COOLANT MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

An apparatus and method for measuring coolant temperature to ensure the proper amount of coolant for refilling or servicing a coolant system, such as an automobile coolant system, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a measurement display for viewing the temperature of air conditioning output inside a vehicle while the user is outside the vehicle refilling or servicing a coolant system. The measurement display is in communications with a temperature sensor measuring the air temperature at a vent inside the vehicle to allow a user to ensure the proper amount of coolant is refilled.

Claims

1. An apparatus for servicing a vehicle coolant system, the apparatus comprising: a display for viewing temperature of the vehicle air conditioner output; a housing; and a temperature sensor in communication with a gauge for measuring the temperature of air output from a vent within a vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display is disposed within the housing.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a wire in electrical communication with the temperature sensor.

4. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the wire is wound around a recessed portion on the exterior of the housing.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is adaptable for use with a bottle actuator assembly.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor further comprises a clip for securely attaching to an air conditioner vent.

7. A method for servicing a vehicle coolant system, comprising the steps of: filling coolant at a coolant port of a vehicle using a bottle actuator assembly having a gauge for measuring vent temperature of the coolant system; and measuring temperature of air output from a vent within a vehicle with a temperature sensor to determine the correct amount of coolant filled.

8. A system for servicing a coolant system, the system comprising: a pressurized bottle having a puncture top or an internal valve; a bottle actuator assembly in flow communication with the pressurized bottle, the bottle actuator assembly comprising: a housing; a splitter disposed within the housing having at least two ports; a piercing tube disposed within the splitter, adapted to pierce a puncture top bottle and actuate an internal valve; a gasket for controlling flow communication to the bottle containing pressurized contents; an actuation lever for maneuvering an actuator pin; and means for providing flow communications between the bottle actuator assembly and a service port of the coolant system.

9. The system of claim 9 further comprising, a gauge affixed to the bottle actuator assembly operating to measure a parameter of the coolant system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coolant temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the individual components of the coolant temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a coolant temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the coolant temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the coolant temperature measurement device with the measuring gauge detached.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the coolant temperature measurement device in operation with a bottle actuator.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective of the coolant temperature measurement device in operation with a bottle actuator assembly device in accordance with the invention operating with a internal valve top bottle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of examples in the drawings and described in detail. It should be understood that the figures and detailed description discussed herein are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present inventions as defined by the appended claims. Description will now be given of the invention with reference to FIGS. 1-7.

[0020] As shown generally in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inventive coolant temperature measurement device 100 operable with a bottle assembly for use with pressurized coolant bottles and puncture top bottles preferably includes a number of easily manufactured and assembled components. In an exemplary embodiment, the coolant temperature measurement device housing may be composed of two easily fabricated cup halves 1, 2. In the exemplary embodiment, a digital display in operation with a digital temperature sensor is disclosed, however any temperature sensor may be substituted. The exemplary embodiment includes a display cap 9, a display 10, buttons 11, printed circuit board (pcb) 12, pcb retainer 13, contact frame 3, contact 5, clamp 6, and various screws, pins and springs 7, 15, 16, 17 to fix the components in the cup halves 1, 2.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, the coolant temperature measurement device also includes a temperature sensor 4 in electrical communication via a wire 8. The temperature sensor 4 is housed in a clip 14 for attachment to an air conditioner vent. A temperature sensor in accordance with the invention may also communicate with the coolant temperature measurement device by other means, including adapted to communicate wirelessly without departing from the spirt of the invention.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the coolant temperature measurement device is preferably constructed from a number of easily replicable and interchangeable components.

[0023] As show in the top view of FIG. 3, the exemplary coolant temperature measurement device 100 includes a display 10. Display 10 is preferable a digital display for ease of reading by a user. However, as discussed above an analog display may be substituted as well. The housing halves 1, 2 includes a holder 18 for storing the temperature sensor 4 and vent clip 14.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the exemplary embodiment the temperature sensor 4 is in electrical communications with the coolant temperature measurement device 100 via wire 8. The housing halves 1, 2 preferably includes a recessed portion 19 which allows for storage of wire 8 by easily winding wire 8 around the recessed portion 19 of housing halves 1, 2. The recessed portion 19 is preferably located below the display cap 9. In an alternate embodiment, wire 8 may be stored within the housing using a spring wound configuration.

[0025] FIG. 6 depicts the exemplary coolant temperature measurement device in operation with a bottle actuator assembly. The housing preferably includes connector 20 for insertion into a bottle actuator assembly 200 having port for receiving connector 20. Although preferably attached to a bottle actuator assembly 200, it is not necessary for the coolant temperature measurement device to be physically adjoined to a bottle actuator assembly 200.

[0026] FIG. 7 further depicts the exemplary coolant temperature measurement device 100 in operation with a bottle actuator assembly 200 in receipt of a pressurized bottle 300. The bottle actuator assembly 200 includes an actuation level when opening flow between the coolant system and the refrigerant bottle 300. A thorough discussion of this process is incorporated by reference from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/680,066.

[0027] These and other modifications to the above-described embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the intended scope of the invention.