APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR AIR CONDITIONING OUTPUT MEASUREMENT AND COOLANT SERVICING

Abstract

An apparatus and method for measuring air conditioning output temperature to ensure the proper amount of refrigerant for recharging 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 recharging 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 proper recharging of the coolant system.

Claims

1. An apparatus for servicing a vehicle coolant system, the apparatus comprising: a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside a vehicle; a housing; and a display module, disposed within the housing, including circuitry in communication with the temperature sensor, and a display screen configured to display to a user the temperature of air output at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle, and/or an indication of the sufficiency of the refrigerant in the vehicle coolant system; wherein the temperature sensor is adapted for use inside the vehicle while the display is adapted for concurrent use outside the vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is in wired communications with the display.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is in wireless communications with the display.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a recessed portion for storing the temperature sensor.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, where in the temperature sensor further comprises an automatic timer adapted for turning off the temperature sensor.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured for use with a bottle actuator assembly.

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

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further configured for use with an additional temperature sensor in communication with the display module for determining the ambient temperature outside the vehicle.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the display module circuitry includes a comparison of the temperature of air output at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle and the ambient temperature outside the vehicle.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a bottle actuator assembly configured to be mounted on a bottle of refrigerant and deliver refrigerant from the bottle to the vehicle coolant system, wherein the housing is mounted on the bottle actuator assembly.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the bottle actuator assembly includes a trigger configured to be actuated by a user to control delivery of the refrigerant.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an air intake temperature sensor configured to be mounted at an air intake vent inside the vehicle, the air intake temperature sensor being in communication with the display module.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display module further includes buttons configured to allow a user to toggle through the information displayed on the display screen.

14. An apparatus for servicing a vehicle coolant system, the apparatus comprising: a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside a vehicle; a housing; an indicator, disposed within the housing, in communication with the temperature sensor for providing an indication of the sufficiency of the refrigerant in the vehicle coolant system based; a processor and a memory, disposed within the housing, configured to store data and instructions, and further configured to determine, based on a static ambient temperature, a target temperature output of the air conditioning vent for indicating when sufficient recharging of the vehicle coolant system is reached; and further wherein the temperature sensor is adapted for use inside the vehicle while the display is adapted for concurrent use outside the vehicle.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a wire in electrical communication with the temperature sensor and indicator.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the temperature sensor is in wireless communications with the indicator.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the housing further comprises a recessed portion for storing the temperature sensor.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, where in the temperature sensor includes an automatic timer capable of turning off the temperature sensor.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the housing is adaptable for use with a bottle actuator assembly.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the temperature sensor further comprises a clip for securely attaching to the vehicle air conditioner vent.

21. An apparatus for servicing a vehicle coolant system, the apparatus comprising: a first temperature sensor for obtaining a temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside a vehicle; a housing; a second temperature sensor housing for obtaining the air temperature at an air intake vent inside the vehicle; a display, disposed within the housing, in communication with the first and second temperature sensors; and a processor and a memory, disposed within the housing, configured to store data and instructions, and further configured to determine, based on the air temperature at the intake vent inside the vehicle, a dynamic target temperature output of the air conditioning vent for indicating when sufficient recharging of the vehicle coolant system is reached.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the display indicates when the temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside the vehicle reaches a target temperature relative to the intake air temperature.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the display indicates that the difference between the second temperature measurement and the temperature of air output at the air conditioning vent reaches a predetermined threshold.

24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing is adapted for use with a bottle actuator assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the individual components of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention

[0027] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device with the measuring gauge detached.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an air conditioning output temperature measurement device in operation with a bottle actuator.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device in operation with a bottle actuator assembly device in accordance with the invention operating with an internal valve top bottle.

[0031] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an air conditioning output temperature measurement device, with a bottle actuator assembly device, according to an alternate embodiment in which the measurement device has a hinged housing defining a cavity, and includes a wireless sensor stored in the cavity.

[0032] FIGS. 7B and 7C are enlarged perspective views of the wireless sensor shown in FIG. 7A.

[0033] FIG. 8A illustrates the operation of a single sensor air conditioning temperature measurement device according to one embodiment measuring the air temperature at the output of an air conditioning vent inside an automobile.

[0034] FIG. 8B illustrates the operation of a dual sensor air conditioning temperature measurement device according to an embodiment measuring the air temperature at or near the intake of an air conditioning vent inside the automobile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] 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. 1-8.

[0036] As shown, generally, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inventive air conditioning output temperature measurement device 100 operable with a bottle assembly actuator 200 (FIG. 6) for use with pressurized coolant bottles and puncture top bottles 300 (FIG. 7) preferably includes a number of easily manufactured and assembled components. In an exemplary embodiment, the air conditioning output temperature measurement device housing may be composed of two easily fabricated cup halves 1, 2. In the exemplary embodiment, a digital display module in operation with a digital temperature sensor is disclosed, however any temperature sensor may be substituted. For example, the temperature sensor 4 may be a thermocouple thermometer and may be interchangeable to operate with the temperature measurement device. The exemplary embodiment of the digital display module includes a display cap 9, a display screen 10 positioned on the display cap for viewing by a user, buttons 11, a printed circuit board (pcb) 12, a pcb retainer 13, a contact frame 3, a contact 5, a clamp 6, and various screws, pins and springs 7, 15, 16, 17 to fix the components in the cup halves 1, 2. Printed circuit board 12 may include a processor and a memory for storing data and instructions for performing operations on temperature and other data obtained by temperature measurement device 100. For example, the printed circuit board 12 may be configured to compare the data obtained from the temperature sensor(s) discussed below with each other (in implementations in which multiple temperature sensors are utilized) and/or with predetermined target values. The buttons 11 may be configured to interact with the printed circuit board to allow a user to toggle through information displayed on the display screen 10.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, the air conditioning output 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 being adapted to communicate wirelessly, as will be discussed in further detail below, without departing from the spirt of the invention.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device is preferably constructed from a number of easily replicable and interchangeable components.

[0039] As show in the top view of FIG. 3, the exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device 100 includes a display 10 mounted on display cap 9. Display 10 is preferably a digital display for ease of reading by a user. However, as discussed above, an analog display may be substituted. Housing cup halves 1, 2 may include a holder 18 for storing the temperature sensor 4 and vent clip 14.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the exemplary embodiment the temperature sensor 4 is in electrical communications with the air conditioning output temperature measurement device 100 via wire 8. The housing cup halves 1, 2 preferably include a recessed portion 19 which allows for storage of wire 8 by easily winding wire 8 around the recessed portion 19 of housing cup 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. In another alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 7A, the housing includes a flip-up lid 30 that provides the user with access to a compartment 32 in which is stored a wireless temperature sensor 34. The flip-up lid 30 includes all of the display-related components discussed above (the display 10, buttons 11, printed circuit board (pcb) 12, pcb retainer 13, contact frame 3, contact 5, and clamp 6) as a sealed module. The temperature sensor 34 has wireless data communication capabilities, such as but not limited to RFID, WiFi, IoT/5G standards, and communicates with the temperature measurement device 100 wirelessly. Temperature sensor 34 includes a clip 36 (FIG. 7C) that is configured to allow the sensor 34 to be clipped onto an air conditioning vent in the interior of the vehicle being serviced.

[0041] FIG. 6 depicts the exemplary air conditioning output 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.

[0042] FIG. 7 further depicts the exemplary air conditioning output 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.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensor 4 is preferably used at an air conditioning output vent inside the vehicle. Typical vehicles have lower and upper air conditioning vents on both the driver and passenger sides in the front cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, air conditioning vents are typically located near the front windshield for defrosting windows. In some vehicles, additional air conditioning vents are located in the rear cabin of the vehicle for passengers sitting in the rear seat. In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensor 4 (e.g., in the form of wireless sensor 34) is used to measure the temperature of the air output from the upper air conditioning vent in the front cabin. However, temperature sensor 4 may also be used at a different air conditioning output vent in the vehicle without departing from the scope or operation of the invention.

[0044] Temperature sensor 4 (or wireless temperature sensor 34) measures the temperature of the air output from the air conditioning vent. The temperature information is then sent either via wired or wireless communication to the coolant temperature measurement device 100, which may be in use by a user located near to the coolant port of the vehicle. Temperature sensor 4 may include an optional clip/container 14 for attachment to an air conditioning vent, as shown in FIG. 2 for the wired implementation. As noted above, wireless sensor 34 includes a clip 36 as shown in FIG. 7C. These clips are configured to hold the sensor securely in place on the air conditioning vent while the user is under the hood of the vehicle.

[0045] Additionally, wireless temperature sensor 34 may optionally include a timer adapted for turning off the power of the temperature sensor 34. For a wireless temperature sensor 34, an autotimer conserves battery power. As discussed earlier, temperature sensor 4 may also be a thermocouple thermometer which relays information via a wireless or wired connection to temperature measurement device 100.

[0046] When in use, the temperature sensor 4 or 34 transmits, by wired or wireless communications, updates of the temperature at an output air conditioning vent inside the vehicle to the temperature measurement device 100. In various embodiments, the temperature sensor 4/34 may provide updates in real-time, in predetermined intervals, or upon request by the user by an input control on the device. As the user is filling coolant at the coolant port outside the vehicle, the display on the temperature measurement device 100 may display the reduction of the temperature at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle based on the addition of refrigerant.

[0047] When sufficient refrigerant has been supplied to the vehicle and the temperature of the output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle reaches a target temperature, the temperature measurement device 100 preferably provides an indication that the target temperature of the output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle has been reached. This indication may include, but is not limited to, a colored LED, an audible signal, or a digital display showing the numeric value of a temperature or showing a comparison of the temperature output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle relative to a target temperature. The target temperature for the air output at the air conditioning vent may be an absolute temperature, a relative temperature, a temperature differential or a temperature or other value derived from one or more temperature sensors corresponding to an indication that the refrigerant has been sufficiently filled for efficient cooling operation.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, sufficiency of recharging may be determined by a preprogrammed target temperature known to the temperature measurement device 100. The target air temperature output at the air conditioning vent temperature may be a range of temperatures based on the ambient temperature of the air outside the automobile. The ambient temperature of the air outside the automobile may be known to the user from a thermometer or other temperature reading device, independent of the temperature measurement device, such as from the automobile's outside temperature device, a cell phone or any other device providing ambient outside temperature to the user. In an alternate embodiment, the user may have pre-existing knowledge of the target temperature for the air output at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle and may manually determine the target temperature at the output of the air conditioning vent that will serve as an indication of when sufficient refrigerant has been filled. In such case, such knowledge exists from experience, vehicle manuals, or any other source which may inform a user of a target temperature that indicates sufficiency of refrigerant.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the single sensor temperature measurement device, the target temperature may be based on the static ambient temperature outside the vehicle at the time of initiating recharging of the automobile. The ambient temperature outside the vehicle may be assumed to be constant or substantially constant during recharging due to the relatively short period required for recharging, and thus is referred to herein as the static ambient temperature. Alternatively, the temperature sensor device may obtain the static ambient temperature from an additional temperature sensor or from another temperature device. In this alternative, the temperature measurement device 100 preferably includes memory and processing capability to calculate an optimal air conditioning output vent target temperature relative to the ambient temperature. The temperature measurement device 100 preferably indicates to the user what the target air conditioning vent temperature should be based on the measured ambient air temperature. The target air temperature output at the air conditioning vent temperature may be a range of temperatures based on the measured ambient air temperature.

[0050] Table 1 illustrates the operation of the temperature measurement device during charging by user using the single sensor embodiment of the present invention based on the static ambient air temperature outside the vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 STATIC MEASUREMENT (AMBIENT AIR) SINGLE SENSOR OUTPUT VENT Measured A/C Target A/C A/C Output TEMP Recharge Outside Output Vent Vent (° F.) Status Ambient Temperature Temperature t0 off 95 70 95 t1 on/charging 95 70 90 t2 on/charging 95 70 80 t3 on/charging 95 70 75 t4 off/stop 95 70 70 charge t5 off/charged 95 70 70

[0051] By way of example, as shown in Table 1, at time t0, at an initial state, the A/C cooling system is in the off state. The temperature measurement device may indicate that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit (95° F.). The Outside Ambient temperature may be 95° F. and may remain constant or substantially constant during recharging. At time t1, turning on the air conditioner in the vehicle at its coldest setting, as is typical during recharging, the temperature measurement device may indicate that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is 90° F., well above the Target A/C Output Vent temperature of 70° F., thereby indicating that more refrigerant is needed.

[0052] In the example of Table 1, the target temperature may be 70° F. or it may be a range from 65-70° F. It should be understood that other ambient temperatures or target output vent temperatures or temperature ranges, expressed in Fahrenheit or Celsius may be substituted without loss of generality. For example, the static ambient temperature may be 75° F. With the air conditioner in the vehicle on the coldest setting, the output vent temperature sensor may indicate that the temperature of air at the output vent is 65° F. In this further example, the target temperature may be 55° F. or may be a range from 50-55° F.

[0053] FIG. 8A further illustrates the example shown and described in Table 1 as the user commences charging of the A/C cooling system and as refrigerant filling continues. For example, at times t2, t3, t4 as shown in FIG. 8A and Table 1, the temperature sensor 4 at the output air conditioning vent inside the vehicle may transmit to the temperature measurement device 100 data indicating that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is decreasing as refrigerant filling continues. At times t2, t3, t4, the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature may decrease to 80° F., 75° F., and 70° F., respectively. As above, the temperature measurement device 100 may display the progress of recharging by providing various indications to the user, including, but not limited to numeric displays and/or LED and/or other indications.

[0054] Further shown in FIG. 8A and Table 1, at time t4, when the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature reaches the Target A/C Output Vent Temperature, an indication may be provided to the user that charging has reached the target temperature. In the exemplary embodiment, once the temperature measurement device 100 indicates to the user that either the known target temperature of the output of air at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle has been reached or the target temperature relative to the ambient temperature has been reached, the user terminates filling of refrigerant at the vehicle coolant port. For example, at time t5, the A/C cooling system may be turned off and the cooling system is sufficiently charged to provide cooled air to the inside of the automobile.

[0055] Although the present invention includes an embodiment as above where the temperature of air output at the air conditioning output vent inside the vehicle is used to determine the sufficiency of the refrigerant in the coolant system, in another aspect, the addition of a second temperature sensor inside the automobile may further increase the accuracy of the sufficiency of recharging of the coolant system. The second sensor may be placed at or near an air conditioning vent or it may be placed at any location within the vehicle for measuring the air temperature inside the automobile. In this embodiment, the second temperature sensor relays to the temperature measurement device the temperature of the air inside the vehicle for indication on the display. The temperature measurement device 100 preferably includes memory and processing capability to calculate a target temperature relative to the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor. The temperature measurement device 100 preferably indicates to the user what the target air conditioning vent temperature should be based on the measured inside air temperature.

[0056] Although it may be preferable for the temperature measurement device 100 to automatically notify a user when the target temperature of the output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle has been reached or when the target temperature relative to the ambient temperature has been reached, it is not necessary to do so in accordance with the current invention. A user may have preexisting knowledge of what the target temperature of the output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle should be for a sufficiently filled coolant system. Likewise, a user may also have preexisting knowledge of what the target temperature of the output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle should be for a sufficiently filled coolant system relative to the ambient temperature. In both cases, it is not necessary that any indicator must exist on the temperature measurement device 100, as a user may be able to determine from the visualization of the temperature(s) on the display when there is sufficient refrigerant in the vehicle coolant system and to terminate filling.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment to the second temperature sensor embodiment described above, the coolant temperature measurement device and system may include a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the air at an intake vent of the air conditioning system inside the vehicle. During charging, with the A/C system on at its coldest setting, the air inside the vehicle cools, thereby cooling the air drawn into the intake vent of the air conditioning system. The cooling of the air at the intake vent lowers the temperature of the air cooled by the air conditioning system. Because the operation of a compressed-air air conditioning system drops the temperature at the output vent by a fixed differential temperature, or within a fixed range of temperature differentials, relative to its intake air, a static target temperature at the output vent may no longer reflect the target temperature that would otherwise indicate that the air conditioning system is fully recharged. Consequently, as in the above embodiments while suitable for a sufficient level of charging for the operation of the A/C system, comparing the measured A/C output air temperature to a static or measured outside ambient temperature may prematurely indicate that sufficient charging has been achieved. An air conditioning system that is not fully recharged is less efficient and may fail to provide the full amount of cooling to the inside of the automobile.

[0058] Table 2 illustrates the operation of the temperature measurement device using a second temperature sensor used for measuring the temperature of the air at an intake vent of the air conditioning system during charging by user. As with the example of Table 1, it should be understood that other initial temperatures or target output vent temperatures or temperature ranges, expressed in Fahrenheit or Celsius, may be substituted without loss of generality.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 DYNAMIC MEASUREMENT (INTAKE AIR) DUAL SENSOR INPUT/OUTPUT VENT Measured Measured A/C A/C Target A/C A/C Output TEMP Recharge Intake Output Vent Vent (° F.) Status Vent Temperature Temperature t0 off 95 70 95 t1 on/charging 92 67 88 t2 on/charging 90 65 82 t3 on/charging 87 62 76 t4 on/charging 84 59 71 t5 on/charging 81 56 65 t6 on/charging 79 54 57 t7 off/stop 75 50 50 charge t8 off/charged 75 50 50

[0059] As shown in Table 2, at time t0, at an initial state, the A/C cooling system is in the off state. The temperature measurement device may indicate that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is 95° F. At time t1, turning on the air conditioner in the vehicle, as is typically done for charging and at its coldest setting, the temperature measurement device may indicate that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is 88° F., well above the initial (t0) Target A/C Output Vent temperature of 70° F., thereby indicating that more refrigerant is needed.

[0060] FIG. 8B further illustrates the example shown and described in Table 2 as the user commences charging of the A/C cooling system and as refrigerant filling continues. For example, at times t2, t3, t4 as shown in FIG. 8B and Table 2, the temperature sensor at the output air conditioning vent inside the vehicle may transmit to the temperature measurement device data indicating that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is decreasing as refrigerant filling continues. At times t2, t3, t4, the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature may decrease to 82° F., 76° F., and 71° F., respectively. As above, the temperature measurement device 100 may display the progress of refrigerant filling by providing various indications to the user, including, but not limited to numeric displays and/or LED and/or other indications.

[0061] In this embodiment, by measuring the A/C intake temperature, the target temperature for indicating to the user that the A/C system is fully charged may be dynamically adjusted to ensure that a user optimally fills the A/C system with coolant. In this embodiment, the intake vent temperature sensor relays to the temperature measurement device the temperature of the air at the intake vent inside the vehicle. The temperature measurement device preferably includes memory and processing capability to calculate an optimal target temperature relative to the measured intake vent air temperature. The temperature measurement device preferably indicates to the user what the target air conditioning output vent temperature should be based on the differential temperature, or range of differential temperatures, for ensuring that the user continues charging until the measured output vent temperature reaches the dynamically adjusted target temperature. Here, as above, the target air temperature output at the air conditioning vent temperature may be a range of temperatures based on the measured intake vent air temperature

[0062] Thus, as further shown in FIG. 8B and Table 2, at each of times t1, t2, t3, t4, t5 and t6, the Target A/C Output Vent temperature decreases based on the Measured A/C Intake Vent temperature. It should be understood that the differential used in Table 2 between the Measured A/C Intake Vent temperature and the dynamically adjusted Target A/C Output Vent Temperature is a constant 25° F., however, any differential, constant or variable, according to the characteristics or desired operation of the A/C system may be used without loss of generality. At t7, when the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature reaches the Target A/C Output Vent temperature of 50° F., an indication may be provided to the user that charging has reached the target temperature. In the exemplary embodiment, once the temperature measurement device 100 indicates to the user that either the known target temperature of the output of air at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle has been reached or the target temperature relative to the intake vent air temperature has been reached, the user terminates filling of refrigerant at the vehicle coolant port. For example, at time t8, the A/C cooling system may be turned off and the cooling system is optimally charged to more efficiently provide cooled air to the inside of the automobile.

[0063] These and other modifications to the above-described embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the intended scope of the invention.