Abstract: A power adapter for an automotive vehicle maintenance device includes a power input connection and a power output connection the is configured to connect to the automotive vehicle maintenance device. The pawer adapter also included connection circuitry the is configured to connect the power input connection to the power output connection.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system, for monitoring condition of a plurality of batteries, includes first and second pluralities of battery testers each coupled to a storage battery stored at a respective first and second storage location The plurality of battery testers including test circuitry configured to test a storage battery and to generate test data, a memory configured to store battery tester identification information, and communication circuitry configured to transmit the test data and the identification information over a wireless communication medium.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery in an automotive vehicle includes first test circuitry configured to couple to the storage battery, apply a forcing function to the storage battery, measure a response of the storage battery to the applied forcing function and provide a battery test output related to a condition of the battery based upon the response of the battery to the applied forcing function. Starter voltage measurement circuitry electrically couples to a starter motor of the automotive vehicle and collects starter voltage profile information comprising a plurality of starter voltage measurements obtained at different times while operating the starter motor. Second test circuitry receives the battery test output from the first test circuitry and the starter voltage profile information and provides an enhanced battery test output related to the condition of the battery based upon the battery test output and the starter voltage profile information.

Abstract: A battery maintenance system for use in performing battery maintenance on a battery of an electric vehicle including a battery maintenance device and a high voltage connector configured to connect the battery maintenance device to the battery of the electric vehicle. When a fuse door is removed from a fuse block of the connector, a mechanical component in a first position blocks a keying post and prevents a first connector side from coupling with a second connector side of the connector When the fuse door is in place and covering an interior of the fuse block, the fuse door places the mechanical component into a second position to allow the keying post to mate with the second connector side and to activate an electric switch to connect voltages to the fuse block.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a storage battery in an automotive vehicle includes a controllable electrical load configured to electrically couple to the storage battery of the vehicle. A current sensor is configured to electrically connect to a terminal of the battery and measure flow of current through the battery. A controller is arranged to apply an electrical load to the battery using the controllable load and adjust the electrical load while monitoring the electrical current sensed by the current sensor to determine a charge current applied to the battery by an alternator of the vehicle and further configured to perform a test on the 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. A method and device for determining connector configuration is also provided.

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: 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.