Abstract: A method for managing vehicle check in at an automotive service center comprising the steps of connecting a device to the diagnostic port of an unknown vehicle and, without user input to the device, automatically downloading vehicle identification data and odometer data from the vehicle, transferring the vehicle identification data and odometer data from the device to work station at the service center, wherein the work station include a database, programmatically populating the vehicle identification data and odometer data into the database, the work station retrieving information based on one or both of the vehicle identification data and the odometer; and displaying the retrieved data on one or both of a computer and a paper printout.

Abstract: A method for managing vehicle check in at an automotive service center comprising the steps of connecting a device to the diagnostic port of an unknown vehicle and, without user input to the device, automatically downloading vehicle identification data and odometer data from the vehicle, transferring the vehicle identification data and odometer data from the device to work station at the service center, wherein the work station include a database, programmatically populating the vehicle identification data and odometer data into the database, the work station retrieving information based on one or both of the vehicle identification data and the odometer; and displaying the retrieved data on one or both of a computer and a paper printout.

Abstract: A method for managing vehicle check in at an automotive service center comprising the steps of connecting a device to the diagnostic port of an unknown vehicle and, without user input to the device, automatically downloading vehicle identification data and odometer data from the vehicle, transferring the vehicle identification data and odometer data from the device to work station at the service center, wherein the work station include a database, programmatically populating the vehicle identification data and odometer data into the database, the work station retrieving information based on one or both of the vehicle identification data and the odometer; and displaying the retrieved data on one or both of a computer and a paper printout.

Abstract: A method for managing vehicle check in at an automotive service center comprising the steps of connecting a device to the diagnostic port of an unknown vehicle and, without user input to the device, automatically downloading vehicle identification data and odometer data from the vehicle, transferring the vehicle identification data and odometer data from the device to work station at the service center, wherein the work station include a database, programmatically populating the vehicle identification data and odometer data into the database, the work station retrieving information based on one or both of the vehicle identification data and the odometer; and displaying the retrieved data on one or both of a computer and a paper printout.

Abstract: A method for managing vehicle check in at an automotive service center comprising the steps of connecting a device to the diagnostic port of an unknown vehicle and, without user input to the device, automatically downloading vehicle identification data and odometer data from the vehicle, transferring the vehicle identification data and odometer data from the device to work station at the service center, wherein the work station include a database, programmatically populating the vehicle identification data and odometer data into the database, the work station retrieving information based on one or both of the vehicle identification data and the odometer; and displaying the retrieved data on one or both of a computer and a paper printout.

Abstract: A method for managing vehicle check in at an automotive service center in which vehicle identification data is downloaded together with odometer data and diagnostic codes, if any, to a handheld device connected to the diagnostic port on the vehicle. The device then wirelessly transmits the data from the device to a programmed computer at the service center. Warranty/maintenance information is then obtained either from a database stored at the service center or from a remote computer. The remote computer then determines the recommended service for the vehicle and prints a work order containing that recommended service.

Abstract: A system for managing a fleet of automotive vehicles having a program control circuit. A radio receiver receives radio signals from a remote station and that receiver has an output connected as an input signal to the digital circuit. A key fob having a mechanical button transmits the radio signal to unlock the vehicle associated with the fob. An electromechanical actuator is connected to an output from the control circuit and, upon activation, actuates the fob button to unlock the vehicle. This allows the central station to selectively unlock vehicles at remote locations.

Abstract: A method of checking in a rental vehicle in a rental lot in which a handheld unit is connected to the diagnostic port for the vehicle. The handheld unit interrogates the ECU for the vehicle to determine the type of vehicle, and thus the data protocol, and, once determined, downloads and processes the data.

Abstract: A fully automated rental vehicle check-in system includes a sending module connected to the diagnostic port of the vehicle. The sending module gathers information from the vehicle including the vehicle identification number, mileage and fuel level and delivers the information wirelessly to a receiving station located in the rental return lot. The information is delivered to a CPU which uses the information along with the time, date and location of the rental lot to compute the rental charges which are delivered to a return kiosk where the charges are paid and a receipt delivered to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating the presence and performance of a vehicle's audio system drivers without the need for having to manually or remotely control the audio system parameters during the testing period. After establishing baseline characteristics for a driver group to be evaluated, a predetermined broadcast signal is used to excite a particular subgroup of drivers within the driver group. The output from the subgroup of driver drivers is detected by microphones strategically disposed within the vehicle amongst the group of drivers. The detected output from the driver drivers is thereafter decoded and analyzed with respect to the baseline performance to determine if the drivers are performing within expected specifications.

Abstract: A fully automated rental vehicle check-in system includes a sending module connected to the diagnostic port of the vehicle. The sending module gathers information from the vehicle including the vehicle identification number, mileage and fuel level and delivers the information wirelessly to a receiving station located in the rental return lot. The information is delivered to a CPU which uses the information along with the time, date and location of the rental lot to compute the rental charges which are delivered to a return kiosk where the charges are paid and a receipt delivered to the customer.

Abstract: A fully automated rental vehicle check-in system includes a sending module connected to the diagnostic port of the vehicle. The sending module gathers information from the vehicle including the vehicle identification number, mileage and fuel level and delivers the information wirelessly to a receiving station located in the rental return lot. The information is delivered to a CPU which uses the information along with the time, date and location of the rental lot to compute the rental charges which are delivered to a return kiosk where the charges are paid and a receipt delivered to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating the presence and performance of a vehicle's audio system drivers without the need for having to manually or remotely control the audio system parameters during the testing period. After establishing baseline characteristics for a driver group to be evaluated, a predetermined broadcast signal is used to excite a particular subgroup of drivers within the driver group. The output from the subgroup of driver drivers is detected by microphones strategically disposed within the vehicle amongst the group of drivers. The detected output from the driver drivers is thereafter decoded and analyzed with respect to the baseline performance to determine if the drivers are performing within expected specifications.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring the muzzle velocity V.sub.0 of a projectile fired from a weapon enables eliminating the effects of interfering magnetic fields, particularly that of the terrestrial magnetic field. For this purpose the apparatus comprises a shielding arrangement for shielding or screening interfering magnetic fields. Such measuring apparatus contains two induction coils and a support for the attachment thereof which is made of a material of low magnetic permeability. For shielding or screening the interfering magnetic fields there is used a shielding arrangement made of a material of high magnetic permeability. The apparatus is simultaneously constructed as a muzzle brake and is suitable for measuring the muzzle velocity of sabot projectiles.

Abstract: An ammunition container having at least one compartment in which there is located a loop of a cartridge belt consisting of two adjacently arranged loop portions. The compartment having a rack-like support and recesses or gaps of such support serving for the reception of a respective cartridge of one loop portion of the cartridge belt.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for an automatic firing weapon, the barrel of which can be connected through the agency of a gas removal channel with a compartment of a cylinder, an actuation piston for the cylinder by means of which there can be maintained open the connection of the compartment with the barrel in a starting position of the actuation piston. The actuation piston can be displaced into a rearward position in the cylinder by means of the gases tapped-off via the gas removal channel, and the compartment during the forward movement of the actuation piston can be closed by such actuation piston prior to reaching the starting position for the purpose of damping the piston movement. The compartment filled with gases is closed in the rearmost position of the actuation piston.