Abstract: A vehicular diagnostic tool configured to interface with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. The tool includes a transceiver that itself includes a voltage threshold controller and a current threshold controller. Also, a method of using a single vehicular diagnostic tool to communicate with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol.

Abstract: A data management system includes a data gathering device and a host device. The data gathering device is configured to gather data regarding a target object and to transmit the data to the host device. The host device operates on the data to produce an output and transmits the output back to the data gathering device. Subsequent action, including the gathering of further data, may be taken on the target object in response to and upon receipt of the output. The data gathering device and host device may communicate via wire or wirelessly. The host device may also exchange information with a network.

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: A vehicular diagnostic tool configured to interface with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. The tool includes a transceiver that itself includes a voltage threshold controller and a current threshold controller. Also, a method of using a single vehicular diagnostic tool to communicate with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol.

Abstract: A vehicular diagnostic tool configured to interface with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. The tool includes a transceiver that itself includes a voltage threshold controller and a current threshold controller. Also, a method of using a single vehicular diagnostic tool to communicate with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol.

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 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: 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: An alternator and starter tester system having a bar code reader. The bar code can contain information regarding the component being tested and can direct the tester to conduct the appropriate test. The bar code can also encode the results of the test on a second bar code. The second bar code can then be coupled to the tested component.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a vehicle communication interface device and a computer processing device to a signal source comprises a first port configured for communication with the communication interface device and a second port configured for communication with the computer processing device. The adapter can include a receptacle configured to receive signals having a data portion and a power portion. The adapter can further identify the received signals as being one of vehicle signals or computer signals. Moreover, the adapter can include a relay having a first state associated with the vehicle signals for relaying the vehicle signals between the first port and the signal source and a second state associated with the computer signals for relaying the computer signals between the second port and the signal source. The relay can be selectively placed in one of the first and the second states associated with the received signals as identified by the receptacle.

Abstract: A parasitic drain tester measuring the parasitic battery drain of a vehicle and the high current used by the vehicle starter motor, includes a current measuring circuit and a unit. The current measuring circuit includes a capacitor smoothing the current distribution within the circuit, a first interface connected to a vehicle power source being tested 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 in order to process the signal received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating battery information to a remote device or database. A battery tester and/or charger can communicate with a wired or wireless connection to the remote device. Battery identifying information, test results and warranty information can be communicated to the remote device or database.

Abstract: An engine starter motor tester applies power to a motor under test at the level normally applied while that motor is installed in a vehicle and monitors the ripple in the driving current. The ripple rate, scaled by the number of windings used in the construction of the motor, provides a direct reading of the shaft speed of the unloaded motor. This number allows a valid inference concerning the state of health of the motor, and is more certain than an estimate for an unloaded motor based on operator experience and motor “sound”. A complete test apparatus includes a stored lookup table, allowing the user to key in a product brand and model number and read directly both the RPM and the test apparatus's rating of the motor under test, expressed in terms such as percentage of life remaining.

Abstract: A battery testing/charging system includes an execution unit, such as a battery tester/charger, a receptacle configured to receive an external booster pack, and an outlet configured to power the booster pack when the booster pack is connected to the outlet. The receptacle removably receives the booster pack, such that the booster pack can be removed and separately carried when the execution unit is not required. The receptacle may be integrated with the execution unit. Alternatively, the execution unit may be mounted on a cart, and the receptacle integrated with the cart. The cart may also include an accessory storage tray and an output device bracket. The execution unit may receive partial or total power from the booster pack.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for simultaneously communicating with a plurality of motor vehicle control units and implements at least two different communication protocols within a single motor vehicle. The diagnostic tool includes a processor and a field programmable gate array. The processor simultaneously executes a plurality of diagnostic routines and thereby provides messages to at least two of the plurality of motor vehicle control units. The field programmable gate array provides a selectable multiple protocol interface to simultaneously accommodating the at least two different communication protocols. The field programmable gate array is coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the processor. The selectable multiple protocol interface simultaneously converts the messages from the processor into a format readable by the selected motor vehicle control units and simultaneously converting received control unit information into a format readable by the processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that allow a scan tool to communicate with a data link connector in a vehicle. A cable that can automatically multiplex its connections in order to make the appropriate connections between the scan tool and a data link connector based on a communication protocol of the vehicle under test. This allows the scan tool to communicate with the data link connector regardless of the pins being used by the communication protocol of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that allow a scan tool to communicate with a data link connector in a vehicle. A cable that can automatically multiplex its connections in order to make the appropriate connections between the scan tool and a data link connector based on a communication protocol of the vehicle under test. This allows the scan tool to communicate with the data link connector regardless of the pins being used by the communication protocol of the vehicle. The cable is also capable of switching between a signal ground and a chassis ground in order to provide the scan tool with a reference signal.

Abstract: An alternator and starter tester system having a bar code reader. The bar code can contain information regarding the component being tested and can direct the tester to conduct the appropriate test. The bar code can also encode the results of the test on a second bar code. The second bar code can then be coupled to the tested component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a battery information to a remote device or database. The battery tester and/or charger can communicate with a wired or wireless connection to the remote device. Battery indentifying information, test results and warranty information can be communicated to the remote device or database.

Abstract: An engine starter motor tester applies power to a motor under test at the level normally applied while that motor is installed in a vehicle and monitors the ripple in the driving current. The ripple rate, scaled by the number of windings used in the construction of the motor, provides a direct reading of the shaft speed of the unloaded motor. This number allows a valid inference concerning the state of health of the motor, and is more certain than an estimate for an unloaded motor based on operator experience and motor “sound”. A complete test apparatus includes a stored lookup table, allowing the user to key in a product brand and model number and read directly both the RPM and the test apparatus's rating of the motor under test, expressed in terms such as percentage of life remaining.