Abstract: A system for detecting abnormal vibrations in vehicles utilizes an accelerometer of a vehicle stability control system, anti-lock braking system, traction control system, engine, transmission, SRS and/or air bag, and/or telematics device. The system data logs vibration information produced by the accelerometer, establishes normal vibration signatures for the vehicle, and detects abnormal vibrations. The abnormal vibrations may be reported by the telematics device via a data connection gateway between a vehicle communication bus and a backend server, and/or reported to the driver via a display. The system may report the abnormal vibrations via a phone or web application. The system may establish normal vibration signatures and detect abnormal vibrations based on fixed vehicle specific values and variable vehicle operating conditions. The system may analyze the abnormal vibrations to determine whether they match the vibration signature of a particular out of balance or otherwise faulty vehicle component.

Abstract: A torque-limiting cap (100) for an air conditioning service port (14) includes an inner body assembly (122) having a retaining body (116) configured for engagement on the service port, and an outer body assembly (134) annularly disposed around the inner body assembly. The outer body assembly (134) has a first ratchet portion (140) configured for engagement with a second ratchet portion (146) that is disposed on the inner body assembly (122). When the outer body assembly (134) is torqued, the outer body assembly transmits the torque to the inner body assembly (122) from the first ratchet portion (140) to the second ratchet portion (146) to threadably engage the retaining body (116) onto the service port (14). When there is a preset amount of torque resistance, the first ratchet portion (140) slips with respect to the second ratchet portion (146) such that no additional torque is transmitted to the inner body assembly (122) from the outer body assembly (134).

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter of a motor vehicle is cleaned of ash, typically using equipment already available in a service shop. The method of the invention cleans ash particles from the diesel particulate filter by generating a pressure wave and transmitting the pressure wave into a housing containing the diesel particulate filter. The pressure wave dislodges ash particulates from the filter, which can then be removed from the filter using an ash collecting apparatus, such as a shop vacuum. The method also uses an inflatable bladder in the filter apparatus to close access between the housing and the engine or outside environment.

Abstract: A method for testing a circuit of a D.C. electrical system in a motor vehicle that includes connecting a load bank (30) to a D.C. electrical source such as a battery bank (24) or an alternator (26) and wirelessly operating the load bank (36) to set the load that the load bank imposes on the D.C. source during circuit testing.

Abstract: A torque-limiting cap (100) for an air conditioning service port (14) includes an inner body assembly (122) having a retaining body (116) configured for engagement on the service port, and an outer body assembly (134) annularly disposed around the inner body assembly. The outer body assembly (134) has a first ratchet portion (140) configured for engagement with a second ratchet portion (146) that is disposed on the inner body assembly (122). When the outer body assembly (134) is torqued, the outer body assembly transmits the torque to the inner body assembly (122) from the first ratchet portion (140) to the second ratchet portion (146) to threadably engage the retaining body (116) onto the service port (14). When there is a preset amount of torque resistance, the first ratchet portion (140) slips with respect to the second ratchet portion (146) such that no additional torque is transmitted to the inner body assembly (122) from the outer body assembly (134).

Abstract: A method for testing a circuit of a D.C. electrical system in a motor vehicle that includes connecting a load bank (30) to a D.C. electrical source such as a battery bank (24) or an alternator (26) and wirelessly operating the load bank (36) to set the load that the load bank imposes on the D.C. source during circuit testing.

Abstract: A cone (36) and a ring (38) are accessories separately used during respective phases of cleaning a diesel particulate filter (10, 10?) in a cleaning machine that uses compressed air pulses to clean the substrate (12) where particulate matter in engine exhaust has been trapped. In one phase the ring covers the outer perimeter margin of one end face of the substrate, and in the other phase the cone covers a central inner zone of the end face.

Abstract: A cone (36) and a ring (38) are accessories separately used during respective phases of cleaning a diesel particulate filter (10, 10?) in a cleaning machine that uses compressed air pulses to clean the substrate (12) where particulate matter in engine exhaust has been trapped. In one phase the ring covers the outer perimeter margin of one end face of the substrate, and in the other phase the cone covers a central inner zone of the end face.

Abstract: The aftertreatment apparatus and method of the invention concentrate diesel exhaust under low engine load conditions in a motor vehicle, such as idling, before filtering the diesel exhaust. The apparatus has a housing which is in fluid communication with a filter and other components of the diesel exhaust system. The apparatus has an exhaust concentrator to concentrate the low load diesel exhaust. The concentrated exhaust is directed a limited part of the filter and/or the catalytic device, such as the center. The exhaust concentrator is at least partially disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter of a motor vehicle is cleaned of ash, typically using equipment already available in a service shop. The method of the invention cleans ash particles from the diesel particulate filter by generating a pressure wave and transmitting the pressure wave into a housing containing the diesel particulate filter. The pressure wave dislodges ash particulates from the filter, which can then be removed from the filter using an ash collecting apparatus, such as a shop vacuum. The method also uses an inflatable bladder in the filter apparatus to close access between the housing and the engine or outside environment.

Abstract: Multiple storage tanks and multiple valves that open simultaneously allow gas charges stored at superatmospheric pressure in the tanks to simultaneously discharge and form a single substantial percussion pulse that dislodges particulate matter from a diesel particulate filter.