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

• US 7,793,681 B2
• Filed: 11/08/2006
• Issued: 09/14/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: RPM Industries LLC
• Original Assignee: RPM Industries LLC
• Inventors: Apostolides, John K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee; Kevin L
• Application Number:
  US11/594,325
• Publication Number:
  US 20070113894A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,406 Days
• Field of Search: 137/266, 137/565.01, 137/624.11, 137/624.13, 184/1.5
• US Class Current: 137/266
• 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 system for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids, said system comprising:

a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid system, said valve system configured to permit selective access to a first reservoir and at least one additional reservoir operatively associated with said fluid system for performing at least one fluid evacuation process to an outlet port for a selected one of said first reservoir and said additional reservoir, wherein a fluid included within said first reservoir is of a type different from a type of a fluid included within said additional reservoir;

means for adjusting said configuration of said valve system to permit selective fluid communication between said selected one of said first reservoir and said additional reservoir and at least one of a waste-receiving receptacle and a fluid replacement source, wherein said selective fluid communication enables at least one fluid refill process between said fluid replacement source and said selected one of said first reservoir and said additional reservoir, or wherein said selective fluid communication enables at least one fluid evacuation process between said waste-receiving receptacle and said selected one of said first reservoir and said additional reservoir; and

further comprising at least one multi-position valve included within said valve system of said fluid system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said multi-position valve includes a junction block assembly.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one evacuation bracket structured for fluid communication with said fluid system.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one quick disconnect structured for fluid communication with said fluid system.

5. The system of claim 1, further including at least one supplemental filter system operatively associated with said fluid system.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one pump for facilitating at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said pump is installed locally with respect to said fluid system of said machine.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a control module operatively associated with said fluid system.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said adjusting means includes a control module.

10. The system of claim 8, 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.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein said control module is configured for collecting cycle time data associated with at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein said control module is configured for performing at least one said fluid evacuation process in sequence with at least one said fluid refill process.

13. The system of claim 8, further comprising at least one data storage medium operatively associated with said control module.

14. The system of claim 8, further comprising at least one data device operatively associated with said control module.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor operatively associated with at least one of said fluid system and said valve system.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising an internal data module operatively associated with said machine.