Fluid exchanger with fluid reconciliation

• US 5,586,583 A
• Filed: 09/19/1994
• Issued: 12/24/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dresser Incorporated (Nagano Keiki Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Tokheim Sas (Cognetas LLP)
• Inventors: Edwards, Robert W., Fulmer, Terry M., Schultz, Patrick J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Recla, Henry J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Douglas, Steven O.
• Application Number:
  US08/308,395
• Time in Patent Office: 827 Days
• Field of Search: 141/1, 141/21, 141/65-67, 141/83, 141/94, 141/95, 141/192, 141/198, 141/98, 184/1.5, 184/105.1, 222/134, 222/135, 222/2, 73/863.81, 73/863.86, 128/205.18
• US Class Current: 141/83
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 11/0458 Lubricant filling and draining
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 2200/00 Condition of lubricant
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 2230/02 Microprocessor; Microcomputer
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 2250/04 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 2250/18 Level
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 2250/50 Sampling
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 2260/04 Oil level
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 2260/05 Oil flow

Abstract

A fluid exchange apparatus for the transfer of fluids from a first containment area to a second containment area, including a total fluid reconciliation process, whereby the same amount of fluid transferred from the first containment area to the second containment area is replenished into the first containment area, or is replenished to a preset amount. The fluid exchanger includes an evacuation section having a vacuum pump therein, and a fill section. The fluid being vacated from the first containment area is transferred to the second containment area by vacuum pressure introduced into the first containment area. An air purge is used to drive fluid out of the fluid passages/filters into the first containment area. The pressure may be developed internally to the fluid exchange apparatus or externally thereto. CPU controlled electronics are utilized to measure, monitor, and control, via a user interface screen, the fluid exchange machine.

Claims

1. A computerized fluid exchange and reconciliation apparatus for engines, said apparatus comprising:

input means for displaying an operator query and providing an input signal based on an operator response;

computer means for receiving and processing said input signal, said computer means generating an output signal based on said input signal and a predetermined program; and

operating means responsive to said output signal to convey a measured volume of liquid from and to an engine.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said computer means comprises a central processing unit with inputs connected to flow monitoring devices and outputs operably connected to solenoid valves.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said computer means includes memory means and a flow meter that produces a flow signal indicative of the liquid flowing into and out of said apparatus, said computer means recording said flow signal in said memory means.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a peripheral device for tabulating signals, said computer means transferring said recorded flow signals to said peripheral device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said input means includes an information screen.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said input means further includes information block means for displaying messages and prompting the operator for responses.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said input means includes a switch for the operator to actuate in responding to a query.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said switch comprises a dual switch.