Abstract: An apparatus for a circuit which allows a user to connect various adaptors to a common interface to provide a device with power and data signals. The circuit may provide a device, in which the circuit is incorporated, with the ability to discern whether a connected adaptor is providing power or data at any given time. If the adaptor is providing power at a particular moment, then the power/data circuit can identify that power is being provided and signal the device to accept power. When the adaptor is providing data at a particular moment, then the circuit can identify that power is being provided and signal the device to accept power. The circuit may include a power/data input, a vehicle connector, an internal power source connector, a reference voltage source, a comparator, and sensor.

Abstract: A method of purging air from a tank includes opening, with a controller, a purging orifice on the tank to release a gas mixture contained within the tank, operating a timer to track multiple time intervals during which the purging orifice is open, each time interval having a beginning time and an ending time, determining an initial value of a system variable at each beginning time and a subsequent value of the system variable at each ending time, deriving a characteristic value of the gas mixture based on a change in the system variable from the initial value to the subsequent value measured over each time interval, and closing, with the controller, the purging orifice if a rate of change of the characteristic value over sequential time intervals is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold rate of change value.

Abstract: An on board diagnostic (OBD) II cable connector for use with an automobile diagnostic tool or the like. The on board diagnostic (OBD) II cable connector has a housing having an interface that extends from the housing. The interface engages an on board (OBD) II port on a vehicle using a series of pins extending therefrom. The on board diagnostic (OBD) II cable connector also includes a light source disposed upon the housing.

Abstract: A tire service hammer includes a handle portion and a head portion having a sledge portion, a wedge portion, and a body portion connecting the sledge portion and the wedge portion, wherein the wedge portion includes a bead breaking wedge and a hook extension. A method of manufacturing a tire service hammer includes providing a handle portion and providing a head portion that includes a sledge portion, a wedge portion, and a body portion connecting the sledge portion and the wedge portion, wherein the wedge portion includes a bead breaking wedge and a hook extension. A tire servicing system for repositioning a wheel having a tire mounted on a rim includes a first grasping portion for securing a portion of the rim while repositioning the wheel, and a breaking portion for breaking a tire bead formed between the tire and the rim.

Abstract: A vibration analyzer with an integrated sensor and method are provided to sense a vibration in a component of a vehicle. The vibration analyzer includes a three-axis accelerometer, a controller, a connector, a wireless interface and a battery. The vibration analyzer receives vibration data and vehicle data and packages them together and transmits the packaged data to a remove device such as a scan tool. The vibration analyzer can be networked with the remote device or with another vibration analyzer.

Abstract: A service hose includes a service coupler and a check valve assembly. The service coupler is configured to fluidly connect the service hose to a refrigeration system. The check valve assembly is disposed proximal to the service coupler and includes a recovery and a recharge flow path. The recovery flow path is defined by a flow of a refrigerant from the refrigeration system and flows along a first bore disposed in a body having a recovery poppet. The recharge flow path is defined by a flow of the refrigerant to the refrigeration system and flows along a second bore disposed in the body, a recharge poppet, and a biasing member. The check valve assembly is configured to provide a substantially free flow of refrigerant along the recovery flow path and also configured to provide a predetermined cracking pressure in response to the refrigerant being urged to flow along the recharge flow path.

Abstract: A vehicle measurement apparatus and a method for measuring vehicle data are provided. For example, the vehicle measurement apparatus includes a system-on-a-chip (SoC) device configured to integrate a programmable module with a microcontroller unit to receive vehicle data, process the vehicle data, and communicate the processed vehicle data to a remote computer.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant charge path, a flushing path, a processor, and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store a refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path is configured to convey the refrigerant to a refrigeration system to recharge the refrigeration system with the refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path includes a first and second service coupler and a first and second service hose. The service hoses are in fluid communication with the respective service couplers. The flushing path is configured to receive a flow of refrigerant for flushing the refrigeration charge path. The flushing path includes a first and second flushing coupler. The processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery system to provide a flow of the refrigerant from the storage unit, through the refrigerant charge path, and to the flushing path.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit with improved charging accuracy is provided. In some embodiments, the contamination of charging refrigerant can be prevented while also providing greater refrigerant flow control. In addition, methods associated therewith for servicing refrigerant containing refrigeration systems are provided. In some aspects, the methods include steps that can be used to achieve more accurate assessments of the refrigerant that is charged into the refrigeration systems during servicing.

Abstract: A manifold assembly includes a solenoid valve, a manifold, and a check valve. The manifold has an inlet bore and an outlet bore. The check valve has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to directly mate with the solenoid valve. The second end is configured to directly mate to the manifold. The second end has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the inlet bore. The outlet is in fluid communication with the outlet bore.

Abstract: A compressor includes a first piston, a second piston, and a crank. A first case chamber is defined by a lower surface of a first piston head, a portion of a first cylinder surface disposed below the lower surface of the first piston head, and a first case surface. A second case chamber is defined by a lower surface of a second piston head, a portion of a second cylinder surface disposed below the lower surface of the second piston head, and a second case surface. The first case chamber and the second case chamber are fluidly isolated from one another. The crank is to reciprocate the first piston head and the second piston head up and down.

Abstract: A secondary power source system for a communication device includes a charging unit configured to receive a primary power input and restrict a current used for charging to a predetermined amount. The current is part of a first output of the charging unit. The system further includes a storage unit including a device that stores electrical energy, the storage unit configured to receive the first output from the charging unit with restricted current and generate a second output, a regulating unit configured to receive the second output from the storage unit and generate a third output, a selector unit configured to perform a logical OR operation with the primary power input, the first output from the charging unit and third output from the regulating unit, and to generate a fourth output, and a shutdown unit configured to shutdown operation of the secondary power system when the storage unit has been expended.

Abstract: A wireless adapter for a measurement device is provided. The wireless adapter includes a first universal serial bus (USB) port to couplably receive data from the measurement device. The wireless adapter includes a battery to power the measurement device via the first USB port. the wireless adapter includes a wireless module to wirelessly transmit the received data to an external computing device after processing by the wireless adapter.

Abstract: A method and charging apparatus for adding refrigerant to refrigerant system are provided. The disclosure includes thermally conditioning the interior of the service hoses of a refrigerant recovery unit used to charge refrigerant. The conditioning may be based on one or more temperature reading(s) and/or based on a function and may be achieved by a heater along the length of the hose, recirculating refrigerant, and/or through a parallel line of heated liquid.

Abstract: A wire handheld tool including a handle contiguous to a shank with a wire securing portion. The wire securing portion may be a relatively flat portion with one or more wire passageways used to secure one or more wires thereto. The wire handheld tool can be used to insert, remove, and/or replace wires contained in wire harness conduits. Some embodiments can include a plurality of passageways traversing the relatively wire securing portion in non-parallel diagonal directions relative to each other. In some embodiments, one wire passageway can be included and configured for a wire to traverse a length of the wire securing portion securing itself thereto. The handle of the tool can be ergonomically designed for comfort and practicality, and additionally, may include non-conductive components or coatings to prevent electrically shocking a user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a system including a vehicle monitoring device coupled to a vehicle configured to retrieve vehicle information from a vehicle diagnostic system of the vehicle and transmit the vehicle information to an off-board device via a communication relay device to receive the vehicle information and display the received vehicle information based at least in part on information of the one or more recipients.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system includes a recovery apparatus and a refrigerant recovery unit. The recovery apparatus includes a heat sink, a capture tank, and a hose. The capture tank is in thermal contact with the heat sink. The capture tank is configured to capture a first refrigerant from a refrigeration system. The hose is to fluidly connect the capture tank to the refrigerant system. The refrigerant recovery unit includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant circuit, a processor and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store a second refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit is in fluid connection with the heat sink. The refrigerant circuit is configured to circulate the second refrigerant through the heat sink, a compressor, and a condenser. The processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery unit. The memory is to store diagnostic software and operating software to operate the refrigerant recovery unit.

Abstract: A handheld device comprising a handle assembly containing a longitudinally tubular shank used to manage and/or insert flexible elongated components during the assembly, replacement and/or repair of wired elements of a system is described. The handheld device includes a conduit that can be used to manage and/or insert said flexible elongated components such as wires, cables, flexible tubing, lines, cords, strings, ropes, and the like through constrained spaces and/or barriers. The conduit may be partially opened or completely open to allow removing of the flexible elongated components from the handheld device.

Abstract: A diagnostic system that includes a vehicle communication interface (VCI) and a diagnostic tool is provided. When the VCI and the diagnostic tool are coupled together through a wired connection, the VCI and the diagnostic tool can communicate with each other and provide power, as needed, to each other. The VCI and the diagnostic tool can also communicate with each other wirelessly when they are not directly coupled to each other. The VCI and the diagnostic tool are configured so that communication is uninterrupted when going from the wired connection to the wireless connection and vice versa.

Abstract: A system and method for remote control of and notification by an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). The system including a remote device, such as a smart phone, having a software configured to remotely control the EVSE and remotely retrieve and receive information from the EVSE. The smart phone may identify and connect to a communication network, automatically identify the EVSE, connect to the EVSE, and send the EVSE instructions for various functions of the EVSE, including charging, vehicle control, and reporting functions. The EVSE may execute the instructions received and return a confirmation to the remote device. The remote device may present the confirmation to a user.