A graphical user interface is provided that can be used on a diagnostic too. The graphical user interface allows a technician to operate various functions of the diagnostic tool including searching for additional information on the Internet, receiving weather information that is relevant to certain diagnostic tests, and displaying in certain formats the retrieved vehicle data and when certain vehicles were last scanned or diagnosed. The graphical user interface alerts the technician that a part solution is available for a particular retrieved diagnostic trouble code and allows the technician to order a part.
A diagnostic tool and method are provided wherein the diagnostic tool can be configured to communicate a message including indicators to indicate the condition of the vehicle using a database and the DTCs present in the vehicle. The message can indicate for each DTC retrieved from the vehicle, the level of repair urgency and whether the vehicle can be driven without damaging the vehicle through one or both of a display and a speaker.
G06F 17/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
G06F 11/32 - Monitoring with visual indication of the functioning of the machine
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
A tire service hammer includes a handle portion and a head portion having a sledge portion, a wedge portion, and a body portion connecting the sledge portion and the wedge portion, wherein the wedge portion includes a bead breaking wedge and a hook extension. A method of manufacturing a tire service hammer includes providing a handle portion and providing a head portion that includes a sledge portion, a wedge portion, and a body portion connecting the sledge portion and the wedge portion, wherein the wedge portion includes a bead breaking wedge and a hook extension. A tire servicing system for repositioning a wheel having a tire mounted on a rim includes a first grasping portion for securing a portion of the rim while repositioning the wheel, and a breaking portion for breaking a tire bead formed between the tire and the rim.
A refrigerant recovery unit includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant circuit, a processor, and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit is in fluid connection with refrigeration system. The refrigerant circuit is configured to recover refrigerant from the refrigeration system and recharge the refrigeration system with the refrigerant. The processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery unit and the processor is configured to control a fan. The fan is configured to provide a flow of air to the refrigeration system. The memory is to store diagnostic software and operating software to operate the refrigerant recovery unit.
A diagnostic system configured to test the performance of a vehicle component may include a processor configured to process test information from the vehicle component and control the vehicle component to be tested. The system may also include a memory configured to store the test information of the vehicle component and software that operates the vehicle component and a capacitive element configured to supply power to perform the testing of the vehicle component, wherein the memory and the capacitive element are in communication with the processor. The system may further include a monitoring module configured to monitor a power supply provided to perform the testing of the vehicle component and cuts off the power supply when the power exceeds a predetermined threshold. The diagnostic system further includes a sensor configured to sense the output voltage of the alternator and ensure that the diagnostic tool is properly operating the alternator component.
A system and method for adjusting the ignition timing of an engine. The system includes a strobe device in communication with a wireless clamp. The wireless clamp sends a firing signal of a spark plug of an engine to the strobe device and the strobe device synchronously strobes an LED with the signal. The user can use the strobe light to view markings on the engine in relation to an indicator to determine whether the ignition timing of the engine needs to be adjusted.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE CHARGE ACCURACY OF A REFRIGERANT RECOVERY UNIT HAVING A CHECK VALVE DEVICE AND TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED SERVICE HOSES
A refrigerant recovery unit with improved charging accuracy is provided. A service hose that includes a service coupler and a check valve A refrigerant recovery unit with improved charging accuracy is provided. A service hose includes a service coupler and a check valve assembly. The assembly is disposed proximal to the service coupler and includes a recovery flow and recharge flow path. The assembly is configured to provide a substantially free flow of refrigerant and also configured to provide a predetermined cracking pressure in response to the refrigerant being urged to flow along the recharge flow path. The disclosure includes thermally conditioning the interior of the service hoses based on one or more temperature reading(s) and/or based on a function and may be achieved by a heater along the length of the hose, recirculating refrigerant, and/or through a parallel line of heated liquid.
A vehicle measurement apparatus and a method for measuring vehicle data are provided. For example, the vehicle measurement apparatus includes a system-on-a-chip (SoC) device configured to integrate a programmable module with a microcontroller unit to receive vehicle data, process the vehicle data, and communicate the processed vehicle data to a remote computer. A wireless adapter for a measurement device is provided. The wireless adapter includes a first universal serial bus (USB) port to couplably receive data from the measurement device. The wireless adapter includes a battery to power the measurement device via the first USB port. The wireless adapter includes a wireless module to wirelessly transmit the received data to an external computing device after processing by the wireless adapter.
A secondary power source system for a communication device includes a charging unit configured to receive a primary power input and restrict a current used for charging to a predetermined amount. The current is part of a first output of the charging unit. The system further includes a storage unit including a device that stores electrical energy, the storage unit configured to receive the first output from the charging unit with restricted current and generate a second output, a regulating unit configured to receive the second output from the storage unit and generate a third output, a selector unit configured to perform a logical OR operation with the primary power input, the first output from the charging unit and third output from the regulating unit, and to generate a fourth output, and a shutdown unit configured to shutdown operation of the secondary power system when the storage unit has been expended.
A refrigerant recovery system includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant charge path, a flushing path, a processor, and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store a refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path is configured to convey the refrigerant to a refrigeration system to recharge the refrigeration system with the refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path includes a first and second service coupler and a first and second service hose. The service hoses are in fluid communication with the respective service couplers. The flushing path is configured to receive a flow of refrigerant for flushing the refrigeration charge path. The flushing path includes a first and second flushing coupler. The processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery system to provide a flow of the refrigerant from the storage unit, through the refrigerant charge path, and to the flushing path.
A compressor includes a first piston, a second piston, and a crank. A first case chamber is defined by a lower surface of a first piston head, a portion of a first cylinder surface disposed below the lower surface of the first piston head, and a first case surface. A second case chamber is defined by a lower surface of a second piston head, a portion of a second cylinder surface disposed below the lower surface of the second piston head, and a second case surface. The first case chamber and the second case chamber are fluidly isolated from one another. The crank is to reciprocate the first piston head and the second piston head up and down.
A vibration analyzer with an integrated sensor and method are provided to sense a vibration in a component of a vehicle. The vibration analyzer includes a three-axis accelerometer, a controller, a connector, a wireless interface and a battery. The vibration analyzer receives vibration data and vehicle data and packages them together and transmits the packaged data to a remove device such as a scan tool. The vibration analyzer can be networked with the remote device or with another vibration analyzer.
An electrical charging system including a storing vessel for storing a diagnostic tool and a wireless charging system integrated with the storing vessel for wirelessly charging the diagnostic tool when the diagnostic tool is placed within the storing vessel.
A combination gauge tool and a method of measuring are provided. The combination gauge tool includes a processing module having a sensor. The combination gauge tool includes at least two of a brake pad thickness gauge, a tire treads depth gauge, and a rotor thickness gauge each coupled to the processing module at one or more inputs of the sensor and configured to provide measurement data to the sensor.
A diagnostic tool that can communicate with a computing device such as smart phone is provided. The diagnostic tool can include a power management system that allows the dynastic tool to enter lower power state in order to prevent the power drain of vehicle battery. The diagnostic tool can also AutoID a vehicle or use a "fingerprinting" process to identify the vehicle. A crediting system is provided that can be used to credit a 3rd party for software purchased for use by the diagnostic tool or smart phone.
A diagnostic tool may include a user interface operating system comprising a computer processor that operates in a first operating environment. The diagnostic tool may also include a vehicle diagnostic operating system comprising a computer processor that operates in a second operating environment, wherein the second operating environment is different from the first operating environment.
B60W 50/02 - Ensuring safety in case of control system failures, e.g. by diagnosing, circumventing or fixing failures
B60W 50/04 - Monitoring the functioning of the control system
B60R 16/02 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric
A graphical user interface is provided that can be used on a diagnostic tool. The graphical user interface allows a technician to operate various functions of the diagnostic tool including searching for additional information on the Internet, receiving weather information that is relevant to certain diagnostic tests, and displaying in certain formats the retrieved vehicle data and when certain vehicles were last scanned or diagnosed.
The present invention is directed a system including a vehicle monitoring device coupled to a vehicle configured to retrieve vehicle information from a vehicle diagnostic system of the vehicle and transmit the vehicle information to an off-board device via a communication relay device to receive the vehicle information and display the received vehicle information based at least in part on information of the one or more recipients.
A refrigerant recovery system includes a recovery apparatus and a refrigerant recovery unit. The recovery apparatus includes a heat sink, a capture tank, and a hose. The capture tank is in thermal contact with the heat sink. The capture tank is configured to capture a first refrigerant from a refrigeration system. The hose is to fluidly connect the capture tank to the refrigerant system. The refrigerant recovery unit includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant circuit, a processor and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store a second refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit is in fluid connection with the heat sink. The refrigerant circuit is configured to circulate the second refrigerant through the heat sink, a compressor, and a condenser. The processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery unit. The memory is to store diagnostic software and operating software to operate the refrigerant recovery unit.
A system and methods associated therewith for providing a load controller for a refrigerant recovery units are disclosed. The load controller can be controlled to operate when the current drawn by the motor increases due to pressure changes caused by abnormal refrigerant flow or during activation of the motor in order to lower the pressure. In some aspects of the present invention, the load controller can lower the pressure by recirculating some of the pressure load through the opening of a compressor bypass loop line. In some embodiments, the current/pressure load may be monitored during the operation of the refrigerant recovery unit and set to act as an emergency shut off and alert system to the user when the system malfunctions.
A vehicle diagnostic tool and a process of operating a diagnostic tool include communicating with a vehicle in at least one communication protocol. The tool and process further including receiving inputs from a user, displaying information on a display, performing a script of actions associated with a shortcut, performing diagnostic procedures in response to the receiving of inputs from the input device, communicating with the vehicle and performing the script of actions, and storing the script of actions in a memory.
An alternator and starter tester system capable of generating a warranty claim code. The warranty claim code can contain information regarding a diagnostic test and the tested components. The alternator and starter tester system can also encode and transmit the warranty claim code to a supplier or a manufacturer to verify warranty credit.
A graphical user interface that is capable of being used on a computing device, such as a vehicle diagnostic tool. The graphical user interface includes various buttons that when actuated causes the vehicle diagnostic tool to perform a corresponding functionality such as read diagnostic trouble codes and collect and display a data stream of diagnostic data of a vehicle. The graphical user interface also displays buffered data in a data window and the data may be moved using various input buttons.
A graphical user interface that is capable of being used on a computing device, such as a vehicle diagnostic tool. The graphical user interface includes various buttons that when actuated causes the vehicle diagnostic tool to perform a corresponding functionality such as read diagnostic trouble codes and collect and display a data stream of diagnostic data of a vehicle. The graphical user interface also displays buffered data in a data window and the data may be moved using various input buttons.
A system and method for automating the selection of vehicle identifying information for a diagnostic tool and for searching multiple databases of fix information and providing such information to a user. A microprocessor of a diagnostic tool is included for processing the data received from the input and for instructing a search of repair assets corresponding to the data regarding the vehicle. A notification device, triggering an alert, is used for notifying a user of located repair assets and a user interface for selecting repair assets to be provided to the user.
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