Methods and systems for performing, monitoring and analyzing multiple machine fluid processes

• US 7,150,286 B2
• Filed: 07/02/2003
• Issued: 12/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: RPM Industries LLC
• Original Assignee: RPM Industries LLC
• Inventors: Apostolides, John K.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHAMBERS, A MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US10/612,205
• Publication Number:
  US 20040211470A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,266 Days
• Field of Search: 137/565.33, 137/565.11, 137/14, 184/1.5, 184/6.3, 184/196.S
• US Class Current: 137/14
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 11/0408 Sump drainage devices, e.g. valves, plugs
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 11/0458 Lubricant filling and draining
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 2001/0215 Electrical pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 2001/123 using two or more pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 21/005 Filling or draining of fluid systems
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 2037/006 Filling
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 21/02 Lubricating nipples
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 21/04 Nozzles for connection of lubricating equipment to nipples
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 39/06 by filtration filters in general B01D; magnetic separators B03C1/00; centrifugal separators or filters B04B5/005
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0396 Involving pressure control
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/4857 With manifold or grouped outlets
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/85978 With pump
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/85986 Pumped fluid control
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86163 Parallel
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86389 Programmer or timer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86405 Repeating cycle

Abstract

In one embodiment, a method is provided for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids. The method includes the steps of identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process; (a) adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to the fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for the reservoir, (b) subsequently performing the fluid evacuation process for the reservoir, (c) subsequently adjusting the configuration of the valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for the reservoir, (d) subsequently performing the fluid refill process for the reservoir; and, subsequently identifying an additional reservoir and performing at least one of the steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) for the additional reservoir, wherein the first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of the additional reservoir. Various system and computer-readable media embodiments are also provided. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR § 1.72(b).

Claims

1. A method for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids, said method comprising the steps of:

identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process;

a. adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for said reservoir to an outlet port;

b. subsequently performing said fluid evacuation process for said reservoir to said outlet port;

c. subsequently adjusting said configuration of said valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for said reservoir;

d. subsequently performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir, and

subsequently identifying an additional reservoir and performing at least one of said steps a, b, c and d for said additional reservoir, wherein said first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of said additional reservoir.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing said fluid evacuation process by using at least one multi-position valve included within said valve system of said fluid system.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said multi-position valve includes a junction block assembly.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing said fluid refill process by using at least one multi-position valve included within said valve system of said fluid system.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said multi-position valve includes a junction block assembly.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising employing at least one evacuation bracket structured for promoting fluid communication with said fluid system for performing at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising employing at least one quick disconnect structured for promoting fluid communication with said fluid system for performing at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir further includes accessing at least one fluid replacement source.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of performing said fluid evacuation process for said reservoir further includes accessing at least one waste-receiving receptacle.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said fluid system further includes at least one supplemental filter system.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising facilitating at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes by using a pump.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said pump is installed locally with respect to said fluid system of said machine.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising operatively associating a control module with said fluid system.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising using said control module for said adjusting said configuration of said valve system.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein said control module includes at least one control selected from the group consisting of a machine control, a pump control, a multi-position valve control, and an evacuation bracket control.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising configuring said control module for collecting cycle time data associated with at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said collecting cycle time data includes collecting at least a start time associated with at least one of said fluid processes for at least one of said reservoirs.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising configuring said control module for performing at least one fluid evacuation process in sequence with at least one fluid refill process.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising configuring said control module for receiving data into at least one data storage medium of said control module.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein said control module includes at least one sensor input for receiving data communicated from at least one sensor operatively associated with said fluid system.

21. The method of claim 13, further comprising operatively associating at least one data device with said control module.

22. The method of claim 1, further comprising operatively associating an internal data module with said machine.

23. The method of claim 1, further comprising purging a filter operatively associated with said first reservoir prior to performing said evacuation process for said first reservoir.

24. The method of claim 1, further comprising purging a filter operatively associated with said additional reservoir prior to performing said evacuation process for said additional reservoir.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir further includes pre-filter delivery of a fluid for said reservoir in association with performing said fluid refill process.

26. A method for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids, said method comprising the steps of:

identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process;

a. first, adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be preformed for said reservoir to an outlet port;

b. second, performing said fluid evacuation process for said reservoir to said outlet port;

c. third, adjusting said configuration of said valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for said reservoir;

d. fourth, performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir; and

identifying an additional reservoir and performing at least one of said steps a, b, c and d for said additional reservoir, wherein said first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of said additional reservoir.

27. A method for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids, said method comprising the steps of:

identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process;

a. first, adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for said reservoir to an outlet port;

b. second, performing said fluid evacuation process for said reservoir to said outlet port;

c. third, adjusting said configuration of said valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for said reservoir;

d. fourth, performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir; and

identifying an additional reservoir and performing said steps a, b, c and d for said additional reservoir, wherein said first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of said additional reservoir.