Abstract: A multi-point serial link protocol, such as USB, is used to transfer vehicle diagnostic information back and forth between vehicle diagnostic sensors and a host computer. Multiple distinct vehicle servicing applications may be added to or removed from the service bay without requiring substantial software changes or revisions. The amount of vehicle diagnostic hardware is also minimized. The multi-point serial link may originate in the vehicle's on-board computer, allowing the vehicle itself to function as a data hub for the diagnostic automotive service sensors.

Abstract: A computerized automotive service equipment system is adapted to access remotely located computer systems to retrieve or exchange data and/or software applications, or to undergo live or real-time and two-way interaction. The system and its components are dynamic with respect to both function and data, and can be easily updated or otherwise altered. The system of the present invention utilizes World Wide Web technology, which enables the use of universal and widely compatible programming tools and techniques for efficient and fast system development.

Abstract: A voice control system for an automotive service system includes a microphone, through which a technician can communicate voice commands to an item of automotive service equipment within the automotive service system, a speech processor module for converting the voice commands into digital instructions which can be processed by a system controller and for converting data from the system controller into synthesized voice audio, and a speaker for communicating the synthesized voice audio to the technician. The system of the present invention may also include a pair of goggles incorporating a heads-up display which displays the data from the system controller by virtual image in the technician's forward field of vision without blocking his general forward field of view.

Abstract: An electronic automotive vehicle service equipment system includes a computer interface board adapted for installation into a non-dedicated, general purpose computer to serve as the central processor for the automotive service system, or as a component of multiple systems, while enabling the computer to also be available for other applications. The interface board provides microprocessors for controlling various data receiving and transmitting functions through multiple ports between the computer instruments integral to the vehicle service system.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a program for controlling an instrument independent of the interface type of the instrument, in a graphical programming environment. The system comprises a computer system including a display screen and input device, an instrument coupled to the computer system, and a graphical programming environment for creating and executing programs to control the instrument. The programming environment comprises a VISA session control, VISA function nodes and VISA attribute nodes, an object manager and block diagram and front panel editors used to create a VISA virtual instrument. The method for controlling the instrument comprises displaying on the screen VISA session icons, VISA function nodes, and VISA attributes nodes and wiring them together to create the VISA virtual instrument.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a program for controlling an instrument independent of the interface type of the instrument, in a graphical programming environment. The system comprises a computer system including a display screen and input device, an instrument coupled to the computer system, and a graphical programming environment for creating and executing programs to control the instrument. The programming environment comprises a VISA session control, VISA function nodes and VISA attribute nodes, an object manager and block diagram and front panel editors used to create a VISA virtual instrument. The method for controlling the instrument comprises displaying on the screen VISA session icons, VISA function nodes, and VISA attributes nodes and wiring them together to create the VISA virtual instrument.

Abstract: An occurrence capability which allows a first function to "go to sleep" while waiting for a second function to produce a result. In this manner, the first function does not consume any CPU time while waiting for the second function. Three icons are provided with associated control software which implement the occurrence function. A Wait on Occurrence function icon is associated with the first function that is waiting on the result from the second function. A Set Occurrence function icon is typically associated with the second function icon and triggers an occurrence when the second function produces the desired result. A Generate Occurrence function icon is used to pass identifier values linking multiple sources and destinations having Set Occurrence and Wait on Occurrence function icons, respectively.

Abstract: A computer interface board for electronic automotive vehicle service equipment systems is adapted for installation into a non-dedicated, general purpose computer to serve as the central processor for the automotive service system or as a component of multiple systems, while enabling the computer to be also available for other applications. The interface board provides microprocessors for controlling various data receiving and transmitting functions through multiple ports between the computer and instruments integral to the vehicle service system.

Abstract: An automotive service equipment system for measuring vehicle or vehicle component characteristics is disclosed which includes an expert system so that operators at all skill levels may operate the system efficiently and relatively error free. Such systems as vehicle wheel aligners, vehicle wheel balancers and vehicle brake lathes are described in conjunction with a corresponding expert system.

Abstract: A wheel aligner comprises a communications unit attachable to the conventional heads and the console to provide for cordless communication of information between the heads and the console in the absence of cables.

Abstract: An occurrence capability which allows a first function to "go to sleep" while waiting for a second function to produce a result. In this manner, the first function does not consume any CPU time while waiting for the second function. Three icons are provided with associated control software which implement the occurrence function. A Wait on Occurrence function icon is associated with the first function that is waiting on the result from the second function. A Set Occurrence function icon is typically associated with the second function icon and triggers an occurrence when the second function produces the desired result. A Generate Occurrence function icon is used to pass identifier values linking multiple sources and destinations having Set Occurrence and Wait on Occurrence function icons, respectively.

Abstract: Global and local variable implementations in a graphical data flow programming environment whereby the local and global variables correspond to a control on a panel. A global variable is created by placing a global variable icon in a block diagram and creating an associated control in a global variable panel. The user the defines the data type of the global variable and assigns a name to the global variable. Therefore, global variables have a greatly reduced storage and execution overhead as compared with prior designs. Since a global variable is associated with a control in a panel, the user can view the global variable updating on the panel during execution of a VI. This greatly facilitates debugging. A local variable capability is also provided which enables a user to more effectively create block diagram programs and model processes in a graphical programming environment. A local variable is associated with a control on the front panel of a VI.

Abstract: The invention provides a wheel balancer that is able to determine if its measurements are accurate. The invention takes a set of measurements and determines if the measurements are sufficiently consistent. If they are sufficiently close the invention uses the measurements to calculate wheel imbalance. If the measurements are not sufficiently close the invention uses the measurements to calculate wheel imbalance. If the measurements are not sufficiently close the invention rejects at least one data point and collects more measurements until either the invention yields sufficiently close data points or the machine is stopped. A display is provided for diagnostic messages.

Abstract: The invention is a cement, water containing composition containing an organic polyglycoside. The composition has at least one of an increased air entraining capacity, a reduced viscosity and a retarded setting time.

Abstract: A wheel alignment system is disclosed which measures the angles between the planes of the wheels on the same side, at the front and diagonally opposite on a four wheel vehicle. The measurements are processed to provide wheel toe, relative wheel plane orientation, front wheel offset and front and rear wheel setback relative to the vehicle frame to assist in damage assessment.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to an alignment system and method which provides improved accuracy measurement of vehicle wheel alignment characteristics, guidance for an operator through known yet obscure adjustment procedures, an interface between system alignment sensors and the system controller which provides efficient handling of system generated data and system inputs and outputs, and live measurements and display of all alignment quantities so that interdependent changes between adjustable alignment quantities are observable.

Abstract: A force sensing apparatus and method in a vehicle wheel balancer is disclosed which in one embodiment includes use of a voltage controlled oscillator connected to drive a piezoelectric crystal at an oscillation frequency which is compared in phase to a frequency generated by the wheel balancer spin shaft encoder. When unbalance force imposed changes occur in the crystal oscillation frequency, an unbalance output is provided by the comparison which contains the unbalance force magnitude and angular orientation information. The unbalance output is processed to provide operator indications for facilitating application of counterweights to the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a wheel service machine, such as a wheel balancer, which provides audible output for guiding an operator to measured positions on a vehicle wheel assembly where corrective operations must be performed, such as the application of wheel assembly unbalance compensation weights.

Abstract: A structured light scanning system observes, interprets and provides structural feature size, position and movement data in automotive service equipment applications where such feature characteristics must be determined either preliminary to or ultimately for measurement of quantities affecting automotive performance, such as tire/rim assembly balance, runout and alignment or brake surface planarity and smoothness.