Patent ID: 6328132
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: F01M

Abstract:
A distributed system for draining and refilling oil in a road vehicle engine within an engine compartment which includes an oil filter, an oil pan having an oil outlet port, and a removable drain plug installable in the outlet port, comprising first hose means having first and second end portions, said first end portion being connectable to the oil outlet port for providing oil into or out of the oil pan, a valve means having a first port and a second port and being locatable remotely from the oil pan, said second end portion of said first hose means being connected to said first port of said valve means, second hose means having a first end portion and a second end portion and releasable connection means for selectively connecting and disconnecting said first and second end portions, said first end portion of said second hose means being connected to said second port of said valve means, a reversible electrically-powered pump means located remotely from said valve means and the oil pan, said pump means having a first port and a second port, said second end portion of said second hose means being connected to said first port of said pump means for controlling oil flow in said second hose means, third hose means being connected to said second port of said pump means for directing oil to and away from said pump means, and an electric power means operatively connected to said pump means, selectively releasable connection means for electrically connecting and disconnecting said pump means to said electric power means, said pump means operative in one direction for causing drainage of oil through the oil outlet port, said first hose means, said valve means, said second hose means, said pump means and said third hose means and adapted for collection in a container for disposal or recycle, said pump means operative in a reverse direction to pump new oil from a container in a manner opposite to said one direction whereby new oil is introduced into the oil pan through the oil outlet port, said electric power means including switch means having a toggle switch and a movable latch, said latch being selectively movable to a first location for blocking movement of said toggle to prevent operation of said toggle switch and a second location for allowing movement of said toggle to allow for operation of said toggle switch, said latch being operatively connected to said valve means for selective operation of said valve means between a closed position when said latch is in said first location and an open position when said latch is in said second location.