Automobile Crank And Gear Case Service Patents (Class 184/1.5)
  • Publication number: 20010047907
    Abstract: Fluid changing in an automatic transmission by opening the cooler line and draining used fluid, at the flow of normal circulation, out of the cooler line from the transmission into a drain receptacle for receiving used fluid and simultaneously supplying fresh fluid, from a pressurized supply receptacle, into the cooler return line to the transmission at a similar controlled rate that is equal or great than the rate of flow of the used fluid into the drain receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: James P. Viken
  • Patent number: 6321874
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Hisao Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6318500
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an oil drain plug apparatus. In one embodiment, the oil drain plug apparatus includes a housing having an opening for receiving a member that moves within the opening between first and second positions. The housing includes a top opening that screwably receives an inlet port of an oil drain plug. The oil drain plug includes an outlet port for mounting to an oil pan of an engine. The housing includes a bottom opening that is substantially aligned with the top opening. The member includes a center opening that is substantially parallel to the top and bottom openings of the housing. When the member is in a first position, the center opening is not aligned with the top and bottom opening, preventing oil from draining from the oil pan. When the member is moved to the second position, the center opening is substantially aligned with the top and bottom openings of the housing, allowing oil to be drained from the oil pan. The member is coupled to a plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Bijan Mizani
  • Patent number: 6314989
    Abstract: The device for complete draining of the oil in a component of a motor vehicle such as hydraulic steering, transmission with converter or automatic transmission which has within the component, an oil drain valve for at least one oil chamber in the component, which oil drain valve is automatically opened when the plug of the component is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Walter Fritz, Reinhold Mayer
  • Publication number: 20010032753
    Abstract: A clean check is performed on a gearbox by flushing an oil-based fluid through the gearbox and then through a filter. The filter is then weighed to determine the weight of contaminants collected in the filter. The contaminant weight is compared to a predetermined level, wherein the gearbox is acceptable if the contaminant weight is below the predetermined level. This method is carried out on a system that includes a source of the oil-based fluid fluidly connected to an inlet of the gearbox and a filter fluidly connected to an outlet of the gearbox. A device such as a pump is provided for causing the oil-based fluid to flow through the gearbox and the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: David Michael Bains, Robert James Puckett
  • Publication number: 20010032754
    Abstract: An apparatus for changing oil in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine with lubrication passages, the apparatus having a system for air purging the lubrication passages to expediently remove the oil. The apparatus includes a pressure transducer in the fluid line of the air purge system to monitor a pressure drop of the compressed air when the spent oil has been removed from the engine. When the pressure drop exceeds a predetermined value the air purge system automatically deactivates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Ram D. Bedi, A. John van der Griendt
  • Patent number: 6302167
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing and flushing hydraulic fluid and contaminants from a vehicle's or other equipment's hydraulic system, and refilling the hydraulic system with new fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Peter C. Hollub
  • Patent number: 6298947
    Abstract: An engine cleaning system has a cleaning solution container having a filter element therein and is adapted to establish a predetermined quantity of solution for a particular engine. Solution is pumped from the solution container to the engine interior by the engine oil pump, and a solution drain line 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 for solution and oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6296028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile oil change device suitable for transporting to a remote site of an automobile movement of the automobile into an enclosure carried by the device and conducting an oil change in the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Daryl R. Oakland
  • Publication number: 20010022203
    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 close-loop fluid cycle, fluid vacuum, fluid top-off, fluid exchange and fluid flow control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: John Rome, Eduardo Betancourt
  • Patent number: 6286626
    Abstract: An automated system for changing the motor oil in an engine. The system includes a drain plug having a plurality of channels coupled with tubing that extends to a reversible pump. Tubing extends from the pump to both a used oil container and a new oil container. Check valves positioned at the entrance of each container restrict flow so the oil can flow only to the used oil container and only flows from the new oil container. Preferably, both containers are located in the trunk of the vehicle for easy access. In use, the pump is engaged to draw the used motor oil from the engine into the used oil container. Next, the pump is reversed to draw fresh oil from the new oil container into the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Larry D Evans
  • Patent number: 6276410
    Abstract: An oil funnel assembly for providing a user with a more efficient and quicker way to change oil. The oil funnel assembly includes a funnel that includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a distribution opening that is designed for inserting into an oil receiving port of an engine. A plurality of dividers are coupled to the upper portion of the funnel. The dividers are positioned to form a grid that includes a plurality of spaces. Each of the spaces is designed for receiving and holding an inverted oil container such that oil in the inverted oil container drains into the funnel and out of the distribution opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen G. Esmeralda
  • Patent number: 6267160
    Abstract: A system and method for exchanging used hydraulic fluid with fresh hydraulic fluid in an accessed hydraulic fluid system. The system including a fluid exchange assembly having a fluid receptacle and an interior fluid separation member, which may be a distendable diaphragm member. The exchange system further includes features of automatic fluid flow alignment, an exchange mode indicating system, and a bypass system for removing at least a portion of the exchange system during a bypass mode of operation. The invention particularly relates to an automatic flow alignment structure for use in association with a fluid exchange apparatus for extracting and exchanging used hydraulic fluid with fresh fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: James P. Viken
  • Patent number: 6253805
    Abstract: An apparatus for replacing transmission fluid in an automatic transmission. The apparatus comprises a tank separated into a pair of compartments by a bladder or diaphragm. At least one pressure regulator communicates with the tank. A vent valve assembly also communicates with the tank. A process for cleaning an automatic transmission and for replacing after cleaning used automatic transmission fluid in the automatic transmission with fresh automatic transmission fluid. The process includes flowing fresh ATF into a first compartment of a tank and into a pliable tub or bladder member in communication with the first compartment until the pliable tub or bladder member and the first compartment are filled with a volume of fresh ATF. A chemical cleaning compound is disposed in the used ATF of the automatic transmission and is circulated through the automatic transmission and its associated components to clean the same and produce contaminated used ATF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: BG Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Edward Erwin, Michael Jason Erwin, Craig James Dittmar
  • Patent number: 6247509
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Motorvac Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Rome, Eduardo Betancourt
  • Patent number: 6244384
    Abstract: A hand held transmission fluid exchanger including a housing block having parallel new and used fluid passages therein, such passages being joined by a return passage having a pressure relief valve therein. The method involves connecting such exchanger with a conventional on-demand transmission fluid supply system having a meter therein and holding the dispensing gun open so that flow is controlled by valves incorporated in the exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Flo-Dynamics, Inc. LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Few
  • Patent number: 6234188
    Abstract: An adapter for connection to an opening in a fluid containing vessel for applying a vacuum to the interior of the vessel is provided. The adapter includes at least partially concentrically disposed outer and inner sleeves, each having a generally conical shape and a generally radially extending opening in a side wall thereof. The inner and outer sleeves are rotatable relative to each other such that the extent to which the openings in the side walls of the inner sleeve and outer sleeve are aligned can be selectively adjusted. The inner and outer sleeves define a passage through the adapter extending from a proximal opening at a proximal end to a distal opening at a distal end of the adapter. The proximal end of the adapter is configured for connection to a vacuum source and the distal end is configured for insertion in and to sealingly engage the edge of the opening in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Prism Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6234274
    Abstract: An apparatus for retrofitting a vehicle for removing spent oil from an oil pan reservoir installed in an access aperture located in a floor bottom of the oil pan reservoir. The device includes a low profile quick connect nipple having a first end threadably sealing into the access aperture and a second end releasably engagable with a mating fitting positioned on an externally located fluid delivery device and further having a fluid tight closure when the second end is disengaged from the fluid delivery device. The apparatus has a center throughbore having a movable member therein. The movable member includes a stem and a circular flared portion. A retainer clip is securely attached to an upper end of the stem. A ring configuration has a center through aperture for receiving the stem and radial connections extending to the periphery of the throughbore. The ring configuration centers the stem and defines a stop for the movable member when the retainer clip contacts the ring configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: K. J. Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: A. John van der Griendt
  • Patent number: 6227332
    Abstract: A structure for changing engine oil in the transmission case of the engine of a motor vehicle comprises a low pressure oil cylinder and a high pressure automatic throttle valve. The change of engine oil is attained by an oil-changing loop of the automatic circulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Bo-Lin Liao
  • Patent number: 6223790
    Abstract: This invention provides a fluid system for exchanging used hydraulic fluid with fresh hydraulic fluid in an accessed hydraulic circuit. One particular application provides an exchange apparatus for exchanging fluids of the type found in motor vehicle hydraulic circuits. The exchange apparatus may utilize pressurized spent fluid flow as a fluid power medium to activate the auto-replenishing fluid exchanger system to replace the spent fluid with fresh fluid at equalized flow rates. Alternatively, the exchange apparatus may utilize pressurize fresh fluid as a fluid power medium to activate the exchange system. Additional power may be supplied by an external boost pump to supplement the flow of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: James P. Viken
  • Patent number: 6216732
    Abstract: A portable fluid transfer conduit is disclosed having an elongated flexible conduit having an inlet and outlet port. A coupling is postured at the inlet port for receiving fluid from a fluid source such as prelubrication pump. A flow control member is located at the discharge end which includes an activator for controlling the flow of fluid. The flow control member may include a portable pump where the fluid source does not have a powered flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: RPM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John K. Apostolides
  • Patent number: 6213175
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Motorvac Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Rome, Eduardo Betancourt
  • Patent number: 6213173
    Abstract: An apparatus for changing oil in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine with lubrication passages, the apparatus having a system for air purging the lubrication passages to expediently remove the oil. The apparatus includes a pressure transducer in the fluid line of the air purge system to monitor a pressure drop of the compressed air when the spent oil has been removed from the engine. When the pressure drop exceeds a predetermined value the air purge system automatically deactivates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: K. J. Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Ram D. Bedi, A. John van der Griendt
  • Patent number: 6206055
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing, flushing contaminants from and replacing vehicle brake fluid. The apparatus has storage tanks for fresh and waste hydraulic fluid, a fill pump to pump hydraulic fresh hydraulic fluid to the vehicle braking system, an adapter for sealably connecting a fill hose to the master cylinder, a suction pump to suction used hydraulic fluid from the vehicle braking system to the waste fluid tank, a suction hose for suctioning fluid out of the master cylinder and hoses for connecting the waste fluid tank to the bleeder valves located at the vehicle wheels. A by-pass valve is provided between the fill pump and master cylinder to by-pass fluid when the fill hose reaches or exceeds a predetermined level. A computer and ancillary electrical and fluid connections between the various parts of the apparatus and the hydraulic fluid system of a vehicle are also utilized. The apparatus can also be used when replacing the master cylinder or when replacing fluid in other hydraulic systems (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: Peter C. Hollub, Harold J. Blanchard, Robert McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 6199578
    Abstract: A fluid container draining device (10) for use in draining a fluid container, such as an oil filter (12) in a controlled manner. It has a drill bit (14) with a sharpened tip (16) and exterior channels (20) on its shaft (18) extending from its tip (16) to a rear region (22). The drill bit (14) is immobilized in an axial bore (3) of a drill bit holder (24) which has a threaded front region (26) which is preferably frustum-shaped. Located rearwardly of the drill bit holder (24) is a valve (42) which when opened up permits fluid to be drained from the fluid container (12) through the channels (20) on the drill bit's shank (18), through the axial bore (30) in the drill bit holder (24), and out through the valve (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: C.H. & I. Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Clark, II
  • Patent number: 6179018
    Abstract: An apparatus for replacing transmission fluid in an automatic transmission. The apparatus comprises a tank separated into a pair of compartments by a bladder or diaphragm. At least one pressure regulator communicates with the tank. A vent valve assembly also communicates with the tank. A process for cleaning an automatic transmission and for replacing after cleaning used automatic transmission fluid in the automatic transmission with fresh automatic transmission fluid. The process includes flowing fresh ATF into a first compartment of a tank and into a pliable tub or bladder member in communication with the first compartment until the pliable tub or bladder member and the first compartment are filled with a volume of fresh ATF. A chemical cleaning compound is disposed in the used ATF of the automatic transmission and is circulated through the automatic transmission and its associated components to clean the same and produce contaminated used ATF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: BG Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Edward Erwin, Michael Jason Erwin, Craig James Dittmar
  • Patent number: 6170505
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for replacing the fluid employed in a vehicle component, and includes a bi-directional pump having first and second ports to which service, supply and drain lines are connected. The service line is connected to the first port and includes a free end adapted for receipt in the reservoir of the vehicle. The supply line is connected to the second port and includes a free end adapted for receipt in a replacement-fluid container. In addition the supply line includes a check valve that permits fluid flow in a direction toward the pump while preventing the flow of fluid in a direction away from the pump. The drain line is connected to the second port and includes a check valve that permits fluid flow in a direction away from the pump while preventing the flow of fluid in a direction toward the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: BG Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold E. Erwin
  • Patent number: 6167907
    Abstract: A power transfer pump includes a rotary pump disposed within connected body sections comprising a top body, a main body with two ports and a cylindrical chamber to house a rotary assembly, a supporting body fitted with a connecting head, and a mounting body. The mounting body has a flexible ring, a bolt and forms a drive motor chamber with the supporting body to receive and clamp a power source that engages with the rotary assembly to activate the pump. The power transfer pump integrates into an oil removal station whereby by means of the rotary pump assembly, an oil sucking and discharging effect is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Bo-Lin Liaw