US 8,464,763 B2 · Brake flush machine

Abstract

A fluid-distribution system includes a plurality of fluid-distribution nodes with three-way ports attached to bleed/flush lines and alternate ports attached to vacuum lines. A first pump is used to draw new brake fluid from a new fluid container, push it through the manifold and ports, and through the bleed/flush lines. Fluid flow through the ports is selectively controlled by a computing device. In this manner, a vehicle's brake system including individual brake lines and ABS systems, may be flushed in a prescribed sequence. The vacuum lines are connected to a second pump via alternate ports of the sequential control valve manifold and may be used evacuated air and contaminated brake fluid from the vehicle's bleeder valves or master cylinder. Additionally, the bleed/flush lines may be connected to the alternate ports during priming or purging of the system. This also facilitates storage of the bleed lines as it prevents brake fluid from spilling and prevents air from entering the system.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A fluid-distribution system for a brake-flush machine, comprising:

a first manifold, a second manifold, and a third manifold;
a plurality of first lines adapted for coupling to discrete fluid-flow elements;
a plurality of first valves for alternatively placing each of said plurality of first lines in fluid communication with the first manifold or the second manifold, wherein the valves are soleniod valves coupled with the manifolds;
a first pump connecting a source of fluid to the third manifold;
a second line connecting the second and first manifolds;
a third line for coupling the third manifold to an additional discrete fluid-flow element;
a computing device configured to independently control said solenoid valves;
a memory device;
and
a graphical user interface operably connected to said computing device and that is configured to provide a scan tool interface with said brake flush machine.

7 more elements

A method of flushing a vehicle's brake system comprising the following steps:

providing a brake-flush machine that includes
a first manifold, a second manifold, and a third manifold;
a plurality of first lines adapted for coupling to bleeder valves of a vehicle's brake system;
a plurality of first valves for alternatively placing said plurality of first lines in fluid communication with the first manifold or the second manifold, wherein the valves are solenoid valves coupled with the manifolds;
a first pump connecting a source of fluid to the third manifold;
a second line connecting the second and first manifolds;
a third line for coupling the third manifold to a master cylinder of the vehicle's brake system;
an additional first line connecting the system to a waste disposal unit;
a computing device configured to independently control said solenoid valves;
a memory device;
and
a graphical user interface operably connected to said computing device and that is configured to provide a scan tool interface with said brake flush machine;
connecting said plurality of first lines to said bleeder valves of the vehicle's brake system;
connecting said third line to said master cylinder of the vehicle's brake system;
operating said plurality of first valves to provide fluid connection between the first manifold and at least one of said bleeder valves of the vehicle's brake system and between the second manifold and the balance of said bleeder valves;
and
activating said first pump.

14 more elements

A method of bleeding a vehicle's brake system comprising the following steps:

providing a brake-flush machine that includes
a first manifold, a second manifold, and a third manifold;
a plurality of first lines adapted for coupling to bleeder valves of a vehicle's brake system;
a plurality of first valves for alternatively placing said plurality of first lines in fluid communication with the first manifold or the second manifold, wherein the valves are solenoid valves coupled with the manifolds;
a first pump connecting a source of fluid to the third manifold;
a second line connecting the second and first manifolds;
a third line for coupling the third manifold to a master cylinder of the vehicle's brake system;
a second pump in said second line, said second pump being adapted to pressurize the first manifold;
an additional valve for connecting the system to a waste disposal unit downstream of said second pump;
a computing device configured to independently control said solenoid valves;
a memory device;
and
a graphical user interface operably connected to said computing device and that is configured to provide a scan tool interface with said brake flush machine;
connecting said plurality of first valves to said bleeder valves of the vehicle's brake system;
operating said plurality of first valves to provide fluid connection between the second manifold and said bleeder valves of the vehicle's brake system;
and
activating said second pump.

14 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Brake flush machine

Life of this patent

Brake flush machine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22