Abstract: The present invention is for a method of creating new vehicle data using existing vehicle data. The method relies on using vehicle parameter(s) to adjust a less accurate parameter or create a new related parameter for subsequent use. This will be useful in situations where the vehicle network signal provided to a device such as an OBDII data collection system is not accurate or does not have enough resolution.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of creating new vehicle data using existing vehicle data. The method relies on using vehicle parameter(s) to adjust a less accurate parameter or create a new related parameter for subsequent use. This will be useful in situations where the vehicle network signal provided to a device such as an OBDII data collection system is not accurate or does not have enough resolution.

Abstract: A system and method for testing vehicle emissions and engine control components using a standalone self-service kiosk. The self-service kiosk includes a computer capable of gathering Vehicle Information (VIN) and OBD information from a vehicle being tested using a barcode reader and an OBD reader, respectively. The self-service kiosk generates a readable display or printed report to the user indicating any detected diagnostic trouble codes found during the vehicle emissions testing. By networking a plurality of self-service kiosks together in a secure network and accessible through the Internet, the self-service kiosk network maintains a centrally located vehicle information database for storing and retrieving pertinent vehicle-related information during vehicle emissions testing. If the vehicle being tested passes the vehicle emissions testing, then the self-service kiosk prints out a registration renewal sticker, registration renewal document and/or receipt for the user.

Abstract: A surgical clip comprising a curved backbone having a lower side, a plurality of arms coupled to the curved backbone and extending therefrom in the same direction, each arm having a facing side, and an interior surface comprising the lower side of the curved backbone and the facing sides of the plurality of arms. A method of installing a surgical clip comprising fastening body tissue with surgical staples to form a stapled edge, and fastening the surgical clip across the stapled edge to inhibit the development of openings along the stapled edge. A tool for installing a surgical clip, the tool comprising a clip delivery end to carry and position the surgical clip, and an actuator to cause the surgical clip to engage and secure the stapled edge of body tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and mounting apparatus repel pests from an object. A vibration generator is operable to produce a plurality of vibrations. A mounting apparatus secures the vibration generator to the object from which the pests are to be repelled. The mounting apparatus transfers the plurality of vibrations from the vibration generator to the object. The plurality of vibrations transferred to the object from the vibration generator repels pests from the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for repelling pests includes a vibration generator operably connected to an object that operates in a first vibrating mode and a second non-vibrating mode. An environmental sensor senses a condition external to the vibration generator. A controller receives the sensed condition and controls the vibration generator between the first and second modes in response to the received sensed condition. Vibrations from the vibration generator are transferred to the object.

Abstract: A user interface for a computing device is provided. The user interface includes a plurality of display elements. A display element includes an active region, a graphical representation, and a textual description. The active region is sized for enabling human finger tip selection of the display element on a touch sensitive display screen. A display module receives coordinate information from the display screen and determines whether the coordinate information corresponds to the active region. When a user touches the active region, an instrument interface module sends a command to a diagnostic instrument. Further features, such as language localization of the textual description, are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical clip comprising a curved backbone having a lower side, a plurality of arms coupled to the curved backbone and extending therefrom in the same direction, each arm having a facing side, and an interior surface comprising the lower side of the curved backbone and the facing sides of the plurality of arms. A method of installing a surgical clip comprising fastening body tissue with surgical staples to form a stapled edge, and fastening the surgical clip across the stapled edge to inhibit the development of openings along the stapled edge. A tool for installing a surgical clip, the tool comprising a clip delivery end to carry and position the surgical clip, and an actuator to cause the surgical clip to engage and secure the stapled edge of body tissue.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for testing vehicle emissions and engine control components using a self-service on-board diagnostics (OBD) kiosk, a stand-alone kiosk includes a computing device capable of gathering VIN information and OBD information from a vehicle using a VIN reader and OBD reader. The kiosk generates a readable display or printed report for the kiosk operator indicating any detected diagnostic trouble codes found during the OBD test. By networking a plurality of kiosks together in a secure network and accessible to the Internet, an OBD kiosk network maintains a centrally located vehicle interface database for storing and retrieving pertinent vehicle-related information during OBD testing.

Abstract: A system and method for testing vehicle emissions and engine control components using a standalone self-service kiosk. The self-service kiosk includes a computer capable of gathering Vehicle Information (VIN) and OBD information from a vehicle being tested using a barcode reader and an OBD reader, respectively. The self-service kiosk generates a readable display or printed report to the user indicating any detected diagnostic trouble codes found during the vehicle emissions testing. By networking a plurality of self-service kiosks together in a secure network and accessible through the Internet, the self-service kiosk network maintains a centrally located vehicle information database for storing and retrieving pertinent vehicle-related information during vehicle emissions testing. If the vehicle being tested passes the vehicle emissions testing, then the self-service kiosk prints out a registration renewal sticker, registration renewal document and/or receipt for the user.

Abstract: A wireless interface for a diagnostic instrument is provided. The diagnostic instrument includes a communications interface having an external data port. A wireless adapter coupled to the external data port communicates diagnostic data with one or more computing devices. In a single user mode, a computing device can control several diagnostic instruments wirelessly. In broadcast mode, a diagnostic instrument can send a data stream wirelessly to many listening computing devices. Further features, such as safety warning messages, are provided.

Abstract: Automotive vehicle test equipment includes a controller which controls power supplied to a test circuit. The controller monitors a sleep mode switch which determines whether the controller enters a sleep mode. In sleep mode, the controller disconnects the test circuit from a power source. The controller also monitors a telephone line. Upon detection of a ring signal on the telephone line, the controller connects the test circuit to the power supply.

Abstract: An anti-tamper device in an automotive vehicle test system monitors an access panel to the automotive vehicle test system. An alarm is actuated if the access panel is opened. The automotive vehicle test system tests automotive vehicles and prints certificates which verify test results. The access panel is unlocked following the completion of an automotive vehicle test so that an operator can gain access to a printer to retrieve a printed certificate. The test system monitors the condition of the access panel even if power is removed from the automotive vehicle test system. A large capacitor provides power to monitoring circuitry. A data latch, powered by the capacitor, latches the condition of the access panel. The alarm is sounded when power is returned to the automotive vehicle test system and the condition of the latch indicates that an access panel has been opened.