Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A TEMPERATURE AND PRESSUR~E SENSOR
: FOR COOLING SYSTEMS AND OTHER PR~3SSURIZED SYSTEMS ~ :
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BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION - ` `~``
. Thi9 i~vention pertai~ to an apparatus ~or
S monitoring the internal pressure of a cooling 8y9tem
which uses liquid coolant to facilitate t~mpera~ure
.reduction, such a~ automotive cooli~g sy~tYms, a~d ~or
~ measuring the temperature of ~he liguid coolan~. Thi~
~: invention also pertains to an apparatus for pressurizing
systems and detecting leaks.
. I There are a variety o~ potential problems
associated with cooling system3 which use liquid coolant
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to facilitate temperature reduction. }n order to
diagnose these problem~, it i9 useful to mea~ure the
temperature of the coolant a~d pressure o~ the cooling
system during ~t~ cycle. It is al~o ad~antageous for the
system to have the capability to pressurize the cooling
sy~tem as needed. A180, because the cooling system is a
closed sy~tem, these measurements s~ould be taken while
¦ keeping the coolant isolated from the ambient
environment.
~ U. S. Patent No. 3,255,631 to Franks discloses
a pres~ure/temperature indicating app~ratus attached to a
radiator cap with a sealing mechanism. This sealing
mechanism includes a spring which bears against a metal
washer, serving to seal the radiator with a rubber i
washer.
U. S. Patent No. 3,100,391 ~o Mansfield ~;
discloses a pressure and temperature indicator of an ~ ~`
automotive cooli~g system. This system i~ adapted to fit ~ ~
over a radiator cap, and may pressurize the radiator ~ ~ ;
cooling sy~tem by the use of a pump. Also, a valve stem `~
can be u ed to pres~urize the ~y~tem with pres~urized
air. ~ ~
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U. S. Paten~ No. 4,702,620 to Ford discloses an -
electronic thermostat which monitors the temperature of
the coola~t in a radiator o~er time. A temperature
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sensor i9 inserted through a cap-like de~ice adapted to
fit over the opening of the rad$ator.
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U. S. Patent No. 1,776,170 to rhimblethorpe
discloses a device for indicating the level aDid
temperature of the liquid in radiators of automotive
vehicles. Ihie structure has a cap-like de~ice which fit
~¦ o~er the opening o~ a radiator, and includes a
j temperature sensor and a level ~ensor.
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In these systems, it is important to properly
aDid completely seal the coolant from the ambient
atmosphere. Thus, the method of sealing the ~ensors
which are inserted through the closure device i9 vital to
the operation of the system. In cooling ,3ysteims which
~, are sealed and do not have an opening member for a cap, a -`~
need al30 exists to incorporate a modular unit for`~`
monitoring the temperature and preRsure of the,cool,nt,
while maintaining seal integrity. Similarly, a need also
exists to be able to conveuiaDitly pressurize and monitor '
the pre~isure of a pressurized system, while mai~itaining
` 20 seal integrity.
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~ SUMMARY OF TH~ INVENTION
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The present invention i~ a device for
monitoring the temperature o~ a liquid coolant and the
pres~ure of a cooling ~ystem. The monitoring device
includes a body, which is removably at~a~hed to the
cooling system at its- opening member and ha~ a bore in
fluid communication with the coolant. A sealant, capable
~ of being punctured, is fitted within the bore, and seals
¦ around a needle while punctured a~d sealq itself after
removal of the needle. The monitoring device includes a
temperature probe having a temperature gauge and a ;-:
needle, which i9 adapted to be inserted into the ~ealant
and adapted to be in fluid communication with the
coolant. The monitoring device al~o includes a pressure
probe having a pressure gauge and a needle, which is
adapted to be i~serted in the sealan~ and adap~ed to be ~; T;
in fluid communication with the interior of the,cooling ~- `
s~stem. ~ ~-
According to an alter~ative embodiment of the
invention, the monitoring device i~ adapted for u~e in a
sealed liguid cooling sy~tem which ha~ no openi~g member
for a cap. This embodiment includes a body ~aving a bore
and a device for rigidly coupling the body to the cooling
system in a~manner 80 that the bore is in fluid
communication with the coolant. Within the bore i9
fit~ed a sealant, which i~ capable o~ being pu~ctured,
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`~, and re-seal~ itself after and while being punctured.
Thi9 embodiment also in~lude~ temperature and pressure
probe~.
According to a~other alternativa embodiment of
~ 5 the invention, the pres~ure probe and the body containing
i a sealant are uqed in conjunction to pressure test
various systems. In this embodiment, the pressure probe .
include3 a device for pressurizing the ~ystem with :
compressed gas to check for leaks throughout the syRtem
and its components. The ~eedle of the pressure probe is
adapted to be inserted in the sealan~ and adapted to be
in fluid commNnication with the interior of the cooling
system. In this way, the inter~al pres~ure of the system ~ :~
can be monitored both during and af ter pressurizing the
9y5tem. ~ :`
According to a preferred embodiment of the
i~vention, the sealant i9 a resilient, tear-resi~tant
material. In a further preferred embodimen~, the sealant;
i~ a re~ilient, t~ar-resistant ~ydrocarbo~ rubber.
2 0 }~RIEF D}3SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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Figure 1 i9 an exploded perspective ~iew of the
! components which com~rise the body of one e~bodiment of
9 the pre~ere 1nverclon.
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~, Figure 2 i5 an exploded partial cross ~ection
¦ of the components which comprise the body a~ ~hown in
Figure 1. ~;~
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~ Figure 3a i8 a compressed perspective view of a
-~ 5 body comprising the components shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 3b i9 a partial cross section of the
body as shown in Figure 3a, showing the connection ~ ;~
between the body and an opening member of a cooling
system.
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Figure 4 i~ a cut-away view of the ~
pres~ure/temperature plug as shown in Figures 1 and 2. ~;
Figure S i~ a perspective view of a temperatuxe
probe which may be used in the present in~ention.
, Figure 6 i9 a perspective view of a pre~sure
probe which may be used in the pre~ent invention.
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Figure 7 i9 a perspective view of a pressure ~
relief probe which may be used in the pre3ent i~vention. ~;
Figure 8 is a perspective view o~ a second
mbodiment o~ the present in~ention and cooling sy~tem
hoses adapted for engagement with this embodiment.
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Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third
~ embodiment of the pre_ent invention and a cooling ~y-qtem
1 adapted for engagement with thi~ embodiment.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the present invention is a
device for monitoring the internal Rressure of a cloced
cool~ing system which u~es a liquid coolant to ~acilitate
reducing temperature, and for monitoring the temperature
of the liquid coolant. Such cooling systems define an
interior which is isolated ~rom the ambient en~ironment
during operation. The coolant, usually a mixture of
water and antifreeze, occupies a portion of ~he interior
of the cooling system.
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The invention may be used in connection with a
variety of liquid cooling 9y8tem9, including liquid i
cooling ~ystems of automobile~, a~rplanes, water
` vehicles, battle vehicles ~such as tanks), among others.
In fact, any liquid cooling sy~tem which has a pre-
exiRting opening with a neck and lip, on which may be
I seated a cap, i9 appropriate for u9e in connection with
this embodiment of the invention. For convenie~ce, th~
invent~on w~ll occasionally ~e referred ~o in its use in
connection with automotive cooling sy8tem9.
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'~ The monitoring device includes a body which can
be remo~ably attached to the pre-existing opening member.
The body has a bore which i9 in fluid communication with
the coolant and in which i9 fitted a sealant. The
sealant i9 capable of being punctured and closes and
seals the interior of the cooling system from the ambient
environment after and while being punctured.
The monitoring device may also include a
temperature probe having a temperature gauge and a
needle, which is adapted to be inserted into the sealant
and to be in fluid communication with the coolant. The
monitoring device may also include a pressure probe which
has a pressure gauge and a needle, which is adapted to be
inserted into the ~ealant and to be in fluid
communication wi~h the interior of the cooling system.
Figure 1 shows this embodiment of the,present
invention. Thi~ embodiment include~ a cylindrical
housing 10 having a knurled grip 12. Cylindrical h~usi~g,~
10 includes a circular top portio~ with an openi~g (not
~` 20 shown) and may be anodized alumdnum. Washer-shaped
coupling member 14 i8 permanently a~fixed to housing 10,
as shown in Figure 2. Coupling member 14 includes two H-
shaped downwardly extending flangeg 16, each o~ which
includes an inwardly protruding tab 18. Flanges 16 a~d ~ ;~
tab~ 18 may be ~tainleDs ~teel.
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A sleeve 19, which may al80 be anodized
!;'j: aluminum, includes an upper por~ion 21 having a diameter
'~ adapted to fit within coupling member 14 and cylindrical
housing 10. Slee~e 19 al90 includes an outwardly
5 extending ring 22, which i~ adhered to coupling member 14
when the elements are collap~ed, a~ show~ in Fi~ures 2
3a.
Cylindrical housing 10, coupling member 14, and
3 sleeve 19 adhere to one another to form boss 20, as shown
. 10 . in Figure 2. The method of adhering these three element~
may include inter~erence pres~ fitting of housing 10 and
sieeve 19, which locks couping member 14 permanently
between them. Flanges 16 extend radially outward
relative to ring 22.
This embodiment al90 include~ a spindle 23,
which ha3 an upper portion 25, a middle portion,24, a~d .
an outwardly extending ring 26. Upper portion 25 and ::
middle portion 24 fit within upper port~on 21 of ~leeve ~ :
19. Outwardly exte~ding ring 26, does not fit within
this slee~e 19, but abuts shoulder 27 of Ylee~e 19, when
these elemen~cs are. collapsed, a~3 ~hown in Figure 3.
Spindle 23 may be brass. ~:~
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As shown in Figure 2, spindle 23 defiues a~
upper bore 32 and a lower bore 46. Each bore may be
substantially cylindrical, and the bore~, in combi~atio~,
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extend the length of spindle 23. A pre3sure/temperature
plug 3 8 i8 adapted to eixtend through the ope~iing of the
top portion (not shown) of hou~ing 10 and fit within :
upper bore 32 of spindle 23. Threads 40 of pres~ure/
temperature plug 38 engage the threads 36 ~ormed within
the interior of upper portio~ 25 of spindle 23, defining
upper bore 32. Lower bore 46 permits fluid communication
between upper bore 32 and port 49, which i9 an opening on
disc 48 (shown in both Figuires 1 and 2). Disc 4B ~erve~
to.couple rubber washer 34 to the bottom o~ spindle 23. -:
AS shown in Figures 1 and 2, a spring 28 has a
diameter such that it will contact ~houlder 29 of middle
portion 24 of spindle 23 and the circular top portion
(not shown) of housing 10 of boss 20. Spri~g 28 is
biased to exert downward force on shoulder 29 of middle
portion 24 of spindle 23 and upward force on boss 20.
Upward axial motion o~ boss 20 relati~e to spindle 23 i~
confine~ by brass washer 42, because braRs washer 42 ~;
abuts pressure/temperature plug 38 which is in threaded ;,
engagement with spindle 23. Brass washer 42 includes a
circular hole (not shown) through which extends presqure
temperature plug 38. Alternatively, bra~s washer 42 and
pressure/temperature plug 38 may be made from one piece
of metal. : `
In Figure 3a, the components shown in FigureQ 1
and 2 are collap3ed to ~orm a body 50. In Figure 3a,
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~' spring 28 is completely compressed 90 that outwardly
,1 extending ring 26 of spindle 23 abuts shoulder 27 of
sleeve 19. As spring 28 i8 compressed, boqs 20 ~a~d
there~ore cylindrical hou~ing 10) mo~es axially dow~ward
along spindle 23 in the direction of outwardly extending
~; ring ~6.
Figure 3b demonstrates how body 50 is attached
to an opening member 51 of a liquid cooling system, such
as a radiator. Opening member S1 includes a neck 53 at
the upper edge o~ which i9 an outwardly extendi~g lip 55,
a ledge 57, and an overflow orifice 59. ~ip 55 includes
recesses (not shown) through which may be inserted tabs
18 of flange 16. To secure body 50 to opening mem~er 51,
the operator first aligns tabs la with the recesses,
exerts downward pressure on body 50, and turn3 body 50 by ~ -~
grasping knurled grip 12 ~o permit tabs 1~ to co~tact lip
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In thi~ way, rubber washer 3~ co~tacts ledge 57
with downward force exerted by spring 28. This seals the
~: 20 interior of the liquid cooling 8y9tem. The downward
force exerted by spring 28 may re~ult in a pres~ure
equivalent to the critical design pressure of the cooling `
system. The critical design pres~ure o~ a cooling sy~tem
is the maximum pressure rec~mme~ded ~or ~a~e te~ting of
the cooling sys~em. The critical design pressure varie~
w1th the materialr a~d desig~ o~ the cooli~g sy~te~
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Testing at pressures abo~e this critical de~ign pressure
may result in structural or other damage to the cooling
system.
If the cooling system pressure exceeded this
critical design pre~sure, then ~pring 28 will contract
under the increased pressure o~ the cooling ~yst~m. This
sa~ely allow3 pressure release from ~he cooling ~y~tem to
the ambient environme~t through overflow orifice 59.
~ody 50 may include other devices for venting the cooling
s~stem to the ambient Pn~ironment if the cooling system
pressure exceeds its critical design pressure. ~ ~
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Figure 4 is a cut-away view of pressure/ ~-
temperature plug 38. A~ show~, seala~t 110 is positioned
within a lower bore 112 of plug 38. Sealant 110 may be
press-fitted within lower bore 112 by transmitting "~
pre~sure across retaining collar 114 to 3ealant 110.
Retaining collar i9 affixed to plug 38 and keeps sealant
110 in place. Upper ~ore 116 of plug 38 extends from ! `~
seala~t 110 to port 118, which leads to the ambien~
environment. Upper bore 116 and lower bore 112 of plug
38 and lower bore 46 of spindle 23 in com~ination form a
body bore" which extendg the axial length of body 50.
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Sealant 110 i8 a resilie~t, tear-resistant
material. This material mu~t be capable o~ bei~g
punctured and of sealing around a needle in~erted into it
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and of re-sealing itself after the removal of a needle.
In this way, the sealant 3eals the cooling system from
the ambient enviro~ment after and while bei~g punctured.
A rubber with these characteristici~ i~ suitable.
'J~ 5 Pre~erably, the material i9 NORDE~ hydrocarbo~ rubber,
which is an elastomer based on an ethylene-propylene-
hexadie~e terpolymer. Other materials appropriate for
this sealant are neoprene ~C4~5Cl)n, VITON rubber, and
3UNA-N nitrile rubber.
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Figure 5 i~ a perspective view of tem~erature
probe 52. Temperature probe 52 includes a needle 54 and
a gauge 56 for indicating the temperature. Needle 54 is
sufficiently long so that it contac~s the liguiid coolant
upon insertion through seala~t 110.
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Figure 6 i9 a perspective view of a presisure
probe 60. Pressure probe 60 includes a needle ,62 which
i8 adapted to be inserted into ~h~ sealanit fit~ed within
bore 32 of pressure temperature plug 38. Needle 62 i9
sufficiently long to extend into bore 49, 80 that opening
~` 20 64 is in fluid communication with the interior of the
cooling system.
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Pressure probe 60 also include3 a regulator 66.
Regulator 66 and a pressurized gas source are capable o~
pressurizing the cooling syste~ to ~he critical pre3 ure
` 25 of the cooli~g sy3tem. Thl~ critical pressur~ may be ~ ;~
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approximately 16 p9i . A check val~e 68 i~ ~n~erted into
an opening (not ~hown) of regulator 66. Pressurized air
may be injected into the cooling system by screwing an
air hose source onto check ~alve 68. The internal
pressure of the cooling system is displayed at pressure
gauge 70.
Figure 7 show~ a pres~ure relief probe.
Pressure relief probe ao includes a needle 82. Needle 82
is.adapted to be inserted into sealant 110. Needle 82 is !,~
su~ficiently long so that opening 83 of needle 32 will
extend into bore 46, 90 that opening 83 is in fluid
communication with the interior o~ the cooling system~
Opening 83 and the interior of needle 82 are in ~luid
communication with tube 84. Tube 84 has an open end 85
which leads to the ambient environment.
In operation, body 50 is coupled with opening `~
~ember 51 by an operator as di cus~ed above. Then, the
syst.em to be cooled, such as an automobile engine, may b~
activated, and the pre3~ure and temperature ~ariation
: 20 may be monitored throughout its cycle. Temperature pro~e
52 may be in~erted by centering needle 54 in the pressure
temperature plug 38 and applying steady pressure u~til
~eedle 54 pierces the sealant 110 and engages the ~oolant
liguid. Once the temperature probe i~ in~talled, the ;-
temperature of the coolant may be monitored while the car
i3 running and u~der pre33ure.
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Monitoring the temperature of the automobile
serves several ~unctions. Monitoring temperature gives
the exact operati~g range of the cooling fan and the
thermostat opening of the automobile. If the thermo~tat
does not open, there will be no increase in coolant
temperature. If this i~ the case, a~ operator should
then shut the engine down and replace the thermostat.
If the coolant temperature increases, one
should ~now the temperature at which the thermostat ha3
been set and continue to monitor the temperature until
the cooling fan commences operation. If the cooling fan
does not begin to operate within the specified range, the
operator would recognize that the prob7em involves a
de~ecti~e cooling fan switch, fan motor or fa~ relay.
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A similar method of installing temperature
~robe 52 is u~ed to in~tall pre~sure probe 60. Howe~er,
needle ~2 need not engage the coolant liquid. It i~ only
necessary that:openin~ 64 on needle 62 is in fluid
communlcation with lower bore 46 and therefore with the
interior o~ the cooling system.
Pressure probe 60 i~ use~ul if an automobile i9
losing water and the leak ca~not be found. A~ter
inserting the pressure probe, the operator ~hould re~ up
~ the engine between 1000 and 2000 rpm~, no~ing the
1 25 pressure gauge. If the needle on the gauge goes either
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;l to positive pressure or pulls vacuum, this i8 a~
indicat~on of a bad head gasket or a cracked cylinder
I head.
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It i~ also possible to attach a hose from a
pressurized air source to check valve 68. It is
preferred that clean air at a constant pressure of 100
p9i i9 applied to the gauge. Deviation from thi~
pressure will cau~e the regulator to operate at other ~`
than specified maximum pres~ure. Pressures lower than
the specified operating pressure will cause the maximum
regulated preRsure to increase.
As with all air tools, the ~ilter and water
separator should be in~talled on the air supply
downstream from the tool location.
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Attaching a pressurized air source and slowly ; `~`
dialing in pressure enables the operator to determi~e
whether there are leak~ in the cooling ~ystem, for
example i~ the water pump, hoses, radiator, hea~ing core,
control valve, etc.
A~fter testing a cooling system, the ~ystem will
remain pressurized. To vent this pressure, an operator ~ -~
may insert pressure relief probe 80 through seala~t 110.
Th~ 9 allows the pressurized system to vent to the ambient
e~vironment.
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Preferably, the needles from either the
pressure relie~ probe, the pressure probe, or ~he
temperature probe, are not left in sealant 110 for more
than a few consecutive hours. If the~e needles are left
in sealant 110 for an excessive period of time, the
sealant, such as NORDEL hydrocarbon rubber, might fail.
According to other embodiments of the
invention, body 50 includes different type~ of coupling
members for removable attachment to a cooling system
opening member. These dif~erent types of coupling
members are pro~ided so that the monitoring de~ice may be
used with a variety of cooling system opening member
types. For example, the coupling me~ber may be adaptable
with the cooli~g systems of American and foreign
automobiles, diesel trucks, heavy equipment, farm
e~uipment, and other ~ystems ha~ing cooling ~ystems with -
different opening member types. ,
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According to another emhodiment of the
invention, Fisure 8 shows the use o the invention i~
connection with a sealed liquid cooling ~ystem which doe~
not have an opening member. In this embodLment, a T-
connector 90, having two arms 91a and 91b, is provided.
Radiator hose~ 86 and 88 of a cooling system may be
attached to and seal~ngly engaged with arm~ 91a and 91b,
respectively. T-connector 90 also includes one leg 93.
The interior of leg 93 include3 threads 92 which engage ;~
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I the threads 9~ of body 94. Body 94 includes a bore 96 in
which i9 fitted a sealant, ~imilar to the sealant
previously discussed. The use of body 94 in connection
with the pressure probe, temperature probe and pressure
relief probe is similar to that use of body 50.
~ ccording to another aspect o~ the i~Yention~
Figure 9 also shows the use of the invention in
connection with a sealed liquid cooling ~ystem which does
not have an opening member. Here, the body is directly
coupled with a wall of the cooling system 100. Cooling
system 100 has conduits or ho~es 102 and 104. An opening
109 may be formed by using a drill. Threads are formed
on the cylindrical wall defining hole 109. These threads
engage with threads 108 of a body 106, which may be
similar to body 94. With this embodiment, body 50 may be
permanently attached to the radiator of an automotive
cooli~g system, and the probes may be convenie~tly
i~serted into the interior of the cooling system.
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The cooling ~ystem analyzer of the prese~it
` i~vention i9 helpful for determining the probabla cause
o~ a condition of a cooling system. For example, if the
cooling system indicate~ that there i9 over heating, one
cause may be that there i9 low coolant. In this ca~e, ~`
the operator should merely add coolant and check for
leaks. Another possible cause could be that the
thermostat is stuck clo~ed. I~ this i3 the case, the
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;j operator ~hould replace the thermostat and recheck. A
third possible cause ~9 that the cooling ~an/fan clutch
is broken. If this i8 the case, the operator should
check the thermo-fan Qwitch/fan clutch and replace a~
needed. A fourth possible cau~e of overheating may be a
clogged radiator. If this is the case, the operator
should replace it.
The cooling system analyzer may al~o indicate
that no heat i9 being applied to the cooling system. If
thls is the case, o~e possible cause may be that the
t~ermostat i9 stuck open. If thi~ is the case, the
operator should replace the thermo~tat and recheck. A
~ second possible cause may be that the coolant i3 low. In
3 this case, the operator should add coolant. `~
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If the cooling system is leaking, the probable
cause is that there is a broken heater core, radiator
hose, water pump cr radiator. In this case, the cool;.ng
system analyzer may be used to pressure test the system
and replace the defecti~e items a ~eeded.
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: 20 In the event of a 108s of coolant, if a leak is
~ot found, one possible cause is that ~here i9 an
internal leak. A second po~slble cause i~ that the ;~
cylinder head gasket or cylinder head i~ defective. A
final possible cause i9 a defecti~e piston ~lee~e or
sleeve seal. I~ all three of these case9, the cooli~g
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WKN-010 - 20
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system analyzer may be installed with the pressure
measuring device, and the operator may monitor pressure
or vacuum at various 'rpms.'
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According to another embodiment of the present
S invention, the body is used in conjunction with the
pressure probe to test a cloqed pressurized system having
; a~ interior for pressure leak~. In thi~ ~mbodiment, the
pressurized system may be a liquid or a ga~ system and
need not be a cooling ~ystem. For example, it may be a
gas system (such a3 oxygen, nitrogen, nitrous oxide,
f~eon, etc.) for use in a hospital, laboratory, among
other facilities. The body o~ this embodiment may be
adapted to be coupled with a system with or without an
opening member, as discussed above.
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In this embodime~t, needle 62 of pressure probe
60 is i~serted through sealant 110 a~ discus~ed above.
The appropriate pressurized gas may be selecte~ a~d
applied to the system by means of check valve 68 and
regulator 66. Pressurlzed aiir may be injected into the
aystem by screwing an air ho~e so~rce onto ~heck ~alve i~
6d. A~ter obtai~ing a de~ired 3y8t~,~m pre~sure, as
, indicated by pressure gauge 70, the system pressure may
! continue to be mo~itored over time to determine whether
the system has any leak~.
While ~his i~vention has been diaclosed with
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reference to specific embodimients, it i~ apparent that
other embodiments and equivalent variat~ons of this
invention may be devised by ~hose skilled in the art
without departing from the true ~pirit and scope of this
invention.
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