WO1995000390A1

WO1995000390A1 - Fresh water flushing system

Info

Publication number: WO1995000390A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/007111
Authority: WO
Inventors: Douglas Brogdon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-06-23
Filing date: 1994-06-22
Publication date: 1995-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 1995-12-23
Also published as: JPH09505652A; AU7177594A

Abstract

A fresh water flushing system for a marine engine in a boat for use whether the boat is in or out of the water is disclosed. The system comprises a control panel (12) mounted on the interior of the boat , a plurality of tubular T-shaped interconnection fittings (34) in a raw sea water cooling conduit, and a fresh water flush valve (14). The components are connected for fresh water fluid flow. The fresh water flush valve (14) has a valve plunger (50) for establishing fresh water flow between the control panel and the T-shaped interconnection fittings.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Fresh Water Flushing System

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fresh water flushing system for marine engines, and in particular to a fresh water flushing system that expels entrained sea water from a raw sea water cooling conduit of the marine engine, whether the boat is in or out of the water, and irrespective of whether the engine is running or is shut off.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Throughout the United States efforts are being taken to improve fresh water flushing systems for marine engines. The primary object of the invention is to allow the operator of a motor boat to flush the salt water entrained in the engine after the motor is turned off. Fresh water flushing is recommended universally by every marine engine manufacturer. Flushing fresh water through a marine engine substantially prolongs the life of the equipment, lowers the maintenance costs, and protects the significant investment in the engine itself.

Current systems treat the cooling system as a single cavity, as opposed to a group of cavities, water pathways, and equipment. Traditional flushing systems currently available are time consuming to use, error prone, and in many cases just not feasible to use for commercial crafts or pleasure crafts.

For example, most flushing devices cannot be use if the boat is lifted from the water by a davit or is stored in a boathouse. Current flushing equipment usually requires The engine to be running while the boat is in the water. Under certain condition, flushing the engine can be hazardous. The current flushing system have limitations on convenience and reliability the make them user unfriendly. Most current systems merely relocate salt and mineral residues to another location within the cooling system.

None of these previous efforts, however, provide the benefits intended with the present invention. Additionally, prior techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements as disclosed and claimed herein. The present invention achieves it intended purposes, objectives, and advantages over the prior art devices through a new, useful, and non obvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, utilizes a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and by employing only readily available material.

SUBSTITUTESHEET(RULE SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is defined by the appended claims with the specific embodiment shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention may be incorporated into a fresh water flushing system for displacing sea water in a marine engine whether the boat is in or out of the water. The fresh water flushing system comprises a control panel mounted on an interior of the boat comprises a control panel mounted on an interior of the boat having a fresh water supply connection and a gate valve for regulating the flow for fresh water, a fresh water flush valve having an inlet port for receiving the flow of fresh water, and a plurality of axial outlet ports for proportionally discharging the flow of fresh water, and a fresh water conduit therebetween.

In addition, the system also has a plurality of tubular T-shape fittings interconnecting the fresh water flush valve to a raw sea water conduit on the marine engine, and a plurality of flexible hoses therebetween for establishing fluid communication between each one of the axial outlet ports and one of the tubular T-shaped fittings.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fresh water flushing system to expel entrained sea water from a raw sea water cooling conduit of a marine engine whether the boat is in or out of the water.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fresh water flushing system that works with a variety of marine engines including inboard/outboard engines, V8 stern drive engines, jet skis, and the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fresh water flushing system that can be easily retrofitted into existing boats.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a fresh water flushing system that proportions the flow of fresh water to each sub-system and component of the cooling system to insure correct filling and draining of harmful minerals and salts and other residues from the cooling system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a fresh water flushing system that can be easily incorporated as an Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) component for newly manufactured boats.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a fresh water flushing system that will resist the corrosive effects of salt air and sea water on the fixed and movable working parts of the invention.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a fresh water flushing system that will not impair the operational performance of the marine engine when the fresh water flushing system is not in use and operation and the marine engine is operating in the water.

It is a final object of the present invention to be specifically enumerated herein is to provide a fresh water flushing system in accordance with the preceding objects and which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple construction, and be easy to use so as to provide a device that would be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation, and will provide superior flushing performance.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in an inboard embodiment showing the relative location of the system to the inboard mounted motor.

Figure 2 is a conceptual flow schematic showing the control panel having a fresh water connection and a gate valve.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the proportioning flush valve used in the flushing system of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an exploded longitudinal perspective view of the proportioning flush valve showing the components of the flush valve prior to assembly.

Figures 5a-5c are various view of the valve plunger used in the flushing system of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a conceptual flow diagram showing the interconnection of the proportion flush valve system to a typical raw sea water cooling conduit for a typical outboard marine engine.

Figure 7 is a conceptual flow diagram of the invention showing a plurality of proportioning flush valves interconnecting to a raw sea water cooling conduit of a typical V-8 stern drive marine engine.

Figure 8 is a conceptual flow diagram of the present invention showing the plurality of proportioning flush valves interconnecting to the raw sea water cooling conduit of a typical V-8 inboard marine engine. Figure 9 is a conceptual flow diagram showing the proportioning flush valve interconnecting to the raw sea water cooling conduit of a typical four cylinder stern drive marine engine.

Figure 10 is a conceptual flow diagram showing the proportioning flush valve interconnecting to the raw sea water cooling conduit of a typical four cylinder stern drive marine engine having a closed cooling system.

Figure 11 is a conceptual flow diagram showing the proportioning flush valve interconnecting to the raw sea water cooling conduit of a jet ski marine engine.

Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

SUBSTITUTESHEET(RULE DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 illustrates the flushing system 10 of the present invention installed in an inboard embodiment. As shown in figure 1, the flushing system consists of a control panel 12, a flush valve 14, a fresh water conduit 14, and fresh water hoses 18, 19, 20. The panel 12 of the flushing system 10 is attached to the interior portion 30 of a boat 32 and in close proximity to the marine engine 28. The fresh water hoses 18, 19, 20 are interconnected between the fresh water flush valve 14 and the raw sea water cooling conduit 26 of the marine engine 28. A plurality of T-shape tubular interconnections (not illustrated in this figure) are used to connect the fresh water hoses to the raw sea water cooling conduit in order to provide for fresh water to flow from the fresh water hoses and into the sea water cooling conduit.

The control panel is illustrated in further detail in figure 2. As seen in this figure the control panel 12 includes a fresh water supply connector 22 and a gate valve 24. The fresh water supply connector 22 is connected to the fresh water conduit 16 (illustrated in outline) and is also adapted to receive a dockside source of fresh water (not illustrated) . The source of fresh water (for example a standard hose line) is attachable to and detachable from the fresh water supply connector 22 and allows for fresh water to flow freely into the fresh water conduit 16. This fresh water conduit 16 also interconnects with the gate valve 24 and the fresh water flush valve 14. The gate valve 24 regulates and modulates the flow of which the fresh water, from the source of fresh water, travels through the fresh water conduit 16.

The fresh water valve is illustrated in further detail in figures 3 and 4. As seen in these figures, the fresh water valve 14 has an upper body member 36, lower body member 38, and a valve interface member 40 having an outer surface 42. The upper body member and the lower body member are permanently attached to the outer surface of the valve interface member for forming the outer shell 44 of the fresh water flush valve 14. The attachment of the upper and lower body members to the interface member can be accomplished by pressure treatment and the use of adhesives.

Though not separately illustrated, it is noted that the valve interface member can be externally threaded while the upper body member and the lower body member can be interiorly threaded. In this configuration, the upper body member and the lower body member are threadably adapted to receive the threaded valve interface. In this embodiment, the upper and lower body members are not permanently attached to the outer surface of the valve interface member. This valve interface can also be referred to as a nipple. The lower body member 38 further includes an inlet port 46 for receiving the fresh water conduit (not illustrated in these figures) in order to establish fluid flow between the fresh water conduit and the fresh water flush valve 14.

Located within the lower body member 38 of the fresh water valve 14 is a cavity 48. Within the cavity 48 is a valve plunger 50 and a bias spring 52. This bias spring 52 is disposed helical around the valve plunger and surrounds the valve plunger 50 from a normally closed position at zero fresh water pressure to a coiled biased open status when the fresh water pressure is sufficiently increased. Figure 3 illustrates the fresh water valve in a closed position.

The valve plunger has a transverse set of discharge ports 54, for establishing proportional fresh water fluid flow through the fresh water inlet port to an interior chamber or cavity 56 of the upper valve body. The valve plunger and set of discharge ports 54 are illustrated in further detail in figures 5a, 5b, and 5c. The valve plunger 50 further includes an upper portion 58 and a lower portion 61. The lower portion extends outwardly and contacts the lower body member when the valve plunger is in a closed position (as illustrated in figure 3) .

A valve plug 62 is located within the valve interface member 40. This valve plug 62 has a recessed portion 60. The recessed portion 60 receives and contacts the upper portion 58 of the valve plunger. The valve plug also has a lip portion 64 which contacts the valve interface member. In this configuration, any displacement of the valve plunger will result in an equal displacement of the valve plug. Additionally, the valve plug includes a portion which is tapered thereby forming a conical outer surface 72 which contacts the inner surface 74 of the valve interface 40.

The upper body member 36 of the flush valve receives the valve plunger in the chamber or cavity 56 when the flushing system is in use (not illustrated in these figures) . The upper body member further includes a plurality of outlet ports 66 for receiving the fresh water hoses (not illustrated in these figures) .

When fresh water pressurizes the valve plunger 50, the valve plunger 50 moves linearly to establish fresh water fluid flow communication between the transverse discharge ports 54 and the interior chamber of the upper body member, and the spring is compressed to a biased status.

It is illustrated in these figures (3 and 4) that when the fresh water pressure is relieved, the status of the spring 52 is reversed. That is, the spring 52 returns to an extended, normally closed status. The plunger 50 also returns linearly to its normally closed position and disconnects the fresh water fluid flow communication between the transverse set of discharge ports and the interior chamber of the upper valve body.

A first O-ring 68 is located inside the valve interface 40 and contacts the valve plunger 50. A second O-ring 70 is located inside the valve interface 40 and contacts the lip portion 64 of the valve plug 62. These O-rings provide adequate sealing means to restrict back flow of fresh water to the control panel when the flushing process is completed. When the flushing system is not in use, the first and second O-rings prevent sea water from contacting and entering the control panel. Further, the tapered end which forms a conical outer surface 72 of the valve interface 40, contacts the inner surface of the valve interface to further close off back flow of fresh water to the control panel after the flushing process is completed. In addition, the back flow restriction is important when the marine engine 28 is in use and in operation on the high seas, and the flushing system is inoperative. If back flow were to occur under normal operating conditions, the sea water would infiltrate through the flushing system and result in malfunction and possible harm to the occupants of the boat.

In the above-described embodiment, the valve plug is provided with a lip portion. However, the proportioning flush valve may also be arranged so that the valve plug would not have a lip portion. If the valve plug is not provided with a lip portion, then the first O- ring would be disposed at the same location as in the above-describe embodiment, so that it is on the inside of the valve interface and on the periphery of the valve plug. The second O-ring would be disposed on the upper portion of the valve plunger.

Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c illustrate the valve plunger and the set of discharge ports in further detail. In figure 5a a valve plunger 50 includes the first design for the set of discharge ports. This design includes that only a first hole is to be used for each set of discharge ports. Each set of discharge ports are transverse from the axis of the valve plunger and are 90 degrees from one another. By varying the bias spring's (not illustrated) progression rate, the first hole allows for a controlled output pressure of fresh water from the outlet ports in the upper body member. In figure 5b, the valve plunger 50 includes the second design for the set of discharge ports. This design provides that the set of discharge ports includes that there be a first hole 76, a second hole 78 having a diameter larger than the first hole, and a third hole 80 having a diameter larger than the second hole. Each set of discharge ports are transverse from the axis of the valve plunger and are 90 degrees from one another. In this embodiment, the fresh water enters the inlet port on the flush valve at a preset maximum pressure level and exits the outlet ports of the flush valve at a preset minimum pressure level.

In figure 5c, the valve plunger 50 includes the third design for the set of discharge ports. This design provides that the set of discharge ports includes that there be a first hole 76, a second hole 78 having a diameter smaller than the first hole, and a third hole 80 having a diameter smaller than the second hole. Each set of discharge ports are transverse from the axis of the valve plunger and are 90 degrees from one another. In this embodiment, the volume and pressure of the fresh water flowing into and out of the flush valve can be controlled and customized.

As seen in figures 5b and 5c each set of holes are horizontally aligned.

The flushing system of the present invention can be used with a variety of marine engines. For example the flushing system can be utilized with outboard marine engines (figure 6) , V-8 stern drive marine engines (figure 7) , V-8 inboard marine engines (figure 8) , four cylinder stern drive marine engines (figure 9) , four cylinder stern drive marine engines having a closed cooling system (figure 10) , and jet ski marine engines (figure 11) . As seen in figures 6-11, the control panel 12 includes a fresh water supply connector 22, and a gate valve 24. A fresh water conduit interconnects with the fresh water supply connector, the gate valve, and the flush valve 14. A plurality of fresh water hoses 18,19,20 and connected with the flush valve 14. The fresh water hoses are then connected with the sea water conduit 26 by a T-shape tubular interconnections 34 (illustrated in figures 5 and 11) . Fresh water is then able to flush the marine engine 28.

Certain types of engines, particularly inboard engines and stern drive engines have very complex cooling systems. In the above cited cases, a plurality of flush valves 14 are deployed to properly proportion the fresh water flow to all of the engine cooling sub-systems and components, as best seen in figures 7 and 8.

To utilize the flushing system of the present invention, as illustrated in figures 1-12, a fresh water line, such as a hose (not illustrated) , would be attached to the fresh water supply connector 22. This would allow fresh water to flow into the fresh water conduit. The gate valve 24 on the control panel is rotated to an open position thereby establishing a pressurized fresh water flow to the fresh water flushing valve 14 through a fresh water conduit 16. The fresh water then enters the flush valve through the inlet port on a lower body member. The fresh water pressure moves the valve plunger to an open status and the fresh water flows through an inlet port and then through the set of discharge ports which are disposed transversely on the valve plunger into an interior chamber of an upper body member of the fresh water flush valve 14.

The fresh water discharges from the upper valve body through a plurality of axial outlet ports, and enters the raw sea water cooling conduit 26 through a plurality of t- shape tubular interconnections 34. The fresh water transits the raw sea water cooling conduit and flushes the entrained sea water through a nozzle 82 (illustrated in fig. 5) .

When fresh water is detected exiting the nozzle 82, the operator closes the gate valve on the control panel . The spring biased plunger and the valve plug then return to a closed position as the pressure in the flush assembly returns to zero. The spring extends to an uncoiled biased status and returns the valve plunger to a closed position. The first and second O-rings act harmoniously to disconnect the fresh water fluid flow communication and eliminate any back flow of fluid to the control panel.

The fresh water flush valve can be manufactured from any corrosion resistant material, preferably stainless steel. The O-rings can be manufactured from any elastomeric material, preferably polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) .

The major advantage of the flushing system of the present invention over previous fresh water flushing systems is the ability to flush the entrained sea water from the raw sea water cooling conduit 26 without pulling the boat from the water. The owner can operate the flushing system of the resent invention while the boat is in a slip with the engine off.

Fresh water flushing is recommend universally by every engine manufacturer. The fresh water flushing of a marine engine prolongs the life of the equipment, lowers the maintenance cost, and protects the significant investment in the engine itself. This ease of operation will encourage more frequent flushing of the raw sea water cooling conduit and hence, significantly increase the reliability of the engine and the safety of the boat's occupants. Engine life will be increased significantly since corrosion of the engine will be dramatically retarded.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

13

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE

Claims

I claim :

1. A fresh water flushing system for a marine engine in a boat for use whether the boat is in or out of the water comprising in combination: a control panel mounted interiorly on the boat for housing a fresh water supply connector and a gate valve for regulating the flow of fresh water therethrough; a fresh water flush valve having a fresh water inlet port for receiving the flow of fresh water and a plurality of axial outlet ports for discharging the flow of fresh water, each axial outlet port being sized for proportional flow of fresh therethrough; a fresh water conduit adapted for urging fluid communication between the control panel and the fresh water flush valve; a plurality of tubular interconnection fittings, each interconnection fitting having a T-shape for urging proportional fluid communication between the fresh water flush valve and a raw sea water cooling conduit of the marine engine; and a plurality of hoses for urging fluid communication between each axial outlet port and each tubular interconnection fitting.

2. A fresh water flushing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fresh water flush valve further includes an upper body member and a lower body member and an interior nipple therebetween, the upper body member having an interior chamber and the plurality of axial outlet ports, and the lower body member having a cavity having a valve plunger and a biased helical spring surrounding the valve plunger therein and the fresh water inlet port.

3. A fresh water flushing system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the valve plunger further includes a plurality of transverse discharge ports for urging passage of the fresh water from the fresh water inlet port to the interior chamber of the upper body member.

4. A fresh water flushing system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the interior nipple further includes a valve seal having a recess adapted for threadably receiving a first end of the valve plunger for urging equal motion of the valve plunger an valve seal.

5. A fresh water flushing system as recited in claim 4 wherein the valve seal further includes a first O-ring surrounds an upper portion of the valve seal for restricting liquid back flow to the control panel when the fresh water flushing system is not in use and operation.

6. A fresh water flushing system as recited in claim 2 wherein the valve plunger further includes a second O-ring surrounding the valve stem and disposed on an upper portion of the valve stem above the transverse discharge port for restricting liquid back flow to the control panel when the fresh water flushing system is not in use and in operation.

7. A fresh water flushing system as recited in claim 4 wherein the valve seal further includes a portion having a conical tapered shape for urging secure releasable engagement with an interior surface of the nipple for restricting liquid back flow to the control panel when the fresh water flushing system is not in use and operation.

8. A fresh water flushing system as recited in claim 2 wherein the valve plunger is fabricated from stainless steel.

9. A fresh water flushing system as recited in claim 6 wherein the first O-ring and the second O-ring are fabricated from polytetraflouroethylene.

10. A fresh water flushing system as in claim 2 wherein the valve plunger further includes a spring helically disposed and surrounding the valve plunger, the spring being biased for restricting fluid communication between the transverse discharge ports and the interior chamber of the upper valve body.

11. A method of flushing salt water in a marine engine in a boat whether the boat is in or out of the salt water comprising the steps of:

Connecting a source of fresh water to a fitting on a control panel;

Opening a gate valve on the control panel;

Flowing fresh water under pressure to an inlet port of a fresh water flush valve;

Moving a valve plunger to an open status within the fresh water flush valve;

Transferring the fresh water through a plurality of transverse discharge ports into an interior chamber of the fresh water flush valve;

Discharging the flowing fresh water proportionately through a plurality of axial outlet ports in an upper valve body of the fresh water flush valve;

Entering a raw sea water cooling conduit in the marine engine through a tubular fitting having a T-shape; Transiting the raw sea water cooling conduit for flushing the entrained sea water;

Exiting the raw sea water cooling conduit through a nozzle;

Closing the gate valve on the control panel when the fresh water is detected exiting the nozzle; and

Returning the valve plunger to a closed status within the fresh water flush valve.

12. A method of flushing salt water form a marine engine as in claim 11 wherein the moving of the valve plunger further includes the step of biasing a spring for urging the opening the return of the valve plunger to a normally closed status.

13. A fresh water flushing system as in claim 1 wherein the fresh water flush valve further includes a plurality of fresh water flush valves for proportioning the supply of fresh water to more than two T-shaped interconnection fittings.

14. A fresh water flushing system for a marine engine in a boat for use whether the boat is in or out of a body of water comprising in combination: a control panel; the control panel is mounted interiorly on the boat; the control panel includes a fresh water supply connector and a gate valve; the fresh water supply connector includes a means for attaching and detaching a pressurized fresh water fluid line in order to allow for a flow of fresh water to enter into the control panel when the pressurized fresh water fluid line is attached to the fresh water inlet port; the gate valve regulates the flow of fresh water;

a fresh water flush valve; the fresh water flush valve has a fresh water inlet port for receiving the flow of fresh water and a plurality of outlet ports for discharging the flow of fresh water; the fresh water valve includes an upper body member, a lower body member, and a valve interface; the valve interface includes an outer surface and an inner surface; the upper body member and the lower body member are permanently attached to the outer surface of the valve interface; the upper body member has an interior chamber and includes the plurality of outlet ports; the lower body member has a cavity; the cavity houses a valve plunger; a biased helical spring surrounds the valve plunger; a fresh water conduit; the fresh water conduit is adapted for urging the flow of fresh water between the control panel and the fresh water flush valve; a plurality of tubular interconnection fittings; each of the plurality of tubular interconnection fittings have a T-shape for urging the flow of fresh water between the fresh water flush valve to a raw water cooling conduit of the marine engine; the raw water cooling conduit contains and maintains water flow from the body of water; a plurality of hoses; the plurality of hoses are connected to the plurality of outlet ports of the fresh water flush valve; the plurality of hoses are connected to the plurality of tubular interconnection; and the plurality of hoses are adapted for urging the flow of fresh water between the fresh water flush valve to the raw sea water cooling conduit.

15. The fresh water flushing system as in claim 14 wherein the valve plunger further includes a first set of transverse discharge ports, a second set of transverse discharge ports, a third set of transverse discharge ports, and a fourth set of transverse discharge ports for urging the flow of fresh water from the fresh water inlet port to the interior chamber of the upper body member; the first set of transverse discharge ports is located 90 degrees from the second set of transverse discharge ports; the second set of transverse discharge ports is located 90 degrees from the third set of transverse discharge ports; the third set of transverse discharge ports is located 90 degrees from the fourth set of transverse discharge ports; and the fourth set of transverse discharge ports is located 90 degrees from the first set of transverse discharge ports.

16. The fresh water flushing system as in claim 15 wherein the first set of transverse discharge ports, the second set of transverse discharge ports, the third set of transverse discharge ports, and the fourth set of transverse discharge ports each consists of first hole, a second hole, and a third hole; the first hole has a first diameter; the second hole has a second diameter;

19

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2{ the third hole has a third diameter; the second diameter is larger than the first diameter; and the third diameter is larger than the second diameter.

17. The fresh water flushing system as in claim 15 wherein the first set of transverse discharge ports, the second set of transverse discharge ports, the third set of transverse discharge ports, and the fourth set of transverse discharge ports each consists of first hole, a second hole, and a third hole; the first hole has a first diameter; the second hole has a second diameter; the third hole has a third diameter; the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter; and the third diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

18. The fresh water flushing system as in claim 16 wherein each of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole of the first set of transverse discharge ports, the second set of transverse discharge ports, the third set of transverse discharge ports, and the fourth set of transverse discharge ports are horizontally aligned.

19. The fresh water flushing system as in claim 17 wherein each of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole of the first set of transverse discharge ports, the second set of transverse discharge ports, the third set of transverse discharge ports, and the fourth set of transverse discharge ports are horizontally aligned.

20. A fresh water flushing system as in claim 19 wherein the inner surface of the valve interface further includes a valve plug; and the valve plug has a recess for receiving a first end of the plunger for urging equal motion of the valve plunger and the valve plug.

21. A fresh water flushing system as in claim 20 wherein the valve plug includes a top portion and a bottom portion; the top portion faces the outlet ports of the fresh water flush valve; the bottom portion faces the fresh water inlet port; and

21

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE the top portion of the valve plug includes an encompassing lip extending outwardly and contacting the valve interface for restricting the water flow to enter the control panel when the fresh water flushing system is not in use and operation.

22. A fresh water flushing system as in claim 21 wherein the bottom portion of the valve plug has a conical tapered shape for urging secure releasable engagement with the inner surface of the valve interface for restricting the water flow to enter the control panel when the fresh water flushing system is not in use and operation.

23. A fresh water flushing system as in claim 22 wherein a first O-ring surrounds the upper portion of the valve plug and contacts the encompassing lip.

24. A fresh water flushing system as in claim 23 wherein a second O-ring surrounds the lower portion of the valve plug and contacting the valve plunger.

22

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2i