Patent ID: 8875524

Claim:
A method of servicing an air conditioning system comprising the steps of: a) providing an air conditioning charging hose assembly having a service port inlet coupler with a pair of opposing coupler openings oriented parallel to and in coaxial relationship with a fluid channel, a quick turn shut-off valve defining a pair of opposing valve openings oriented parallel to and in coaxial relationship with the fluid channel, a supply fitting defining a pair of fitting openings, one of the fitting openings more proximal to the service port inlet coupler and oriented parallel to and in coaxial relationship with the coupler openings, the other fitting opening more distal the service port inlet coupler and oriented perpendicular to the coupler openings and containing a needle therein, all joined to a fluid channel with a pressure gauge between the service port inlet coupler and the shut-off valve, whereby the supply fitting defines a separate body from, and is in directly abutting relationship with the shut-off valve; b) closing the shut-off valve; c) attaching the service port inlet coupler to the air conditioning system; d) reading the pressure gauge to test the pressure of the air conditioning system at the service port inlet coupler; and e) limiting the release of refrigerant gases into the atmosphere and aiding in the precise addition of refrigerant into the air conditioning system with the supply fitting and shut-off valve.