Service system and method

#This invention relates to a system and method of servicing a fluid system.

#Leak testing of fluid systems, such as closed fluid systems, can be performed periodically. Fluid systems can be subject to corrosion and can develop leaks. Leaks present in fluid systems can decrease the functioning efficiency of the system and can result in excessive fluid loss and, ultimately, system failure. Thus, a fluid system typically requires periodic maintenance.

#For example, automotive internal combustion engines typically utilize a liquid cooling system containing coolant, which can include water and a coolant additive, to maintain an optimal operating temperature for the engine. If enough coolant is lost, the engine can overheat with resulting damage to the system and the engine. A cooling system can be drained of fluid, leak tested and filled with new coolant fluid periodically to maintain the system. An operator can perform a number of manual procedures to perform these services. For example, the operator can manually drain a radiator via a drain valve or by removing a radiator hose. With the coolant fluid removed, the operator can remove the radiator cap and attach a vacuum fitting to the radiator orifice to test for leaks. Finally, the operator can remove the vacuum fitting and manually pour coolant into the radiator while observing the coolant level until the radiator is filled.

#FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing depicting a section view of a service apparatus.

#FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a service apparatus.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a service kit used in a drain mode.

#Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

#Referring to FIG. 1, service apparatus 100 includes body 10 with reduced pressure channel 15 having lower reduced pressure port 20 and upper reduced pressure port 25, fluid channel 30 having lower fluid port 35 and upper fluid port 40 and connector 45 on body 10. Upper reduced pressure port 25 may have a hose fitting 48 that is sufficiently sized to accept a section of flexible hose (not shown). Reduced pressure channel 15 can contain valve 50 that closes channel 15 when fluid enters lower reduced pressure port 20. Valve 50 can include float ball 55 proximate to lower reduced pressure port 20 that is buoyant in the fluid of the fluid system. Float ball 55 sits in recess 56 such that reduced pressure channel 15 passes substantially over ball 55. Fluid can enter lower reduced pressure port 20 or recess 56 to cause ball 55 to rise and close channel 15. Lower reduced pressure port 20 can be on a side of the apparatus. In other embodiments, lower reduced pressure port 20 can be at the end of the apparatus.

#Connector 45 is sized to fit snugly into a fluid system orifice (not shown). Sleeve 60, which is composed of resilient material, can be fitted around the connector and held in place at the lower end of the body by retainer 80. Sleeve compressor 70 can be movably attached by threads to the outside of body 10 and positioned above bearing 75 that contacts sleeve 60. Sleeve compressor 70 can be a knob that is rotated, forcing the knob toward sleeve 60, thereby compressing the sleeve and expanding it outwardly to seal with the orifice. In other embodiments, the sleeve compressor can be movable by a threaded bolt extending into the body (not shown) that can be tightened to compress and thereby expand the sleeve. In another embodiment, the sleeve compressor can be moved by a cam (not shown) external to the body. The cam can be rotated, for example with a lever, forcing the sleeve compressor into the sleeve, thereby causing the sleeve to compress and expand. In order to accommodate different diameter fluid system orifices, sleeve 60 can be replaced with a sleeve having a smaller or larger diameter by removing retainer 80, slipping sleeve 60 off of body 10, and installing a new sleeve having a different diameter. Alternatively, a supplemental sleeve (not shown), which has an inner opening that corresponds to the outer diameter of sleeve 60, can be slipped over the outer surface of sleeve 60 to accommodate a larger diameter system orifice. In certain embodiments, a sealing member can form the seal with the fluid system orifice.