Abstract: A vehicular diagnostic tool is provided for receiving vehicular diagnostic codes from a vehicle on-board computer, and translating the diagnostic codes into diagnostic descriptive data. An input port is provided for receiving vehicular diagnostic codes output from a vehicle under test. A code parser parses the received diagnostic codes into diagnostic code segments. A code translator translates diagnostic code segments into corresponding diagnostic descriptor segments. And, a combiner is provided for combining the code descriptor segments to derive composite diagnostic code descriptors, wherein the composite code descriptors being collectively representative of the received diagnostic code.

Abstract: There is provided a compression gauge assembly for diagnosing pressure variances of an engine cylinder(s). The gauge assembly comprises a gauge sensor in communication with the engine cylinder(s). The gauge sensor is operative to detect compression stroke pressures within the cylinder(s). A gauge controller is in communication with the gauge sensor. The gauge controller includes a comparator circuit operative to compare detected compression stroke pressures within the cylinder(s) and to derive the pressure variances therebetween. A gauge display is in communication with the gauge controller for displaying the derived pressure variances.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a status of a vehicle. The vehicle has an on-board computer for generating a diagnostic trouble code signal related to a passed or problem status of the vehicle. A portable code reader is connected to the on-board computer. Diagnostic trouble code signals are communicated from the on-board computer to the code reader. The code reader communicates to a personal computer respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals related to a problem status of the vehicle. The personal computer communicates the respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals from the personal computer to a remote computer. The remote computer is configured to correlate the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle. Problem description data correlated to the respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals are communicated from the remote computer to the personal computer.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a status of a vehicle. The vehicle has an on-board computer for generating a diagnostic trouble code signal related to a passed or problem status of the vehicle. A portable code reader is connected to the on-board computer. Diagnostic trouble code signals are communicated from the on-board computer to the code reader. The code reader communicates to a personal computer respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals related to a problem status of the vehicle. The personal computer communicates the respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals from the personal computer to a remote computer. The remote computer is configured to correlate the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle. Problem description data correlated to the respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals are communicated from the remote computer to the personal computer.

Abstract: A hand held testing meter is provided which allows the meter to be viewed and securely supported on the user's hand, while the user's fingers are free to hold and manipulate test instruments. An elastomeric band is provided which is engageable to the meter extending substantially across the meter rear surface. The elastomeric band is resiliently extendable to securely receive a user's hand intermediate the meter rear surface and the elastomeric band.

Abstract: A tachometer used to measure a speed of an engine. The tachometer includes a pickup, a counter circuit, a conversion circuit, an automatic switching device, an indicator and a meter display. The inductive pickup may be disposed around a spark plug wire of the engine to generate a pulse signal in response to a current flowing through the spark plug wire. The pulse signals are then counted by the counter circuit and input to the conversion circuit therefrom. The conversion circuit typically includes a plurality of lookup tables, each having mapped information correlating the pulse signals to the engine speed for a particular number of engine cylinders. The automatic switching device is operative to call up alternate lookup tables, e.g. each time when the electrical system of the engine is turned on. The display may be display the number of engine cylinders called up by the automatic switching device and measured engine speed.

Abstract: A method of displaying automotive diagnostic information is disclosed comprising connecting a code reader to a vehicle computer and communicating monitor status information and trouble codes to the code reader. Only those monitor functions that are supported by the vehicle are illuminated on the code reader, along with their status. Trouble codes communicated from the vehicle are also displayed, along with trouble code descriptors. All display functions are operative independent of any manual input to identify the type of vehicle being tested.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a status of a vehicle. The vehicle has an on-board computer for generating a diagnostic trouble code signal related to a passed or problem status of the vehicle. A portable code reader is connected to the on-board computer. Diagnostic trouble code signals are communicated from the on-board computer to the code reader. The code reader communicates to a personal computer respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals related to a problem status of the vehicle. The personal computer communicates the respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals from the personal computer to a remote computer. The remote computer is configured to correlate the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle. Problem description data correlated to the respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals are communicated from the remote computer to the personal computer.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum pump has a piston for drawing a vacuum. The pump has a piston rod having a piston end and a distal end. The piston end is attached to the piston. The pump further has a pivot lever having a rod end, a handle end, and a pivot interface disposed therebetween. The rod end is rotatably attached to the distal end. The pump has a pivot support having a support interface. The support interface is cooperatively sized and configured with the pivot interface to translate the rod end of the pivot lever in substantially axial movement of the piston rod.

Abstract: An automotive cleaning and pressure check device for placing the interior of a canister into fluid communication with an internal combustion engine via a fluid hose. The cleaning and pressure check device comprises a manifold body having first and second fluid ducts extending therethrough. Attached to the manifold body is a first coupling member. The fluid hose is releasably attachable to the first coupling member and placeable into fluid communication with the first fluid duct thereby. Also attached to the manifold body are an elongate fluid tube and a pressure gauge, both of which are fluidly connected to the first fluid duct. A pressure regulator is also attached to the manifold body and fluidly connected to the second fluid duct. The pressure regulator is operable to selectively place the second fluid duct into fluid communication with at least one of a pressurized air source and ambient air.

Abstract: A timing light for adjusting an engine's timing has a stroboscopic lamp for illuminating the timing marks and a trigger circuit for causing the stroboscopic lamp to illuminate the timing marks at a desired time. The trigger circuit has an input circuit receiving a signal representative of a spark plug firing; an output circuit providing a trigger signal to the stroboscopic lamp to cause the stroboscopic lamp to flash; and an anticipation circuit configured to determine when to provide the trigger signal to the stroboscopic lamp by establishing a trend in the rate of which the spark plug is firing so as to predict when a next trigger signal is to be provided by the output circuit. Establishment of the trend in the rate of which the spark plug is firing generally enhances the accuracy with which the engine's timing is measured.

Abstract: A method for testing an electronic ignition control module utilizes the steps of: placing the electronic ignition control module in electrical communication with an electronic ignition control module tester; the tester identifying the electronic ignition control module in electrical communication therewith so as to determine the type thereof; the tester performing testing of the electronic ignition control module, the particular tests performed being dependent upon the particular electronic ignition control module type being tester; the tester indicating pass/fail condition of the electronic ignition control module. Having the tester identify the electronic ignition control module type and perform testing which depends upon the particular electronic ignition control module type being tested eliminates the need for a user to define the tests to be performed.

Abstract: A power converter for providing a selectable desired voltage has a converter circuit having an input port for receiving an input of a first voltage and an output port for providing an output of a second voltage. The converter circuit also has a keyway for receiving a key. The key, which is configured to be received by the keyway, contains an electrical component and has a body within which the electrical component is disposed. The output voltage of the converter is determined by the value of the component disposed within the body of the key such that the output voltage can be varied by replacing the key with another key having an electrical component of a different value.

Abstract: A portable, handheld power supply unit is disclosed for electrically powering a variety of interconnectable accessory devices. The unit comprises a power supply body having a battery disposed therein. The body is provided with a bracket disposed on the body side portion for engaging and supporting accessory devices. The side bracket is provided with electrical contacts formed therein for communicating power between the battery and an accessory device supported by the bracket. A recharging plug connected to the internal battery is stowable within a handle portion and extendable to connect the battery to an external charging circuit. An output socket is also disposed on the body and serves as an alternate port for communicating power from the body to external accessory devices.

Abstract: A method of displaying automotive diagnostic information is disclosed comprising connecting a code reader to a vehicle computer and communicating monitor status information and trouble codes to the code reader. Only those monitor functions that are supported by the vehicle are illuminated on the code reader, along with their status. Trouble codes communicated from the vehicle are also displayed, along with trouble code descriptors. All display functions are operative independent of any manual input to identify the type of vehicle being tested.