Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for testing and storage of information related to a component. A data collection device having a memory is fixedly connected to the component. A test device communicates with the data collection device to store test data concerning the component in the data collection device. The test device also performs analysis of the test data and provides information concerning the health and maintenance history of the component. The present invention also provides systems and methods for determining the current drawn or supplied by electrical components connected in parallel in an electrical system. A current sensor located between the electrical components determines the current supply or draw of one of the electrical components, while a current sensor between the electrical components and the remainder of the electrical system determine a cumulative current draw or supply by both the electrical components.

Abstract: A method for logging and reporting driver activity and vehicle operation includes identifying a driver of a vehicle, recording operating data with an on-board recorder that is hard-wired to an engine control module, coupled to a mileage sensing system, and linked to a global navigation satellite system, and recording duty status of the driver. An hours of service log and a fuel tax log are created from the operating data. The method includes comparing the driver's hours of service log to an applicable requirement, indicating to the driver whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement, automatically uploading the logs to a receiver external to the vehicle using a wireless telecommunications network, and emitting a compliance signal representative of whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement to a second receiver external to the vehicle and under control of authorities.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus, and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared, an RF data, an Internet, or other network communications protocol.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus, and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared, an RF data, an Internet, or other network communications protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as a local-area infrared or an RF data communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from a remote data communications terminal or another portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as a local-area infrared or an RF data communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from a remote data communications terminal or another portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for testing and storage of information related to a component. A data collection device having a memory is fixedly connected to the component. A test device communicates with the data collection device to store test data concerning the component in the data collection device. The test device also performs analysis of the test data and provides information concerning the health and maintenance history of the component. The present invention also provides systems and methods for determining the current drawn or supplied by electrical components connected in parallel in an electrical system. A current sensor located between the electrical components determines the current supply or draw of one of the electrical components, while a current sensor between the electrical components and the remainder of the electrical system determine a cumulative current draw or supply by both the electrical components.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as a local-area infrared or an RF data communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from a remote data communications terminal or another portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for testing and storage of information related to a component. A data collection device having a memory is fixedly connected to the component. A test device communicates with the data collection device to store test data concerning the component in the data collection device. The test device also performs analysis of the test data and provides information concerning the health and maintenance history of the component. The present invention also provides systems and methods for determining the current drawn or supplied by electrical components connected in parallel in an electrical system. A current sensor located between the electrical components determines the current supply or draw of one of the electrical components, while a current sensor between the electrical components and the remainder of the electrical system determine a cumulative current draw or supply by both the electrical components.

Abstract: A method for logging and reporting driver activity and vehicle operation includes identifying a driver of a vehicle, recording operating data with an on-board recorder that is hard-wired to an engine control module, coupled to a mileage sensing system, and linked to a global navigation satellite system, and recording duty status of the driver. An hours of service log and a fuel tax log are created from the operating data. The method includes comparing the driver's hours of service log to an applicable requirement, indicating to the driver whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement, automatically uploading the logs to a receiver external to the vehicle using a wireless telecommunications network, and emitting a compliance signal representative of whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement to a second receiver external to the vehicle and under control of authorities.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for providing visual information about a subject of interest. Specifically, the apparatus of the present invention includes a camera and light source for location at a point of interest. Pictures and/or video from the camera is transmitted to a remote location where it may be viewed by an interested party such that the user is not required to be in the vicinity of the area of interest to collect observations. The apparatus may use wireless communication, such as satellite, RF, and/or IR technology to transmit the data from the camera to the remote location. Further, the apparatus may include sensors for sensing characteristics of the environment surrounding. These environmental characteristics can be transmitted to the remote location or used triggering operation of the camera.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring a condition of relatively moving vehicle components, particularly including the pushrod of a brake actuator, including a magnet on one of the components, a sensor on the other component within the magnetic field of the magnet generating a signal indicating a condition of the moving component, an electrically conductive coil preferably surrounding the magnet generating a current and an active RF chip connected to the coil and the sensor, thereby providing current to the active RF chip for signaling a receiver. In the disclosed embodiment of a brake actuator monitoring system, the magnet is fixed on the pushrod and the coil surrounds the pushrod and magnet.

Abstract: The relay system of the present invention comprises a field effect device such as a MOSFET and a microprocessor that controls the on and off states of the field effect transistor. The processor monitors the current supplied to the field effect device and open circuits the device if the current exceeds a selected value. Importantly, the present invention uses a field effect device and microprocessor, as opposed to contacts, a coil and a downstream circuit breaker like conventional electromechanical relays. Unlike an electromechanical relay, the solid state relay is free of problems that arise from having mechanical parts. The solid state relay fuse is free of arcing, sparking, and there are no contact materials that can wear out or generate noise. Because of the use of a microprocessor, the solid state relay has a faster switching speed, and there are no switching voltage spikes from turning on a coil.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring a condition of relatively moving vehicle components, particularly including the pushrod of a brake actuator, including a magnet on one of the components, a sensor on the other component within the magnetic field of the magnet generating a signal indicating a condition of the moving component, an electrically conductive coil preferably surrounding the magnet generating a current and an active RF chip connected to the coil and the sensor, thereby providing current to the active RF chip for signaling a receiver. In the disclosed embodiment of a brake actuator monitoring system, the magnet is fixed on the pushrod and the coil surrounds the pushrod and magnet.

Abstract: The present invention provides several apparatus, methods, and computer program products for establishing a data communication link between an interrogation device and the data bus of a vehicle. Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention provides apparatus, methods, and computer program products that process data transmitted to and from the data bus of a vehicle one bit at a time with minimal delay. The apparatus, methods, and computer program products of this embodiment also prevent propagation of false data to both the data bus and the interrogation device, which is generated by the transmission of data to and from the data bus. The present invention also provides apparatus and methods that reduce the introduction of false data in the form of signal noise onto the data bus of a vehicle when the data bus is not transmitting data to or receiving data from a remote location.

Abstract: The modular connector includes a replaceable first cartridge having at least one communication terminal. The at least one communication terminal of the first cartridge can be electrically conductive and, in some instances, optically transmissive and has first and second opposed ends, wherein the first end is adapted to transmit a communication signal to a receptacle. The modular connector includes a second cartridge having at least one communication terminal defining first and second receptors. The at least one communication terminal of the second cartridge can be electrically conductive and, in some instances, optically transmissive. The first receptor of the at least one communication terminal of the second cartridge is adapted to receive a communication member, such as wire and, in some instances, an optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for testing and storage of information related to a component. A data collection device having a memory is fixedly connected to the component. A test device communicates with the data collection device to store test data concerning the component in the data collection device. The test device also performs analysis of the test data and provides information concerning the health and maintenance history of the component. The present invention also provides systems and methods for determining the current drawn or supplied by electrical components connected in parallel in an electrical system. A current sensor located between the electrical components determines the current supply or draw of one of the electrical components, while a current sensor between the electrical components and the remainder of the electrical system determine a cumulative current draw or supply by both the electrical components.

Abstract: A brake monitoring system generally includes a plurality of brake monitors mounted on each of a plurality of brake actuators. Each brake monitor generally comprises a sleeve mounted to a push rod which moves relative to a stone shield on the brake actuator. The displacement of the sleeve relative to the stone shield is measured to determine the stroke of the brake actuator. This information is sent via an RF transmitter to a controller which determines the condition of each of the brakes.

Abstract: A brake monitoring system generally includes a plurality of brake monitors mounted on each of a plurality of brake actuators. Each brake monitor generally comprises a sleeve mounted to a push rod which moves relative to a stone shield on the brake actuator. The displacement of the sleeve relative to the stone shield is measured to determine the stroke of the brake actuator. This information is sent via an RF transmitter to a controller which determines the condition of each of the brakes.