Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an automotive diagnostic tool which facilitates data communications between an automobile and diagnostic device, such as a personal computer. More particularly, the present invention relates to electrically isolating the data communications using a Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) device situated between an automobile's communication diagnostic port and the personal computer. The VCI contains logic circuitry to translate the automobile's On Board Diagnostic (OBD II) signals to an embedded Ethernet controller. Ethernet signals are then non-galvanicly exchanged with an Ethernet to USB controller with an Ethernet transformer. A personal computer is attached via a USB cable to the VCI's Ethernet to USB Controller, permitting information exchange between the automobile and the personal computer.

Abstract: A circularly-polarized antenna is provided, and includes a conductive backplane with a plurality of panels, a vertical array of patch radiators disposed on one of the backplane panels, and a feed stripline disposed on the backplane panel. The backplane panels are vertical, planar, rectangular and form a right prism. The vertical array has a radiator spacing of one wavelength, each radiator has a face and four edges, and each edge has a length of approximately one half wavelength. The feed stripline includes an input coupled to a coaxial feed cable, and a pair of outputs, orthogonal in position and phase, coupled to each of the radiators.

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 the 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 managing information between a diagnostic tool and a networked computing device are provided. The system made up of a diagnostic tool for retrieving information from a vehicle under test, a networked computing device for providing information concerning the vehicle under test, and an information management device for assisting communication between the diagnostic tool and the networked computing device. Information is gathered by the diagnostic tool and sent to the information management device which determines how to process the information, which may then be sent to the networked computing device for processing and returning relevant data to the information management device, and potentially to the diagnostic tool.

Abstract: A parasitic drain tester that measures a parasitic battery drain. A current measuring circuit includes a capacitor smoothing the current distribution within the circuit, a first interface connected to a vehicle power source and the capacitor, a second interface accommodating an outside connection for communication, a first processor connected to the second interface and the capacitor, the processor communicating with the second interface and performing analysis and calculation of the data received, and a converting unit connected to the processor, converting the signal received through the first interface from a first form to a second form. The first unit is connected to the current measuring circuit, and includes a memory storing information retrieved from the current measuring circuit through the second interface, and a second processor analyzing the information received from the current measuring circuit and providing instructions to the first processor through the second interface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a desuperheater spraying valve assembly. More particularly, the invention provides a new and improved valve assembly, whereby cooling liquid may be controllably injected into a gas or a liquid stream, typically steam, to selectively maintain the gas or liquid at a predetermined temperature level. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, a class V valve assembly is disclosed. It comprises an actuator coupled to a plug with a valve seat in the proximity of said plug. The plug is affixed to an actuator rod which transverses the body of the valve assembly. A spray tube may be affixed to said valve seat and at least one spray nozzle is affixed to a to the spray tube. The plug and said valve seat are conical in shape as to when said plug is inserted into said valve, they form a seal.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool and method are provided wherein the diagnostic tool includes a global positioning system that alerts a user when a condition is exceeded. Examples of conditions include that the user is speeding during the test drive or has driven passed a defined area. The user can be alerted to such conditions. The owner of the shop may also locate the diagnostic tool by using a location server.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body having an upper portion defining an upper chamber having an upper valve seat, and a lower portion defining a lower chamber having a lower valve seat, with an intermediate seat region between the upper valve seat and the lower valve seat. An upper valve stem is movable between a closed position seated against the upper valve seat and an open position spaced apart from the upper valve seat, and a lower valve stem is movable between a closed position seated against the lower valve seat and an open position spaced apart from the lower valve seat. A blocking ring is disposed in between the upper valve stem and the lower valve stem, and in contact with the intermediate valve seat. When the upper valve stem is open and the lower valve stem is closed, fluid escaping the upper chamber impinges on the blocking ring. When the upper valve stem is closed and the lower valve stem is open, fluid escaping the lower chamber impinges on the blocking ring.

Abstract: A work piece turning tool is provided. The tool includes: a body having two ends; a gripper located at one end configured to grip a work piece; a handle located at the end opposite of the gripper; and tool attachment located at a base of the handle at the end of the tool, wherein the tool attachment includes both an exterior drive and an interior drive. A method of turning a work piece is provided. The method includes: attaching a first tool having a movable gripper end to the work piece; attaching a second tool to a drive mounted to the handle of the first tool; moving the first tool to a desired orientation with respect to the gripper; and turning the work piece by moving the second tool.

Abstract: A technique detects an abnormal signal in a compound sampled signal recorded in the time domain. The technique involves dividing the sampled signal recorded in the time domain into sample segments; transforming each of the sample segments from the time domain into the frequency domain to determine transformed segments, each transformed segment having frequency points, each frequency point having an amplitude associated with a certain frequency; for a frequency point in a given transformed segment, determining a ratio by dividing the amplitude of the frequency point by a value indicative of an average of the amplitudes of the frequency points at the same frequency across transformed segments; repeating the determination of a ratio for frequency points in each transformed segment to determine ratios for each transformed segment; repeating the determination of ratios for transformed segments; and using the ratios to detect the abnormal signal in the compound sampled signal.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a seal for a surge relief valve includes a) a valve housing having a flow inlet and a flow outlet; b) an annular retainer for coupling a plug to an interior of the valve housing, the retainer having a first end oriented toward the flow inlet and a second end remote therefrom; c) the plug having a first end oriented toward the flow inlet and a second end remote therefrom, the plug having a mating junction for coupling with the second end of the retainer, the plug having a first countersink, a second countersink, a first lip defined between the first and second countersinks and a second lip adjacent the second countersink; and d) an annular plug seal having a first end oriented toward the flow inlet and a second end remote from the first end for mating with the second countersink and a lip that abuts the second end of the retainer.

Abstract: An alternator and starter tester system having a starter current zero test. The current is measured before and after a solenoid of a starter motor is energized and deenergized to determine if the starter motor should be failed. This allows the operator to quickly determine if the starter motor is stuck on during normal starter motor testing.

Abstract: A cooling tower system is provided that can exhibit increased energy efficiency that cools a process fluid or the like. The cooling tower system includes a cooling tower unit and a thermoelectric device along with a working fluid loop. The process fluid may be used to heat a working fluid for the thermoelectric device before being sent to the cooling tower for cooling. Power generated by the thermoelectric device may be utilized to operate a component of the cooling tower such as a fan or a pump. The cooling tower is also utilized to provide cooling to condense the working fluid from a vapor to a liquid form wherein the cooling tower is used to remove waste heat from a process fluid.

Abstract: A tool for holding a belt of an engine during belt replacement. The tool includes a base and a belt holding portion. A magnet can be included in a magnet receiving portion of the base so that the tool can be coupled to the pulley. The tool may also be clipped to the pulley so that the belt can be held in place during replacement. The belt holding portion may also be curved similar to the curvature of the pulley.

Abstract: A vehicle diagnostic device is provided that includes a programmable function to control a function on an emission computer workstation. The function key can be programmed to interact and manipulate with the workstation. The vehicle diagnostic device allows a user to wirelessly communicate with the workstation while located in the vehicle.

Abstract: A power balancing system includes a vehicle communication device connected to a data link connector of a vehicle, and a scan tool connected to the vehicle communication device, the scan tool including a handset and a vehicle connector interface (VCI), wherein power can be received from one or more of an external power source being external from the VCI, the vehicle, and an internal power supply of the scan tool, and wherein the system balances the received power.

Abstract: A particulate filter is provided. The particulate filter includes: a plurality of sensors located in the filter; and a controller operatively connected to the sensors to determine a relative flow velocity over the sensors. A method for detecting obstructions in a filter may also be provided. The method may include: locating a sensor in a zone within a filter; connecting the sensor to a controller; monitoring the sensor with the controller; and determining whether the zone is obstructed based on data received from the sensor.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input device for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input device and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, the processor receiving a selected information of a user and configuration of the diagnostic tool through the input device and correlating the configuration information with the user information, the processor processing the received diagnostic data according to the selected configuration information corresponding to the selected user by the input unit, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing the configuration information according to the corresponding user information, and a display unit receiving and displaying diagnostic information according to the selected

Abstract: A communications system that includes a vehicular diagnostic tool and a vehicle communication interface (VCI) configured to be connected to a vehicular computing system. In operation, the vehicular diagnostic tool automatically detects the presence of the VCI when the VCI is proximate thereto. Thereafter, the VCI and vehicular diagnostic tool communicate through a wireless connection. Also, a method of communicating using the aforementioned vehicular diagnostic tool and VCI.

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.