Abstract: A fluid-distribution system includes a plurality of fluid-distribution nodes with three-way ports attached to bleed/flush lines and alternate ports attached to vacuum lines. A first pump is used to draw new brake fluid from a new fluid container, push it through the manifold and ports, and through the bleed/flush lines. Fluid flow through the ports is selectively controlled by a computing device. In this manner, a vehicle's brake system including individual brake lines and ABS systems, may be flushed in a prescribed sequence. The vacuum lines are connected to a second pump via alternate ports of the sequential control valve manifold and may be used evacuated air and contaminated brake fluid from the vehicle's bleeder valves or master cylinder. Additionally, the bleed/flush lines may be connected to the alternate ports during priming or purging of the system. This also facilitates storage of the bleed lines as it prevents brake fluid from spilling and prevents air from entering the system.

Abstract: A fluid-distribution system includes a plurality of fluid-distribution nodes with three-way ports attached to bleed/flush lines and alternate ports attached to vacuum lines. A first pump is used to draw new brake fluid from a new fluid container, push it through the manifold and ports, and through the bleed/flush lines. Fluid flow through the ports is selectively controlled by a computing device. In this manner, a vehicle's brake system including individual brake lines and ABS systems, may be flushed in a prescribed sequence. The vacuum lines are connected to a second pump via alternate ports of the sequential control valve manifold and may be used evacuated air and contaminated brake fluid from the vehicle's bleeder valves or master cylinder. Additionally, the bleed/flush lines may be connected to the alternate ports during priming or purging of the system. This also facilitates storage of the bleed lines as it prevents brake fluid from spilling and prevents air from entering the system.

Abstract: A Brake Flush Accelerator (BFA) selectively depresses a brake pedal while the master cylinder reservoir is under pressure from a brake flush machine, forcing fluid through the system at a very rapid rate. The BFA also provides a thorough flush as internal hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder can be used to exert force to remove contaminates from the brake system. The BFA exposes the low/no pressure area of the master cylinder to fluid flow from the pressurized master cylinder. When the brake pedal is depressed, a port in the master cylinder is opened which exposes the low/no pressure area of the master cylinder to fluid flow from the pressurized master cylinder reservoir. The BFA receives its pneumatic power from an air compressor or is easily adapted to a car tire. The BFA can be powered directly from the brake flush machine or attached to a vehicle's battery.

Abstract: A Brake Flush Accelerator (BFA) selectively depresses a brake pedal while the master cylinder reservoir is under pressure from a brake flush machine, forcing fluid through the system at a very rapid rate. The BFA also provides a thorough flush as internal hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder can be used to exert force to remove contaminates from the brake system. The BFA exposes the low/no pressure area of the master cylinder to fluid flow from the pressurized master cylinder. When the brake pedal is depressed, a port in the master cylinder is opened which exposes the low/no pressure area of the master cylinder to fluid flow from the pressurized master cylinder reservoir. The BFA receives its pneumatic power from an air compressor or is easily adapted to a car tire. The BFA can be powered directly from the brake flush machine or attached to a vehicle's battery.

Abstract: A hydraulic system servicing apparatus includes an old fluid holding vessel and a new fluid supply vessel with a selector valve which draws fluid from the holding vessel during flushing operations and draws fluid from the supply vessel during fluid replacement and bleeding operations. A pump moves the fluid through the selector valve and supplies it to a flow reversing valve which has a master cylinder line and a plurality of bleeder valve lines for connection to the hydraulic system. A shutoff valve is provided in each bleeder valve lines for directing fluid through the different branches of the hydraulic system. To flush the system, the flow reversing valve is cycled to circulate the fluid from the old fluid holding vessel in opposite directions and return it to the old fluid holding vessel. To replace the fluid and bleed the system, the fluid selector valve directs new fluid through the flow reversing valve into the system.

Abstract: A correlation is derived between a variable, defined as “virtual age,” indicative of brake fluid's service age and/or mileage and the concentration of copper in the fluid. Virtual age is utilized to estimate the degree of degradation of the fluid. A reactive test strip is used to measure the concentration of copper ions in the brake fluid in terms of a readily visible color change. The strip is immersed in the fluid and any resulting color change is compared to a color chart and a standard representative of the maximum concentration determined empirically to correspond to the desirable “virtual-age” threshold for fluid replacement. An automated embodiment of the invention includes an optical instrument to compare the color obtained from the test to a predetermined standard and determine whether a fluid change is recommended.

Abstract: A reactive test strip having a pre-exposure color is used to measure and indicate the concentration of copper ions in brake fluid in terms of a readily visible color change. The strip is immersed in the fluid within a brake fluid container and any resulting color change is compared to a color chart and a known test standard representative of the maximum metal concentration determined empirically to correspond to a boiling point considered safe for normal operation. If the color change indicates a higher copper concentration than the known test standard, then the fluid is considered inadequate for safe operation and thus recommended for replacement without any further tests. Similar copper or metal strips can also be used in a similar test to determine iron or zinc concentration within the brake fluid so as to also determine suitability of the brake fluid for ensuring safe operation.

Abstract: An arrangement for feeding hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic system includes a nozzle equipped with a metering valve. The nozzle is connected to a pressure bleeder containing hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: An arrangement for removing contaminants from a hydraulic system includes a portable fluid pump for introducing fluid into or evacuating fluid from the hydraulic system and a resilient adapter capable of conforming to openings of different size in the hydraulic system and provide a sealed fluid connection between the pump and the hydraulic system. Contaminants are removed by applying the resilient adapter to an opening in the hydraulic system to provide a sealed fluid connection and by either introducing fluid into the hydraulic system or evacuating fluid from the hydraulic system, as appropriate to effect the removal of contaminants from the system.

Abstract: An arrangement for bleeding or flushing a hydraulic system includes a portable pump and a hydraulic fluid packet. The hydraulic fluid packet comprises a flexible receptacle which contains a body of hydraulic fluid. A spout is located at one end of the receptacle and an opening is provided at the opposite end of the receptacle. The spout can be connected to the pump and the opening allows the receptacle to be suspended with the spout facing down. As hydraulic fluid is withdrawn from the receptacle, the receptacle collapses around the remaining hydraulic fluid to inhibit the formation of air pockets in the receptacle.

Abstract: An arrangement for bleeding a hydraulic system includes a portable pump and a portable container for hydraulic fluid. The container is provided with a pair of quick-disconnect coupling elements. The pump has an inlet and an outlet, and an inlet hose is provided for connection to the pump inlet while an outlet hose is provided for connection to the pump outlet. Both hoses have quick-disconnect coupling elements which are complementary to the coupling elements of the container so that the pump can be primed from the container. The arrangement further includes a third hose which is provided with an additional quick-disconnect coupling element as well as a fitting connectible to a hydraulic system. The additional quick-disconnect coupling element is complementary to the coupling elements of the inlet and outlet hoses thereby allowing the pump to apply either pressure or suction to a hydraulic system. An adapter which can replace the outlet hose permits adaptation of the pump to openings of different size.