Patents Assigned to Envirotest Systems Corporation
  • Patent number: 6723989
    Abstract: A system and method for remote emissions detection that uses a composite beam of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. The composite beam is used to perform spectroscopic measurements on an emissions source plume. The composite beam is not split during detection, and may, among other things, be used to detect NOx in the emissions plume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Envirotest Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John Didomenico, Craig S. Rendahl
  • Patent number: 6230087
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting running loss emissions is provided. A remote sensing device is used to detect vehicular exhaust emissions. The detected emissions are analyzed to determine a characteristic profile. The characteristic profile is processed to determine whether the profile is suspect or invalid. Invalid and suspect profiles are further analyzed to determine if running losses (e.g., leaky gas cap vapors, blow by emissions, etc.) are present. Profiles labeled as containing running losses may be further processed to generate statistical information, deliver notification to vehicle owners, or other actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Envirotest Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John Didomenico, Craig S. Rendahl
  • Patent number: 5812249
    Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining the speed and acceleration of a motor vehicle in which the speed and acceleration are used in combination with exhaust emissions data obtained from the motor vehicle to analyze information about the pollutants being dispersed into the air by the motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a first radiation source producing a visible laser beam received by a first detector and a second radiation source producing a visible laser beam received by a second detector. The first and second radiation sources are arranged along the roadway with a known spacing and at a height so that the visible laser beams are interrupted by the front and rear wheels of the motor vehicle as it passes along the roadway. The detectors provide output pulses indicating whether the visible laser beams are interrupted and the time of the occurrence of each of the pulses is measured and recorded. An analyzer then calculates the speed and acceleration from the known spacing distance and the stored time measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Envirotest Systems Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Johnson, John Di Domenico