Patents by Inventor Kevin I. Bertness

Kevin I. Bertness has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Electronic battery tester with network communication
    Patent number: 8958998
    Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery includes test circuitry configured to provide a battery test output related to a condition of the battery. A memory stores a battery tester address of the battery tester, and communication circuitry transmits the battery test output formatted with the battery tester address on a communication link to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • Electronic battery tester with battery age input
    Patent number: 8872517
    Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery, includes connections configured to couple to terminals of the battery. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the connections and configured to measure a parameter of the battery. An input is configured to receive a battery age input variable. Computation circuitry is configured to provide a test output related to a condition of the battery based upon the measured parameter and the battery age input variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Philbrook, Kevin I. Bertness
  • Electronic battery tester mounted in a vehicle
    Patent number: 8872516
    Abstract: A cable for connecting to an electronic battery tester, includes a first end configured to couple to a databus of a vehicle and a second end configured to couple to the electronic battery tester. An electrical connection extends between the first end and the second end and is configured to couple the electronic battery tester to the databus of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • CURRENT CLAMP WITH JAW CLOSURE DETECTION
    Publication number: 20140266225
    Abstract: A current clamp has a pair of jaws that are placed around an electrical conductor to measure a parameter (a measurable quantity or distinguishing or notable characteristic) corresponding to the electrical conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan C. Coleman, Kevin I. Bertness
  • Electronic battery tester
    Patent number: 8754653
    Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery includes test circuitry configured to provide an output based upon a selected test criteria. Additionally, circuitry is provided to assist in balancing batteries used in a string of multiple batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: J. David Vonderhaar, Kevin I. Bertness
  • Battery pack maintenance for electric vehicles
    Patent number: 8738309
    Abstract: A method of repairing a used battery pack from an electric vehicle include removing the battery pack from the vehicle. Battery tests are performed on at least some of the plurality of batteries and a battery test result for each of the batteries tested are obtained and stored in a database. A plurality of replacement batteries are tested and test results for each of the replacement batteries are stored in the database. The battery test results from the database are retrieved and used to create a refurbished battery pack. An apparatus includes a database for storing test results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • Battery Pack Maintenance for Electric Vehicle
    Publication number: 20140117997
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing or testing a used battery pack from an electric vehicle include removing the battery pack from the vehicle. Battery tests are performed on at least some of the plurality of batteries and battery test results for each of the batteries tested are obtained. A cradle is configured to receive at least two different types of batteries. The cradle includes connectors to electrically couple circuitry of a battery tester to the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • System for automatically gathering battery information
    Patent number: 8704483
    Abstract: A method that includes affixing a radio frequency identification tag on a storage battery at a battery manufacturing plant. The method also includes storing battery manufacturing information into the radio frequency identification tag at the battery manufacturing plant. The battery manufacturing information includes a battery algorithm suitable for use in testing the storage battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, John S. Philbrook
  • Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a vehicle electrical system
    Patent number: 8674711
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring electrical parameters for an electrical system measures a first and second parameters of the electrical system between connections to the electrical system. A processor determines a third electrical parameter of the electrical system as a function of the first parameter and the second parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • In-vehicle battery monitor
    Patent number: 8674654
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of monitoring a battery in an automotive vehicle are provided. An output is provided which can be a relative output as a function of minimum and maximum parameters of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY PACK MAINTENANCE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140002021
    Abstract: The present invention includes a battery maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • Electronic battery tester or charger with databus connection
    Patent number: 8513949
    Abstract: Vehicle maintenance circuitry for use with a storage battery, and/or electrical system of a vehicle includes an electrical connector configured to electrically couple to the vehicle. OBD communication circuitry is configured to couple to an OBD databus of a vehicle. The operation of the vehicle maintenance circuitry is a function of communication on the OBD databus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • Automotive vehicle electrical system diagnostic device
    Patent number: 8493022
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle electrical system diagnostic apparatus includes first and second electrical connections configured to electrically couple to an electrical system of an automotive vehicle which includes a battery. Digital samples are obtained during operation of the vehicle which are related to the system. The digital samples are stored in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • Simplification of inventory management
    Patent number: 8442877
    Abstract: A simplified inventory management method. The method employs a plurality of stock-keeping unit labels, with each of the plurality of stock-keeping unit labels having a same stock-keeping unit number. Individual ones of the plurality of stock-keeping unit labels are utilized to track individual items of a plurality of items. A sale price of individual ones a first set of the plurality of items is different from a sale price of individual ones of a second set of the plurality of items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, John S. Philbrook
  • Integrated tag reader and environment sensor
    Patent number: 8436619
    Abstract: A combined sensing and reading apparatus. The apparatus includes a tag reader and an environment sensor integrated with the tag reader. A battery maintenance tool that includes a tag reader and an environment sensor integrated with the tag reader is also provided. Examples of a battery maintenance tool include a battery tester and a battery charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, John S. Philbrook
  • BATTERY TESTERS WITH SECONDARY FUNCTIONALITY
    Publication number: 20130090870
    Abstract: An electronic vehicle tester includes a battery tester configured to measure a parameter of a battery of a vehicle. A tire tester is configured to receive a parameter of a tire of the vehicle. A wireless receiver can be configured to receive pressure information from a transmitter associated with a tire of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • System for automatically gathering battery information
    Patent number: 8344685
    Abstract: A method that includes affixing a radio frequency identification tag on a storage battery at a battery manufacturing plant. The method also includes storing battery manufacturing information into the radio frequency identification tag at the battery manufacturing plant. The battery manufacturing information includes a battery algorithm suitable for use in testing the storage battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, John S. Philbrook
  • Battery tester for electric vehicle
    Patent number: 8306690
    Abstract: Testing or diagnostics are performed on an electric vehicle. The vehicle is operated and current flow through a system of the vehicle is monitored. A voltage related to the system is also monitored. Diagnostics are provided based upon the monitored voltage and the monitored current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, Stephen J. McShane
  • Battery testers with secondary functionality
    Patent number: 8237448
    Abstract: An electronic vehicle tester includes a battery tester configured to measure a parameter of a battery of a vehicle. A tire tester is configured to receive a parameter of a tire of the vehicle. A wireless receiver can be configured to receive pressure information from a transmitter associated with a tire of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY GATHERING BATTERY INFORMATION
    Publication number: 20120182132
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which a radio frequency identification (RIFD) tag is associated with the storage battery and is used in conjunction with a battery test, battery charger, or other battery maintenance. A cable configured to be affixed to the storage battery. The cable is configured to store information and wirelessly communicate the information to a battery tester. A battery maintenance device configured to couple to the battery and to perform battery maintenance on the battery through the cable. The battery maintenance device includes wireless communication circuitry configured to communicate with a memory of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen J. McShane, Todd J. Stukenberg, Kevin I. Bertness, John S. Philbrook