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).

  • Battery tester with promotion feature to promote use of the battery tester by providing the user with codes having redeemable value
    Patent number: 7791348
    Abstract: Battery maintenance equipment is provided for use in maintaining storage batteries. The battery maintenance equipment includes battery maintenance circuitry. A redemption code output is provided and configured to provide an output having a redeemable value in response to the battery maintenance circuitry. A method includes outputting a redemption code in response to usage of battery maintenance equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis V. Brown, Kevin I. Bertness, Stephen J. McShane, Michael E. Troy, William G. Sampson
  • Wireless battery monitor
    Patent number: 7774151
    Abstract: An electronic battery tester and method includes generating battery test data from an electronic battery test. The battery test data is transmitted over a wireless communication medium. In another aspect, a method and apparatus is provided for receiving battery test data from a wireless communication medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • Wireless battery tester with information encryption means
    Patent number: 7772850
    Abstract: An electronic battery tester and method includes generating battery test data from an electronic battery test. The battery test data is transmitted over a wireless communication medium. In another aspect, a method and apparatus is provided for receiving battery test data from a wireless communication medium. Also, a diagnostic battery charger, which is capable of transmitting battery condition information to an external receiver, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH NETWORK COMMUNICATION
    Publication number: 20100194576
    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: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER
    Publication number: 20100188091
    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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: J. David Vonderhaar, Kevin I. Bertness
  • Electronic battery tester with databus
    Patent number: 7728597
    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: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • Battery tester that calculates its own reference values
    Patent number: 7710119
    Abstract: A battery tester that is capable of calculating its own reference values is provided. The battery tester includes test circuitry that is configured to obtain dynamic parameter values for batteries, and to compute at least one reference value based on the dynamic parameter values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • Alternator tester
    Patent number: 7706991
    Abstract: An alternator tester is provided for testing an alternator of a vehicle while the alternator is coupled to the vehicle. A sensor is configured to couple to the vehicle and sense a signal related to operation of the alternator. A memory contains data related to operator instructions for performing an alternator tester of a function of vehicle type. A processor configured to provide an output indication of alternator condition based upon the sensed signal. An extra load or connection can be provided for coupling to the electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, Alan Keith Melton
  • Automotive vehicle electrical system diagnostic device
    Patent number: 7705602
    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: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • Energy management system for automotive vehicle
    Patent number: 7688074
    Abstract: A battery monitor is provided for use with a battery of an automotive vehicle. The battery monitor can provide real time battery condition measurements and can selectively control the charging of the battery through an alternator of the vehicle based upon the measured battery condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cox, Kevin I. Bertness
  • Electronic battery tester with vehicle type input
    Patent number: 7656162
    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 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Midtronics Inc.
    Inventors: J. David Vonderhaar, Kevin I. Bertness
  • ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER
    Publication number: 20100013489
    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: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: J. David Vonderhaar, Kevin I. Bertness
  • Automotive vehicle electrical system diagnostic device
    Patent number: 7642787
    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: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Midtronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, William G. Sampson
  • Clamp for Electrically Coupling to a Battery Contact
    Publication number: 20090311919
    Abstract: A clamp that is capable of attaching to a battery post and also to a female receptacle terminal. The clamp includes a post-grasping portion that is capable of attaching to the battery post. The clamp also includes a male plug feature that is configured to fit into a female receptacle terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark E. Smith, Kevin I. Bertness
  • STORAGE BATTERY AND BATTERY TESTER
    Publication number: 20090295395
    Abstract: A storage battery is provided which has a first and second post for electrically coupling to an electrical system. A test plug is provided for use in coupling the storage battery to an electronic battery tester. In another aspect, a battery tester is provided having a plug configured to couple to a test plug of a storage battery for use in performing an electronic battery test on the storage battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • Scan tool for electronic battery tester
    Patent number: 7598744
    Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery includes a first and a second electrical connector configured to electrically couple to terminals of the storage battery. Measurement circuitry tests the storage battery and generate a battery test result. OBD communication circuitry provides an OBD output signal in accordance with an OBD communication standard related to the battery test result. An OBD connector is configured to couple to an OBD compliant automotive vehicle scan tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, Hector Isidro Nunez Polanco
  • Battery maintenance device having databus connection
    Patent number: 7598743
    Abstract: An electronic battery tester or charger for use with a storage battery includes a first and a second electrical connector configured to electrically couple to terminals of the storage battery. Circuitry operates on the storage battery. OBD communication circuitry is configured to couple to an OBD databus of a vehicle. The operation of the circuitry is a function of communication on the OBD databus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
  • SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY GATHERING BATTERY INFORMATION
    Publication number: 20090212781
    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: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, John S. Philbrook
  • INTEGRATED TAG READER AND ENVIRONMENT SENSOR
    Publication number: 20090184165
    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: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, John S. Philbrook
  • SIMPLIFICATION OF INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
    Publication number: 20090187495
    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: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, John S. Philbrook