Patents Assigned to Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8319735
    Abstract: A user interface for a computing device is provided. The user interface includes a plurality of display elements. A display element includes an active region, a graphical representation, and a textual description. The active region is sized for enabling human finger tip selection of the display element on a touch sensitive display screen. A display module receives coordinate information from the display screen and determines whether the coordinate information corresponds to the active region. When a user touches the active region, an instrument interface module sends a command to a diagnostic instrument. Further features, such as language localization of the textual description, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: Snap-On Technologies, Inc., Autologic, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Fudali, Timothy J. Raml, William D. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 8135617
    Abstract: The invention in some embodiments features a contextual content delivery system (CCDS) for enhancing conventional web content with pop-up bubbles that display information when a cursor hovers over a word, link, or icon. The CCDS is configured to identify words or links in a document, determine their context, select the appropriate bubble from a plural of bubble types for each of the words or links, select content for each bubble based, in part, on the context in which the words and hyperlinks are used. The context can be determined from various sources including the resource in which the word or link appears and the target resource to which the link points. Thereafter, the CCDS enhances the words or links so that bubbles are automatically invoked in response to the appropriate trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Snap Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Agostino, Jason P. Fields, Joseph Chen, Yovav Meydad, Jason Levine, Michael Radford, David E. Benson, Christopher Starace, Eric J. Kim
  • Patent number: 7917259
    Abstract: A method and system for conducting a vehicle service comprises the steps of receiving signals representative of vehicle parameters, accessing data and/or software necessary for performing the vehicle service from at least one remote computer over a data transmission network, and performing signal processing related to the vehicle service based on the signals representative of the vehicle parameters and the accessed data and/or software. Since the data and/or software necessary for conducting the vehicle diagnostic analysis is distributed in different systems that are connected via a data communication network, an automotive service system can minimize the size of software stored locally and can access most of the information and/or algorithm required for conducting the vehicle diagnostic analysis from a remote system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Rogers, George M. Gill, Jean De Bellefeuille, Mike Kling, Michael L. Baird
  • Patent number: 7779196
    Abstract: First and second networks, for example Controller Area Networks (CANs), of different physical layers are interfaced by applying signals of the busses of the two networks to respective transceivers. A dominant state of one of the busses is sensed and data is transferred between the two transceivers in a direction from the dominant bus. The two busses are interfaced by a logic circuit interposed between the transceivers. A control circuit is coupled to the first and second logic units for mutually exclusively activating and deactivating the first and second logic units to control the direction of data transfer between the busses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Lammers, Gert G. Kok
  • Patent number: 7693834
    Abstract: A search engine for dynamically generating search results for the user is disclosed. In one embodiment, the user submits a first search query for searching a primary database, such as the content obtained from the World Wide Web, and the search engine obtains primary search listings based upon the search query, which search listings are distinguished from banner advertisements. The system then performs a further search of one or more secondary databases. The secondary search is initiated by the user or automatically by the system, based upon one or more search parameters. The secondary databases may include internal databases maintained by a provider of goods or services, databases that are updated in real time, or databases that include data obtained from a variety of different sources. Examples of secondary databases include inventory databases, product information databases, scheduling databases, market-related databases, location databases or any other database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: SNAP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Gross, Sean Olson
  • Patent number: 7684880
    Abstract: Embodiments for servicing a system including a fuel cell and at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is implemented for generating information indicative of operation of the system. The information is communicated to a tool operatively connected with the system. The information is evaluated to determine if the system is operating as intended. Based on the information, a recommendation for returning the system to intended operation is determined. The recommendation is performed. The first three steps are repeated until the system is operating as intended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Bach
  • Patent number: 7657386
    Abstract: An integrated battery service system performs a plurality of services related to a battery, such as battery testing, battery charging, and the like. In addition, the integrated service system provides services to devices/components that are coupled to the battery, such as starters, alternators, etc. The integrated battery service system allows a user to abort a service and then resume the process from where the process was aborted. When conducting a service, the integrated battery service system determines a noise level caused by devices/components coupled to the battery. The integrated battery service system includes connectors configured to couple to a battery for receiving input signals, a processor coupled to the connectors, and a memory device coupled to the processor for storing control codes and operation history. The control codes, when executed by the processor, control the system to selectively abort a service in response to a user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis G. Thibedeau, Alejandro P. Brott, Gary Jonker, Leonard Wisneski, Paul A. Willems, Alan D. Goetzelmann
  • Patent number: 7644616
    Abstract: A wheel balancing system determines a type of corrective weight for application to an edge of a rim of a wheel for correcting imbalance of the wheel. One or more corrective weights are identified from a varied inventory of corrective weights. An inventory database is incremented or decremented for each identified corrective weight. Database reports can be generated that specify weight usage and inventory status. One or more wheel balancers may be coupled to a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Cullum, Frederick J. Rogers, Steve Serio
  • Patent number: 7583401
    Abstract: A portal for transferring information between a master server and a third-party client using a transportable replicating server is provided. The portal may be particularly useful for and may provide a significant cost advantage and benefit when access to front and back-office servers is limited or not accessible. The master server may replicate information (e.g., applications and data) from the front and back-office servers to the replicating server. After replication, the replicating server appears to third-party clients as the front and back-office servers, containing the functionality and data to facilitate front and back-office operations. Being transportable, the replicating server can move from a first location at which the replicating server can communicate with the master server to a second location at which the replicating server can communicate with the third-party clients. At the second location, the information on the replicating server may be communicated to the third-party devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brad Lewis
  • Patent number: 7373726
    Abstract: A target that is usable in a position determination system such as, for example, a wheel alignment system, is structurally stable over wide temperature ranges, protected from humidity and chemical contamination, and not subject to breakage. A layered target structure includes a substrate board, a retro-reflective layer formed on the substrate board, a transparent sheet overlaying the retro-reflective layer, and an opaque patterned layer between the a retro-reflective layer and the transparent sheet. The layered target structure may be secured a support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Rodney Harrell
  • Patent number: 7369222
    Abstract: In a vehicle alignment system an optical sensing mechanism is structurally coupled to a vehicle supporting lift for movement in unison with the lift so that the field of view of the sensing mechanism encompasses a wheel of a vehicle positioned on the lift during lift movement. Sensing modules may be selectively placed so that they are in correspondence with the vehicle wheel base. Modules may be deployed to extend outwardly from the lift, for viewing the wheel during an alignment procedure, or retract to a adjacent the lift for stowing. A protective cover extends above the sensing modules in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Brian Gray, Steven W. Rogers, Stephen L. Glickman, George M. Gill, James L. Dale, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070156313
    Abstract: A wireless interface for a diagnostic instrument is provided. The diagnostic instrument includes a communications interface having an external data port. A wireless adapter coupled to the external data port communicates diagnostic data with one or more computing devices. In a single user mode, a computing device can control several diagnostic instruments wirelessly. In broadcast mode, a diagnostic instrument can send a data stream wirelessly to many listening computing devices. Further features, such as safety warning messages, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicants: SNAP-ON TECHNOLOGIES, INC., AUTOLOGIC, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Thomas Fudali, William Nicholson
  • Patent number: 7225064
    Abstract: A wireless interface for a diagnostic instrument is provided. The diagnostic instrument includes a communications interface having an external data port. A wireless adapter coupled to the external data port communicates diagnostic data with one or more computing devices. In a single user mode, a computing device can control several diagnostic instruments wirelessly. In broadcast mode, a diagnostic instrument can send a data stream wirelessly to many listening computing devices. Further features, such as safety warning messages, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignees: Snap-On Technologies, Inc., Autologic, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Fudali, William D. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 7117194
    Abstract: A system and method for use in accessing and displaying information is disclosed. The system and method may include a hand-held device for displaying information; the device may include a processor; a memory; and a word dictionary table stored in the memory. The word dictionary table may include a word list of unique words within the information. The word dictionary table may also include a set of word identification tokens that each represent a word in the list. The memory may also include a phrase dictionary table, which may include a phrase list of word identification token groups, each word identification token group representing a phrase that is contained in the information. The phrase dictionary table may further include a set of phrase identification tokens, each representing one of the phrases in the textual information. The memory may be updated or synchronized via a network that includes a satellite link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Costantino, Richard Donohue
  • Publication number: 20060130033
    Abstract: A method for providing a software module to an automotive vehicle control unit comprises the steps of a) establishing a connection between a programmable memory of the vehicle control unit and a programming device, b) generating a request message, the request message comprising a software module identifier for identifying the software module, c) sending the request message via a communication means to a server, d) receiving from the server an access message, enabling the programming device to access a software module, and e) loading the software module, by the programming device, into the programmable memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Applicant: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolaas Stoffels, Robert Hoevenaar, Carel Anthoni
  • Publication number: 20060078175
    Abstract: A vehicle diagnostic display unit including a case, a display screen disposed within a front portion of the case, and a main support coupled to a side of the case and having a finger compartment for receiving a user's fingers to allow the user to lift the vehicle diagnostic display unit using one hand. A navigation pad is disposed on a front surface of the main support and the main support is configured to allow a user to simultaneously lift the diagnostic display unit and access the navigation pad with a thumb. The unit also includes a fingerprint identification system including a scanner for scanning an image of a fingerprint of the user. The scanner is fitted on the navigation pad so that the user's thumb naturally rests on the fingerprint scanner when the user lifts the diagnostic display unit and accesses the navigation pad with the thumb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Publication date: April 13, 2006
    Applicant: SNAP-ON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. A DELAWARE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Roy Brozovich
  • Publication number: 20050193252
    Abstract: An integrated diagnostic system includes interface connectors to connect to a plurality of instruments/instrument modules, including engine analyzers, gas analyzers, oscilloscopes, scanners, network connections, and/or other desired peripheral modules. These modules advantageously interface to the system through diverse parts, connections and with various protocols. The system may connect to a network, wired or wireless, for interfacing among processors and modules, and with an internet connection for interaction with remote resources including databases and expert systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Applicant: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Cancilla, Bill Duran, Robert Hoevenaar, Arnold Kop, Keith Kreft, Tyrone Moritz, James Normile, Terry Ogilvie, Dale Trsar, Dennis Williamson, Ken Wang, Robert Edwards
  • Publication number: 20050181243
    Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure Embodiments for servicing a system including a fuel cell and at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is implemented for generating information indicative of operation of the system. The information is communicated to a tool operatively connected with the system. The information is evaluated to determine if the system is operating as intended. Based on the information, a recommendation for returning the system to intended operation is determined. The recommendation is performed. The first three steps are repeated until the system is operating as intended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Applicant: SNAP-ON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Mark BACH
  • Publication number: 20050156559
    Abstract: An integrated battery service system performs a plurality of services related to a battery, such as battery testing, battery charging, and the like. In addition, the integrated service system provides services to devices/components that are coupled to the battery, such as starters, alternators, etc. The integrated battery service system allows a user to abort a service and then resume the process from where the process was aborted. When conducting a service, the integrated battery service system determines a noise level caused by devices/components coupled to the battery. The integrated battery service system includes connectors configured to couple to a battery for receiving input signals, a processor coupled to the connectors, and a memory device coupled to the processor for storing control codes and operation history. The control codes, when executed by the processor, control the system to selectively abort a service in response to a user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Publication date: July 21, 2005
    Applicant: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Thibedeau, Alejandro Brott, Gary Jonker, Leonard Wisneski, Paul Willems, Alan Goetzelmann
  • Publication number: 20050137762
    Abstract: A diagnostic platform includes a processor, storage media and user interfaces, including a display screen, the processor being coupled to engine analyzer hardware and adapted to be coupled to a scanner for downloading data from vehicle on-board computers. The system stores libraries of information regarding vehicle identifications, drivability symptoms exhibited by vehicles, vehicle system and component tests and service codes which can be registered by the vehicle on-board computer. System software permits the user to input an identification of the vehicle under test and, in one mode of operation, displays a library of faults, such as symptoms or service codes, from which the user can select those exhibited by the vehicle, whereupon the system selects from the test library those tests pertinent to diagnosis of the causes of the selected faults and displays them in a hierarchically ranked order based on likelihood of successful diagnosis of the faults. The user can then select and initiate any displayed test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Applicant: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Rother