Patent ID: 6378657
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: F01M,F16H

Abstract:
A method for exchanging a used fluid with a fresh fluid in a vehicle having an automatic transmission connected to a fluid circuit, said used fluid initially being contained within said transmission and said fluid circuit, at least a substantial portion of which is subsequently discharged into a receptacle, said fresh fluid initially being contained in a source container, said method comprising the steps of:providing a fluid exchange system having a first conduit for communicating fresh fluid to the transmission and a second conduit for communicating used fluid from the transmission; coupling said fluid exchange system to the fluid circuit of the vehicle such that the used fluid flows from the transmission through the second conduit during an exchange procedure; coupling said fluid exchange system to the fluid circuit of the vehicle such that the fresh fluid flows to the transmission through the first conduit during the exchange procedure; and providing a movable component in fluid communication with both the used fluid and fresh fluid during the exchange procedure, said movable component being biased to control a fluid flow within the fluid exchange system prior to or during the exchange procedure, and wherein during the exchange procedure said fluid exchange system introduces a quantity of fresh fluid to the fluid circuit of the vehicle at a first flow rate as the used fluid is expelled from the fluid circuit through the second conduit at a second flow, said first flow rate being substantially matched to the second flow rate.