Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided and include a formula server having formulas and conversion modules that are separate from a diagnostic application of a diagnostic tool. The diagnostic tool receives the diagnostic data and transmits it to a remote computer, where the data is converted using a formula. The resulting data is then transmitted back to the diagnostic tool for display.

Abstract: In a computerized analyzer linked to an onboard computer for complex machinery, a computer-readable binary pattern storage apparatus which has a plurality of binary patterns constituting an application program executable by the computerized analyzer.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool includes a security system which prevents the unauthorized downloading of updated software. In one embodiment, a first external storage device includes a first security signature and is electrically coupled to the diagnostic tool. A second external storage device includes software and is also electrically coupled to the diagnostic tool. When a second security signature located within the diagnostic tool is the same as the first security signature included within the first external storage device, the diagnostic tool downloads the software into an internal storage device located within the diagnostic tool. In another embodiment, an external storage device includes software and is electrically coupled to the diagnostic tool. Upon initial use, a first security signature which is the same as a second security signature located within the diagnostic tool is written by the diagnostic tool to the external storage device.

Abstract: A test instrument includes a cartridge adapter for receiving existing vehicle diagnostic cartridges programmed for use with an 8-bit microprocessor. The adapter is coupled to a field programmable gate array (FPGA), which is programmed to emulate the operation of the 8-bit microprocessor and supply information to a 32-bit microprocessor coupled to a display and control panel to emulate the operation of a system for which the cartridges have been programmed. Additionally, the 32-bit microprocessor includes programming for new vehicles as well as the ability to read and store updated vehicle information through flash memory to be continuously updated.

Abstract: In a computerized analyzer linked to an onboard computer for complex machinery, a computer-readable binary pattern storage apparatus which has a plurality of binary patterns constituting an application program executable by the computerized analyzer.

Abstract: In a computerized analyzer linked to an onboard computer for complex machinery, a computer-readable binary pattern storage apparatus which has a plurality of binary patterns constituting an application program executable by the computerized analyzer.

Abstract: In a computerized analyzer linked to an onboard computer for complex machinery, a computer-readable binary pattern storage apparatus which has a plurality of binary patterns constituting an application program executable by the computerized analyzer.

Abstract: In a computerized analyzer linked to an onboard computer for complex machinery, a computer-readable binary pattern storage apparatus which has a plurality of binary patterns constituting an application program executable by the computerized analyzer.

Abstract: A hand-held vehicle exhaust analyzer for testing gas content in exhaust emitted from a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle exhaust analyzer is of a size and weight to be held in a user's hands. The system includes a housing with an inlet receiving exhaust emitted from the vehicle. A sensor assembly is disposed in the housing, receives the exhaust emitted from the vehicle through the inlet, and determines the content of a plurality of different gases in the exhaust. A control system is disposed in the housing and is operatively coupled with the sensor assembly to regulate operations of the sensor assembly and to receive and interpret results of operations of the sensor assembly. A power supplying apparatus is disposed in the housing to deliver power throughout the system. The housing, and all components disposed in the housing have a combined weight of no greater than about five pounds.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool, for communicating with a plurality of motor vehicle control units, includes a processor, a main memory and a non-volatile storage device. The processor executes an operating system and a plurality of diagnostic applications. The non-volatile storage device is coupled to the processor and stores the operating system and the plurality of diagnostic applications. Each of the diagnostic applications is compiled and linked separately from the operating system. Each of the diagnostic applications is also separately downloadable into the storage device of the diagnostic tool. The diagnostic applications when executed by the processor function to provide at least one message to one of the control units and to receive control unit information from one of the control units in response to the at least one message.

Abstract: A vehicle gas analyzing system for testing gas content in exhaust emitted from a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle gas analyzing system is of a size and weight to be held in a user's hands. The system includes a housing having outer dimensions no greater than about 12".times.8".times.3", and has an inlet receiving exhaust emitted from the vehicle. A sensor assembly is disposed in the housing, receives the exhaust emitted from the vehicle through the inlet, and determines the content of a plurality of different gases in the exhaust. A user interface is disposed on an outside surface of the housing, allowing a user to input instructions to the system and to perceive output from the system.