Abstract: A secondary power source system, includes a first unit receiving a primary power input and restricting a current used for charging to a predetermined amount, a second unit including a device providing capacitance, receiving a first output from the first unit with restricted current, a third unit generating a second output of a certain voltage, and a fourth unit performing a logical OR operation with the primary power input, first output from the first unit and second output from the second unit, to generate a single third output of a certain voltage.

Abstract: A protective boot that protects a vehicle diagnostic device from damaging a vehicle to which is attached. The protective boot also helps to prevent the diagnostic device from being damaged when dropped from a distance off of the floor. The protective boot includes strap receiving members at various locations on the housing of the protective boot so that strapping members can be fed therethrough to attach the diagnostic device to the vehicle, such as a motorcycle. The protective boot also includes openings for access to controls or connections of the diagnostic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the orientation of a gas analyzer. Because condensation can build-up in a filter of the gas analyzer, it needs to be purged from the analyzer so that accurate readings can be made. By having a orientation device built-in, the analyzer can be purged at the desired orientation so that, as much water, can be purged, as possible, to the designated outlet.

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: A vehicle diagnostic tool includes an asynchronous serial communications device for communicating with an automobile using a digital communication system having a dominant/recessive bus. The device includes a transmitter configured to communicate over the dominant/recessive bus, a sensor capable of sensing the state of the dominant/recessive bus and a collision detection device configured to compare a desired bitstream transmitted by the transmitter and the state of the dominant/recessive bus, and generate an arbitration loss flag during the period when the desired bitstream is transmitted. Further, a method of communicating with an automobile using a digital communication system having a dominant/recessive bus is provided.

Abstract: A lightweight and portable analyzer is provided. At least one component of the analyzer is made from a lightweight material, such as ABS. A manifold can have a plate and gas passages ultrasonically welded together. By having at least one component made from a lightweight material, the analyzer is lighter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purging and zeroing an analyzer. At times, for good analysis of a gas sample or taking a live reading, the analyzer needs to be zero out and/or purge of contaminants. The analyzer can take a live reading, purge and/or zero in any order. The purge function and zero function can automatically be done before, during or after taking a live reading.

Abstract: A device used for measuring the angle of torque beyond a specific reference point. The device is comprised of a tool that applies torque to a fastener, an adapter that is attached to the fastener to transfer the torque from the tool, and an apparatus that connects a first end to the tool and a second end to the adapter. The apparatus comprises an angle selector that is adjustable to the desired torque angle, an angle rate sensor that measures the speed and direction of the torque applied, a processor which calculates the current angle from the rate sensor measurements, a zero point indicator that serves as the basis point for the processor to calculate the selected angle, and an angle indicator that indicates the current angle of rotation.

Abstract: A device used for measuring the angle of torque beyond a specific reference point. The device is comprised of a tool that applies torque to a fastener, an adapter that is attached to the fastener to transfer the torque from the tool, and an apparatus that connects a first end to the tool and a second end to the adapter. The apparatus comprises an angle selector that is adjustable to the desired torque angle, an angle rate sensor that measures the speed and direction of the torque applied, a processor which calculates the current angle from the rate sensor measurements, a zero point indicator that serves as the basis point for the processor to calculate the selected angle, and an angle indicator that indicates the current angle of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining pressure and vacuum comprising an adapter that links to a digital tester. The adapter is comprised of at least one pressure sensor, a power source, converter and an interface cable. The pressure sensor attaches to the system to be measured. The detected pressure is transmitted to the adapter and then to the digital tester for displaying to the user. The apparatus can detect pressure beyond 500 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the vibration and noise from a pump that is located in an analyzer. Vibration and noise dampening materials are used to secure the pump so that the vibration and noise are kept to a minimum, thereby, making it more comfortable for an operator to hold the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering particulate and condensation are provided. The filter is a multi-state filter that reduces contamination from sources other than the desired source by having its filtering components encased and compacted together.

Abstract: A data display firmware improvement for a scan tool adds the capability to view in a single presentation data uploaded from a motor vehicle's onboard diagnostic (OBD) computer synchronized with data from external test apparatus. The data display algorithms permit viewing of OBD data, including certain real-time oscilloscope-like waveforms, and allow viewing test results from compatible instruments, such as exhaust gas analyzers, including capturing realtime OBD signals, holding them until delayed events such as gas analyzer test results become available, then displaying the events on a common display as though available simultaneously in real time. The present invention further permits acquisition of communication links with external test equipment for which exact protocols and port configurations may not be uniquely specified. The firmware upgrade is downloadable to existing products.

Abstract: A data display firmware improvement for a scan tool adds the capability to view in a single presentation data uploaded from a motor vehicle's onboard diagnostic (OBD) computer synchronized with data from external test apparatus. The data display algorithms permit viewing of OBD data, including certain real-time oscilloscope-like waveforms, and allow viewing test results from compatible instruments, such as exhaust gas analyzers, including capturing realtime OBD signals, holding them until delayed events such as gas analyzer test results become available, then displaying the events on a common display as though available simultaneously in real time. The present invention further permits acquisition of communication links with external test equipment for which exact protocols and port configurations may not be uniquely specified. The firmware upgrade is downloadable to existing products.

Abstract: A lightweight and portable analyzer is provided. At least one component of the analyzer is made from a lightweight material, such as ABS. A manifold can have a plate and gas passages ultrasonically welded together. By having at least one component made from a lightweight material, the analyzer is lighter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the vibration and noise from a pump that is located in an analyzer. Vibration and noise dampening materials are used to secure the pump so that the vibration and noise are kept to a minimum, thereby, making it more comfortable for an operator to hold the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering particulate and condensation are provided. The filter is a multi-state filter that reduces contamination from sources other than the desired source by having its filtering components encased and compacted together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the orientation of a gas analyzer. Because condensation can build-up in a filter of the gas analyzer, it needs to be purged from the analyzer so that accurate readings can be made. By having a orientation device built-in, the analyzer can be purged at the desired orientation so that, as much water, can be purged, as possible, to the designated outlet.

Abstract: A device used for measuring the angle of torque beyond a specific reference point. The device is comprised of a tool that applies torque to a fastener, an adapter that is attached to the fastener to transfer the torque from the tool, and an apparatus that connects a first end to the tool and a second end to the adapter. The apparatus comprises an angle selector that is adjustable to the desired torque angle, an angle rate sensor that measures the speed and direction of the torque applied, a processor which calculates the current angle from the rate sensor measurements, a zero point indicator that serves as the basis point for the processor to calculate the selected angle, and an angle indicator that alerts as to the torque angle calculated by the processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining pressure and vacuum comprising an adapter that links to a digital tester. The adapter is comprised of at least one pressure sensor, a power source, converter and an interface cable. The pressure sensor attaches to the system to be measured. The detected pressure is transmitted to the adapter and then to the digital tester for displaying to the user. The apparatus can detect pressure beyond 500 pounds per square inch.