Abstract: A system and method for an automotive diagnostic server can provide a portable vehicle diagnostic tool to identify a failed vehicle component. It may also provide a remote information device to serve as a connecting intermediary between devices, and to allow remote control of the devices and to provide information to a user. A remote diagnostic device to analyze data and interpret information to aid the user in making, using, maintaining, and fixing a piece of equipment or product may also be included. Web server functionality may be incorporated into the portable vehicle diagnostic tool to allow dissemination of the diagnostic information resulting from the diagnostic testing, and the web server may be accessed by a web browser of the remote information device.

Abstract: The diagnostic tool for testing the performance of a component of a vehicle may include a processor configured to process test information from a component of the vehicle and control and activate the component of the vehicle having identification information to be tested. The diagnostic tool may also include a memory configured to store the test information of the component and software that operates the component of the vehicle.

Abstract: A compression tester adapter is provided. The compression adaptor includes a generally cylindrical plug fitting, including a pilot segment, an external thread, a cylinder segment, a gasket located between the external thread and the cylinder segment and a plug end; and a connector fitting including an attachment interface; and a hose attached to the plug fitting. A method of adapting a compression tester spark plug hose for use with a spark plug socket is provided. The method includes; engaging a threaded spark plug socket in an internal combustion engine cylinder head; attaching a compression tester spark plug hose; and transmitting a compressed gas to the compression tester spark plug hose wherein the spark plug socket thread is configured with a nominal diameter of 12 millimeters; and creating a substantially airtight seal against a periphery of a tapered seat near a inner extreme of the spark plug socket.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit that diverts blended refrigerant withdrawn out of a refrigerant system to an external tank outside the refrigerant recovery unit for reclamation includes a recovery circuit coupled on one end to the refrigerant system and coupled on another end to the external tank, a controller in communication with the recovery circuit for controlling a transfer of the refrigerant withdrawn from the refrigerant system to the external tank, and a valve operatively engaged with the controller and the recovery circuit and operable to transfer the refrigerant withdrawn from the refrigerant system to the external tank for recycling or reclamation.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input unit for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information and communication with the vehicle, the processor controlling a recording of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, a memory storing a software including a database controlled by the processor, the memory storing baseline data of the vehicle and recorded diagnostic data in the database, the processor comparing the stored baseline data and recorded diagnostic data, and a display unit displaying information according to the comparison between the stored baseline data and recorded diagnostic data. The comparison can also be made on a separate computer storing the baseline data and receiving the recorded data from the diagnostic tool.

Abstract: An injector sleeve removal device including a tapered portion and a ridge. The a tapered portion having a first diameter and a second diameter. The first diameter is relatively smaller than an opening of an injector sleeve and the second diameter is relatively greater than the opening. The ridge is disposed helically about the tapered portion. The ridge is configured to cut into an inner surface of the injector sleeve and draw the tapered portion into the injector sleeve in response to rotation of the sleeve removal device.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitor system tool that stores information regarding a plurality of tire pressure monitor systems. The information may include procedures for resetting and diagnosing the tire pressure monitor system. The tool may include a storing module that stores the information and a displaying module that causes the information to be displayed on a display of the tool. The tool may enable a user to input data regarding a vehicle. Based on the vehicle data input by the user, the tool may determine a tire pressure monitor system installed on the vehicle using the information stored. Based on the tire pressure monitoring system installed on the vehicle, the tool may determine one or more reset or diagnostic procedures that may be performed by the tool. The tool may also reference the owner's manual of the vehicle. The tool may also include an updating module that updates the information stored by the tool. The tool may also include an update interface that may be, for example, an RS232 port.

Abstract: A wheel alignment apparatus is capable of automatically obtaining tire pressure information from a plurality of tire pressure monitor systems. The wheel alignment apparatus may include an alignment bay configured to receive a vehicle and an optical system located at an end of the alignment bay and configured to provide an image of wheels of the vehicle. The wheel alignment apparatus may also include a camera configured to receive the image of the wheels of the vehicle and a computer configured to display the image of the wheels of the vehicle and automatically display tire pressure information of the wheels of the vehicle when the vehicle is located within a predetermined proximity of the wheel alignment apparatus.

Abstract: A wire holding device configured to hold two wires together to establishing a connection. The connection may be made through soldering the two wires together. The wire holding device is also configured to be adjustable so that the wires can be held at different angles. The wire holding device can also be used to isolate a wire from a wire loom.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input unit for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input unit and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, an input and output unit receiving and transmitting audio and video signals controlled by the processor, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing audio and video information, and transferring the audio and video information through the input and output unit; and a display unit displaying information according to the received and processed audio and video signals stored in the memory.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a cellular phone that connects to an existing vehicle data link to perform the functions of an off-board device, such as a scan tool, for displaying diagnostic information relating to vehicles. In addition, the cellular phone connects to a starter/charger system and/or a battery to perform the functions of a starter/charger/battery testing device. Such a device allows a user to connect the cellular phone to a data link connector located in a vehicle, download software to either an adaptor or the cellular phone, retrieve information relating to diagnostic tests on the vehicle and view the results on the cellular phone display, and/or communicate the results to another person or device.

Abstract: A method of processing J1850 requests using a scan tool having multiple processor systems is provided. The scan tool includes a first processor that processes data according to scan tool functions to assist with diagnosing and repairing a vehicle. A second processor receives data transmitted to the first processor and stores the data in a buffer. The second processor determines whether the data is complete to enable the first processor to make a determination regarding the data.

Abstract: A crimping tool having an angled crimping portion and a method to use the crimping tool are provided. The angled crimping portion can be angled relative to the crimping tool handle or pivoting portion. The angled crimping portion can also be replaceable with various angled crimping portion having various angles. The angled crimping portion is also adjustable at different angles as needed by the user.

Abstract: A programmable actuator having multiple programmable functions is provided. The programmable actuator may be used on an off-board tool. In accordance with an embodiment, an off-board tool, OBT, including a user-defined programmable actuator is provided. In accordance with another embodiment, an OBT includes a processor, an internal memory, a programmable actuator, program logic and perform function logic. In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of actuating performance of a user-defined series of functions for a OBT is provided. The method includes the step of actuating a programmable actuator of the OBT with a single actuating action.

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 clip installing tool and method for installing the clip are provided. The clip includes a clip holding portion and a leveraging portion, each having a handle at an end. The clip holding portion includes a receiving portion to hold the clip therein. When a force is applied to the clip holding and leveraging portions, the clip is forced around a connector portion of a fuel in order to hold the connector portion with a fuel injector.

Abstract: A method of adding refrigerant to an air conditioning system. The method includes measuring a first pressure inside of the air conditioning system and a second pressure inside of a container that holds refrigerant being added to the air conditioning system. The method also includes comparing the difference between the two measured pressures to empirical data in order to determine how long to pulse additional refrigerant into the air conditioning system. In addition, an apparatus configured to add refrigerant to an air conditioning system.

Abstract: An alternator and starter tester system capable of generating a warranty claim code. The warranty claim code can contain information regarding a diagnostic test and the tested components. The alternator and starter tester system can also encode and transmit the warranty claim code to a supplier or a manufacturer to verify warranty credit.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of off-board tools (OBTs) may be used in vehicle inspection maintenance programs are provided. The OBT may include a processor, vehicle communication circuitry for linking to a vehicle diagnostic system, host interface circuitry for communicating with a host computer, and voltage determination circuitry for measuring a voltage through the vehicle diagnostic system. The OBT may include logic for storing a communications protocol used to link with a vehicle diagnostic system that is preferably used for re-establishing dropped communications links. In addition, the OBT may contain logic for testing at least one component of a starting and/or charging system of a vehicle. Still other embodiments may include logic for sending unsolicited messages to a host computer. Additional embodiments may include logic for determining the minimum number of messages that must be received by an OBT.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a vehicle, includes a computer storing software on a computer readable media, configurable for setting up recording of vehicle operations, selecting from a plurality of customizable triggering operations according to Boolean logic, and a vehicle communication interface detachably connected to the computer, being setup by the computer for recording of vehicle operation while the vehicle is operating and recorded information stored in a computer readable media of the vehicle communication interface being reviewed by the computer, and detachably connected to the vehicle for recording of the vehicle operations.