U.S. patent application number 13/025204 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-11 for transmission additive injection assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vesco Oil Corporation. Invention is credited to Rick A. Schalk, Joseph Waterman.
Application Number | 20110194953 13/025204 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44353864 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110194953 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schalk; Rick A. ; et
al. |
August 11, 2011 |
TRANSMISSION ADDITIVE INJECTION ASSEMBLY
Abstract
The present invention relates to an injection system/device and
method of using for use in an automatic transmission fluid changing
machine. The device including at least a reservoir capable of
containing automatic transmission fluid additives; a pressure pump;
a plurality of supply lines in fluid communication with the
reservoir and a supply line of an ATF changing machine via the
pressure pump; and a control mechanism capable of switching the
injector assembly on and off; wherein the pressure pump is capable
of producing higher pressures in the automatic transmission fluid
additives than exist in a fluid from the ATF changing machine.
Inventors: |
Schalk; Rick A.;
(Southfield, MI) ; Waterman; Joseph; (Southfield,
MI) |
Assignee: |
Vesco Oil Corporation
Southfield
MI
|
Family ID: |
44353864 |
Appl. No.: |
13/025204 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61303337 |
Feb 11, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
417/313 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 57/0408 20130101;
F01M 11/0458 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/313 |
International
Class: |
F04B 53/00 20060101
F04B053/00 |
Claims
1. An injector assembly comprising: a reservoir capable of
containing automatic transmission fluid additives; a pressure pump;
a plurality of supply lines in fluid communication with the
reservoir and a supply line of an ATF changing machine via the
pressure pump; and a control mechanism capable of switching the
injector assembly on and off; wherein the pressure pump is capable
of producing higher pressures in the automatic transmission fluid
additives than exist in a fluid from the ATF changing machine.
2. The injector assembly according to claim 1, wherein a distance
of the supply line between the pressure pump and the supply line of
the ATF changing machine is less than 1.0 m.
3. The injector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pressure
pump is capable of producing a pressure of at least 7.0 Kg/cm.sup.2
in the automatic transmission fluid additives.
4. The injector assembly according to claim 1, further comprising
an automatic air vent capable of at least partially purging air
from the plurality of supply lines.
5. The injector assembly according to claim 1, further comprising
at least one check valve.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/303,337 filed on 11 Feb. 2010 and is
hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an assembly and improved
methodology for servicing and conditioning land transportation
vehicles to maintain the operational efficiency of the vehicle as
well as extend the useful life of the transmission of the vehicle.
More particularly, the present invention describes a method,
assembly, and operational parameters for the injection and
circulation of chemical additives, most notably, transmission fluid
and/or other chemical compounds, into a preferably sealed
transmission environment via a transmission fluid flush and
replacement circulation system.
[0003] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present
invention sets forth a assembly for injecting and circulating
replacement transmission fluid and/or transmission cleaning and
stabilizing additives directly into the transmission system of an
automotive vehicle through replacement lines which are in fluid
connection between the vehicle to facilitate full and complete
fluid transfer between the present invention and the automotive
vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Generally speaking, the selection, purchase, and financing
of an automotive vehicle is exercised with great care and
consideration by consumers due to the fact that most consumers,
especially business and commercial fleet buyers, rely upon the
vehicle's long term operational viability to serve the intended
purpose of reliable transport and cartage. At the same time, it is
recognized that regular and preventative vehicle maintenance on the
part of consumers and vehicle operators is a necessary and integral
part of ensuring the operational viability of the vehicle over
time.
[0005] Efforts and processes to maintain, extend, and improve the
useful life of land transportation vehicles, especially automotive
vehicles, have been a constant focus and pursuit since the internal
combustion engine was first utilized in transportation vehicles. Of
particular interest to the present invention is the ability to
improve and maintain the useful life of transmissions used with
vehicle engines in traditional vehicle powertrain technology. To
improve and maintain both operational efficiency and the useful
life of a transmission, it is well known that the automatic
transmission fluid ("ATF"), the fluid and chemical compound used to
assist and facilitate the operation and movement of a vehicle
transmission, should ideally be changed, flushed, and/or replaced
on a periodic basis or at least upon a predetermined amount of
miles driven by the underlying vehicle based upon its size, type,
and functionality. The specific function of ATF in a vehicle
transmission is well known in the automotive field and has been the
focus of many prior art products, devices, and methods.
[0006] Most notably, different types of land transportation
vehicles and transmission designs create a variety of specialized
ATF needs and applications. For example, certain types of vehicles,
driving environments, and/or cartage/towing requirements can place
a wide variety of requirements upon a vehicle transmission.
Although these differing operational parameters may present
separate challenges to the proper functionality of a transmission,
all vehicle transmissions are reliant upon the "useful life" of the
underlying ATF contained within the transmission. Very similar to
the use of traditional motor oils in the vehicle environment, ATF
is a chemical compound which effectively "breaks down"--on a
molecular level--over time as the transmission is engaged during
the operation of the vehicle. Again, similar to the use of
traditional motor oil in an engine, the operational efficiency of a
transmission is enhanced, maintained, and safeguarded through the
periodic changing, replacing, or "flushing" of old, used, or spent
ATF from the transmission and the introduction/circulation of new
or clean ATF into the transmission.
[0007] As can readily be appreciated by the fact that transmission
technology is well known in the art, the prior art is also likewise
characterized by a number of systems/methods employed to change or
replace ATF in a vehicle. Essentially, these existing and prior art
methodologies generally comprise steps of removing or flushing the
existing or "used" ATF from the transmission of a stationary
vehicle, while simultaneously replacing or injecting new or "clean"
ATF into a closed loop system, all while the vehicle is running.
Such existing or prior art methods may also introduce a certain
amount of new or "clean" ATF for circulation with the transmission
prior to completely replacing the entire ATF (e.g. loop mode) from
a source of new or "clean" ATF, typically an ATF tank that contains
the replacement ATF. In addition, with respect to traditional
"non-sealed" transmissions, it is possible to manually add a
designated and/or desired amount of ATF into the vehicle
transmission through a designated point of entry.
[0008] Although these prior art systems and methods can achieve
effective ATF replacement and are advantageous in many vehicle
applications, modern vehicles designs, as well as developments in
chemical compound technology, have resulted in both more
sophisticated transmission designs as well as additional
specialized chemical additives ("ATF additives") that can be used
to clean and/or augment the function of ATF in a vehicle
transmission. One such development in transmission design is a
"sealed" transmission system which removes the traditional
"dipstick" from many vehicles and also substantially curtail, if
not eliminate, the ability to manually check or add both ATF and
ATF additives to the sealed transmission.
[0009] Thus, there is a need in the art to develop an effective
assembly which can employ and reliably replace/introduce both ATF
and/or ATF additives to a wide array of transmission designs in an
efficient and complete manner which ensures that the required
amount of ATF, and the desired amount of ATF additives, are
successfully introduced and retained within the vehicle
transmission. Typically, the prior art systems/devices require that
the desired ATF additive is first added directly to the'ATF tank
containing the new or "clean" ATF to also be placed in the vehicle
transmission. One example of such an ATF additive is more commonly
known as a "flush cleaner"--comprising special chemical additives
used to clean the surfaces of the transmission. Another example of
an ATF additive is/are various ATF conditioners that may extend the
life of the ATF and/or otherwise assist in the efficient operation
and/or performance of the specific transmission design. Given the
specialty nature of some modern automotive vehicles (i.e. based
upon towing capacity, cartage requirements, hybrid vehicles, etc.),
it is anticipated that the amount and variety of ATF additives will
likewise increase to meet these more specialized automotive needs
and designs, especially in sealed transmission systems.
[0010] Accordingly, there is both a technical and industry need to
for a assembly which can fully and reliably introduce the desired
amount of ATF and selected ATF additive(s) into automotive vehicles
in an efficient and complete manner, particular for vehicles having
sealed transmission designs. Specifically, it is believed that the
introduction of the ATF and/or the selected ATF additive(s) (in
both quantity and timing) may be critical for the ATF and selected
ATF additives to function as intended and thereby maintain and
preserve the operational parameters of the automotive vehicle
transmission for the standard useful life of the underlying
vehicle.
[0011] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks and
disadvantages found in these prior art systems. First, existing
systems/devices only allow for the addition of ATF through either a
filling port in the transmission (e.g. where a traditional ATF
check "dipstick" is located) or require the addition of ATF
additives directly into the replacement ATF tank housing the
"clean" ATF. This is especially true for "sealed" transmission
designs which do not typically utilize or possess independent ports
for ATF introduction. Second, these prior art systems have inherent
technical limitations in that less than the full or ideal amount of
ATF and/or ATF additives will actually be introduced into the
vehicle transmission itself. In addition, the prior art systems may
result in decreased effectiveness due to less than optimal
concentrations of the selected ATF additives being added to the
vehicle transmission (i.e. less than the full amount of ATF
additive). For example, a cleaner ATF additive may remain in the
new ATF at too high of a concentration while the conditioner ATF
additive is at too low of a concentration.
[0012] The following and existing prior art devices, systems, and
literature may pertain to this subject matter and technology,
including the following patent documents: USPUB 20080143779; U.S.
Pat. No. 3,801,013; U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,363; U.S. Pat. No.
5,626,170; U.S. Pat. No. 6,986,283; U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,872; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,378,657; U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,701; U.S. Pat. No.
6,112,855; U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,629; U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,567; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,959,740; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,531, all incorporated
herein by reference for all purposes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to a
system/assembly/device, and methodology designed to overcome the
various drawbacks and disadvantages found in the prior art and
described above. More particularly, the present invention is
directed to a system and methodology which provide an effective and
complete means to introduce not only ATF, but one or more
additional ATF additives, into the ATF change or "flush" process in
a designated sequence and in designated/desired amounts depending
upon the underlying vehicle application. It should be noted that
the use of the terms "system" and "assembly" and "device" should be
considered as synonymous as it relates to the structure of the
present invention.
[0014] Although the present invention is most efficiently employed
with vehicles that are equipped with a "sealed" transmission
system, it is recognized that use and utility of the present
invention is not limited to "sealed" transmission systems and may
be employed in a wide variety of transmission applications for any
number of land transportation vehicles, as well as marine
applications.
[0015] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide
an ATF and/or ATF additive injection system that may be retrofitted
to existing ATF change devices, preferably outside of their pumping
mechanisms, and may be controlled independently from them.
[0016] It should be appreciated that the above referenced
advantages, attributes, aspects and examples of the present
invention are non-limiting, as others exist within the scope of the
present invention, as shown and described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exemplary depiction of the present invention as
assembled to an ATF replacement machine that is hooked up to a
vehicle.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exemplary depiction of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] The present invention relates generally to a system and
methodology to achieve a desired, complete, and efficient change or
flush of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and/or any desired ATF
additives in conjunction with the transmission of a land
transportation vehicle. More particularly, the present invention
comprises either or both of a stand-alone system or a retrofitted
design for use with existing products consisting of an injection
system for introducing ATF and/or ATF additives to the transmission
of a land transportation vehicle as part of the standard ATF
changing or flush process that is typically part of regularly
scheduled maintenance for the applicable vehicle. It is
contemplated that the present invention may be retrofitted and/or
employed with prior art and existing ATF changing or flush
technology (e.g. within the same housing) or may be a completely
separate stand-alone unit or system. For the sake of efficient
design and operational ease of use, the injection system is
preferably packaged as part of an overall or stand-alone ATF
changing or flush product. Such an integrated system is most
commonly found and utilized at automotive repair facilities,
dealers, as well as "quick service" oil change venues and similar
retail establishments available to the general public.
[0020] Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention comprises an
ATF and/or ATF additive injection system 10 which functions and
facilitates the addition of one or more ATF additive(s) in
conjunction with the flow of ATF. In short, the present invention
facilitates the introduction of both ATF and/or one or more ATF
additives into the selected vehicle as part of the ATF changing or
flush operation. It is contemplated that the desired or selected
ATF additive(s) can be introduced into the system either
simultaneously with the ATF or as part of a separate and discrete
step which allows for the desired and verifiable measurement of
selected ATF additive(s) which may be most beneficial for the
underlying automotive vehicle application. The injection system 10
may allow for the introduction of desired and selected ATF
additive(s) to the vehicle independent of the existing ATF changing
machine pumping mechanism and/or the any necessary involvement of
the vehicle itself through direct introduction into the supply
lines that lead from the ATF changing machine into the vehicle
transmission. It is believed that this may be particularly
beneficial due to the fact that the chemical and/or corrosive
nature certain ATF additive(s), especially cleaning additives, may
damage or even reduce the functionality of the pumps, hardware, or
other equipment used in the changing machine technology. It is also
beneficial to meter, measure, time, and control the amount and
timing of the introduction of the ATF additive(s) based upon the
utility of specific ATF additive(s) to specific transmission
designs.
[0021] The present invention consisting of an ATF additive
injection system 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, may also consist of
at least one reservoir 20, at least one pressure pump 30, a
plurality of supply lines 40, and a control mechanism 50.
[0022] The reservoir or reservoirs 20 functions to hold and retain
the ATF additive(s) before they are introduced into the ATF change
or flush process. The reservoir 20 may exist in any number of
configurations, shapes, or volumetric sizes capable of retaining
liquid materials. The reservoir 20 is preferably large enough to
hold and retain sufficient volumes of either ATF or ATF additive(s)
for use in a wide variety of vehicle applications, and may also
employ a preprinted or notched indicator of the liquid volume
capacity of the reservoir or reservoirs 20.
[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reservoir 20 is
comprised of a cylindrical tank with a tapered bottom. The tapered
bottom allows substantially all the liquid contents to flow from
the reservoir 20 in when the injector system 10 is activated and
operational. It is also preferable that the reservoir 20 include at
least partially transparent or translucent wall section, to allow
the presence and flow of the ATF additive(s) to be visually
ascertained. The reservoir 20 may also include a cover 22 with a
port and cap 24 (e.g. self closing) to allow for the introduction
of the ATF additive(s) to the ATF tank. It may also include an exit
port 26 at the bottom to allow the ATF additive(s) to flow from the
ATF tank into the rest of the injector system 10.
[0024] In those applications where the present invention is
retrofitted or reconditioned to work with prior art or existing
transmission flush devices (i.e. where the injector system 10 may
be retrofitted with existing ATF fluid changing technology), the
reservoir 20 may be attached to the existing ATF fluid changing
technology via a bracket or some other means for connecting the
reservoir 20 to the existing ATF fluid changing technology. In a
preferred embodiment, the reservoir 20 is attached to an exterior
portion of the existing ATF fluid changing technology by employing
a conventional L-shaped bracket structure 28.
[0025] The pressure pump 30 functions to fluidly transfer the ATF
additive(s) supplied from the reservoir 20 by introducing the ATF
and/or the ATF additive(s) into the ATF changing machine output
lines (lines leading from the present invention to the transmission
of the vehicle). The pressure pump or pumps 30 should be of
sufficient power and located within a relatively short distance
from the introduction point (e.g. where the ATF and/or ATF
additive(s) enter the output lines). In a preferred embodiment, the
pressure pump 30 is at least about a 50 psi (3.5 Kg/cm.sup.2) pump,
more preferably at least about a 75 psi (5.2 Kg/cm.sup.2) pump and
most preferably about a 100 psi (7.0 Kg/cm.sup.2) pump to 150 psi
(10.5 Kg/cm.sup.2). Also in a preferred embodiment, the pressure
pump 30 is no further that about 1.0 m away from the introduction
point between the injector system 10 and the changing machine
output lines (supply line 68). The combination of pump power and
distance should be sufficient to allow either or both of the ATF or
ATF additive(s) to be forced into the ATF change machine's output
lines while the change machine is in operation.
[0026] The plurality of supply lines 40 functions to transport the
ATF and/or the ATF additive(s) from the reservoir 20, to the
pressure pump 30 and finally into the output lines of the ATF
change machine. The lines should have sufficient capacity to handle
the volume and pressure of the injector system 10. Additionally,
there is preferably at least one air vent 42 (preferably
automatically operated) and at least one check valve 44 within the
system 10. The air vent 42 allows air to be purged from the
injector system 10, when needed, and the check valve 44 allows flow
of the ATF and/or ATF additive(s) in substantially a single
direction.
[0027] The control means 50 functions to activate and deactivate
the injector system 10. It is contemplated that the control means
50 may consist of a basic manually actuated electrical switch
component to one through a more sophisticated switch mechanism
which includes numerous subcomponents which may automatically
activate and deactivate the injector system 10 based upon the
desired function and/or with feedback/communication with any
sensors and/or the ATF changing machine.
[0028] Generally speaking, the materials contemplated for each of
the components described above are appropriate for the given
functions.
[0029] In a first preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an ATF
changing machine 60 hooked up to a vehicle with the injector system
10 is presented.
[0030] In this embodiment, the machine 60 includes two or more
tanks (old ATF 62 and new ATF 64) fluidly connected to a vehicle
100 (e.g. to the transmission system (not shown)) via two or more
supply lines 66, 68. There is also a bridging line 70 that connects
lines 66 and 68 when the machine is used in a loop mode, a loop
mode being when little or no ATF is being allowed to flow into or
out of the tanks 62 and 64. The machine 60 includes a main ATF pump
72, which functions to add fluid from the new ATF tank 64 into the
vehicle transmission system (via line 68).
[0031] The injector system 10, in this embodiment, includes a
reservoir tank 20, a plurality of supply lines 40, a pressure pump
30 (with a control means 50) and one or more check valves 44 and at
least one air vent 42. The check valve(s) function to prevent
unwanted fluid from entering at least part of the system 10 from
the machine 60.
[0032] In this embodiment, the reservoir tank 20 is capable of
holding up to about 1.0 liters of additives, although it is
contemplated that this tank 20 may be as be up to 5 times smaller
or larger. It is preferred that the tank have a tapered bottom.
[0033] The supply lines 40 fluidly connect the tank 20 to the
pressure pump 30 and from there to the supply line 68. One or more
check valves 44 are also included in the supply path
(see.fwdarw.arrow) injector system 10 and preferably are located
after the pump 30. It is contemplated that the system 10 is capable
of introducing any desired additive to the ATF fluid when the
machine 60 is in loop mode or in changing mode (e.g. replacing old
ATF fluid with new) by activating the injector system 10 (e.g.
pushing button such as part of control means 50).
Method
[0034] It is contemplated that there is an inventive method
provided herein. It may include the use of the injector system 10
as described above in a process of changing the injecting and
circulating replacement transmission fluid and/or transmission
cleaning and stabilizing additives directly into the transmission
system of an automotive vehicle through replacement lines which are
in fluid connection between the vehicle to facilitate full and
complete fluid transfer between the present invention and the
automotive vehicle. The contemplated method includes the steps of:
providing an ATF changing machine as previously described;
providing an injector system as previously described in fluid
communication with the ATF changing machine; adding an additive to
a reservoir of the injector system; activating the injector system
while the ATF changing machine is connected to a vehicle's
automatic transmission system and the vehicle engine is running
thus injecting the additive to a supply line of the ATF changing
machine. It is also contemplated that the ATF changing machine may
be in a closed loop mode (e.g. no new automatic transmission fluid
is being added or removed from the vehicle) and the additive is a
cleaning additive. It is also contemplated that the ATF changing
machine may be in mode in which "new" fluid is being added and the
"old" fluid is being removed to the vehicle's automatic
transmission system and the injector system is providing an
additive to the "new" fluid supply side of the ATF changing
machine. Additionally, the method may include the steps of
connecting the injector system to the ATF changing machine in the
first place. It should be appreciated that the steps described
above are an illustrative example and not limited to the order in
which they are presented.
[0035] Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the
various structures depicted herein are not intended to be
restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries
are possible based upon given vehicle applications. Plural
structural components can be provided by a single integrated
structure. Alternatively, a single integrated structure might be
divided into separate plural components. In addition, while a
feature of the present invention may have been described in the
context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such a feature
may be combined with one or more other features of other
embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated
from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein
and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance
with the present invention.
[0036] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been
disclosed. A person of ordinary skill in the art would realize
however, that certain modifications would come within the teachings
of this invention.
[0037] Further, any numerical values recited in the above
application include all values from the lower value to the upper
value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation
of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value.
As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a
value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature,
pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,
preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is
intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32
etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values
which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001,
0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what
is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical
values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated
are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in
a similar manner.
[0038] Still further, unless otherwise stated, all ranges include
both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of
"about" or "approximately" in connection with a range applies to
both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover
"about 20 to about 30", inclusive of at least the specified
endpoints.
[0039] The disclosures of all articles and references, including
patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference
for all purposes.
[0040] The term "consisting essentially of" to describe a
combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or
steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components
or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel
characteristics of the combination.
[0041] The use of the terms "comprising", "consisting", or
"including" used to describe combinations of elements, ingredients,
components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that
consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or
steps.
[0042] Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be
provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or
step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient,
component or step might be divided into separate plural elements,
ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "one" to
describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended
to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or
steps.
* * * * *