Abstract: The present invention includes a battery pack maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Optional input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle. A method and device for determining connector configuration is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a battery pack maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Optional input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of repairing a used battery pack from an electric vehicle include removing the battery pack from the vehicle. Battery tests are performed on at least some of the plurality of batteries and a battery test result for each of the batteries tested are obtained and stored in a database. A plurality of replacement batteries are tested and test results for each of the replacement batteries are stored in the database. The battery test results from the database are retrieved and used to create a refurbished battery pack. An apparatus includes a database for storing test results.

Abstract: A battery maintenance device for performing maintenance on a battery pack of an automotive vehicle powered by the battery pack includes communication circuitry configured to retrieve information related to condition of batteries/cells of the battery pack obtained using sensors in the battery pack. Measurement circuitry couples to batteries/cells of the battery pack and obtains measurement information related to a measured condition of batteries/cells of the battery pack. A controller verifies operation of the sensors in the battery pack by comparing the retrieved information with the measurement and provides a comparison output. Output circuitry outputs an indication of a failing sensor in the battery pack based upon the comparison output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing or testing a used battery pack from an electric vehicle include removing the battery pack from the vehicle. Battery tests are performed on at least some of the plurality of batteries and battery test results for each of the batteries tested are obtained. A cradle is configured to receive at least two different types of batteries. The cradle includes connectors to electrically couple circuitry of a battery tester to the battery.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery includes a Kelvin connection configured to electrically couple to the storage battery and a microprocessor configured to determine a dynamic parameter of the storage battery. A forcing function source is configured to apply a forcing function signal to the storage battery through the Kelvin connection. A sensor is electrically coupled to the storage battery and configured to sense an electrical response of the storage battery to the applied forcing function signal. A tire tread gauge is arranged to be inserted into a tread of a tire. The tire tread gauge including a visual indicator. An image capture device is configured to capture an image of the tire tread gauge when the tire tread gauge is inserted into the tread of the tire.

Abstract: The present invention includes a battery maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for charging a first storage battery and a second storage battery electrically connected together in series includes a first Kelvin connection, a second Kelvin connection and a third Kelvin connection coupled to the storage batteries. At least two of the Kelvin connections are configured to charge at least one of the first and second batteries. A charging source configured to selectively couple a charge signal to a storage battery through the Kelvin connections. A switching device selectively couples the charging source and measurement circuitry to at least two of the first, second and third Kelvin connections. A microprocessor selectively controls the switching device, charges the batteries, and measures a parameter of the batteries as a function of the charging signal applied to the batteries.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester or battery charger for testing or charging a storage battery including electrical connectors configured to electrically couple to a terminals of the storage battery. Circuitry couples to the electrical connectors and is configured to test or charge the storage battery. An input signal is received related to a battery which is suitable for use with the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery tester includes a pair of battery clamps, a testing unit, and a pair of holsters. Each battery clamp is configured to connect to a terminal of a battery. The testing unit includes testing circuitry that is connected to the battery clamps, and is configured to perform one or more battery tests on a battery connected to the battery clamps. Each of the holsters is attached to a housing of the testing unit, and is configured to receive and hold one of the battery clamps.

Abstract: A battery pack maintenance system includes maintenance circuitry, image input circuitry, a display, and user input circuitry. The maintenance circuitry is configured to perform a maintenance operation on a battery pack having a plurality of batteries. The image input circuitry is configured to receive an image of the battery pack. The display is configured to display the image. The user input circuitry is configured to receive a battery selection user input identifying a selected battery of the battery pack. The maintenance circuitry is configured to associate the battery selection user input with a maintenance operation performed on the selected battery.

Abstract: The present invention includes a battery pack maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Optional input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical load assembly is provided for use by an electronic battery tester used to perform an electronic battery test on a storage battery. The electrical assembly comprises a load wire providing an electrical load resistance and a housing which at least partially encloses the load wire. An airflow passageway is provided in the housing adjacent the load wire. Electrical terminals connected to the load wire are configured to connect to the electronic battery tester.

Abstract: An in-vehicle battery sensor includes a sensor configured to couple to a storage battery. A memory is configured to store calibration information. An input receives calibration information which is saved in the memory. A controller performs a battery test on the storage battery using the sensor output and the stored calibration information.

Abstract: A clamp for providing an electrical connection to a battery includes a first arm, a second arm, a joint member, a first pivotable connection, and a second pivotable connection. The first arm includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrically conductive member at the distal end. The second arm includes a proximal end and a distal end. The first pivotable connection is between the joint member and the first arm, and defines a first axis, about which the first arm rotates relative to the joint member. The second pivotable connection is between the joint member and the second arm, and defines a second axis, about which the second arm rotates relative to the joint member. The first and second axes are displaced from each other in a direction that is perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A maintenance system for use with an electrical system of an automotive vehicle includes an electronic battery tester configured to test a battery of the automotive vehicle. The electronic battery tester includes tracking circuitry carried therein. A base station is configured to receive the electronic battery tester and includes a microprocessor configured to detect positioning of the electronic battery tester in the base station using the battery tester tracking circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a battery pack are provided. Measurement circuitry is configured to measure parameters of batteries within the battery pack. The measurement circuitry responsively provides an output indicative of a condition of a battery in the battery pack. The output is based upon a measured parameter of the battery pack and a correction factor.

Abstract: An alternator tester is configured to test an alternator of a vehicle, the alternator of the type which electrically couples to the vehicle through an alternator connector. The alternator tester includes alternator test circuitry and an alternator test connector or adapter configured to electrically connect the test circuitry to the alternator connector. A vehicle connector is configured to electrically connect the test circuitry to the vehicle through the alternator connector. The test circuitry is configured to interact with the alternator through the alternator test connector and thereby test operation of the alternator.

Abstract: A battery tester including a battery tester cable, a cable pod coupled to an end of the battery tester cable, and a battery tester housing including a cavity configured to receive the cable pod. The cable pod and the cavity include mating parts configured to mate the cable pod within the cavity in at least two different preset orientations. In some examples, the orientations are changeable and securable manually.

Abstract: The present invention includes a battery maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle.