Abstract: The present invention includes a battery pack maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Optional input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of repairing a used battery pack from an electric vehicle include removing the battery pack from the vehicle. Battery tests are performed on at least some of the plurality of batteries and a battery test result for each of the batteries tested are obtained and stored in a database. A plurality of replacement batteries are tested and test results for each of the replacement batteries are stored in the database. The battery test results from the database are retrieved and used to create a refurbished battery pack. An apparatus includes a database for storing test results.

Abstract: A battery maintenance device for performing maintenance on a battery pack of an automotive vehicle powered by the battery pack includes communication circuitry configured to retrieve information related to condition of batteries/cells of the battery pack obtained using sensors in the battery pack. Measurement circuitry couples to batteries/cells of the battery pack and obtains measurement information related to a measured condition of batteries/cells of the battery pack. A controller verifies operation of the sensors in the battery pack by comparing the retrieved information with the measurement and provides a comparison output. Output circuitry outputs an indication of a failing sensor in the battery pack based upon the comparison output.

Abstract: A damage assessment module operating on a computer system automatically evaluates a roof, estimating damage to the roof by analyzing a point cloud of a roof. The damage assessment module identifies individual shingles from the point cloud and detects potentially damaged areas on each of the shingles. The damage assessment module then maps the potentially damaged areas of each shingle back to the point cloud to determine which areas of the roof are damaged. Based on the estimation, the damage assessment module generates a report on the roof damage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing or testing a used battery pack from an electric vehicle include removing the battery pack from the vehicle. Battery tests are performed on at least some of the plurality of batteries and battery test results for each of the batteries tested are obtained. A cradle is configured to receive at least two different types of batteries. The cradle includes connectors to electrically couple circuitry of a battery tester to the battery.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery includes a Kelvin connection configured to electrically couple to the storage battery and a microprocessor configured to determine a dynamic parameter of the storage battery. A forcing function source is configured to apply a forcing function signal to the storage battery through the Kelvin connection. A sensor is electrically coupled to the storage battery and configured to sense an electrical response of the storage battery to the applied forcing function signal. A tire tread gauge is arranged to be inserted into a tread of a tire. The tire tread gauge including a visual indicator. An image capture device is configured to capture an image of the tire tread gauge when the tire tread gauge is inserted into the tread of the tire.

Abstract: The present invention includes a battery maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for charging a first storage battery and a second storage battery electrically connected together in series includes a first Kelvin connection, a second Kelvin connection and a third Kelvin connection coupled to the storage batteries. At least two of the Kelvin connections are configured to charge at least one of the first and second batteries. A charging source configured to selectively couple a charge signal to a storage battery through the Kelvin connections. A switching device selectively couples the charging source and measurement circuitry to at least two of the first, second and third Kelvin connections. A microprocessor selectively controls the switching device, charges the batteries, and measures a parameter of the batteries as a function of the charging signal applied to the batteries.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester or battery charger for testing or charging a storage battery including electrical connectors configured to electrically couple to a terminals of the storage battery. Circuitry couples to the electrical connectors and is configured to test or charge the storage battery. An input signal is received related to a battery which is suitable for use with the vehicle.

Abstract: An in situ measuring instrument of the convergence angle (CA) of a dental preparation or stump in the field of dentistry, applied to humans or other species, having a movable bar, and a support bar arranged parallel to each other and coupled perpendicularly and slidable relative to a central bar by a first guiding hole at one end of the central bar and a second guiding hole at one end of the support bar which allow the relative vertical movement of the movable bar and horizontal movement of the support bar, allowing both bars to be adjusted to the base of the stump. This instrument allows measuring both natural and artificial teeth and implants, as well as fixed and mobile prostheses, just as if any device attached to the tooth (artificial or implant) is desired to be installed.

Abstract: A battery tester includes a pair of battery clamps, a testing unit, and a pair of holsters. Each battery clamp is configured to connect to a terminal of a battery. The testing unit includes testing circuitry that is connected to the battery clamps, and is configured to perform one or more battery tests on a battery connected to the battery clamps. Each of the holsters is attached to a housing of the testing unit, and is configured to receive and hold one of the battery clamps.

Abstract: A battery pack maintenance system includes maintenance circuitry, image input circuitry, a display, and user input circuitry. The maintenance circuitry is configured to perform a maintenance operation on a battery pack having a plurality of batteries. The image input circuitry is configured to receive an image of the battery pack. The display is configured to display the image. The user input circuitry is configured to receive a battery selection user input identifying a selected battery of the battery pack. The maintenance circuitry is configured to associate the battery selection user input with a maintenance operation performed on the selected battery.

Abstract: The present invention includes a battery pack maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Optional input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle.

Abstract: An angle measuring assembly includes a protractor that is positionable against an inclined member. The protractor has angle indicia printed thereon and pitch indicia printed thereon. A bubble level is coupled to the protractor to indicate the angle of a top surface of the inclined member. A first wand is pivotally coupled to the protractor to facilitate the user to measure cutting angles on lumber. A second wand is pivotally coupled to the protractor and the second wand is aligned with respective angle indicia and respective pitch indicia when the protractor is positioned against a bottom surface of the inclined member. In this way the second wand indicate the angle and pitch of the bottom surface.

Abstract: An electrical load assembly is provided for use by an electronic battery tester used to perform an electronic battery test on a storage battery. The electrical assembly comprises a load wire providing an electrical load resistance and a housing which at least partially encloses the load wire. An airflow passageway is provided in the housing adjacent the load wire. Electrical terminals connected to the load wire are configured to connect to the electronic battery tester.

Abstract: A newly proposed articulating invention, each of whose four constituent embodiments is designed to trisect any of a multitude of suitably described angles by means of becoming properly set to its designated magnitude; thus automatically portraying a motion related solution for the trisection of an angle that discloses complete routing details of a pathway that leads from such designated magnitude all the way back to its trisector; thereby discerning the whereabouts of certain intersection points which evade detection when attempting to otherwise locate them by means of applying only a straightedge and compass to an angle of such designated magnitude; furthermore projecting finite lengths of any trisector that bears cubic irrational trigonometric properties, being those that cannot be duplicated, but only approximated, when applying a straightedge and compass to a given length of unity; and being of a unique design that could be adapted to function as a level.

Abstract: An in-vehicle battery sensor includes a sensor configured to couple to a storage battery. A memory is configured to store calibration information. An input receives calibration information which is saved in the memory. A controller performs a battery test on the storage battery using the sensor output and the stored calibration information.

Abstract: A clamp for providing an electrical connection to a battery includes a first arm, a second arm, a joint member, a first pivotable connection, and a second pivotable connection. The first arm includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrically conductive member at the distal end. The second arm includes a proximal end and a distal end. The first pivotable connection is between the joint member and the first arm, and defines a first axis, about which the first arm rotates relative to the joint member. The second pivotable connection is between the joint member and the second arm, and defines a second axis, about which the second arm rotates relative to the joint member. The first and second axes are displaced from each other in a direction that is perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A maintenance system for use with an electrical system of an automotive vehicle includes an electronic battery tester configured to test a battery of the automotive vehicle. The electronic battery tester includes tracking circuitry carried therein. A base station is configured to receive the electronic battery tester and includes a microprocessor configured to detect positioning of the electronic battery tester in the base station using the battery tester tracking circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a battery pack are provided. Measurement circuitry is configured to measure parameters of batteries within the battery pack. The measurement circuitry responsively provides an output indicative of a condition of a battery in the battery pack. The output is based upon a measured parameter of the battery pack and a correction factor.

Abstract: An alternator tester is configured to test an alternator of a vehicle, the alternator of the type which electrically couples to the vehicle through an alternator connector. The alternator tester includes alternator test circuitry and an alternator test connector or adapter configured to electrically connect the test circuitry to the alternator connector. A vehicle connector is configured to electrically connect the test circuitry to the vehicle through the alternator connector. The test circuitry is configured to interact with the alternator through the alternator test connector and thereby test operation of the alternator.

Abstract: A battery tester including a battery tester cable, a cable pod coupled to an end of the battery tester cable, and a battery tester housing including a cavity configured to receive the cable pod. The cable pod and the cavity include mating parts configured to mate the cable pod within the cavity in at least two different preset orientations. In some examples, the orientations are changeable and securable manually.

Abstract: The present invention includes a battery maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle.

Abstract: A Kelvin connector adapter for use in connecting a Kelvin connection to a storage battery includes a conducting threaded portion adapted to be received in a threaded connector of the storage battery. A side pad contact is adapted to electrically connect to a side pad of the threaded connector. A first Kelvin connection pad is electrically coupled to the threaded portion and a second Kelvin connection pad is electrically coupled to the side pad contact.

Abstract: A clamp for coupling an electronic battery tester to a post of a storage battery. The clamp includes a first metal arm that extends from a first proximal end to a first distal end and a second metal arm that extends from a second proximal end to a second distal end. A first hinge portion on the first metal arm is positioned between the first proximal end and the first distal end. A second hinge portion is positioned on the second metal arm between the second proximal end and the second distal end. A pivot is configured to pivotally couple the first hinge portion to the second hinge portion. A first covering is overmolded on the first metal arm and a second covering is overmolded on the second metal arm.

Abstract: Kelvin (4-wire) connecting cables are routinely used when performing dynamic measurements (i.e., measurements with time-varying signals) on electrochemical cells and batteries. Current-carrying and voltage-sensing conductor pairs within such cables comprise distributed-parameter two-wire transmission lines which may extend several meters in length. As with all such transmission lines, internally reflected waves can oscillate back and forth at high frequency (hf) whenever the lines are not terminated in their characteristic impedances. Such hf reflected waves, by interacting with measuring circuitry, can seriously degrade low-frequency measurement accuracy. Apparatus is disclosed herein that suppresses hf reflected waves oscillating on Kelvin connecting cables during dynamic measurements of cells and batteries.

Abstract: A testing device contains measuring circuitry adapted to apply time-varying electrical excitation to a cell or battery, to sense a time-varying electrical response, and to thus determine components of complex immittance at n+m discrete frequencies, where n is an integer equal to or greater than two and m is an integer equal to or greater than one. Computation circuitry utilizes measured complex immittance components at the n discrete frequencies to evaluate the elements of a 2n-element equivalent circuit model. It then calculates the complex immittance of this model at the m discrete frequencies and mathematically compares components of the calculated immittances with components of the measured immittances at the m discrete frequencies. The results of this comparison establish the degree of cell deterioration without regard to the battery's manufacturer, group size, or its electrical ratings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which a radio frequency identification (RIFD) tag is associated with the storage battery and is used in conjunction with a battery test, battery charger, or other battery maintenance. A cable configured to be affixed to the storage battery. The cable is configured to store information and wirelessly communicate the information to a battery tester. A battery maintenance device configured to couple to the battery and to perform battery maintenance on the battery through the cable. The battery maintenance device includes wireless communication circuitry configured to communicate with a memory of the cable.

Abstract: A battery monitoring device configured to monitor a storage battery. The battery monitoring device includes Kelvin connectors configured to couple to the terminals of the storage battery. The battery monitoring device is configured to receive data from a second battery monitoring device. Further, the battery monitoring device is configured to measure a parameter of the storage battery. The measured parameter and the data received from the second battery monitoring device are communicated to a receiving station.

Abstract: A battery maintenance device configured to maintain a storage battery. An electrical connection couples the battery maintenance device to the storage battery. Maintenance circuitry couples to the battery through the electrical connection and performs maintenance on the battery. The maintenance circuitry includes an electrical load configured to draw an electrical current from the battery. The electrical current causes the electrical load to heat. A phase change material is thermally coupled to the load. The phase change material has a specific heat index which has a non-linear relationship to temperature to thereby reduce a rate of change in temperature of the electrical load.

Abstract: Testing or diagnostics are performed on an electric vehicle. The vehicle is operated and current flow through a system of the vehicle is monitored. A voltage related to the system is also monitored. Diagnostics are provided based upon the monitored voltage and the monitored current.

Abstract: A battery testing system includes a battery test module configured to couple to a battery. The battery test module is further configured to measure battery parameters and transmit the measured battery parameters. The battery testing system also includes a portable tablet device configured to receive the transmitted measured battery parameters. The portable tablet device is further configured to determine a battery test result from the measured battery parameters and display the battery test result.

Abstract: Testing or diagnostics are performed on an electric vehicle. The vehicle is operated and current flow through a system of the vehicle is monitored. A voltage related to the system is also monitored. Diagnostics are provided based upon the monitored voltage and the monitored current.

Abstract: A vehicle electrical system tester for testing the electrical system of a vehicle is provided. The electrical system has a wiring harness which extends between components of the vehicle and includes a plurality of wires. The vehicle electrical system tester is configured to measure an electrical parameter of at least one of the plurality of wires through a first connection to coupled to a first end of the at least one of the plurality of wires and a second connection coupled to a second end of the at least one of the plurality of wires. An electrical signal is applied between the first and second ends of the at least one of the plurality of wires and the electrical parameter of the at least one of the plurality of wires is responsively measured.

Abstract: A current clamp has a pair of jaws that are placed around an electrical conductor to measure a parameter (a measurable quantity or distinguishing or notable characteristic) corresponding to the electrical conductor.

Abstract: A battery diagnostic system including Kelvin connectors configured to electrically couple to a storage battery. A forcing function source is configured to apply a forcing function signal to the storage battery through the Kelvin connectors. Measurement circuitry calculates an electrical parameter of the storage battery. A memory stores a plurality of electrical parameters for a plurality of storage batteries and each of the plurality of stored electrical parameters is associated with storage battery identifier information which identifies one of the storage batteries of the plurality of storage batteries and time information, which identifies a time the electrical parameter was obtained.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester, includes test circuitry configured to couple to a battery and measure a parameter of the battery. A manual input is configured to receive an input from an operator. A user output provides an output to the operator. A memory contains programming code, which includes code to output battery test procedure instructions for implementation by the operator. A microprocessor operates in accordance with the programming code to instruct the operator to perform the battery test procedure. The microprocessor further performs a battery test based upon the measured parameter.

Abstract: An electronic vehicle tester includes a battery tester configured to measure a parameter of a battery of a vehicle. A tire tester is configured to receive a parameter of a tire of the vehicle. A wireless receiver can be configured to receive pressure information from a transmitter associated with a tire of a vehicle.

Abstract: A tool (100) for use in the construction of a stairway includes a height adjustment section (117) for measuring the height above a stair tread and a second measurement section (200) pivotably attached to the height adjustment section (117) for measuring an angle (?, ?) between the tool body (101) and the straight edge (213) on the second measurement section (200). The tool body (101) includes vertical clamp brace (103) and horizontal clamp brace (110) for attaching the tool body (101) to a stair tread.

Abstract: A pipe fitting aligning device having at least one square block assembly slidably positioned on a reference tool. The square block assembly includes a slot with a vertical scale extending therefrom. The device may include at least one compass assembly slidably positioned on the reference tool and spaced apart from the square block assembly.

Abstract: A device that teaches the relationship between a right triangle, the length of its hypotenuse, the length of its two sides and the trigonometric functions. The device includes a horizontal and vertical ruler attached by a sliding attachment bracket. A circular plate showing 360 degrees (?) is attached to the horizontal ruler along with a pivoting ruler that can rotate 360 degrees. By sliding the vertical ruler along the horizontal ruler and revolving the pivoting ruler, the height of the vertical ruler (Y) where it intersects the pivoting ruler, the length of the horizontal ruler (X) where it intersects the vertical ruler, and the length of the of the pivoting ruler (R) where it intersects the vertical ruler can be measured. The trigonometric functions can then be calculated and plotted by their relationship with the measured values of X, Y, R and ?.

Abstract: Novel measuring and cutting apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base member, an elongated member having an attachment end coupled to the base member and at least one straight edge adapted to extend over a workpiece, and a measuring arm. The measuring arm includes a first leg slideably coupled at right angles to the elongated member, and a second leg extending from the first leg and adapted to extend over the workpiece, the measuring arm defining a distance between the straight edge and the second leg. The apparatus allows accurate, repeated measurement when the straightedge is angled, and also allows access to the entire length of the straightedge for drawing or cutting.

Abstract: A device for generating angles has a ruler-shaped basic rail having a first guide extending in a longitudinal direction of the basic rail. A stop rail is arranged in the first guide of the basic rail and is rotatable and slidable into different positions relative to the basic rail and securable in the different positions. The stop rail has an underside provided with depressions positioned at an acute angle to one another and forming a star-shaped arrangement. The basic rail has a projection that engages the depressions.

Abstract: A drawing tool comprising a protractor portion at one end and an elongated radius arm portion extending therefrom, with a pivot disc rotatably mounted in the tool, and an adjustable radius indicator slideably mounted in the radius arm portion, the pivot disc having an open circular pivot point and the adjustable radius indicator having means for automatically resisting unintended indicator movement.

Abstract: A device for generating angles has a ruler-shaped basic rail having a first guide extending in a longitudinal direction of the basic rail. A stop rail is arranged in the first guide of the basic rail and is rotatable and slidable into different positions relative to the basic rail and securable in the different positions. The stop rail has an underside provided with depressions positioned at an acute angle to one another and forming a star-shaped arrangement. The basic rail has a projection that engages the depressions.

Abstract: A Multifunction Layout Tool capable of performing the functions of an adjustable square, adjustable T-square, try square, combination square, protractor, angle duplicator, depth gauge, rip gauge, rafter-stair layout tool, and compass is disclosed. The tool comprises a generally T-shaped squaring base, mounting an elongated sliding rule. The base is comprised of a body defining a central flared channel to receive the rule and a pair of squaring arms extending from the body, defining a squaring edge along an end of the base, perpendicular to the channel. The rule is disposed in and extends out of the channel, between the squaring arms. The rule is a blade having a rounded end, a square end, and a central longitudinal slot. A fastener anchored to the base, extending through the rule slot, maintains the rule within the channel. Protractor indicia disposed within the channel and corresponding vernier indicia on the rounded end of the rule measure disposition angles of the rule when the rule is fully extended.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an a.c. current flowing in an electric cable comprises a pair of jaws for receiving the cable and which are movable towards one another to engage the opposite sides of the cable. A potentiometer generates a signal ("cable size signal") corresponding to the relative positions of the jaws. A set of coils is provided adjacent the jaws to detect the magnetic field generated by current flowing in the cable. A circuit in the housing is responsive to the cable size signal and the voltage induced in the coil for determining the amplitude of the current flowing in the cable and displaying the same on a display.

Abstract: An improved measuring apparatus (10) including male (12) and female (11) measuring instruments equipped with complimentary pairs of male (14) and female (13) sleeve bodies bearing a multiplicity of variably aligned calibrated indicia (50) representative of different drawing scales; wherein, the male (12) and female (11) measuring instruments are adapted to be captively engaged in L and inverted L configurations as well as in an end to end straight line configuration.

Abstract: A tile cutting gauge comprises mainly a semi-circular protractor and a guide rod pivotally fastened to the protractor. A length ruler is slidably mounted on the straight side of the protractor, while a baffle means is slidably mounted to the guide rod in such a manner that it can be moved upward, downward, leftward, and rightward. The desired length and angle of the tile intended to be cut are measured respectively by means of the length ruler and the guide rod. The tile intended to be cut is held securely by the length ruler and a baffle means so as to permit an operator to make a cutting mark on the tile along the guide rod.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for interpolating elevation values and related locations from data provided on drawings by using an instrument with a supporting scale bar on which are mounted two slides that each has an extension arm. In use, the slides are set at the elevation values of the points on the drawing and one of the slides is moved along the scale bar intersecting a graphic scale at various intervals. The movable arm on the slide intersects the line joining the points on the drawing at various intervals.