Apparatus and method for servicing a coolant system

A device for servicing a coolant system, said device comprising:

• an outer housing;
• a central body disposed within the outer housing, said central body having an internal bore and first, second, and third fluid ports communicating with said internal bore;
• the first fluid port configured for fluid communication with a coolant system, the second fluid port in fluid communication with a measuring device, and the third fluid port configured for fluid communication with a coolant supply;
• a valve disposed in said internal bore, said valve adapted to attain a first position in which there is communication between said first fluid port and said second fluid port, and a second position in which there is communication between said first fluid port and said third fluid port;
• a valve actuator operatively connected to said valve and wherein
• the valve substantially prevents communication between the coolant system and the measuring device when the coolant system communicates with the coolant supply.

A system for servicing an automobile air conditioner, said system comprising:

• a coolant supply source;
• means for measuring a parameter of the coolant in the automobile air conditioner;
• and
• a device for servicing the automobile air conditioner, said device comprising:
• a central body;
• a valve disposed in said central body;
• and
• a valve actuator, wherein said valve is adapted to provide selective communication between the automobile air conditioner and (i) said measuring means, and (ii) said coolant supply source, responsive to an actuation force from said valve actuator;
• and wherein
• said valve substantially prevents communication between the automobile air conditioner and the measuring means when the automobile air conditioner communicates with the coolant supply source.

A method of servicing a coolant system using a servicing apparatus attached to a measuring device and a coolant supply, said method comprising the steps of:

• attaching the servicing apparatus to the coolant system;
• and
• selectively switching between providing:
• (i) communication between the coolant system and the measuring device, and (ii) communication between the coolant system and the coolant supply;
• and
• further comprising the step of substantially preventing communication between the coolant system and the measuring device when the coolant system communicates with the coolant supply.