventional grease fittings, and enable the transmission of electronic signals which may be used for constant monitoring of critical equipment. Bearing housings which incorporate these features, as well as subassemblies and related methods, are also described.

Abstract: A lubricant supply system for continuously and automatically lubricating machine parts has a housing and a lubricant reservoir mounted in the housing. A lubricant metering device is also mounted in the housing. A control device is provided for variably operating the lubricant metering device. The control device has a receiver receiving by wireless remote transmission operating and service data.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting ultrasonic energy generated by a mechanical device and for applying lubricant to the device is presented. The apparatus includes a lubrication tool, such as a grease gun, which has a lubrication delivery element for delivering lubrication to the mechanical device. An ultrasonic transducer is contained in a housing which is removably attached to the outside of the lubrication delivery element such that the transducer makes acoustical contact with the lubrication tool. An electrical circuit, which may be attached to the lubrication device, produces an output signal which indicates the magnitude of detected ultrasonic energy. A method using such an ultrasonic energy detector in conjunction with a lubrication tool to detect the condition of a sealed mechanical rotating device and to determine when sufficient lubricant has been applied is also presented.

Abstract: A lubrication system for supplying lubricant to a plurality of antifriction bearings composed of inner and outer bearing rings and a plurality of rolling elements mounted between the rings. The lubricant is intermittently supplied to the region of the rolling elements, with the amount of each intermittent supply being determined as a function of operating data which are continuouslu acquired from the bearing.

Abstract: Device for precise replacement of liquids in a mechanism includes at least one bag which can be filled with liquid to be delivered precisely to the mechanism or which can hold used liquid. The bag(s) has/have flexible boundaries and may be provided in a housing.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting the presence of water in a sealed oil chamber of a marine engine, and for providing a warning signal in response thereto. A sensor assembly surrounds the propeller shaft and includes a pair of conductive rings separated by a central insulative ring, preferably with outer insulative rings completing the assembly. Electrical wires connected to the conductive rings are part of an alarm circuit. The conductive rings each have radially inwardly extending sensor probes located in the center of the rings and a radially outwardly extending sensor probe located on its lower periphery, the probes extending beyond the central insulative ring to provide gaps which normally break the alarm circuit. The distal ends of the outwardly extending probes are juxtaposed to the lowermost portion of the oil chamber casing to detect the presence of any water in the oil chamber that settles to the bottom of the chamber when the engine is not running and conductively bridge the gap between these probes.

Abstract: A lubrication system for supplying lubricant to a plurality of antifriction bearings, and which has a lubricant supply tank and a closed circuit lubricant supply line having two ends which communicate with the tank. A pump circulates the lubricant through the line, and a pressure regulating valve in the downstream end portion of the line maintains a desired pressure in the line. A plurality of tap lines lead from the closed circuit supply line to respective bearings via a metering or controllable valve.

Abstract: A lubricant filtering and monitoring system and method is provided for a lubricant circulation system circulating lubricant through a filter to a lubricated component. A combination of sensors senses a condition of the lubricant before and after passage through the filter and before and after passage through the component and provides an output indicative of a condition in the circulation system. A sensor senses a condition of lubricant flowing through the filter, and another sensor senses a condition of lubricant flowing through a reference section for comparison against and normalizing of the output of the first sensor. A method of actively monitoring the component is provided by comparing influent to the component with effluent from the component to ascertain how lubricant is being modified by the component, by sensing a condition of lubricant passing through the filter. An effective method is provided for determining when to change or clean the filter.

Abstract: A multi-function lubricating oil feeding machine control apparatus is provided that responds to different conditions, and includes an oil feeding machine having a controller mounted thereon. The controller comprises a power supply circuit, a microprocessing unit, a multiplex scanning circuit, a motor drive circuit, a status display circuit, an external status input interface circuit, a status output interface circuit, and a function setting circuit. The oil feeding machine may be set for intermittent feeding of oil according to a set time value, or a number of rotations of the work machine, or to feed oil after the starting of the work machine. Additionally, the previous time value or number of rotations may be memorized and accumulated in the next count, so that feeding may start after a specific value or number of rotations has been reached.

Abstract: An apparatus (38) is disclosed for controlling the level of oil in one or more compressors (10) of a refrigeration system. The compressors (10) are supplied with oil from a reservoir (28) which is in fluid communication via a common conduit (32) and second conduit (98) with the oil sump (not shown) of each compressor (10). The apparatus (38) includes a housing composed of a main body portion and a spacer block. The body portion is provided with a chamber which houses a float. The chamber is in fluid communication with the oil sump of its respective compressor (10). As the oil level within the compressor (10) varies, the angle of pivot of float also varies. This variation is sensed by a sensor which produces a signal indicative of the level of the oil. When the signal is indicative that the level of oil within the compressor is below a first predetermined minimum level, solenoid valve (78) is opened and solenoid valve (82) closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for on-site engine oil reconditioning comprises an apparatus configured and arranged for changing oil by removing spent oil from, and introducing reconditioned oil into an internal combustion engine. A mechanism, in fluid communication with the oil changing apparatus, removes finite particles from the spent oil to produce particle-free oil. A mechanism, in fluid communication with the finite particle removing mechanism, refines the particle-free oil to remove water, fuel, and/or glycols to produce re-refined oil. A mechanism, in fluid communication with the refining mechanism, adjusts the composition of the re-refined oil to meet a predetermined specification to produce the reconditioned oil.

Abstract: In railroad applications, a new method of simultaneously lubricating the rail gage side (RAGS) and wheel flanges ahead of a locomotive's tractive wheels and lubricating the top of the rail (TOR) behind the tractive wheels to reduce the resistance of the trailing cars and reduce the locomotive wheel flange wear. The method involves controlling both lubricating units with the same computer controller when a single locomotive is used and two controllers located in two different locomotives in the case of a locomotive consist. The rail gage side lubricant spray is applied on curves of 2 degrees or more only on the high rail. For the top of rail lubrication at the trailing end of the locomotive or locomotive consist this invention requires that the angle of the lubricant jet on the rail from the vertical be between 0 and 80 degrees from the vertical, with the angle increasing in the rear or trailing direction. It further requires that the lubricant jet be a solid jet without breaking into a spray cone.

Abstract: A volumetric lubricant dispensing apparatus for delivering a precise volume of lubricant, such as oil, to a rotating machine element. The delivery mechanism includes a piston and cylinder assembly. A plurality of sensors are utilized to record operating conditions of the machine, element, environment, and lubricant. The apparatus is controlled either manually or with the aid of a controller unit such as a microprocessor. The output from each sensor is inputted into the microprocessor wherein an algorithm computes an responsive output. The responsive output is sent to the piston and cylinder assembly which maintains an optimum lubricant condition within the reservoir wherein a rotating machine element located.

Abstract: A device for the precise replacement of liquids before, during, or after operation of a mechanism such as, for example, an automobile motor or automatic transmission, includes a housing and a piston or diaphragm for separation of the housing into inlet and exit portions. A plurality of bags can be employed in the housing for inlet and exit portions and as a diaphragm. Pressure from the volume of liquid in a closed vessel that is to be replaced is used to measure the amount of liquid replacing the liquid that is in the closed vessel. The device can be employed during normal operation of the mechanism, and a method for the precise replacement of liquids employs the device during normal operation of the mechanism.

Abstract: An automotive fluid service machine for changing fluids such as automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine coolant, includes a cabinet with a unitary integral fluid reservoir defined by a lower portion of the machine cabinet. This lower cabinet portion which integrally defines the fluid reservoir also provides a machinery deck to which the components of the machines are mounted. A cap portion of the cabinet provides a cavity for protecting the components mounted to the machinery deck and also provides a control panel for the machine in addition to providing fluid fill and drainage basins improving the convenience and safety of use for the machine. The safety of a service area is improved by the machine because a very low center of gravity for the machine reduces the risk of tipping of a machine and of spilling fluids. Thus, environmental concerns from such spills as well as the risk of personnel slips and falls on spilled fluids are reduced.

Abstract: A system for providing total fluid exchange for an automatic transmission which interconnects with the transmission's opened cooling circuit to deliver new, fresh fluid to the transmission while simultaneously extracting the spent, used fluid. The system provides a means of quick and random interconnection to an opened cooling circuit and means of identifying and aligning direction of flow in such cooling circuit. The system can accurately calibrate and regulate the rate that fresh fluid will flow into the transmission to be the same as that at which the used fluid is extracted, both of which are regulated to flow at the same rate that fluid normally circulates at in the cooling circuit when it is closed under similar operating conditions.