Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a scrub radius of a wheel including determining at least one of a steering axis, a centerline and a ground plane of the wheel using computer-aided alignment, and determining the other of the steering axis, the centerline and the ground plane of the wheel not determined using computer-aided alignment. The method also includes determining an intersection between the steering axis and the ground plane of the wheel, determining an intersection between the centerline and the ground plane of the wheel, and determining a distance between the intersections, the distance being equal to the scrub radius of the wheel.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool has a housing with an external surface and defining a plurality of cavities therein to hold components of the pneumatic tool. The housing defines a motor cavity wherein a pneumatic motor is disposed. Two spaced-apart vents extend from the motor cavity to the external surface of the housing, and a muffler is mounted adjacent to one vent. A tubular sleeve, which includes a radially extended discharge portion from which exhaust may escape, is mounted on the external surface of the housing and cooperates with it to define an annular exhaust passageway. The sleeve is rotatable between muffled and unmuffled positions wherein the discharge portion is respectively adjacent to the one vent or the other.

Abstract: An improved position determination system that is resistant to interference caused by glint, such as from the Sun. The position determination system for determining positional parameters of an object has a target device comprising a base configured for attaching to the object, first and second target surfaces connected to the base; wherein the planes on which the first target surface and the second target surface are located are non-parallel to each other. The position determination system further comprises an image sensing device configured for forming a viewing path intersecting the target device and generating image information indicative of the geometric characteristics of the target device, and a data processing device configured to couple to the image sensing device for determining the orientation of the object based on the image information. If one of the target surfaces becomes obscured as a result of glint, the image of the other target surface alone is sufficient to determine object orientation.

Abstract: A circuit tester for both 14-volt and 42-volt automotive electrical systems includes a housing with a probe tip at one end and a ground connector at the other end. A battery-powered voltage detection circuit in the housing includes a plurality of comparators, each having one input connected to an input signal from the probe tip and a reference input connected to a tap of a tapped voltage divider providing plural reference signals having amplitudes respectively corresponding to industry-standard voltage levels, the comparators being arranged in two groups respectively corresponding to 14-volt and 42-volt automotive systems. Series-connected LEDs have their cathodes respectively connected to the outputs of the comparators, and are arranged for respectively being viewed through apertures in the housing arranged in two separate rows. The interconnections are such that only one LED at a time is illuminated, i.e.

Abstract: An improved computerized automotive service equipment system has a number of novel features. The system causes the initiation of a servicing routine upon the detection of particular stimuli from the sensors. The novel system also places instructional output on the output device simultaneously with an output representative of a vehicle diagnostic state. Object oriented programming techniques are utilized to allow an automotive servicing application to be easily and conveniently updated. The automotive service equipment system is constructed so that replacement of the sensor hardware only requires the replacement of a single software object or collection of objects instead of the rewriting of the entire application. In the novel system, the operator/technician can program the sequence in which the automotive service routine will proceed. The system has other novel features as well.

Abstract: An electrically powered impact tool has a removably mountable battery pack which includes an acoustic detection circuit for detecting sounds generated by the impact mechanism in use and, in response to such detection, starts an adjustable time period, at the end of which a relay is actuated for disconnecting the battery of the battery pack from the tool motor for a predetermined time period. This serves as a torque-limiting mechanism where the tool is a torque-applying tool. The time period is adjustable by a dial on the battery pack housing and the control circuitry may be selectively powered through a switch on the battery pack housing.

Abstract: A battery pack has a housing with a plug portion mateably receivable in a socket of a battery-powered power hand tool on which the battery back is designed to be mounted. The battery pack also has a connector cable with a connector plug at its distal end mateably receivable in the tool socket so that the battery pack can be disposed remotely from the tool. The battery pack can be mounted on tools with which it does not mate by use of an adapter having a plug portion mateably receivable in the tool socket, and an adapter socket mateably receiving the battery pack plug portion. Multiple battery packs may be interconnected on a wearable carrier and connected to the tool by a cable with a plug connector.

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.

Abstract: A drive shaft locking mechanism including a locking structure in the form of a gear which is secured to an input shaft of a rotary tool, a retractable interlocking mechanism which selectively couples to the locking structure, and a directional control mechanism coupled to the interlocking mechanism, controlling its movement. The locking structure comprises at least one engageable surface and a means for securing the locking structure to the input shaft. The interlocking mechanism includes a locking element slidably disposed within a tubular channel and selectively extensible therefrom at the urging of the directional control mechanism, to engage the locking structure along an engageable surface.

Abstract: A system for obtaining positional information about a vehicle includes a vision imaging system and a vehicle position adjustment mechanism for moving the vehicle between at least two positions for detection by the vision imaging system. The vehicle position adjustment mechanism includes a body, surface support wheels, a motor, and a controller. The body engages the vehicle, and the controller controls the direction and distance the vehicle position adjustment mechanism moves the vehicle. The surface support wheels are connected to the body and support the body on a surface. The motor drives the vehicle between the at least two positions.

Abstract: A computerized automotive service equipment system is adapted to access remotely located computer systems to retrieve or exchange data and/or software applications, or to undergo live or real-time and two-way interaction. The system and its components are dynamic with respect to both function and data, and can be easily updated or otherwise altered. The system of the present invention utilizes World Wide Web technology, which enables the use of universal and widely compatible programming tools and techniques for efficient and fast system development.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of missing pulses from a repetitive pulse train including signal detection circuits for capturing the rising and/or falling edges of an input signal, time-stamping the captured edges, calculating the maximum and minimum instantaneous frequency over a specified time period, and displaying such frequency values. Instantaneous frequency values between any two adjacent edges are calculated based upon the time-stamps of the edges. The instantaneous frequency values in a specified time period are then sorted to find the minimum and maximum frequency values for that time period. These instantaneous frequency values are displayed in the form of a histogram evidencing the occurrence or lack of occurrence of missing pulses from the input signal.

Abstract: In a refrigerant recycling system non-condensables are purged from a recovery vessel which stores refrigerant recovered from a vehicular refrigeration system. A programmed controller controls operation of a purge valve for purging to atmosphere non-condensables in the recovered refrigerant in accordance with a purge routine, wherein the temperature in the recovery vessel is measured, and a look-up table is consulted to ascertain a target pressure corresponding to the measured temperature plus an offset, and the pressure in the recovery vessel is measured. If the measured pressure exceeds the target pressure, the purge valve is opened until the measured pressure drops to the target pressure. Immediately after a recovery operation, the purge routine is operated to purge the vessel to a target pressure based on an offset of 1° F. and, at a later time, after the vessel has cooled, the purge routine is operated to purge the vessel to a target pressure based on an offset of zero.

Abstract: A charge maintenance system for a lead-acid battery includes a charger, a voltage monitor, and a load/switch series combination, all connectable in parallel across the battery terminals, the switch and the charger being under control of a microprocessor. The battery is initially loaded for a predetermined time period, or until the battery voltage drops below an absolute minimum reference level during a loading cycle, and the system stores the lowest battery terminal voltage occurring during the loading cycle. After a predetermined delay following the loading cycle the charger is activated to charge the battery until it reaches a maximum charge level. Then, if the stored lowest battery voltage level is below a predetermined reference level, the loading/charging routine is repeated, otherwise it is not and the battery is considered good.

Abstract: A common platform is used in conjunction with a host computer to control various equipment sensors that perform different functions. In one aspect, the common platform is a micro-controller board, the host computer is a personal computer (PC), and the equipment sensors comprise an add-on card and a sensor for use in automotive services. A universal serial bus (USB) or an RS232 interface used for the common platform communicates with the host computer and with the equipment sensors. The common platform is a plug and play board that, once attached to the host computer, operates with little or no human intervention. The common platform is capable of accommodating various equipment sensors that are run by various appropriate application software. Further, the common platform can run under different operation power sources. In one aspect, these power sources include a power source embedded in the common platform, an RS232 power source, and a power source external to the common platform, such as a battery.

Abstract: A device for measuring forces generated by unbalance of a rotor, in particular a motor vehicle wheel, includes a stationary frame, an intermediate frame positioned radially within the stationary frame, and first levers supporting the intermediate frame on the stationary frame. The first levers are arranged along imaginary lines that are either parallel to each other or intersect at a first virtual mounting position. A pivot bearing is supported on the intermediate frame by second levers, which are arranged along imaginary lines that intersect at a second virtual mounting position. Mounted coaxially in the pivot bearing is a measuring shaft, which is rotatable about a common axis of the measuring shaft and the pivot bearing. An outer force sensor measures displacement between the intermediate frame and the stationary frame. An inner force sensor measures displacement between the pivot bearing and the intermediate frame.

Abstract: There is illustrated an electrically insulating hand tool having a shaft that is hollow along its entire length, a work-engaging insert received in one end of the shaft, and an electrically insulating handle connected to an opposite end of the shaft. The shaft has a unitary one-piece construction and is made from a composite material.

Abstract: An automatic refrigerant handling apparatus has a compressor pump for withdrawing a refrigerant from an associated refrigeration system to be serviced, a condenser for liquefying the refrigerant and a storage vessel for storing the recovered refrigerant, the compressor pump also being capable of evacuating the refrigeration system to a first refrigeration system pressure. The apparatus has a connection jack for receiving a connector of an associated optional vacuum pump, the connector including a jumper which interconnects two terminals on the jack when the vacuum pump is connected so that the control circuitry of the apparatus can recognize the presence of the vacuum pump, whereupon the program routine of the control processor utilizes the vacuum pump instead of the compressor pump to draw a vacuum on the associated refrigeration system.