Patent ID: 6112855
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: F16H,F16L

Abstract:
A machine for service of an automatic transmission while the transmission is in an automotive vehicle, and which vehicle has an external circulation loop for circulation of transmission fluid external to the transmission, the external circulation loop having a vehicle coupling therein with two complementary parts coupled in fluid flow connection with one another to complete the external circulation loop, said machine being effective for use in interrupting the external circulation loop at the vehicle coupling where these complementary coupling parts are disconnected from one another, and to effect exchange of used transmission fluid from the transmission which used transmission fluid is received by said machine via one of the two complementary parts of the vehicle coupling and is replaced with new fluid supplied by said machine from a supply of new transmission fluid via the other of the two complementary parts of the vehicle coupling, said machine comprising:a first fluid flow conduit adapted for connection to one of the complementary parts of the vehicle coupling and conducting used transmission fluid from the transmission to a waste container while the complementary parts of the vehicle coupling are uncoupled from one another, and a second fluid flow conduit adapted for connection to the other of the complementary parts of the vehicle coupling and conducting new transmission fluid from a source thereof into the transmission while the complementary parts of the vehicle coupling are uncoupled from one another;said first fluid flow conduit and said second fluid flow conduit each including a respective one of a pair of elongate primary hoses, each one of said pair of primary hoses including at a distal end thereof a respective one of a pair of substantially identical first-disconnect coupling portions;said first fluid flow conduit and said second fluid flow conduit each also including a respective one of an intermediate pair of hoses each one including at a proximal end thereof one of a respective pair of substantially identical second quick-disconnect coupling portions complementary to and interconnected with one of said pair of first quick-connect coupling portions, and at a distal end thereof each one of said intermediate pair of hoses having a respective one of a pair of substantially identical additional quick-disconnect coupling portions; anda pair of adapters each one having a substantially identical first end portion complementary to and sealingly engaged with one of said pair of additional quick-disconnect coupling portions, and a second end portion providing one of a pair of complementary termination features; which complementary termination features are adapted to be complementary to one another and are also adapted to be complementary each to a respective one of the one part and the other part of the vehicle coupling;whereby said pair of adapters from a fluid flow connection both between said first conduit and said second conduit and also between opposite sides of the external fluid circulation loop of the transmission at disconnected parts of the vehicle coupling.