Abstract: An automation system uses cameras (134) and sensors (136) to identify a set of vehicle wheels within a lift area (118), then virtualizes the position and orientation of the vehicle relative to the lift posts (122, 130). Lift arms (124, 132) extending from the lift posts are moved to a first position that places a profile camera near the predicted position of lift points, and image analysis is used to positively identify the lift points. The lift arms are then moved to a second position that places an adapter camera below the identified lift points, and image analysis is used to confirm safe positioning below the lift point. Captured images and feedback from image analysis are used to improve and refine the system's ability to identify wheels, profile view lift points, and plan view lift points. The system may be integrated with lift arms allowing for automated rotation, extension, and elevation of lift adapters.

Abstract: An authentication module may be internally or externally installed on a lift control of a vehicle lift and allows new and updated features to be added to the vehicle lift without requiring a connection to a local or cellular network. The authentication module connects to one or more other electrical components of the lift control to allow for the exchange of data. A module containing software and configurations for enabling a feature may be removably attached to the authentication module, which uses the stored configurations to verify and enable the associated feature. The use of enabled features may be persistently tracked by the authentication module even in the absence of an external power source or network connection, and may be disabled by the authentication module if the feature use expires or is exhausted.

Abstract: A plurality of portable lifts are dynamically configured to form a lift system for raising and lowering of vehicle. Each portable lift is added to the lift system and communicates wirelessly with a centralized control module. Some systems guide the user through a sequenced association of lifts in particular relative positions around the vehicle, while others use automatic position-detection techniques to determine those relative positions without explicit user input. Some systems allow definition of subsystems that can be operated together. Flexible controls may selectively allow operation of individual lifts, pairs or subsystems of lifts, or the full system at once. Controls on each lift may communicate commands for other lifts by way of the centralized control module.

Abstract: An authentication module may be internally or externally installed on a lift control of a vehicle lift and allows new and updated features to be added to the vehicle lift without requiring a connection to a local or cellular network. The authentication module connects to one or more other electrical components of the lift control to allow for the exchange of data. A module containing software and configurations for enabling a feature may be removably attached to the authentication module, which uses the stored configurations to verify and enable the associated feature. The use of enabled features may be persistently tracked by the authentication module even in the absence of an external power source or network connection, and may be disabled by the authentication module if the feature use expires or is exhausted.

Abstract: A plurality of portable lifts are dynamically configured to form a lift system for raising and lowering of vehicle. Each portable lift is added to the lift system and communicates wirelessly with a centralized control module. Some systems guide the user through a sequenced association of lifts in particular relative positions around the vehicle, while others use automatic position-detection techniques to determine those relative positions without explicit user input. Some systems allow definition of subsystems that can be operated together. Flexible controls may selectively allow operation of individual lifts, pairs or subsystems of lifts, or the full system at once. Controls on each lift may communicate commands for other lifts by way of the centralized control module.

Abstract: Sulfur-containing nickel is electrodeposited from a chloride electrolyte in a cell wherein each cathode is separated from any adjacent anode by a pair of diaphragms.