Patent Publication Number: US-2010108147-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for exchanging fluid in a cooling system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/198,638, filed on Nov. 6, 2008. The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/198,638 is considered to be part of the disclosure of the following application and is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure pertains to an apparatus and method for filling and changing fluid (e.g., coolant) in a non-vented cooling system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional coolant filling and flushing systems, such as those used to fill and flush automotive type cooling systems, rely on the ability of the coolant system to be opened to the environment by opening a radiator cap and a drain valve to fill and flush the coolant from the system. Such coolant flush and fill systems rely on the radiator cap acting as a vent to remove air that is trapped in the cooling system. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method for filling and changing coolant that does not require an installed vent in the cooling loop. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a fluid flow control device is configured to facilitate the addition and removal of fluid to and from a cooling system. The cooling system is preferably a non-vented cooling system. The device comprises a base member and a rotatable member. The base member has an opening and plurality of ports capable of being in fluid communication with the opening. The plurality of ports includes at least two user ports and two external ports. The rotatable member has at least one passageway extending therethrough. The rotatable member can be configured to be received in the opening and can be movable within the opening between a first position and a second position. When the rotatable member is in the first position, the two user ports are in fluid communication with one another via the passageway(s) of the rotatable member and the two user ports are not in fluid communication with the external ports. When the rotatable member is in the second position, the two user ports and the two external ports are in fluid communication with one another via the passageway(s) of the rotatable member. 
     In specific implementations, each of the user ports and each of the external ports have a coupling member associated therewith. The coupling members facilitate the fluid connection of the user ports and external ports with tubing components. In other specific implementations, the coupling members associated with the external ports comprise quick-release coupling members that restrict fluid flow through the coupling members when no tubing components are connected to the quick-release coupling members. The two user ports can be axially aligned with one another, and the two external ports can be axially aligned with one another. Alternatively, the two external ports can be oriented parallel to one another. 
     In other specific implementations, the rotatable member can include an actuating member for rotating the rotatable member between the first position and the second position. In other specific implementations, the actuating member can be a recessed portion of the rotatable member or an extending portion. A restricting member can be provided to allow rotation of the rotatable member between the first and second positions and restrict rotation of the rotatable member beyond those positions. 
     In other specific implementations, the rotatable member can include two passageways extending through the rotatable member. In other specific implementations, the passageways can be grooves on opposing sides of the rotatable member. The passageway(s) can also be generally T-shaped, with a first opening portion extending through the rotatable member and a second opening portion extending off of the first opening portion at an angle. Other passageways can be generally L-shaped. 
     In other specific implementations, the base member can comprise two openings, with each opening being configured to receive a rotatable member and each opening capable of being in fluid communication with one of the user ports and one of the external ports. In other specific implementations, the two user ports can extend from opposite faces of the base member and the two external ports can extend from opposite faces of the base member. If desired, a mounting member can extend from the device. The mounting member can have at least one aperture for securing the device to another structural element. If desired, a bracket can be secured to the base member to retain the rotatable member within the opening of the base member. 
     In another embodiment, a fluid flow control system is provided. The system can include a stator and a rotor. The stator can have a first set of at least two coupling members configured for attachment to tubing members of a fluid user system and a second set of at least two coupling members configured for attachment to tubing members of an external fluid system. The rotor can include at least two passageways and can be moveable to define two different fluid flow configurations. The first fluid flow configuration can comprise a user circuit in which fluid can flow through the first set of coupling members and the second fluid flow configuration can comprise a fill/flush circuit which allows fluid to flow through both the first and second set of coupling members. 
     In specific implementations, the rotor can be configured to be rotated about 90 degrees to change the fluid flow configuration of the system from the first fluid flow configuration to the second fluid flow configuration. 
     In another embodiment, a method for changing fluid in a cooling system is provided. The method can include providing a base member having a plurality of ports, the plurality of ports including a first user port, a second user port, a first external port, and a second external port. The first and second user ports can be coupled to a cooling system. A rotatable member having a first passageway extending therethrough can also be provided. The rotatable member can be configured to be received in the base member opening such that the first and second user ports are in fluid communication with one another via the first passageway. An external fluid connection device can be coupled to the first and second external ports. The rotatable member can be rotated so that the first passageway of the rotatable member is aligned with the first user port and the first external port. Fluid can be removed from the cooling system through the first external port. 
     In other specific implementations, the rotatable member can include a second passageway and the act of rotating the rotatable member can cause the second passageway to be aligned with the second user port and the second external port. Fluid can be added to the cooling system through the second external port. If desired, the act of rotating the rotatable member can include rotating the rotatable member about 90 degrees. Also, if desired, the act of coupling the external fluid connection device can include connecting quick-release tubing components to the first and second external ports. The external fluid connection device preferably comprises a fluid reservoir and a pump. 
     In another embodiment disclosed, a coolant fill and flush device is provided. The device comprises a rotary directional flow control valve with a base member and a rotatable member coaxially disposed and having substantially parallel opposing end surfaces adapted for relative sliding engagement as the rotatable member is rotated relative to the base member about a common axis. A plurality of glands can be provided between the rotatable member and base member to receive sealing members such as o-rings. A plurality of ports in the base member can be adapted to be connected to a source of pressure fluid, an external reservoir, and a fluid user reservoir. A plurality of passages can be provided in the rotatable member. The passageways are configured to register with one or more base member ports when the rotatable member is rotated relative to the base member. The ports can include a first set of two external (secondary) ports and a second set of two user (primary) ports. The rotatable member can be movable to connect the first set of ports to one another (recirculation mode) or to connect the second set of ports to the first set of ports (fill/flush mode). A quick disconnect implement unit or stop valve can be attached to the base member at the first set of ports. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a rotary directional flow control device. 
         FIG. 2A  is a plan view and  FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 2A , taken along the line A-A. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a flush and fill system that can be used with the device of  FIG. 1 , shown in recirculation mode with passages  8 ,  9  being generally parallel to ports  12 ,  13   14 , and  15 . 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of the flush and fill system of  FIG. 3 , shown in fill/flush mode with passages  8 ,  9  being generally perpendicular to ports  12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15 . 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a rotary directional flow control device. 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a rotary directional flow control device. 
         FIG. 7  is a front isometric exploded view of a rotary directional flow control device. 
         FIG. 8  is a rear isometric exploded view of a rotary directional flow control device. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are top and bottom isometric exploded views of a rotary directional flow control device. 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a base member and a rotatable member of a rotary directional flow control device. 
         FIG. 11A  is a top view of a rotary directional flow control device in a fill mode. 
         FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 11A , taken along line E-E. 
         FIG. 11C  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 11B , taken along line M-M. 
         FIG. 12A  is a top view of a rotary directional flow control device in a recirculation mode. 
         FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 12A , taken along line F-F. 
         FIG. 12C  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 12B , taken along line N-N. 
         FIG. 13A  is a side view of a rotary directional flow control device in a fill mode, shown with the rotatable member removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 13B  is a side view of a rotatable member for use with the device of  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 13C  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 13A , taken along line J-J. 
         FIG. 13D  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 13A , taken along line L-L. 
         FIG. 14A  is a side view of a rotary directional flow control device in a recirculation mode, shown with the rotatable member removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 14B  is a side view of a rotatable member for use with the device of  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 14C  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 13A , taken along line H-H. 
         FIG. 14D  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 13A , taken along line I-I. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosed embodiments in any way. Various changes to the described embodiment may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” 
     Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed. 
     Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways (readily discernable, based on this disclosure, by one of ordinary skill in the art) in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms such as “provide” to describe the disclosed method. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that can be performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms can vary depending on the particular implementation and are, based on this disclosure, readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The present disclosure relates to filling and flushing of a cooling system, such as a cooling system for an automotive engine, that does not allow the installation of a convenient filling location such as a radiator cap or venting locations to remove trapped air from the cooling system. 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric, exploded view of an embodiment of a rotary directional flow control device. The rotary directional flow control device comprises a base member (e.g., a stator)  1  that has a plurality of passageways (e.g., ports)  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  extending through at least a portion of the base member  1 . Ports  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  are preferably generally cylindrical in cross section; however, other shapes and configurations are possible. Base member  1  has a generally cylindrical opening  30  that is configured to receive a rotatable member (e.g., a rotor)  2  within opening  30 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the ports are configured so that each port is axially aligned with a second port that is located across opening  30  of base member  1 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the ports are spaced apart and separated from one another (e.g., diametrically offset) by the central opening  30 . As best seen in  FIG. 2 , ports  12  and  13  are generally axially aligned with each other and ports  14  and  15  are generally axially aligned with each other. 
     As discussed in more detail below, each of the ports  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  preferably has a coupling member (e.g., fitting) engaged or associated with it. Coupling members  26 ,  27  are in fluid contact with the ports  12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15  and extend outwardly from base member  1  to provide an attachment location on the outside of base member  1 . Coupling members  26 ,  27  are configured to be coupled to connecting elements of the cooling system (e.g., tubing, hosing, etc.). 
     Preferably, at least two of the coupling members comprise quick-release coupling members. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , coupling members  26  extend from ports  12 ,  13  and are desirably quick-release coupling members. Although quick-release coupling members  26  can be associated with any of the ports, ports  14 ,  15  are preferably associated with coupling members of a more fixed nature, such as the barbed couplings shown in  FIG. 1 . If the coupling members  26 ,  27  are not quick release, they can include any mechanism configured to secure or hold a tubing component (or other connecting element) to the coupling member  27 , including, for example, ridged, barbed, or threaded portions. 
     As noted above, rotatable member  2  is configured to be received within opening  30 . Rotatable member  2  can be generally cylindrical with two grooves or passageways  8 ,  9  extending through rotatable member  2 . Passageways  8 ,  9  can comprise arcuate notches or grooves in the generally cylindrical side face of rotatable member  2  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The notches or grooves are preferably formed on opposing side faces so that they are located at the same height and at the same distance from the end face of the rotatable member. 
     When rotatable member  2  is positioned with the base member  1 , passageways  8 ,  9  and a portion of an inner face  24  of base member  1  collectively define a pathway for fluid to travel between ports  12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15  (as discussed in more detail below). Thus, such passageways can be considered to be at least partially “open” passageways in that they are not fully enclosed within the rotatable member  2 . Alternatively, the passageways can be internal to rotatable member  2  (i.e., formed by the structure of the rotatable member alone), as shown in other embodiments herein. 
     Preferably, rotatable member  2  is secured within opening  30  of base member  1  in a fluid-tight manner. Accordingly, rotatable member  2  preferably has one or more grooves (e.g., annular groove or gland)  7  at one or more locations above and/or below passageways  8 ,  9  for receiving a sealing member  6 . Sealing member  6  can be an o-ring or other suitable sealing element configured to surround a portion of the body of rotatable member  2  to prevent or restrict fluid leakage between rotatable member  2  and base member  1 . To secure rotatable member  2  within opening  30 , end caps or other such securing elements can be positioned above and below rotatable member  2 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a bottom bracket  32  can be positioned below rotatable member and secured to base member  1  using suitable fasteners  4  (e.g., screws, bolts, nuts, pins, rivets, stakes). Similarly, a top bracket  34  can be positioned above rotatable member and secured to base member  1  using suitable fasteners  4 . Alternatively, as discussed in more detail below, rotatable member  2  can be secured, at least in part, by a structural element integrally formed with base member  1 . 
     Base member  1  comprises an inner face  24  that faces (and at least partially defines) opening  30 . When rotatable member  2  is positioned within opening  30 , an outer face  23  of rotatable member  2  faces the inner face  24  of base member  1 . Preferably, the outer face  23  and inner face  24  form a substantially fluid tight fit, so that in the various configurations described herein, when those two faces are in a configuration or position where they oppose each other, fluid is restricted from passing between the outer face  23  and inner face  24 . 
     If desired, a mounting member can extend from a structure of the flow control device to allow the device to be mounted to an external structural member, such as a portion of the structure containing the coolant system (e.g., a structural member of an automobile).  FIG. 1  illustrates a mounting member  36  that extends from the top bracket  34 . Mounting member  36  comprises openings  38  for mounting the flow control device to an external structural member. It should be understood that the location, size, and shape of the mounting member can vary depending on the application in which the flow control device will be used. 
       FIG. 2A  is a plan view and  FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the valve of  FIG. 2 , taken along the line A-A. As shown in  FIG. 2A , ports  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  can comprise a portion  40  with a wider diameter to facilitate the reception of a coupling member  26 ,  27 . In addition, an inner portion of base member  1  defines the exits of ports  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  into opening  30  and preferably has a curved section  42  that, in turn, at least partially defines the generally circular opening  30 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show two different flow diagrams that can be achieved using a flow control device as described herein.  FIG. 3  shows a recirculation mode and  FIG. 4  shows a fill/flush mode. 
     As described above, the flow control devices described herein can be coupled to a cooling system (fluid user) of an engine or other similar system. To achieve recirculation within the cooling system, coupling members  27  (which are associated with ports  14 ,  15 ) can be attached to a fluid reservoir  20  (e.g., coolant reservoir) via tubing components (e.g., tubing, hosing)  19  or other connecting structures capable of conveying fluid from the fluid reservoir to the flow control device and back to the fluid reservoir. Fluid reservoir  20  can be an internal system reservoir that supplies fluid (e.g., coolant) to the cooling system. 
     To cool the system, the fluid (coolant) can flow in a loop (e.g., recirculate) through the cooling system between the fluid reservoir  20  and ports  14 ,  15  of the flow control device. This circuit can be referred to as the user or system circuit. Thus, port  14  (also called “first system port” or “first user port”) and port  15  (also called “second system port” or “second user port”) are configured to allow fluid recirculation through the system. 
     Ports  12  and  13  are configured to permit fluid to flow out of the cooling system (flush) and permit unused fluid to flow into the cooling system (fill) to refill the user reservoir  20 . Thus, port  12  can be referred to as “first external port” or “first flush/fill port,” and port  13  can be referred to as “second external port” or “second flush/fill port.” Ports  12  and  13  are “external” in that they allow connection to an external device for filling or flushing fluid into or out of the user or system circuit. Alternatively, for convenience, the user/system ports can be referred to “primary ports” and the external/flush-fill ports as “secondary ports.” 
     When the system is to be flushed and/or filled, rotatable member  2  is moved from a first position which allows for a first flow configuration (recirculation) to a second position which allows for a second fluid flow configuration (fill/flush). Coupling members  26  (e.g., quick-release coupling members associated with ports  12 ,  13 ) can be connected to an external fluid reservoir  21  via tubing components (e.g., tubing, hosing)  18  or other structures capable of conveying fluid from the external fluid reservoir  21  to the flow control device. A pump  17  can be used to provide sufficient pressure to cause the fluid to flow to and from the external fluid reservoir  21  as desired. 
     In  FIG. 3 , rotatable member  2  is in the first position. In this position or orientation, passageway  8  is aligned and in fluid communication with ports  12  and  13 , and passageway  9  is aligned and in fluid communication with ports  14  and  15 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first flow configuration of the fluid flow control device defines two separate fluid flow circuits. In the first fluid circuit (the system circuit), fluid can flow between ports  14 ,  15  and fluid reservoir  20 , and in the second fluid circuit (the external circuit), fluid can flow between ports  12 ,  13  and external fluid reservoir  21 . The quick-release coupling members preferably have a stop valve that prevents fluid from passing through the coupling member when no tubing components or other such connecting elements are connected to the coupling member. Accordingly, if there are no elements connected to the coupling members  26 , no fluid will flow between the ports associated with the quick-release coupling members (e.g., ports  12 ,  13  in  FIG. 3 ). Instead, those ports will simply be closed or dead-ended. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the rotatable member  2  can be moved (rotated) to a second position in which a second flow configuration is achieved. In the second configuration, rotatable member  2  is rotated 90 degrees so that passageway  8  is in fluid communication with ports  12  and  14 , and passageway  9  is in fluid communication with ports  13  and  15 . Thus, the flow control device creates a fill/flush fluid circuit where fluid can flow from reservoir  20  to port  15  to port  13  to reservoir  21  to port  12 , to port  14  and back to reservoir  20  (or the reverse of that circuit, if desired). Pump  17  can be used to force the fluid to flow through the system in the desired direction with the desired amount of pressure. By pumping fluid from reservoir  20  to external reservoir  21 , fluid can be flushed from the system. Similarly, by pumping fluid from external reservoir  21  to reservoir  20 , the cooling system can be filled. 
     It should be understood that various configurations can be used to allow the fluid to be flushed from the cooling system prior to filling the cooling system. For example, a portion of the external circuit can be discontinuous, with a first portion configured to remove fluid from the system and a second portion configured to fill the system. 
     The fluid circuit is preferably filled using a pump with a large flow capacity so that fluid flow through the second flow configuration entrains the trapped air in the fluid and removes it from the cooling system. The filling system also preferably utilizes clear or transparent tubing components (e.g., tubing, hoses, etc.) to allow the operator to observe when the fill fluid has little or no aerated fluid in the return line. After the fill/flush operation is completed, rotatable member  2  can be returned to the first position ( FIG. 3 ), once again isolating of the user circuit from the external circuit and the outside environment. The quick-release coupling members  26  allow the external fill and discharge hoses/lines to be readily removed once the rotatable member  2  is returned to the first position ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Rotatable member  2  can be moved from the first position (orientation) to the second position (orientation) in a variety of ways. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , rotatable member  2  can have an actuating member formed in a surface of rotatable member  2 . The actuating member can be a male (e.g., protruding) or female (e.g., recessed) member. For example, a notch or recess  11  can be provided to receive a tool (e.g., a screwdriver). The tool can be inserted into recess  11  and turned 90 degrees to move rotatable member  2  from the first position ( FIG. 3 ) to the second position ( FIG. 4 ). Instead of a recess, rotatable member  2  can have an extending portion that extends from a top or bottom surface of rotatable member  2 . The extending portion can be manually rotated by a user (with or without a tool). Thus, an extending portion can serve as an actuating lever adapted to rotate the rotatable member between the various desired positions. 
     In addition,  FIG. 1  illustrates an aperture  50  in the top bracket  34 . Aperture  50  can be sized so that a tool can pass through aperture  50  into recess  11 . In addition, aperture  50  can be shaped so that the tool can be received and withdrawn in only two positions, with those two positions corresponding to the two positions (described above) of rotatable member  2 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of a fluid flow control device. To the extent that the fluid flow control device of  FIG. 5  is similar to the fluid flow control device of  FIG. 1 , the same element numbers are used to describe the parts of the fluid flow control device. The structure, function, and operation of these common elements will not be further described except to the extent that any differences between the embodiments cannot be readily discerned from the figures. 
     Like the fluid flow control device shown in  FIG. 1 , the device of  FIG. 5  has a plurality of ports  12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15  which are axially aligned in pairs. Base member  1  of  FIG. 5  differs from base member  1  of  FIG. 1  in that the structure of  FIG. 5  is more streamlined. Rather than having a base member shaped like a block with ports extending therethrough, base member  1  of  FIG. 5  can be manufactured using less materials. For example, ports  13 ,  15  and ports  12 ,  14  are spaced apart from one another with gaps between them, respectively. These gaps allow for a reduction in materials and, since the device is generally smaller in size (e.g., both in volume and cross-sectional profile), can allow the device to be positioned more easily within a cooling system. 
     In addition, instead of a recessed member  11 , the device of  FIG. 5  has an extending portion (extrusion)  52  which extends from a top surface of rotatable member  2 . Extending portion  52  is configured to be grasped and rotated in order to move rotatable member  2  from the first position to the second position. Extending portion  52  can be rotated manually using a tool, such as an end wrench, ratchet, an adjustable wrench, or other similar grasping tool. As described above, aperture  50  can be configured to restriction movement of the rotatable member. Preferably, rotatable member  2  is restricted from moving into orientations beyond the first position and second positions. Thus, aperture  50  can be configured to restrict movement of rotatable member  2  beyond the 90 degrees required to move it between the first position and the second position. 
     Another difference between the fluid flow control devices of  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 1  is that the device of  FIG. 5  does not have a removable bottom bracket. Instead, base member  1  has a solid base plate (formed integral with base member  1 ) that holds rotatable member  2  within opening  30 . 
       FIGS. 6-8  illustrate another embodiment of a fluid flow control device. To the extent that the fluid flow control device of  FIGS. 6-8  is similar to the fluid flow control device of  FIG. 1 , the same element numbers are used to describe the parts of the fluid flow control device. The structure, function, and operation of these common elements will not be further described except to the extent that any differences between the embodiments cannot be readily discerned from the figures. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the fluid flow control device comprises a base member  1  with two openings  30  for receiving two rotatable members  2 . First user port  15  and second user port  16  are positioned so that they are in-line with one another. Passageways  8  are formed in the shape of a “T”, with a first opening portion  60  extending entirely through the rotatable member  2  (i.e., from one side of the rotatable member to the other) and a second opening portion  62  extending at an angle from the first opening portion. Thus, the passageway can comprise straight sections extending offset and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member and straight sections extending generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the base member. 
     Desirably, the second opening portion is configured to extend from the first opening portion at about 90 degrees as best seen in  FIG. 8 . When the two rotatable members are each held in a first position (as shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 7 ), ports  14  and  15  are in fluid connection with one another via the first opening portions  60  of passageways  8 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , openings  30  are spaced apart from one another and are preferably connected via a generally hollow bridge member  64 . Bridge member  64  permits fluid to pass between the openings  30  when the rotatable members  2  are configured to provide an open passageway between the two openings  30 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate the rotatable members  2  in a first position (although in an exploded view) that allows flow to pass between user ports  14  and  15 . This first position allows for the recirculation of fluid in the cooling system. Even if an external system is connected to external ports  12  and  13 , no circulation of fluid is possible between ports  12  and  13  when the two rotatable members  2  are in their respective first position. That is, in the first position ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ), the passageways  8  of rotatable members  2  are not aligned or in fluid connection with ports  12  and  13 . 
     To change the system configuration from a recirculation mode to a fill/flush mode, the rotatable members  2  are moved to a second position. In the second position, one of the rotatable members  2  (the one adjacent to port  14 ) is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the orientation shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , and the other one of the rotatable members  2  (the one adjacent to port  15 ) is rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise from the orientation shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . When the rotatable members are moved to the second position, the first passageway  8  opens a fluid connection between ports  12  and  14 , and the second passageway  8  opens a fluid connection between ports  13  and  15 . At the same time, the fluid connection between ports  14  and  15  is closed. Thus, in the fill/flush mode, a circuit is provided (similar to that discussed above with respect to  FIG. 4 ) whereby fluid can be removed from the user system (e.g., internal reservoir) and/or new fluid can be added to the user system from an external source (e.g., external reservoir). 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , extending portion  52  is configured so that it is movable (e.g., rotatable) to move the rotatable members  2  from their respective first positions to their respective second positions. Also, extending portions  52  is preferably configured to restrict movement of rotatable members  2  other than between the desired two configurations. For example, extending portion  52  is only rotatable about 90 degrees in view of the shape and position of top bracket  34 . 
       FIGS. 9-14  illustrate another embodiment of a fluid flow control device. To the extent that the fluid flow control device of  FIGS. 9-14  is similar to the fluid flow control device of  FIG. 1 , the same element numbers are used to describe the parts of the fluid flow control device. The structure, function, and operation of these common elements will not be further described except to the extent that any differences between the embodiments cannot be readily discerned from the figures. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a base member  1  is configured with an opening  30  for receiving a rotatable member  2 . Rotatable member  2  comprises two passageways  8  and  9 . As best seen in  FIG. 10 , the first passageway  8  has two openings in the face of the rotatable member  2 . The first passageway  8  is preferably generally L shaped, with the two openings in face of the rotatable member being about 90 degrees apart from one another. The second passageway  9  comprises three openings in the face of the rotatable member  2 . Preferably, the second passageway  9  is generally T shaped, with a first opening portion  60  extending entirely through the rotatable member  2  (i.e., from one side of the rotatable member to the other) and a second opening portion  62  extending at an angle from the first opening portion. Desirably, the second opening portion is configured to extend from the first opening portion at about 90 degrees, as best seen in  FIG. 10 . 
     The rotatable member  2  is movable between a first position (recirculation) and a second position (fill/flush).  FIGS. 12A-12C  and  14 A- 14 D illustrate the rotatable member  2  in the first position whereby fluid in the system can be circulated between user ports  14 ,  15 . As best seen in  FIGS. 12B and 14A , when the rotatable member  2  is in the first position (e.g., in the recirculation mode), fluid can flow between user ports  14  and  15 , as represented by the arrow  70 . Ports  12 ,  13 , however, are not in fluid connection with each other (or with any other ports) when the rotatable member  2  is in the first position. 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  and  13 A- 13  illustrate the rotatable member in the second position. Once the rotatable member  2  is rotated to the second position, fluid can flow between ports  12  and  14 , and between ports  13  and  15  as represented by the arrows  72 . Thus, in fill/flush mode, the fluid can be delivered through port  12 , through port  14 , through the internal reservoir (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 4 ), through port  15 , and through port  13 , and out to an external reservoir and/or pump (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 4 ), and back into port  12 . 
     It should be understood that the devices described herein can be constructed of various materials, including, for example, various plastics or metals, such as aluminum, metal matrix, titanium, brass, zinc, and/or combinations thereof. 
     In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed embodiments may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of protection. Rather, the scope of the protection is defined by the following claims. I therefore claim all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.