Dynamic oil flusher cleaning system

• US 6,923,190 B1
• Filed: 03/16/2004
• Issued: 08/02/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CPS Products Canada Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Motorvac Technologies, Inc
• Inventors: Rome, John A., Kavadeles, Bill
• Primary Examiner(s): Stinson, Frankie L.
• Application Number:
  US10/802,447
• Time in Patent Office: 504 Days
• Field of Search: 134/169.A, 134/169.R, 134/111, 134/113, 134/22.18, 134/22.1, 134/26, 123/198.A
• US Class Current: 134/22.18
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/0321 using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid E04F17/126 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/0325 Control mechanisms therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 11/0458 Lubricant filling and draining
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 77/04 Cleaning of, preventing corrosion or erosion in, or preventing unwanted deposits in, combustion engines cleaning of fuel injection apparatus F02M65/00

Abstract

An exemplary cleaning apparatus for cleaning a system having a first fluid and a system pump is provided, wherein the apparatus comprises a tank including a second fluid. The cleaning apparatus also comprises an apparatus pump for pumping a predetermined amount of the second fluid from the tank into the system while the system pump is off. The cleaning apparatus further comprises an output hose, a return hose, and a filter between the return hose and the output hose. After the predetermined amount of the second fluid is pumped into the system, the system pump is turned on to pump the first fluid and the second fluid out of the return line through the filter and into the output hose and back into the system.

Claims

1. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a system having a first fluid and a system pump, said cleaning apparatus comprising:

a tank including a second fluid;

an output hose;

an apparatus pump for pumping a predetermined amount of said second fluid from said tank into said system via said output hose, while said system pump is off;

a return hose;

a filter between said return hose and said output hose;

an air storage tank; and

an air compressor for compressing air into said air storage tank;

wherein after said predetermined amount of said second fluid is pumped into said system, said system pump is turned on to pump said first fluid and said second fluid out of said return line through said filter and into said output hose and back into said system;

wherein said system pump is turned off and said air in said air storage tank is delivered to said system for purging said first fluid and said second fluid from said system; and

wherein said air compressor starts compressing said air into said air storage tank before said system pump is turned on and terminates compressing said air into said air storage tank before said system pump is turned off.

2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a flow sensor for providing an indication when said predetermined amount of said second fluid has been pumped into said system.

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a controller in communication with said apparatus pump and said flow sensor, wherein upon receipt of said indication from said flow sensor by said controller, said controller turns off said apparatus pump.

4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an air regulator for regulating a pressure of said air being delivered to said system.

5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an air pressure shutoff switch for shutting off said air compressor when an air pressure reaches a predetermined level.

6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 5 further comprising an air pressure gauge coupled to said air compressor for measuring said air pressure.

7. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a timed air release control controlling an air release solenoid, wherein said air release solenoid receives said air from said air storage tank and delivers said air to said system.

8. A method of cleaning a system having a first fluid and a system pump, said method comprising the steps of:

connecting an output hose to said system;

connecting a return hose to said system;

pumping a predetermined amount of a second fluid into said system via said output hose while said system pump is off;

turning on said system pump;

pumping out said first fluid and said second fluid through said return hose using said system pump;

filtering said first fluid and said second fluid in said return hose to generate a filtered fluid;

pumping said filtered fluid into said system via said output hose using said system pump;

compressing air into an air storage tank;

turning off said system pump; and

purging said first fluid and said second fluid from said system using said air in said air storage tank;

wherein said step of compressing starts prior to said step of turning on said system pump and terminates prior to said step of turning off said system pump.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of pumping step of said predetermined amount of said second fluid includes the steps of:

measuring said second fluid for providing an indication to a controller when said predetermined amount of said second fluid has been pumped into said system; and

terminating said pumping step when said processor receives said indication.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said compressing step is performed prior to said step of pumping said predetermined amount of said second fluid into said system.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of purging includes regulating a pressure of said air.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein said compressing step includes measuring an air pressure and ending said compressing step when said air pressure reaches a predetermined level.