Abstract: A power supply continuity system that maintains power continuity of a system, for example, a power tool. A reserve power supply, such as a capacitor, is operably coupled to a primary power supply in a parallel configuration to provide power to the system when the primary power supply is inoperable or disconnected. The reserve power supply can also be implemented in power regulation circuitry, for example, circuitry that controls the power output of the primary power supply, so that the reserve power supply can be included on a printed circuit board (PCB) and decrease costs of manufacturing.

Abstract: A power supply continuity system that maintains power continuity of a system, for example, a power tool. A reserve power supply, such as a capacitor, is operably coupled to a primary power supply in a parallel configuration to provide power to the system when the primary power supply is inoperable or disconnected. The reserve power supply can also be implemented in power regulation circuitry, for example, circuitry that controls the power output of the primary power supply, so that the reserve power supply can be included on a printed circuit board (PCB) and decrease costs of manufacturing.

Abstract: An improved method of rotating the lockrod of a tool storage unit to the “locked” or “unlocked” position by use of a linear actuator to rotate the lockrod actuator, where the linear actuator operates electrically, allowing for control by any remotely or automatically operated system. The tool storage unit locking mechanisms include a center-neutral key position that rotates 90 degrees in either direction from center to lock and unlock the unit. This design allows a standard key to operate the locking mechanism, but also allows a secondary mechanism (such as an electromagnetically driven mechanism) to directly operate the lock. Due to its specifics, the design would also allow for retrofitability.

Abstract: An improved method of rotating the lockrod of a tool storage unit to the “locked” or “unlocked” position by use of a linear actuator to rotate the lockrod actuator, where the linear actuator operates electrically, allowing for control by any remotely or automatically operated system. The tool storage unit locking mechanisms include a center-neutral key position that rotates 90 degrees in either direction from center to lock and unlock the unit. This design allows a standard key to operate the locking mechanism, but also allows a secondary mechanism (such as an electromagnetically driven mechanism) to directly operate the lock. Due to its specifics, the design would also allow for retrofitability.

Abstract: An electronic torque-angle instrument including a generally tubular body having a gripping section and a pivoting head for engaging a workpiece, such as a nut or bolt, and a housing associated with the body and containing electronics, including a microprocessor, which permit individual or simultaneous measurement of torque and angle applied to the workpiece. The microprocessor includes stored programs which interpret a signal from an input, such as a gyroscopic sensor, and sends the interpreted signal to an output means. The signal is finally displayed as an accurate torque measure and/or angle measure from the output means.

Abstract: An electrically powered impact tool has a removably mountable battery pack which includes an acoustic detection circuit for detecting sounds generated by the impact mechanism in use and, in response to such detection, starts an adjustable time period, at the end of which a relay is actuated for disconnecting the battery of the battery pack from the tool motor for a predetermined time period. This serves as a torque-limiting mechanism where the tool is a torque-applying tool. The time period is adjustable by a dial on the battery pack housing and the control circuitry may be selectively powered through a switch on the battery pack housing.

Abstract: An electrically powered impact tool has a removably mountable battery pack which includes an acoustic detection circuit for detecting sounds generated by the impact mechanism in use and, in response to such detection, starts an adjustable time period, at the end of which a relay is actuated for disconnecting the battery of the battery pack from the tool motor for a predetermined time period. This serves as a torque-limiting mechanism where the tool is a torque-applying tool. The time period is adjustable by a dial on the battery pack housing and the control circuitry may be selectively powered through a switch on the battery pack housing.

Abstract: A charge maintenance system for a lead-acid battery includes a charger, a voltage monitor, and a load/switch series combination, all connectable in parallel across the battery terminals, the switch and the charger being under control of a microprocessor. The battery is initially loaded for a predetermined time period, or until the battery voltage drops below an absolute minimum reference level during a loading cycle, and the system stores the lowest battery terminal voltage occurring during the loading cycle. After a predetermined delay following the loading cycle the charger is activated to charge the battery until it reaches a maximum charge level. Then, if the stored lowest battery voltage level is below a predetermined reference level, the loading/charging routine is repeated, otherwise it is not and the battery is considered good.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a lead-acid battery and a charger port and an electronic switch connected between the two, the switch being controlled by a microcontroller which is connected to each of the battery and the charger port for separately monitoring the voltages thereat.

Abstract: A battery pack has a pair of input/output terminals adapted to be connected across a source of charging voltage, and a lead-acid battery connected across the input/output terminals. A Zener diode is connected in series with a resistance across the input/output terminals, the resistance forming part of a trigger circuit for triggering an alarm signal to actuate a visible and/or audible annunciator when the charging voltage exceeds a threshold level. In one embodiment the trigger circuit is an IC comparator having one input connected to a reference voltage drive from a voltage divider connected across the input/output terminals, and the other input connected to the trigger voltage across the resistance in series with the Zener. In another embodiment the trigger circuit includes a pair of transistors, one being turned ON by the trigger voltage and in turn ON the second transistor to produce the output signal and provide a feedback to latch on the first transistor.

Abstract: A usage counter has input terminals connectable to the terminals of a jump-starting battery pack. The counter has an IC comparator which generates an output signal when battery voltage drops below a predetermined reference level. If the output signal persists for a predetermined time period, indicating an attempt to jump-start an engine with the battery pack, an IC timer is triggered to output a count pulse which is inverted and then counted and displayed by an IC counter/display circuit. The usage counter circuit is powered by the battery pack and has a Zener diode which provides to the IC circuits a limited supply voltage which is unaffected by voltage spikes which might appear at the battery pack terminals. A capacitor maintains the reference voltage level despite momentary drops in battery terminal voltage.

Abstract: A portable battery jump start unit includes a portable, plastic, clamshell-type housing including a box-like open-top base and a box-like, open-bottom cover hingedly connected together for movement between open and closed conditions. A lead-acid battery is disposed in the housing, along with a state-of-charge monitoring circuit connected to the battery terminals and including a visible indicator viewable through an aperture in the housing. Cables are connected to the battery terminals and respectively extend through openings formed by cooperating notches in the mating edges of the base and cover, the cables respectively having clamp connectors at their distal ends which can be clamped onto posts projecting laterally outwardly from the sides of the base. A charger jack in the base is connected to the battery terminals for receiving a charger connector.

Abstract: An evaporative emission tester is used to evaluate the integrity of a vehicle's evaporative emission control system, including determining the system's purge capability. The emission tester performs a purge flow test to determine whether fuel vapor stored in the vehicle's evaporative canister and present in the fuel tank is being drawn into the engine for combustion at a minimum amount. The emission tester also performs a pressure test of the vehicle's evaporative canister purge system, which includes the fuel tank and lines. The emission tester can function as a stand-alone unit or as an integrated product with a host computer.

Abstract: An evaporative emission tester is used to evaluate the integrity of a vehicle's evaporative emission control system, including determining the system's purge capability. The emission tester performs a purge flow test to determine whether fuel vapor stored in the vehicle's evaporative canister and present in the fuel tank is being drawn into the engine for combustion at a minimum amount. The emission tester also performs a pressure test of the vehicle's evaporative canister purge system, which includes the fuel tank and lines. The emission tester can function as a stand-alone unit or as an integrated product with a host computer.

Abstract: A diesel timing light includes a flash circuit for flashing a xenon lamp in response to ignition events sensed by a knock sensor. A trigger circuit enables the flash circuit only in the presence of an enable signal, which is generated by a sensing circuit immediately before the ignition of the no. 1 cylinder. The sensing circuit includes a visible laser source which illuminates a patch of reflective tape on the engine flywheel just ahead of a timing mark corresponding to engine top dead center. The tape reflects the visible laser light to a sensor which generates the enable signal. The trigger disables the flash circuit immediately after the flash triggered by the first ignition event after the enable signal. LED indicators indicate when the photosensor is detecting the reflected beam and when the knock sensor is detecting ignition events.

Abstract: A torque-angle wrench is provided with a handle for applying torque, such as to a fastener or bolt, through a tightening angle, at a rotational angular velocity. A piezoelectric gyroscopic sensor device including circuitry for vibrating an oscillating body is coupled to the wrench. As the wrench is rotated through the tightening angle, its rotational angular velocity causes the vibrating body to alter its direction of vibration. The new vibrating pattern is sensed and converted, by appropriate sensing circuitry, into an electrical signal proportional in intensity to the rotational angular velocity of the wrench. The electrical signal can be electronically processed by appropriate conversion and display circuitry to provide a visual indication of the tightening angle. Such conversion and display circuitry can be integral with the wrench or as part of an adaptably coupled meter non-integrally connected to the sensor device.

Abstract: A volt/frequency meter includes LED arrays which provide bar-graph style meter displays of the instantaneous voltage and the frequency of a variable electric analog signal. Each LED in the voltage array corresponds to a predetermined voltage range and each LED in the frequency array corresponds to a predetermined frequency range. The meter is switchable among three different voltage scales and three different frequency scales. A separate LED flashes momentarily in response to the input signal crossing a user-determined limit set point which is adjusted through a knob on the front panel. The limit set point controls the operation of the frequency display such that the displayed frequency is the rate at which the analog signal crosses the limit set point.

Abstract: A linearly moving external part on a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is contacted with a hand-held rotary encoder, contact tachometer having a hollow handle in which processing circuitry is disposed for converting the rotary encoder output to a waveform signal. This signal, along with a signal responsive to the firing of the number one cylinder, are applied to an engine analyzer processor for display of a single engine cycle of the waveform signal on the CRT oscilloscope of the engine analyzer. The variations in amplitude of the waveform signal correspond to speed variations of the moving part over an engine cycle to give an indication of the relative power contributions of the individual cylinders.

Abstract: An inductive pickup assembly senses the electromagnetic fields of plural ignition elements of an automotive engine, access to which elements is prevented by associated engine housing structure. The pickup assembly includes a frame having a flat platform on which multiple sensors are mounted, each sensor comprising an electromagnetic pickup coil with a magnetizable metal core integral with a magnetizable metal shield plate which covers one end of the coil. The frame has a support member with depending feet having apertures which mate with fasteners on the housing structure to serve as a template for accurately locating the pickup assembly on the housing structure.

Abstract: In one form, tester for an electrical system, such as for a vehicle, develops repetitively applied, short duration, control current pulses for reducing load current pulses through the electrical system. An operator connects a pair of input contacts across a fuse holder. A circuit between the input contacts is closed momentarily and repetitively to produce repetitive current pulses from the electricity source through the system. A perceptible alert is produced when the magnitude of the current pulse exceeds that of a prescribed reference current value. In another form, a tester for an electrical system is designed to plug into the fuse terminals in a fuse box. The tester can include a plurality of interchangeable circuit breaker modules to allow the tester to be used on circuits having differing current ratings.