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 systematic method and system for testing the charging and starting systems of a vehicle, which requires each individual test to pass before proceeding is provided. In addition, the invention incorporates an improved alternator test that determines whether the alternator belt is slipping using data read using a vehicle data port. Further, the invention provides a battery bank test that correlates the voltage before and after a load is applied to the battery bank to the batteries' conditions. When testing the starter, the oil temperature is read via the vehicle data port, allowing for a determination of whether the current draw is abnormally high.

Abstract: A systematic method and system for testing the charging and starting systems of a vehicle, which requires each individual test to pass before proceeding is provided. In addition, the system and method incorporates an improved alternator test that determines whether the alternator belt is slipping using data read using a vehicle data port. Further, the system and method provides a battery bank test that correlates the voltage before and after a load is applied to the battery bank to the batteries' conditions. When testing the starter, the oil temperature is read via the vehicle data port, allowing for a determination of whether the current draw is abnormally high.

Abstract: A system, capacitor having auxiliary cells, and associated methods for starting an engine is provided. The capacitor is an enhanced-power capacitor that provides enhanced cranking power. The capacitor is isolated from the battery and the rest of the engine's electrical system at preselected times. The capacitor is electrically connected to the alternator when the engine is running and is charged by the alternator. When the engine is not running, the capacitor is electrically isolated to prevent the capacitor discharging by powering accessory devices; the battery can power devices while the capacitor remains electrically isolated. During starting, the capacitor provides all the power supplied to the starter solenoid. If the battery is too weak to energize the electrical system during starting, an override allows the capacitor to provide power for all starting functions.

Abstract: A system, capacitor having auxiliary cells, and associated methods for starting an engine is provided. The capacitor is an enhanced-power capacitor that provides enhanced cranking power. The capacitor is isolated from the battery and the rest of the engine's electrical system at preselected times. The capacitor is electrically connected to the alternator when the engine is running and is charged by the alternator. When the engine is not running, the capacitor is electrically isolated to prevent the capacitor discharging by powering accessory devices; the battery can power devices while the capacitor remains electrically isolated. During starting, the capacitor provides all the power supplied to the starter solenoid. If the battery is too weak to energize the electrical system during starting, an override allows the capacitor to provide power for all starting functions.

Abstract: A system, capacitor having auxiliary cells, and associated methods for starting an engine is provided. The capacitor is an enhanced-power capacitor that provides enhanced cranking power. The capacitor is isolated from the battery and the rest of the engine's electrical system at preselected times. The capacitor is electrically connected to the alternator when the engine is running and is charged by the alternator. When the engine is not running, the capacitor is electrically isolated to prevent the capacitor discharging by powering accessory devices; the battery can power devices while the capacitor remains electrically isolated. During starting, the capacitor provides all the power supplied to the starter solenoid. If the battery is too weak to energize the electrical system during starting, an override allows the capacitor to provide power for all starting functions.

Abstract: A system, capacitor having auxiliary cells, and associated methods for starting an engine is provided. The capacitor is an enhanced-power capacitor that provides enhanced cranking power. The capacitor is isolated from the battery and the rest of the engine's electrical system at preselected times. The capacitor is electrically connected to the alternator when the engine is running and is charged by the alternator. When the engine is not running, the capacitor is electrically isolated to prevent the capacitor discharging by powering accessory devices; the battery can power devices while the capacitor remains electrically isolated. During starting, the capacitor provides all the power supplied to the starter solenoid. If the battery is too weak to energize the electrical system during starting, an override allows the capacitor to provide power for all starting functions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing supplementary power to an electrical system of a vehicle or other machinery is provided. The apparatus and methods specifically provide a rapid-delivery of high amounts of power. The significant power levels are sufficient, for example, to turn the starter of a heavy-duty commercial transport vehicle stranded by a disabled battery. The power is supplied by a power source having the combination of high-density capacitor and battery. The power delivery is controlled to avoid such standard problems as reverse or same polarity connections and overvoltage. Control is effected by a combination voltage sensing circuit and isolation circuit to prevent current between the power source and the electrical system unless prescribed conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing supplementary power to an electrical system of a vehicle or other machinery is provided. The apparatus and methods specifically provide a rapid-delivery of high amounts of power. The significant power levels are sufficient, for example, to turn the starter of a heavy-duty commercial transport vehicle stranded by a disabled battery. The power is supplied by a power source having the combination of high-density capacitor and battery. The power delivery is controlled to avoid such standard problems as reverse or same polarity connections and overvoltage. Control is effected by a combination voltage sensing circuit and isolation circuit to prevent current between the power source and the electrical system unless prescribed conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for controlling power to interior functions of a trailer of a heavy duty vehicle.