Abstract:
An assembly structured to flush a cooling system of a marine engine, of varying types, with fresh water, wherein the fresh water is supplied from an on-board, maintained water supply which may also serve as the water supply for drinking, galley appliances, showers, toilets, etc. A path of fluid flow is disposed in fluid communication between the maintained water supply and the marine engine and communicates therewith by an adaptor assembly which is preferably permanently secured to the marine engine. A flush valve assembly is remotely controlled and preferably electronically activated so as to regulate the flow of cooling water through the cooling system, in the conventional manner, or fresh water from the maintained water supply for purposes of moving salt water remnants and contaminants.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed to an assembly and system for flushing the cooling system of a marine engine with fresh water which originates from an on-board, maintained water supply. The maintained water supply may also serve as the primary source of water used for drinking, cleaning, toilet functions, etc. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The internal flushing of marine engines, of varying types, especially when the water craft and associated marine engine is used in salt water is often problematic and time consuming. However, the flushing procedure of the engine&#39;s cooling system is normally considered imperative to extending the life of the engine and assuring its reliable operation. After use, and depending upon the marine environment in which the boat is operated, the engine may contain salt water, sand, mud, and a variety of different contaminants or debris, all of which have a tendency to corrode the engine if not properly removed on a timely basis. Often after each use, the boat operator must flush the cooling system of the engine mechanically, using an external, fresh water source and one or more flushing devices which are known and commercially available. 
     In general terms the cleaning or flushing process may involve the forcing of clean or fresh water through the cooling system of the engine to remove the salt water and other contaminants therefrom. This is accomplished by introducing a forced flow or stream of water through the cooling system. However, the majority of the more commonly used flushing devices are for the most part externally applied. As such, these known devices must be attached to the marine engine in some effective manner so as to establish fluid communication with the interior of the engine and the cooling system in particular. The aforementioned external water source used to create the forced flow of fresh water through the engine is commonly a conventional water hose. 
     Other known or conventional methods include the use of mechanical devices applied to the engine, and/or to the water hose which is used as the supply of fresh flushing water. Examples of such devices are commonly known as “earmuffs” which serve to attach the water hose to the water inlet at the bottom of engine column, such as in an outboard or outboard/inboard motor. It is well recognized that such conventional techniques are inconvenient in that a water hose of sufficient length is frequently not available. Also the flushing of the cooling system of various types of marine engines involve other mechanical devices or procedures which have a tendency to tax the physical stamina or at the very least requires a significant amount of time being spent. 
     In an effort to overcome many of the disadvantages and problems of the type set forth above a number of different approaches to flushing fresh water through a marine engine have been attempted. By way of example only, it is also known to provide portable flushing assemblies which include the use of a portable, external water reservoir structured for the temporary storage of water. Utilizing such a system or procedure still requires a supply of water being connected to the temporary reservoir and therefore involves the use of a water hose of the type set forth above. In addition, such known systems must also include some type of delivery system which serves to establish a fluid connection or communication between the temporary water reservoir and the cooling system or interior workings of the marine engine. As such, a delivery system often requires the use of a water pump which in turn necessitates access to some type of power source not associated with the water craft. 
     The inconvenience of such known or conventional marine engine flushing systems is therefore apparent. While, it is assumed that known flushing devices and procedures of the type set forth above may be at least minimally operative for their intended function and purpose, they do not significantly overcome long recognized problems and disadvantages existing in the marine industry. This is at least partially due to the fact that known systems of the type described still have to be connected to and disconnected from the engine being flushed. Such systems still require establishing fluid communication with a conventional source of water each time the flushing system is utilized. Other known disadvantages associated with conventional flushing systems or devices comprise the inability to effectively flush a marine engine when the water craft is not operating or is in a location which prevents the operation of the marine engine in a safe manner. 
     Accordingly, there is a significant and long recognized need in the marine industry for an improved flushing assembly and system which overcomes the problems and disadvantages of the type set forth above. Such an improved flushing assembly should be unique in its operation, at least to the extent of being continuously disposed in an operative position including being permanently attached to the marine engine. As such, the improved flushing assembly should be operative to provide for the passage of cooling water through the marine engine in the conventional fashion while the marine engine is operating to power the water craft. In addition, a preferred and improved flushing assembly and system should not rely on access to a conventional water source not associated with the water craft, such as a water hose, each time flushing of the marine engine is required. 
     To the contrary, a preferred flushing assembly should have an established access to an existing path of fluid flow disposed between a permanent, on-board, continuously maintained fresh water supply and the marine engine. Such a fresh water supply could also be the common source of water for other applications on the water craft and/or be provided in the form of an auxiliary fresh water reservoir. Such an auxiliary reservoir would also be permanently maintained on-board the water craft. In either of these embodiments a supply of fresh water would be continuously available for the flushing of the marine engine whenever and wherever the operator deems necessary. 
     Finally, such an improved flushing assembly and system should be capable of being either remotely controlled such as by electrical activation of the operative components thereof. 
     Alternatively and/or in conjunction with the remote control and electrical activation, the control of fresh water from the maintained water supply should be capable of being manually controlled or activated. The permanently installed nature of such a preferred flushing system and assembly allows the operation of the marine engine in a conventional fashion, wherein cooling water is forced through the marine engine. Also, after operation of the engine it may be flushed with fresh water without requiring any connection/disconnection of externally mounted devices, as is common in conventional flushing assemblies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed towards an assembly and system structured to flush one or more marine engines of a water craft with fresh water in a manner which overcomes the disadvantages and problems associated with conventional or known flushing systems. At least one distinguishing feature of the various preferred embodiments of the flushing assembly and system of the present invention is the utilization of fresh water permanently stored on-board the water craft as a maintained water supply. Depending upon the size and purpose of a given water craft, a permanent water reservoir is normally included as part of the craft&#39;s operating equipment. Water is maintained within the permanent reservoir and utilized for a variety of utilitarian purposes such as drinking, cleaning, toilet operation, etc. 
     Therefore, the flushing assembly and system of the present invention utilizes the stored fresh water from the maintained water supply to flush the cooling system of the one or more marine engines associated with the water craft. It is of course recognized that the water in the maintained water supply will have to be periodically replenished because of normal use of the various facilities on the water craft. However, the flushing system and assembly of the present invention will eliminate the inconvenience, physical effort and wasted time associated with locating and utilizing a water hose and/or an off-board, temporary reservoir each time the marine engine must be flushed. 
     Therefore, it is emphasized that the term “maintained water supply” is intended to include a supply of water maintained on-board the water craft in a substantially permanent reservoir, as set forth above. However, this term is also meant to include any auxiliary or augmented supply of fresh water maintained in a reservoir on-board the water craft, whether or not such auxiliary water supply is directly associated with the primary source of fresh water, as indicated above, or is used primarily for the flushing of one or more marine engines. 
     Accordingly, the flushing assembly and system of the present invention comprises a path of fluid flow disposed in fluid communication between the maintained water supply and the one or more marine engines which are to be flushed. Upon activation, a stream of water is forced to travel along the path of fluid flow upon activation of a water pump. The water pump may be an auxiliary pump specifically associated with the flushing assembly of the present invention. Alternatively, a water pump already installed on the water craft and used to force water flow from the maintained water supply to any other facility on the water craft may be adapted for use in supplying fresh, flushing water to the marine engines. 
     Unlike many if not all the conventional or known flushing devices, at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an adaptor assembly which preferably is permanently mounted to the one or more marine engines and serves to establish a stable connection between the path of fluid flow and the marine engines being cleaned. As such, the adaptor assembly comprises at least one adaptor member secured directly to a conventional water outlet associated with each of the marine engines to be flushed. The water outlet is normally provided for the discharge of cooling water which is forced through the cooling system of the marine engine during the normal operation thereof as the craft travels through water. 
     Further, the adaptor assembly comprises an individual adaptor member for each of the marine engines and, as set forth above, a permanent securement or mounting of the respective adaptor members are provided. The term “permanent” as used herein is meant to describe a mounting, connection, or attachment of the adaptor member which remains in place during the normal operation of the marine engine. Naturally, even with the aforementioned permanent mounting, connection, etc. the one or more adaptor members may be removed for repair, replacement maintenance, etc. while still being accurately described as permanently mounted or connected to the marine engine. Accordingly, the structure of the adaptor assembly, and in particular the adaptor member associated with each marine engine, allows for the flow of cooling water therethrough as it is being discharged from the cooling system during the normal operation of the engine. Alternately, fresh water passes through the adaptor member, during the flushing procedure, as the water enters the cooling system from the path of fluid flow and exits through the normal cooling water inlet associated with the marine engine. 
     As set forth above, the adaptor assembly is structured to interconnect the path of fluid flow in fluid communication with the cooling system of the marine engine. However, one feature of the various preferred embodiments of the present invention is the provision of a flush valve assembly disposed and structured to at least partially regulate and determine the flow of water into and out of the marine engine. As such, the flush valve assembly, in at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, is remotely controlled and electronically activated so as to be selectively positioned into and out of a plurality of operative positions. 
     Therefore, at least one of the plurality of operative positions provides for the flow of water from the path of fluid flow through the flush valve assembly and the corresponding adaptor member into the cooling water outlet of the marine engine and through the cooling system thereof. The flush valve assembly may also be selectively oriented into at least a second of the plurality of operative positions. When in the second operative position, fluid communication between the path of fluid flow and the marine engine is restricted as cooling water enters the cooling water inlet of the marine engine and passes through the cooling system in the normal fashion when the engine is operating. The cooling water is then discharged from the outlet of the marine engine through the adaptor assembly and flush valve assembly to an area of normal or specifically directed discharge. 
     While the flush valve assembly, in at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, is remotely controlled and electrically activated, it is also capable of being manually controlled and actuated through the manipulation of the various components of the flush valve assembly, as will be described in greater detailed hereinafter. However, in a most preferred embodiment of the present invention the flush valve assembly can be remotely controlled to accomplish its orientation into and out of the plurality of operative positions. Remote control of the flush valve assembly allows the operator of the water craft, such as while located at the controls thereof, to accomplish either conventional cooling of the marine engine when it is operating in the normal and intended fashion or alternatively the flushing of the one or more marine engines with fresh water from the aforementioned on-board, maintained.water supply. 
     Electrical activation of a magnetic switching assembly, or other operative switching structure, facilitates the remote control. In the one or more preferred embodiments incorporating the remote control and electrically activated flush valve assembly, the power source for the activation thereof can be derived from the conventional, on-board power source of the water craft. Similarly, the aforementioned water pump and other operative components to be described herein can similarly be operated, controlled and activated to accomplish the efficient and effective operation of the flushing assembly and system of the present invention. 
    
    
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more clear when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic view in partial cutaway showing an overview of at least a portion of the flushing assembly and system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view in partial cutaway of one of two marine engines and at least some of the operative components of the flushing assembly of the present invention in relation thereto. 
     FIG. 3 is a top view in partial cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 2 including an adaptor assembly and flush valve assembly being attached to two marine engine associated with the water craft. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the flushing assembly and system of the present invention which differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3. 
     FIG. 5 is a top view in partial cutaway of the embodiment of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the flushing assembly and system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a top view in partial cutaway of the embodiment of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view in partial cutaway and exploded form of the various operative components of the present invention including but not limited to an adaptor assembly and a flush valve assembly. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in a different mode of operation. 
     FIG. 10 is an operative component associated with the flush valve assembly of the flushing assembly and system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line  11 — 11  of FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 12 is another operative component of the flush valve assembly of the resent invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.  12 . 
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a flushing assembly and system shown, at least in part, in FIG.  1  and generally represented therein as  10 . More specifically, the flushing assembly and system  10  of the present invention comprises a path of fluid flow generally indicated as  12  including at least one conduit  14 . The path of fluid flow  12 , including the conduit  14 , extends between and in fluid communication with an on-board, maintained water supply, generally indicated as  16  and one or more marine engines  25  on the water craft  23 . The maintained water supply includes a permanent reservoir  18  having a conveniently located fill structure  20  and being dimensioned and configured to store a quantity of fresh water, generally indicated as  22 . Accordingly, the flushing assembly and system  10  of the present invention is clearly distinguishable from conventional or known marine engine flushing systems by utilizing the fresh water  22  maintained within the reservoir  18  of the maintained water supply  16 , as a source of fresh flushing water. 
     Depending at least on its size and intended use a water craft, such as the water craft  23 , includes a substantially permanent water reservoir  18  as part of the normal operating equipment thereof. As such, the fresh water  22  is maintained within the permanent reservoir  18  and utilized for a variety of utilitarian purposes such as, but not limited to, drinking, showering, toilet operation, etc. While it is recognized that the quantity of fresh water  22  stored within the maintained water supply  16  will have to be periodically replenished because of normal use of the various facilities of the water craft, the maintained water supply  16  is herein referred to and comprises the substantially permanent, on-board reservoir  18 . Accordingly, it is emphasized that the term “maintained water supply” is meant to include a supply of water continuously maintained on-board the water craft  23  in a substantially permanent reservoir  18 , wherein the reservoir  18  may also serve as the primary source of water for other utilitarian purposes aboard the water craft  23 . In addition, the term “maintained water supply” is also meant to include any auxiliary supply of water maintained in an associated or segregated reservoir on-board the water craft  23 . Such an auxiliary, maintained water supply may be directly associated with the primary water supply  16  by serving as a supplement thereto or may be used exclusively for the flushing of the one or more marine engines  25 . 
     As also described in greater detail hereinafter, operation of the flushing assembly and system  10  of the present invention may be remotely controlled and/or electrically activated such as from a control console  26 . Accordingly, when energized, electrical power from the batteries  28 , or other source of electrical energy, serves to activate a water pump  30  in order to create a forced flow of water from the maintained water supply  16  through the conduit  14  of the path of fluid flow  12  to the marine engines  25 . 
     A flow control valve  32  may be appropriately located in fluid communication between the maintained water supply  16  and a delivery conduit  34 . The delivery conduit  34  is normally used to deliver the fresh water  22  to the various utilities or appliances on-board the water craft  23  which normally use water, as set forth above. Therefore, when activated the flow control valve  32  is disposed and structured to prevent water from flowing through the supply conduit  34 . Instead water  22  is directed through conduit  14  of the path of fluid flow  12  due to the activation of the water pump  30 . It is also emphasized that the water pump  30  may be disposed in a variety of locations other than that schematically represented in FIG.  1  and may be structured for exclusive operation with the forcing of water along the path of fluid flow  12 . Alternatively, the water pump  30  may be a normal operative component of the water craft  33 , such as of the type used to force the flow of water from the maintained water supply  16  to the other facilities aboard the water craft  23 . 
     Remote control and electrical activation of the water pump  30  and/or flow control valve  32  is further facilitated by an electrical conductor assembly  36 . A control facility generally indicated as  38  is connected to the conductor assembly  36  and is preferably located on the control console  26  or at a variety of other locations on the water craft  23 , which may be remotely spaced from the marine engines  25 . Further, the electrical conductor  36  includes at least one additional electrical conductor  37  for supplying electrical current to a flush valve assembly  40 . The flush valve assembly  40  is disposed and structured to regulate fluid flow into and out of the one or more marine engines  25 , as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter. The conductor structure  37  may be disposed along any appropriate path on or within the water craft  23 . However in at least one preferred embodiment, the electrical conductor  37  follows the path of the conduit  14  which in turn defines the path of the fluid flow  12  of fresh water from the on-board, maintained water supply  16  to the one or more marine engines  25 . 
     The flushing assembly and system  10  of the present invention further includes an adaptor assembly generally indicated as  42  and comprising at least one adaptor member  44  associated with each of the one or more marine engines  25 . The adaptor assembly  42  is disposed and structured to interconnect the path of fluid flow  12 , or conduit  14 , in fluid communication with the interior of the cooling system of the one or more marine engines  25 . As such, each adaptor member  44  is “permanently” mounted or secured to a conventional water outlet  43  or  43 ′ associated with the one or more marine engines  25 . The permanent connection or mounting of the adaptor member  44  on a corresponding marine engine  25  is meant to describe the fact that the adaptor member remains in place on the marine engine  25  continuously, during both operation of marine engine and the flushing thereof. Naturally, it is acknowledged that the one or more adaptor members  44  may be removed for purposes of replacement, repair, maintenance, etc. and still be accurately described by the term “permanent”. 
     With reference to FIG. 8, the adaptor member  44  may assume a variety of different structures such as including a threaded or other attachment portions  45  which facilitates its mounting directly on or into the conventional water outlet  43  and  43 ′ associated with the cooling system of the marine engines  25 . As such, the adaptor member  44  is disposed and structured for direct fluid communication with the cooling system of the marine engine  25 . Accordingly, during the flushing procedure, each adaptor member  44  is disposed and structured to allow the passage of fresh water therethrough into the water outlet  43  and throughout the cooling system, wherein it eventually exits through the conventional cooling water inlet  47 , associated with the marine engine  25 . Alternatively, when the marine engine is operating in the intended manner to power the water craft  23 , water will flow from the body of water on which the craft is operating into the cooling water inlet  47 , through the cooling system and out through the conventional water outlet  43 . The cooling water passes through the adaptor member  42  as the cooling water is discharged from the marine engine  25 . 
     Another feature of the flushing assembly and system  10  of the present invention comprises the aforementioned flush valve assembly  40 . The flush valve assembly is disposed and structured to at least partially regulate fluid flow both into and out of the cooling system of the marine engine  25 . As such, at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the location of an individual flush valve assembly  40  substantially adjacent to and in fluid communication between the path of fluid flow  12  and the one or more adaptor assemblies  42 . Accordingly, as shown in the various Figures, an individual flush valve assembly  40  is associated with each of the adaptor members  44 . However, it is further contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention that a single flush valve assembly  40  be disposed in fluid communication between the path of fluid flow  12  and a plurality of adaptor members  44  as well as the corresponding marine engines  25  on which they are mounted. 
     In either of the preferred embodiments set forth above and as disclosed in FIGS. 8 through 13, the flush valve assembly  40  comprises a valve housing  50  having an open chamber  52  formed therein. The open chamber  52  is dimensioned and configured to movably and/or rotatably receive a valve member  54  therein. Accordingly, the valve member  54  may be selectively movable relative to the housing  50  into a plurality of operative positions. The particular operative positions assumed by the valve member  54  determines or regulates the flow of water either into the cooling system of the marine engine  25  or out of the cooling system of the marine engine  25 , during the respective flushing or cooling of the marine engine  25 . As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the selective positioning of the valve member  54  relative to the valve housing  50  may be remotely controlled and electrically activated. Alternatively, the valve member  54  may be selectively oriented between anyone of the plurality of operative positions manually by physical manipulation of a handle or knob portion  74 . Further, appropriate seal structures  59  may be mounted on the housing  50  and/or valve member  54  to prevent leakage of water within or from the flush valve assembly. 
     As further shown in detail in FIGS. 8 through 13, the valve housing  50  comprises a first passage  50  and a second passage  62  both integrally formed therein. First passage  60  is fixedly disposed or interconnected in fluid communication with the fluid outlet  43  or  43 ′ of the marine engine  25  through a corresponding one of the adaptor members  44 . The second passage  62  is disposed in fixed, fluid communication with the path of fluid flow  12  by being interconnected to the conduit  14 . Cooperative structuring of the valve member  54  includes a first path segment  64  preferably transversely oriented so as to extend completely through the valve member  54  and further including oppositely disposed open ends  64 ′. In addition, the valve member  54  includes a second path segment  66 . The second path segment  66  has a first open end  67  formed in a side wall of the valve member  54  in spaced but substantially coplanar relation to each of the open ends  64 ′ of the first path segment  64 . However, the opposite open end  67 ′ of the second path segment  66  is contiguous to an end portion  55  of the valve member  54 . Therefore, the disposition and configuration of the second path segment  66  may serve to interconnect the cooling system of the marine engine with an external area of discharge of the cooling water which is discharged from the marine engine  25  during the operation thereof. With reference to FIG. 7 a discharge conduit or like structure  69  may or may not be secured to the open end  67 ′ of the second path segment  66  so as to direct water to a more specific area for removal after it has been discharged from the conventional water outlet  43  or  43 ′ of the marine engine  25 . 
     As set forth above, flow of fresh water into the marine engine  25  or discharge of cooling water therefrom is dependent upon the selective orientation of the valve member  54 , and accordingly the valve assembly  40 , into one of a plurality of operative positions. Moreover, a first operative position is defined by the valve assembly  40  establishing fluid communication between fresh water  22 , from the maintained water supply  16 , passing along the path of fluid flow  12  through the second passage  62  of the valve housing  50  into and through the first path segment  64  of the valve member  54  and into the adaptor assembly or individual adaptor member  44 . The flow of fresh water next passes into the conventional water outlet  43 , through the cooling system of the marine engine  25  and out through the conventional cooling water inlet  47 . When in the first operative position fresh water  22  from the maintained water supply  16  is forced to flow due to the operation of the water pump  30  towards and through the flush valve assembly  40  through the adaptor assembly  42  into the marine engine  25  as set forth above. 
     However, when it is desired to operate the one or more marine engines  25  in the normal fashion, the flush valve assembly  40  and in particular the valve member  54  is selectively oriented in a second operative position. As such, open end  67  of the second path segment  66  of the valve member  54  is aligned with the first passage  60  of the valve housing  50  (see FIG.  9 ). In this second operative position cooling water exiting the conventional water outlet  43  is passed through the corresponding adaptor  45  into the flush valve assembly  40 , through the open end of first passage  60 , into the second path segment  66 . The water thereafter exits the open end  67 ′. As set forth above, the open end  67 ′ may discharge the water directly to a preferred exterior discharge area or be connected to a discharge conduit  69  for directing of the discharged water to a more specific area. 
     As also set forth above, at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the remote control and preferably the electrical activation of the valve assembly  40  so as to selectively dispose the flush valve assembly  40  and in particular the valve element  54  between the plurality operative positions, as described above. Remote control the flush valve assembly  40  may be accomplished by manipulation of a control switch and/or other control structure  38 , preferably located on the control console  26 . In at least one embodiment the control structure may comprise a specific and designated positioning of an ignition key or an “on/off” switch associated with the console  26 , as indicated by directional arrow  38 ′. 
     Electrical activation of the flush valve assembly  40  may be accomplished by the inclusion of an electric and/or magnetic switching structure. More specifically, at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an electromagnet  70  mounted on the housing  54  and disposed in communicating relation with a permanent magnet (or other electromagnet)  72  located on an appropriate portion of the valve member  54 . The magnet  72  may be fixed to a nob or handle member  74  and movable with the valve member relative to the housing  50 . The valve housing  50  includes a recess or cut out portion generally indicated as  53  wherein the handle or knob  74  is allowed to pass between the end stop portions  57  and  57 ′ as best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Regardless of its position within recess  53 , the magnet  72  is maintained in sufficiently close relation to the electromagnet  70  to be influenced by the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet  70  when it is pulsed or energized by current from the conductor  37 . 
     More specifically, magnet  72  may have its polarity arranged such that a change of polarity of the electromagnet  70 , due to current flow through electrical conductor  37 , will serve to either repulse or retract the permanent magnet  72  relative to the electromagnet  70 . By way of example, electrical pulsing of the electromagnet  70  regulates the polarity of the electromagnet  70  so as to be opposite to that of the permanent magnet  74 . Since it is well recognized that unlike poles are attracted to one another, the valve member  54  would be forced to rotate since the permanent magnet  72  would be attracted to and towards the electromagnet  70  as indicated by directional arrow  75 . This would rotate or otherwise orient the valve member  54  from the first operative position shown in FIG. 8 to the second operative position shown in FIG.  9 . Similarly, proper manipulation of the control switch or structure  38  on the control console  26  could change the polarity of the electromagnet  70  to the same as that of the permanent magnet  74  causing the valve member  54  to rotate in an opposite direction and force the valve member  54  into the first operative position as described above. The flush valve assembly  40  may also take a variety of other structural configurations and still be electrically activated by the remote control structure  38 . Such an alternative flush valve assembly may comprise or at least structurally and/or operatively resemble a solenoid valve. 
     The versatility of the various preferred embodiments of the present invention is further demonstrated by the fact that the flushing assembly and system  10  of the present invention can be utilized with existing marine engines  25 , such as by being connected by conduit  14  and conduit segments  14 ′ completely on the exterior of the one or more marine engines  25  as demonstrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Also at least a portion of the flushing assembly and system  10 , such as the conduit segments  14 ″ could be mounted at least partially within the cowling or interior  27  of the one or more marine engines  25 , while being connected to the cooling water outlet  43  on an exterior thereof as demonstrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Alternatively, the flushing assembly and system of the present invention could be an original part of the marine engines  25  and therefore comprise an OEM product as demonstrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In this embodiment the adaptor members  44  and the respective flush valve assemblies  40  would be connected on the interior of the cowling  27  to an appropriate portion of the cooling system such as an outlet portion  43 ′. 
     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     Now that the invention has been described,