Valve assembly for machine fluid operations
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A valve assembly, comprising:
- a housing;
an inlet/outlet port defined by the housing;
a machine fluid reservoir port defined by the housing;
a filter port defined by the housing; and
an actuating mechanism comprising a ball and a spring positioned within the housing, wherein the actuating mechanism is structured to establish;
a first fluid communication path from the machine fluid reservoir port to the inlet/outlet port upon application of negative pressure at the inlet/outlet port by a fluid component during a fluid evacuation operation; and
a second fluid communication path from the inlet/outlet port to the filter port upon application of positive pressure at the inlet/outlet port by a fluid component during a fluid refill operation.
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Abstract
Various embodiments of valve assemblies are provided for use in connection with the fluid systems of machines such as engine-powered machines. The valve assemblies may be used for performing fluid refill operations, fluid evacuation operations, fluid purge operations, and other types of fluid operations in connection with machine maintenance.
37 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A valve assembly, comprising:
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a housing; an inlet/outlet port defined by the housing; a machine fluid reservoir port defined by the housing; a filter port defined by the housing; and an actuating mechanism comprising a ball and a spring positioned within the housing, wherein the actuating mechanism is structured to establish; a first fluid communication path from the machine fluid reservoir port to the inlet/outlet port upon application of negative pressure at the inlet/outlet port by a fluid component during a fluid evacuation operation; and a second fluid communication path from the inlet/outlet port to the filter port upon application of positive pressure at the inlet/outlet port by a fluid component during a fluid refill operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A valve assembly combination comprising:
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a first valve assembly, comprising; a first housing; a first inlet/outlet port; a first machine fluid reservoir port; a first filter port; and a first actuating mechanism comprising a ball and a spring positioned within the first housing, wherein the first actuating mechanism is structured to establish; a first fluid communication path from the first machine fluid reservoir port to the first inlet/outlet port upon application of negative pressure at the first inlet/outlet port by a fluid component during a fluid evacuation operation; and a second fluid communication path from the first inlet/outlet port to the first filter port upon application of positive pressure at the first inlet/outlet port by a fluid component during a fluid refill operation; and a second valve assembly, comprising; a second housing; a second inlet/outlet port; a second machine fluid reservoir port; a second filter port; and a second actuating mechanism operably positioned within the second housing, wherein the second actuating mechanism is structured to establish; a third fluid communication path from the second machine fluid reservoir port to the second inlet/outlet port upon application of negative pressure at the second inlet/outlet port; and a fourth fluid communication path from the second inlet/outlet port to the second filter port upon application of positive pressure at the second inlet/outlet port. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A valve assembly, comprising:
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a housing; an inlet port defined by the housing; a pump port defined by the housing; a machine fluid reservoir port defined by the housing; and an actuating mechanism comprising a ball and a spring positioned within the housing, wherein the actuating assembly is structured to; establish a first fluid communication path from the inlet port to the pump port upon application of mechanical pressure at the inlet port by a fluid component during a fluid evacuation operation, and resist fluid communication between the inlet port and the machine fluid reservoir port upon the application of the mechanical pressure at the inlet port by a fluid component during a fluid refill operation. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification