CA2109543A1 - Temperature and pressure sensor for cooling systems and other pressurized systems - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT

A device for monitoring the temperature and pressure of a liquid coolant in a cooling system having a sealant which seals around a needle from a pressure or temperature probe and re-seals itself upon removal of the needle. The sealant is fitted within an axial bore within the monitoring device. The needles of the pressure and temperature probes puncture the sealant and are adapted to be in communication with the cooling system. The monitoring device further includes a pressure relief probe for rapid decrease of the cooling system pressure. The invention may be for testing a closed pressurized system using the pressure probe with a valve or other orifice for pressurizing the system.

Description

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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 ' ~

, `'j.i , 1 ~ OlO~PAT~OOl W~N-010 - 2 - ~ 3 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. ~ ~
.~' ,. , -:' 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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~W~N-O10 - 5 - 21 ~a~
, , `~, 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.

.-, .~.,, ." W~W - O 1 0 - 9 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 55. , , ' ' - " ': ~ '.
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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~ WKN-010 - 12 -210 ~ ~ 3 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.
' ~', 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.
! , : -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 , . -2 ~
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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. , , ' ' ~
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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, WRN-010 - 18 - 2~0~i3 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 ~ ~`~"'','`

O10 - 19 - 210~3 ;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.
-.............. ........................................................... ~.``' : 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 ~. ~

2 ~ l 3 system analyzer may be installed with the pressure measuring device, and the operator may monitor pressure or vacuum at various 'rpms.' .
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.
~ ' 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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~ WXN-O10 - 21 210.~43 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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Claims (27)

What is Claimed:

1. A device for monitoring the pressure of a cooling system using a liquid coolant and having a coolant opening member for said coolant, and for monitoring the temperature of said coolant, comprising:

a body removably attached to said coolant opening member, said body having a bore in fluid communication with said coolant;

a sealant, fitted within said bore and capable of being punctured, which sealant seals the cooling system from the ambient environment after and while being punctured;

means for measuring pressure having a temperature gauge and a first needle, said first needle adapted to be inserted into said sealant and to be in fluid communication with said coolant; and means for measuring pressure having a pressure gauge and a second needle, said second needle adapted to be inserted into said sealant and to be in fluid communication with the interior of said cooling system.

2. A pressure and temperature monitoring device of claim 1, wherein said sealant is a resilient, tear-resistant rubber.

3. A pressure and temperature monitoring device of claim 2, wherein said material is NORDEL hydrocarbon rubber.

4. A pressure and temperature monitoring device of claim 2, wherein said material is selected from a group of neoprene, VITON rubber or BUNA-N nitrile rubber.

5. A pressure and temperature monitoring device of claim 1, wherein said means for measuring pressure include means for applying pressure to the cooling system.

6. A pressure and temperature monitoring device of claim 5 wherein said means for applying pressure is capable of pressurizing the cooling system to the critical design pressure of the system.

7. A pressure and temperature monitoring device of claim 1 wherein said body includes a spindle, a cylindrical housing having a knurled grip and a spring, wherein said spindle and said cylindrical housing are axially movable relative to one another against the force of said spring.

8. A pressure and temperature monitoring device of claim 7, wherein said monitoring device further includes a rubber washer affixed to said spindle for sealing the coolant from the ambient environment.

9. A pressure and temperature monitoring device of claim 8, wherein the compressive force of said spring results in a pressure equivalent to the critical design pressure of the cooling system.

10. A pressure and temperature monitoring device of claim 1, wherein said body includes means for venting the cooling system to the ambient environment if the cooling system pressure exceeds its critical design pressure.

11. A device for monitoring the pressure of a sealed coolant system using a liquid coolant and having a coolant opening, and for monitoring the temperature of said coolant, comprising:
a body having a bore;

means for rigidly coupling said body to said cooling system adjacent said opening, wherein said bore is in fluid communication with said coolant;

a sealant, fitted within said bore and capable of being punctured, which sealant seals the cooling system from the ambient environment after and while being punctured;

means for measuring temperature having a temperature gauge and a first needle, said first needle adapted to be inserted into said sealant and to be in fluid communication with said coolant; and means for measuring pressure having a pressure gauge and a second needle, said second needle adapted to be inserted into said sealant and to be in fluid communication with the interior of said cooling system.

12. A device for testing a closed pressurized system having an interior for pressure leaks, comprising:
a body having a bore;

means for coupling said body to said cooling system, wherein said bore is in fluid communication with said interior of said closed pressurized system;

a sealant, fitted within said bore and capable of being punctured, which sealant seals said interior of said closed pressurized system from the ambient environment after and while being punctured;
means for measuring pressure having a pressure gauge and a needle, which needle is adapted to be inserted into said sealant and to be in fluid communication with said interior; and means for applying pressure to said interior.

Claim 13 A device for testing a closed pressurized system having an interior and an inlet with internal and external surfaces, said device, comprising a spindle;
housing means for said spindle, said housing means including a body having an aperture therethrough and at least two engaging parts extending from said body;
said spindle movable within said aperture, and spindle having at least a receiving portion and an engaging portion, an inner bore formed within the spindle for communication with said cooling system, said inner bore having a first end situated at said receiving portion, said inner bore having a second end at the engaging portion, said spindle being provided with a sealing member surrounding said second end, spring means being interposed between said housing means and said spindle for resisting movement of said spindle within said housing means;
plug means for permitting insertion of a means for measuring pressure through said inner bore;
means cooperating with said spindle and plug means for confining motion of said body relative said spindle of said plug means;
whereby in a working condition of the device said engaging portion of the spindle being sealingly connected to said inlet in such a manner that said at least two engaging parts of the body engage the external surface of the inlet, so that said second end of the inner bore is in fluid communication with said cooling system with said sealing member being positioned between said engaging portion and said internal surface of the inlet.

Claim 14 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 13, including means cooperating with said spindle and plug means for confining motion of said body relative to said spindle in the direction of said plug means and said plug means being connected to said first end of the inner bore and includes a sealing element, said sealing element is provided at said first end of the inner bore and said means for measuring pressure includes a pressure gauge and a needle, said needle is adapted for puncturing said sealing element which seals said closed pressurized system from an ambient environment after and during the puncturing.

Claim 15 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 14, wherein the force exerted by said spring means maintains said spindle stationary with reference to the inlet and movable with respect to said body.

Claim 16 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 13, further including means for applying pressure to said interior connected to said means for measuring pressure.

Claim 17 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 14, wherein said sealing element contains a resilient, tear-resistent rubber.

Claim 18 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 17, wherein said tear-resistent rubber is NORDEL hydrocarbon rubber.

Claim 19 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 18, wherein said rubber is selected from a group of neoprene, VITON rubber or BUNA-N nitrile rubber.

Claim 20 A device for testing a closed pressurized system having an interior and an inlet with internal and external surfaces, said device, comprising a spindle;
housing means for receiving said spindle, said housing means including a body having an aperture therethrough and at least two engaging parts extending from said body;
said spindle movable within said aperture, said spindle having at least a receiving portion and an engaging portion, an inner bore formed within the spindle for communication with said cooling system, said inner bore having a first end situated at said receiving portion [element], said inner bore having a second end [situated] at the engaging portion [and], said spindle being provided with a sealing member surrounding said second end, spring means being interposed between said housing means and said spindle for resisting movement of said spindle within said housing means;
plug means for sealingly permitting insertion of a means for measuring temperature through said inner bore, said plug means being connected to said first end of the inner bore;
means cooperating with said spindle and plug means for confining motion of said body relative to said spindle in the direction of said plug means;

whereby in a working condition of the device said engaging portion of the spindle being sealingly connected to said inlet in such a manner that said at least two engaging parts extending from the body engage the external surface of the inlet, so that said second end of the inner bore is in fluid communication with said cooling system with said sealing member being positioned between said [second end] engaging portion and said [external] internal surface of the inlet.

Claim 21 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 20, wherein said plug means includes a sealing element, said sealing element is provided at said first end of the inner bore and said means for measuring temperature is provided with a pressure gauge and a needle, said needle adapted for puncturing said sealing element which seals said closed pressurized system from an ambient environment after and during the puncturing.

Claim 22 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 21, wherein the force exerted by said spring means maintains said spindles stationary with reference to the inlet and movable with respect to said body.

Claim 23 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 20, further including means for applying pressure to said interior connected to said means for measuring temperature.

Claim 24 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 22, wherein said sealing element contains a resilient, tear-resistent rubber.

C?m 25 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 17, wherein said tear-resistent rubber is NORDEL hydrocarbon rubber.

Claim 26 A device for testing a closed pressurized system according to Claim 18, wherein said rubber is selected from a group of neoprene, VITON rubber or BUNA-N nitrile rubber.

27. Each and every novel feature or novel combination of features herein disclosed.