Apparatus and Method for Servicing a Coolant System

Abstract

An apparatus, system and method for servicing a coolant system, such as, an automobile air conditioner are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a device for measuring a parameter of the coolant system; and means for selectively switching between providing: (i) communication between the coolant system and said measuring device, and (ii) communication between the coolant system and the coolant supply.

1 . A servicing device for servicing a coolant system, the servicing device comprising: 
 an attachment portion connectable to the coolant system;    a measurement device configured to be in fluid communication with the attachment portion via a measurement flow path when the servicing device is in a measuring mode of operation;    a coolant source configured to be in fluid communication with the attachment portion via a coolant flow path when the servicing device is in a charging mode of operation; and    a switching device configured to switch between the measuring mode of operation and the charging mode of operation by selectively blocking the measurement flow path of the coolant flow path.    
     
     
         2 . The servicing device of  claim 1 , wherein the measurement device comprises a pressure gauge.  
     
     
         3 . The servicing device of  claim 1 , the switching device comprising a valve.  
     
     
         4 . The servicing device of  claim 1 , further comprising an actuator configured to manipulate the switching device between the measuring mode of operation and the charging mode of operation.  
     
     
         5 . The servicing device of  claim 4 , wherein the actuator is hand-operated.  
     
     
         6 . The servicing device of  claim 4 , wherein the actuator comprises a mechanical actuator.  
     
     
         7 . The servicing device of  claim 6 , wherein the switching device is contained within a housing and the actuator is operatively connected to the switching device via the housing.  
     
     
         8 . The servicing device of  claim 7 , wherein the housing comprises a pistol handle and the actuator comprises a pistol trigger.  
     
     
         9 . The servicing device of  claim 8 , wherein squeezing the pistol trigger places the servicing device in the charging mode of operation.  
     
     
         10 . The servicing device of  claim 7 , wherein the switching device comprises a valve slidably disposed in a bore.  
     
     
         11 . The servicing device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment portion comprises a nozzle.  
     
     
         12 . A system for servicing an automobile air conditioner, the system comprising: 
 a servicing device connectable to a coolant source and having an attachment portion connectable to the coolant system;    a measurement device connected to the servicing device and configured to be in fluid communication with the attachment portion when the servicing device is in a measuring mode of operation;    the coolant source configured to be in fluid communication with the attachment portion when the servicing device is in a charging mode of operation; and    a switching device configured to switch between the measuring mode of operation and the charging mode of operation.    
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the measurement device comprises a pressure gauge.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the measurement device is integrated with the servicing device.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12  further comprising an actuator configured to manipulate the switching device between the measuring mode of operation and the charging mode of operation.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the actuator is a mechanical actuator.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the attachment portion comprises a nozzle.  
     
     
         18 . A method of servicing a coolant system comprising: 
 providing a servicing device connectable to a coolant source containing a coolant and having an attachment portion connectable to the coolant system, wherein the attachment portion is configured to be in fluid communication with either the coolant source or a measuring device;    attaching the attachment portion to the coolant system;    selecting a measuring mode of operation of the servicing device by blocking a coolant flow path and opening a measuring flow path;    measuring a parameter of the coolant system with the measuring device;    selecting a charging mode of operation of the servicing device by blocking the measuring flow path and opening the coolant flow path; and    charging the coolant system by transferring the coolant from the coolant source through the attachment portion and into the coolant system.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein manipulating an actuator selects the measuring mode of operation or the charging mode of operation.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the actuator comprises a hand-operable mechanical actuator.