Abstract:
An engine cooling system liquid insertion and removal system has an adapter disposed in a vehicle radiator service opening via which old coolant is removed from the engine system by partial vacuum applied to an old coolant container via a conduit. New coolant is introduced via the adapter by atmospheric pressure from a portable container. Conduits interconnect the engine cooling system, the old and new coolant containers, and a source of partial vacuum applied to conduits.

Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   There has long existed a need for a coolant removal and replacement system which is multi-functional and provides prompt, efficient extraction of coolant and the insertion of new coolant in a vehicle engine system. 
   That is, there has existed a need for such a system which can accommodate the relatively simple function of extracting old coolant and the insertion of new coolant without requiring any coolant service apparatus which requires multiple tubes and other complications. 
   The present invention provides a single tube system preferably utilized with a multi-gallon portable container which enables the utilization of multiple types of coolant by simply replacing one container with another. 
   Prior art methods for removal and replacement of coolant have typically involved a cone-shaped adapter inserted in the vehicle radiator service opening, which arrangement does not allow the escape of air trapped in the coolant system, particularly when partial vacuum is employed to draw the coolant into the system. Radiator hoses must be disconnected and the adapter connected into the radiator hose. A problem presented is that many radiator hoses are not sufficiently rigid and therefore partially collapse upon the introduction of a partial vacuum into the system. Thus, only a part of the coolant is removable without substantial additional procedures and effort. Coolant must be removed from the engine by other means and air must be allowed to enter the system to enable a radiator hose to regain its uncollapsed condition. Coolant must then be installed and a new partial vacuum drawn on the system. Such procedures are time-consuming and can result in old coolant remaining in the engine system, with resultant incomplete fill and replacement of less than a full supply of coolant. 
   The present invention utilizes an adapter for vehicle radiator service openings so that coolant can be readily removed from the coolant system by partial vacuum which is provided by a service pump or preferably by a venturi. A limited introduction of atmospheric pressure greatly enhances the passage of coolant from a container into an engine system, without disconnecting or reconnecting any hose or conduit. 
   The apparatus according to the invention may utilize other liquids and coolants, such as cleaning solution or anti-freeze. 
   The system of the invention virtually insures against liquid spilling, which is relatively important in view of environmental regulations relative to the disposing of certain substances, such as antifreeze. 
   The invention is preferably utilized with a console whereon are mounted or attached components according to the invention, these including old and new coolant containers, conduits interconnecting an engine interior with an old coolant container, a portable new coolant container and conduit for insertion of new coolant into an engine by only atmospheric pressure. Means are provided for application of partial vacuum to an old coolant container to draw coolant from the engine to the container, and means are provided for application of atmospheric pressure to a new coolant container to urge the coolant into the engine. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic showing of a system according to the invention for the removal of old coolant from a vehicle engine; 
       FIG. 1A  is a fragmentary view of a venturi component of the system according to the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic showing of a modified system according to the invention for the removal of old coolant from a vehicle engine; 
       FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic showing of an arrangement of components for the insertion of new coolant into the vehicle engine; 
       FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic showing of a modified arrangement according to the invention for reinsertion of new coolant into the vehicle engine; and 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a console whereon components according to the invention are disposed. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The present invention relates to systems for removal of old coolant from a vehicle engine and replacement thereof with new coolant. 
   The process of removing old coolant is accomplished by utilizing suction and partial vacuum at a venturi to provide a partial vacuum in tubes of the system of the invention, thereby insuring spill-free service which is essential in view of environmental concerns and EPA regulations regarding disposal of antifreeze compounds. 
   The present invention involves three embodiments and methods. The first and simpler method utilizes a storage tube and a venturi, with interconnecting hoses and valvings. 
   A second embodiment of the invention comprises the components of the first embodiment, and a removable container or bottle and connected with a pump. 
   A third or advanced embodiment utilizes the components of the first two embodiments, together with a stepped adapter for attachment to a radiator or hose. 
   Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a console  10  having components according to the invention mounted for convenient, efficient control, including valves and conduits having interconnections during operation of the system according to the invention. 
     FIGS. 2 and 3  collectively show the system according to the invention arranged for removal of coolant from a vehicle engine  11 , and for the installing of new coolant into the engine. 
   An adapter  12  is installed in a service opening of the vehicle radiator  14 , and is formed of a resilient material, typically rubber, and has an axial passage therethrough. A threaded end portion of a fluid conduit is disposed in an upper portion of the passage. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system comprises an old solution container or storage tube  16  having an inlet opening  18  in its lower portion, and an outlet opening  20  in its upper portion, as shown. 
   An old solution conduit  22  interconnects the engine interior via the adapter  12 , conduit  22 , and the inlet opening  18  of the old coolant container. 
   Control knobs  24  and  26  on the console  10  are operable to provide quick, efficient changes in liquid flow via valves and conduits of the system to operate valves to effect respective flow patterns via particular conduits, thus to provide for removal of old coolant from an engine, the insertion of new coolant into the engine, draining of old coolant, and filling of the system with a new coolant. 
   A partial vacuum for drawing old coolant from an engine is provided by a venturi  28 , shown in  FIG. 1A . The venturi is preferable for this purpose because it provides a higher degree of partial vacuum than a pump of similar size and capacity. It is in itself conventional, comprising a tube with a tapered restriction in its mid-portion to produce an increase in the velocity of fluid passing therethrough and a corresponding partial vacuum. The boiling point of the coolant may typically be reduced to 160° to 180° F., depending on the partial vacuum provided. Boiling causes water density to become lighter so that it can be readily pulled from the engine with the partial vacuum. 
   The present invention eliminates the disconnecting and/or reconnecting of fluid conduits during removal of old coolant and insertion of new coolant into an engine. Cleaning and flushing are accomplished in the removal of old coolant continuously during coolant changing. 
   The system preferably is operated with the engine running because it is not advisable to put cool coolant into a hot engine, although the engine system will operate with the engine not running. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , in a first method of operation, old coolant is removed by a partial vacuum at the suction side of the venturi  28  while the vehicle engine is running at idle speed. The partial vacuum drawn in at a vacuum generator  30  by the venturi  28  therein causes coolant in the radiator to boil at a low temperature, thereby vaporizing the coolant and enabling it to be drawn into the storage tube, which also has the partial vacuum therein. 
   An upper radiator hose  32  has a quick coupler affixed thereto. A variety of hose ending members or adapters may be attached in order that any type of coolant system may quickly be serviced. 
   In accordance with the first and simplified method of operation, old coolant is removed and replaced with new coolant by any of three methods, as set forth below. 
   The old coolant is removed via the tube or service hose  22  and new coolant is drawn into the tube. The partial vacuum produced in the coolant system draws new coolant into the radiator by the partial vacuum in the radiator and air pressure from the apparatus. 
   Old coolant may be re-used with reversal of processes by turning the main control knob  24  at the console momentarily, thus to pressurize the replacement coolant which is then passed into the radiator. 
   In a second method of operation, old coolant is removed as in the manner of the first method. Because a partial vacuum typically remains in the coolant system, new coolant, which is stored in a removable container or jug  36 , can be readily allowed to flow into the vehicle radiator via the conduit or service hose  22  which is inserted into the radiator opening or into the coolant tank opening. The system of the invention is designed for continuous flow of new coolant into the radiator, a partial vacuum being constantly generated by the venturi  28 . 
   A third mode of operation of the system requires removing one end of upper radiator hose  32 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , if the thermostat (not shown) is aligned with the radiator hose, the hose end closest to the engine is removed. If the thermostat is aligned with the bottom radiator hose, the hose end closest to the radiator is removed. 
   A stepped adapter  38  is inserted into the end of the upper radiator hose  32  and is clamped to the upper radiator hose  32 . An upper cone adapter  12  is inserted into the port from which the radiator hose  32  has been removed. 
   The main service line  22  is connected to cone  12  ( FIG. 4 ) and the secondary service line  42  is connected to adapter  32 , and a pump  40  is connected with a pressure line  44 . 
   Old coolant is drawn from the radiator by the partial vacuum in old coolant tube  16 , while new coolant is pumped into the radiator from reservoir or jug  36  by pressure from a pump  40  which is connected with the secondary service line  42  and adapter  38 . The pump  40  is operated by pressure in line  44  which is connected with the control console. 
   Upon the completion of coolant replacement, old coolant in the storage tube  16  may be discharged by opening air pressure control knob  26  at the console  10 , and old coolant is forced out of the tube via the main service line. 
   It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is established by the following claims and equivalents thereof.