| SPX Corporation Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120130583 | Automotive Scan Tool with Enhanced Audio, Video and Voice Recognition Functionality - A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input unit for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input unit and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, an input and output unit receiving and transmitting audio and video signals controlled by the processor, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing audio and video information, and transferring the audio and video information through the input and output unit; and a display unit displaying information according to the received and processed audio and video signals stored in the memory. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120112110 | BALL VALVE SEAT SEAL - In an embodiment of the present invention, a valve seal for a ball valve includes a ball configured to mate with a tail piece, an annular seat ring to facilitate the mating of the ball with the tail piece, the seat ring having an angled wall having a first groove for accommodating a first seal and a second groove for accommodating a second seal, the first seal having a different Young's modulus from the second seal. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120109544 | DIGITAL COMPRESSION RECORDER WITH SPECIFICATION DATABASE SYSTEM AND METHOD - In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system for measuring the cylinder compression of an engine is provided The system may include a microprocessor; a sensor operatively connected to the microprocessor, the sensor configured to measure a pressure; a memory operatively connected to the microprocessor, the memory configured to store a pressure detected by the sensor; and a database operatively connected to the microprocessor, the database configured to a store baseline pressure associated with an engine. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120107142 | INTERNALLY SUPPLIED AIR JET COOLING FOR A HYDRAULIC PUMP - A compressed gas powered machine is provided. The machine includes: an outlet and a hollow member fluidly connected to the outlet and configured to receive gas expended from the machine through the outlet the hollow member defining holes oriented to allow the gas contained in the hollow member to blow on various parts of the machine. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105084 | HYDROCARBON VAPOR DETECTOR APPARATUS AND METHOD - A hydrocarbon vapor detection instrument includes a hydrocarbon vapor detector, with conductivity proportional to contiguous airborne concentration of hydrocarbon vapor. The instrument further includes electronic circuitry providing an electrical signal proportional to the vapor detector conductivity and to a switch-selected sensitivity setting. The instrument further includes indicators to signal recharging status while a power switch is off and an external power supply is recharging the battery, namely that the battery is partially or fully charged and if the battery temperature is excessive, to signal that operating power is on, to signal that a low battery condition exists, and to signal different concentrations of hydrocarbon vapor. For the last of these, indicator position on a housing corresponds to vapor concentration. The instrument further includes an audible indication of power-on status and vapor concentration, changing with vapor concentration. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103567 | INTERNALLY DIRECTED AIR JET COOLING FOR A HYDRAULIC PUMP - An adjustable cooling mechanism is provided. The cooling mechanism may include: a hollow member surrounding, at least in part, a machine to be cooled; the hollow member having holes oriented at the machine; an outlet configured to outlet a compressed fluid from the machine; a conduit connecting the outlet to an interior of the hollow member; and a throttling mechanism configured to throttle a fluid moving through the holes. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102704 | WHEEL HUB REMOVER AND METHOD - A hub remover is provided. The hub remover includes a cross bar; a set of jaws having a receiving hole dimensioned to allow the cross bar to fit through the receiving hole to connect the jaws together via the cross bar; a forcing screw configured to extend through the cross-bar and between the jaws; a forcing screw nut configured to threadably engage an end of the forcing screw; and a resilient friction device located in the hole and configured to generate friction between the cross bar and the jaw when the cross bar moves through the hole in the cross bar. A method of operating a hub remover is provided. The method includes extending the forcing screw through a hole in the hub; placing a forcing screw nut on an end of the forcing screw that has extended through the hub; placing a foot portion of a jaw behind a portion of the hub; and turning the forcing screw to urge the forcing screw nut against a rear portion of the hub and thereby push the hub off of a spindle assembly. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120098725 | Broadband Clover Leaf Dipole Panel Antenna - An antenna radiator is provided. The radiator includes four elements, each including a node, a first ring connected to the node, and a second ring connected to the node and disposed inside of and coplanar with the first ring. The first ring includes a first plurality of segments, and the second ring includes a second plurality of segments. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120092949 | SYNCHRONIZED MIXING DEVICE AND METHOD - A system for mixing a fluid in a tank includes a set of mixers and a controller. The set of mixers is disposed proximal to a perimeter of the tank. The set of mixers are operable to pivot. The controller is configured to control the set of mixers to pivot from a first orientation to a second orientation. The controller is configured to control each mixer of the set of mixers to stop pivoting in a first direction in response to each respective mixer achieving a predetermined intermediate orientation and the controller is configured to control the set of mixers to continue pivoting in the first direction in response to all mixers of the set of mixers achieving the predetermined intermediate orientation. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090336 | METHOD FOR ACCURATELY RECHARGING A/C SYSTEMS - A refrigerant recovery unit for accurately filling a refrigerant system with a refrigerant is provided which includes a storage vessel for holding refrigerant, sensors to assist in determining the pressure of the refrigerant in the storage vessel, a controller to control the flow of refrigerant from the storage vessel to the refrigerant system to be serviced, and a heating device to heat the refrigerant, which is activated only if heating is required, as determined by data received by the controller. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120079877 | COMPRESSION TEST ADAPTER - A compression tester adapter is provided. The compression adaptor includes a generally cylindrical plug fitting, including a pilot segment, an external thread, a cylinder segment, a gasket located between the external thread and the cylinder segment and a plug end; and a connector fitting including an attachment interface; and a hose attached to the plug fitting. A method of adapting a compression tester spark plug hose for use with a spark plug socket is provided. The method includes; engaging a threaded spark plug socket in an internal combustion engine cylinder head; attaching a compression tester spark plug hose; and transmitting a compressed gas to the compression tester spark plug hose wherein the spark plug socket thread is configured with a nominal diameter of 12 millimeters; and creating a substantially airtight seal against a periphery of a tapered seat near a inner extreme of the spark plug socket. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120079839 | VACUUM PUMP OIL CHANGING METHOD AND APPARATUS - Refrigerant processing equipment is provided. The refrigerant processing equipment may include: a vacuum pump; an outlet for draining vacuum pump lubricating oil from the vacuum pump; a fluid container; and a conduit configured to provide a fluid connection between the outlet and the container. A method for draining oil from a vacuum pump from refrigerant processing equipment is provided. The method may include connecting an outlet for oil on the vacuum pump with a container; and providing a valve between the outlet and the container to selectively provide fluid communication between the outlet and an the container. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120078462 | OFF-BOARD TOOL WITH PROGRAMMABLE ACTUATOR - A programmable actuator having multiple programmable functions is provided. The programmable actuator may be used on an off-board tool. In accordance with an embodiment, an off-board tool, OBT, including a user-defined programmable actuator is provided. In accordance with another embodiment, an OBT includes a processor, an internal memory, a programmable actuator, program logic and perform function logic. In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of actuating performance of a user-defined series of functions for a OBT is provided. The method includes the step of actuating a programmable actuator of the OBT with a single actuating action. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077504 | Super Economical Broadcast System - A super economical cellular communication system is provided. The system includes a plurality of base transceiver stations that define a plurality of respective cells. Each base transceiver station includes a phased-array antenna having six sectors arranged in a symmetric hexagonal configuration. Each sector has at least one group of vertically-arranged antenna panels, and each antenna panel has a plurality of vertically-arranged radiators disposed in at least two staggered columns. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120072048 | JUMPER CONNECTOR - A method and apparatus for jumping a pin connections in an electrical device are provided. The electrical device can be a vehicle having a data link connector that once mated with the apparatus, such a jumping connector that will jump at least two pin connections in the data link connector. The jumping connector can also have dip switches that be in the active or inactive state. In the active state, the dip switch will cause a connection to one of the pin connectors on the electrical device while the inactive state, the dip switch will not cause a connection to one of the pin connectors on the electrical device. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120062237 | Method and Apparatus for Charging a Battery - A method of testing a battery is provided the method may include: (a) applying a heavy load to the battery, (b) measuring the voltage V | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060970 | HANDS FREE AIR CHUCK AND METHOD OF USE - A tool for filling a tire with a gas is provided. The tool includes: an air chuck; a shaft connected to the air chuck; a rim hook connected to the shaft; and a spring located between the shaft and the rim hook. A method of filling a tire is also provided. The method may include: connecting an air chuck to a valve stem; attaching a hook and spring assembly attached to the air chuck to a rim associated with the tire to be filled; and flowing a fluid through, the air chuck and into the valve stem. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120035805 | Error Message Details for Debug Available to End User - A diagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input device for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input device and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing information relating to the diagnostic tool and information relating to the configuration of the diagnostic tool and the configuration of the communication with the unit being tested, and an output unit connected to the processor indicating information according to the received and processed information relating to the diagnostic tool and information relating to the diagnosing of the vehicle. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035804 | Diagnostic Tool with Recessed Connector - A diagnostic tool that includes components that allow the diagnostic tool to record data while the vehicle is driven in order to capture data for intermittent faults. The diagnostic tool can operate in harsh conditions such as high and low temperatures. The diagnostic tool includes a capacitor to power the diagnostic tool in order to prevent complete drainage of the vehicle battery. The diagnostic tool includes a support module that can couple with a socket and a plug in order to keep them mated together during use. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035800 | Vehicle Diagnostic, Communication and Signal Delivery System - A diagnostic tool that includes components that allow the diagnostic tool to record data while the vehicle is driven in order to capture data for intermittent faults. The diagnostic tool can operate in harsh conditions such as high and low temperatures. The diagnostic tool includes a capacitor to power the diagnostic tool in order to prevent complete drainage of the vehicle battery. The diagnostic tool includes a support module that can couple with a socket and a plug in order to keep them mated together during use. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120024976 | LEAK DETECTOR USING ATOMIZED OIL PRODUCED BY A MECHANICAL GENERATING MEANS - A visible vapor generator is provided. The visible vapor generator may include: a pump having an inlet and an outlet; and a passage configured to provide a fluid to an impeller associated with the pump in addition to lubricating fluid and working fluid provided to the pump; wherein the action of the impeller atomizes both at least some of both the lubricating fluid and the fluid provided to the impeller and expels the atomized fluid through the outlet. A method of generating a vapor may also be provided. The method may include; modifying a pump to have a passage to conduct fluid to an impeller associated with the pump in addition to the lubricating fluid and working fluid. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120013520 | Ultra-Wide Band Monopole Antenna - A broad-band monopole antenna for high voltage environments is provided. The monopole antenna includes a ground plane, a plurality of flat radiator elements and an electrical conductor. The ground plane has a flat upper surface, a lower surface, a smoothly-radiused outer edge and a hole centrally disposed through the upper and lower surfaces. Each flat radiator element has a thickness, a straight inner edge and a semicircular outer edge. The plurality of flat radiator elements are interconnected along each inner edge and symmetrically arranged about a vertical axis centered on the ground plane hole. The electrical connector extends through the ground plane hole and is coupled to the radiator elements. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20110298141 | DESUPERHEATER SEAT-RING APPARATUS - The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of deploying a desuperheater with a Seat-Ring designed to provide coolant injection at high temperature differential. The present invention's robust design provides for a high level of flexibility that allows operating at high temperature differentials between the coolant and the superheated fluid. The desuperheater Seat-Ring is made as a split hollow ring with a perpendicular slit traversing the ring's circumference. The opened slit design provides a high level of flexibility, which allows the seat ring to sustain severe temperature extremes by reducing thermal stress. The coolant is supplied to the seat ring through a specially designed coolant nipple liner connected to the seat-ring. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110295461 | User Configurable Scan Tool - A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input device for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input device and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, the processor receiving a selected information of a user and configuration of the diagnostic tool through the input device and correlating the configuration information with the user information, the processor processing the received diagnostic data according to the selected configuration information corresponding to the selected user by the input unit, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing the configuration information according to the corresponding user information, and a display unit receiving and displaying diagnostic information according to the selected stored configuration information according to the user. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110288954 | Method and Apparatus for Identifying Related Fix Information and Parts Number - A diagnostic tool and method are provided wherein a faulty part and its part number is determined based on a retrieved DTC for a specific vehicle. The part number may include the original manufacturer's number and a generic equivalent manufacturer's number (if available). The diagnostic tool can search a parts database of various parts suppliers for their pricing and location. The diagnostic tool can also provide suggested fixes to the user based on the retrieved DTC. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110261644 | MIXER FLOW DIRECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A mixing assembly for mixing settled solids in a liquid or the like, having a longitudinal axis, comprising: a mixing vessel having an apex. The assembly includes a directional tube having a first end and a second end wherein said second end, wherein the directional tube further comprises at least one slot located proximate to said second end wherein said at least one slot extends generally normal to the longitudinal axis. The assembly further includes an impeller disposed within the directional tube, connected to a rotatable shaft. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110257837 | Method and Apparatus for Reading and Erasing Diagnostic Trouble Codes from a Vehicle - A method and apparatus is provided that allows a technician to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and remove any duplicates. The diagnostic tool can retrieve DTCs from the various diagnostic systems in the vehicle, remove any duplicates and display a unique list of DTCs. The diagnostic tool can also erase all DTCs including any duplicates from the vehicle after repairs have been completed. The tool can retrieve the DTCs without the user selecting the system to retrieve from. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110247760 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SEALING TUBELESS TIRES - An apparatus and method to seat a tire on a rim are described. Protrusions and a handle on the apparatus allow a user to brace the protrusions against the rim to prevent blow back when air is vented into the gap between the tire and the rim to seat the tire bead. The air is vented through a plurality of holes in the apparatus and the flow of the air into the apparatus is controlled by positioning a bridge handle of a flow control valve situated between the apparatus and a tank of air. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110225962 | Variable Speed Hydraulic Pump Apparatus and Method - An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a hydraulic pump including a first motor running at a fixed speed, a reservoir for fluid and a first pump operatively coupled to the motor such that the pump runs at the same speed as the motor and generates a flow of fluid from the reservoir. The hydraulic pump further includes a second motor, a speed control valve operatively coupled to the to the first pump and operatively coupled to the second motor such that a portion of the flow is directed to the second motor and the remainder of the flow is diverted to the reservoir, and a second pump operatively coupled to the second motor such that the second pump is driven by the second motor. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110219617 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING AND REMOVING WHEEL STUDS - A wheel stud installing and removing system includes a C-frame; a forcing screw configured to communicate with the C-frame to move laterally through the C-frame; a swivel mounted on an end on the forcing screw; an adapter receiver mounted on an opposite end of the C-frame from the forcing screw, and configured to receive at least one of either a stud installing adapter and a stud removing adapter. A method of moving a stud includes: inserting one of either an installing adapter or a removing adapter into an adapter receiver on a C-frame; aligning a longitudinal axis of the adapter with a longitudinal axis of the stud; aligning the longitudinal axis of the stud with a longitudinal axis of a forcing screw; and turning the forcing screw. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110167301 | FORMULA SERVER FOR DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS - An apparatus and method are provided and include a formula server having formulas and conversion modules that are separate from a diagnostic application of a diagnostic tool. The diagnostic tool receives the diagnostic data and transmits it to a remote computer, where the data is converted using a formula. The resulting data is then transmitted back to the diagnostic tool for display. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110163012 | Slurry Treatment Method and Apparatus - A method of extracting bitumen from tar sands includes providing an apparatus for mixing fluids, the apparatus including: a housing, a substantially cylindrical rotor rotatably mounted within the interior chamber, a first array of spaced bores formed in the peripheral surface of the rotor, a second array of spaced bores formed in the peripheral surface of the rotor, a first fluid inlet in the housing, a second fluid inlet in the housing, and a fluid outlet in the housing positioned for withdrawal of fluid from the chamber to minimize cavitation damage at the location of the fluid outlet, and providing a separation composition at the second predetermined location, the separation composition including: a wetting agent in the amount of from about 0.001% to about 2.5% by weight of the separating composition, a hydrotropic agent, and a dispersant having flocculating characteristics, wherein the separating composition has a pH greater than 7.5. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110161049 | TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM TOOL WITH PARTS NUMBER DATABASE - A tool for use with a tire pressure monitor system includes a storing module configured to store a plurality of communication protocols used by the tire pressure monitor system to interface with a vehicle electronic control unit, the storing module further including a database having parts numbers of sensors utilized with the tire pressure monitor system, the database further includes a vehicle data associated with the tire pressure monitor system, a requesting module configured to request the vehicle data from the storing module, a receiving module configured to receive the vehicle data from the storing module, an accessing module configured to access the storing module to retrieve at least one communication protocol based on the vehicle data, a communications module to receive and transmit the at least one communication protocol to and from the electronic control unit and to and from a sensor, and a processor. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110160953 | ERROR MESSAGE DETAILS FOR DEBUG AVAILABLE TO END USER - A diagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input device for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input device and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing information relating to the diagnostic tool and information relating to the configuration of the diagnostic tool and the configuration of the communication with the unit being tested, and an output unit connected to the processor indicating information according to the received and processed information relating to the diagnostic tool and information relating to the diagnosing of the vehicle. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110146304 | INTERNAL CLEARING FUNCTION FOR A REFRIGERANT RECOVERY/RECHARGE MACHINE - An apparatus and method providing a refrigeration servicing system that comprises a clean refrigerant source, a recovery circuit and a flushing circuit. The recovery circuit can be configured to recover refrigerant from a cooling system. After recovery cycle is completed, the flushing circuit that is coupled to the recovery circuit can flush clean refrigerant through the recovery circuit. A housing can be provided and configured to house the refrigerant source, the recovery circuit and the flushing circuit. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110134008 | Circularly-Polarized Antenna - A circularly-polarized antenna is provided, and includes a conductive backplane with a plurality of panels, a vertical array of patch radiators disposed on one of the backplane panels, and a feed stripline disposed on the backplane panel. The backplane panels are vertical, planar, rectangular and form a right prism. The vertical array has a radiator spacing of one wavelength, each radiator has a face and four edges, and each edge has a length of approximately one half wavelength. The feed stripline includes an input coupled to a coaxial feed cable, and a pair of outputs, orthogonal in position and phase, coupled to each of the radiators. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110131783 | PULLER TOOL - A puller tool and method for pulling a component from another component are provided. The puller tool can include a cross bar, a pair of puller legs that are movable along the length of the cross bar and a forcing screw. The puller legs can be quickly positioned anywhere along the length of the cross bar through a quick release mechanism. The cross bar can include notches on its outer surface to ensure that the puller legs are equidistant from each other during use. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110125366 | AUTOMOTIVE SCAN TOOL WITH ENHANCED AUDIO, VIDEO AND VOICE RECOGNITION FUNCTIONALITY - A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input unit for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input unit and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, an input and output unit receiving and transmitting audio and video signals controlled by the processor, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing audio and video information, and transferring the audio and video information through the input and output unit; and a display unit displaying information according to the received and processed audio and video signals stored in the memory. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110094247 | A/C Maintenance System Using Heat Transfer from the Condenser to the Oil Separator for Improved Efficiency - An apparatus and methodology are provided for advantageously increasing heat transfer between the evaporator/oil separator (“accumulator”) and condenser of a refrigerant recovery/recycling system, to increase the efficiency of the system and to simplify the system. Embodiments include a refrigerant recovery/recycling device comprising a compressor having a suction inlet and a discharge outlet; an accumulator fluidly connected to a refrigerant source and to the compressor suction inlet; a recovery tank fluidly connected to the compressor discharge outlet; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the recovery tank to the accumulator, for raising the temperature of the accumulator and lowering the temperature of the recovery tank. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110073637 | Reflow Air Management System and Method - A reflow module of a reflow oven including a reflow fixture housed within a compartment of the reflow oven, removable side ports attached to the reflow fixture for controlling air flow through the reflow module and a chamber housing encasing the reflow fixture within the compartment of the reflow oven. A reflow oven incorporating the reflow module may include a reflow fixture having a plurality of air tubes and at least one orifice fixture plate removably attached to the reflow fixture, wherein the at least one orifice fixture plate includes a plurality of orifices for directing airflow into the plurality of air tubes. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110061407 | BACKGROUND TANK FILL BASED ON REFRIGERANT COMPOSITION - A portable recovery unit for automatically filling a background tank of blended refrigerant includes a main tank for holding recovered refrigerant from a vehicle A/C system which has a first chemical composition, and an auxiliary tank for holding an auxiliary supply of fresh refrigerant which has a second refrigerant composition. The auxiliary tank is arranged in fluid communication with the main tank so that fluid can be transferred from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. An electronic controller controls the flow of fluid from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. A refrigerant identifier is coupled to the main tank to sample and analyze the refrigerant in the main tank in order to determine the chemical composition of the refrigerant in the main tank, so the refrigerant in the main tank can be purified to an acceptable level based on that analysis. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110041540 | MODULAR UPGRADEABLE PNEUMATIC/HYDRAULIC MANIFOLD - An upgradeable A/C maintenance system and methodology is provided including one or more modular manifolds for mounting and fluidly connecting several components. Embodiments include first and second manifolds, each for removably mounting a plurality of components, and each comprising an internal passage for fluidly connecting at least two of the plurality of components to each other, and a port for fluidly connecting the internal passage to an external surface of the first manifold. The first and second manifolds are removably attachable to each other such that their respective ports fluidly communicate with each other. The first manifold provides a first functionality for the system when the second manifold is not attached to the first manifold, and the second manifold provides a second functionality different from the first functionality when the second manifold is attached to the first manifold. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110015823 | DIAGNOSTIC TOOL WITH ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC CAPABILITIES - A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input unit for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information and communication with the vehicle, the processor controlling a recording of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, a memory storing a software including a database controlled by the processor, the memory storing baseline data of the vehicle and recorded diagnostic data in the database, the processor comparing the stored baseline data and recorded diagnostic data, and a display unit displaying information according to the comparison between the stored baseline data and recorded diagnostic data. The comparison can also be made on a separate computer storing the baseline data and receiving the recorded data from the diagnostic tool. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110001583 | FILTER APPARATUS AND METHOD - A filter includes a cross-coupling link which includes a crossbar, a first vertical support attached to one end of the crossbar, a second vertical support attached to another end of the crossbar, a first coupling arm attached to the first vertical support, a second coupling arm attached to the second vertical support, a first adjustable support attached to the first coupling arm at one end and grounded at another end, and a second adjustable support attached to the second coupling arm at one end and grounded at another end. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100324376 | Diagnostics Data Collection and Analysis Method and Apparatus - A medical diagnostic data collector/analyzer compiles historical vehicle diagnostic data, including measured vital signs from a number of different people from a variety of population types, and performs statistical analyses on various vital sign combinations to establish ranges corresponding to healthy individuals and various disease conditions. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100293078 | Reverse Failure Analysis Method and Apparatus for Diagnostic Testing - A reverse failure analyzer determines a group of diagnostic test procedures related to a particular vehicle component from a pool of diagnostic procedures, and then identifies the specific failure modes of each of the diagnostic test procedures. The reverse failure analyzer further associates the specific failure modes with the respective vehicle component associated with each of the diagnostic test procedures, and the symptoms associated with each of the diagnostic test procedures to the correlated vehicle components and failure modes. In addition, the reverse failure analyzer can cross-reference various vehicle components that can be the root cause of a particular symptom or a vehicle operational problem. Furthermore, the reverse failure analyzer can receive observed symptoms regarding a particular test subject vehicle and correlate the observed symptoms to the vehicle components that can cause the symptoms based on the results of reverse failure analyses. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100285888 | MIXING IMPELLER HUB APPARATUS AND METHOD - An impeller mounting apparatus and method have an elongated cylindrical shaft, a hub having a central aperture therethrough larger than the outer diameter of the shaft, with at least one first channel disposed on an inner circumference of the hub, having an end opening with a first diameter larger than the shaft, and at least one first elastomeric ring having a central circumference less than the outer circumference of the shaft, and adapted to fit over the shaft and inside the channel, thereby becoming outwardly expanded into the channel, the elastomeric ring further having a first ear that projects along the shaft adjacent the end opening, wherein the first ear is dimensioned so that upon expansion the ear does not completely fill the end opening. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100263536 | Vacuum Filter Assembly - A filter assembly for mechanically removing silicon monoxide during a crystal growth run having a filter housing, a filter mounting plate attached to the filter housing, a sweep plate attached to the filter housing, a plurality of filter elements attached to the filter mounting plate, and a plurality of ring-shaped brushes mounted to the sweep plate, wherein at least one of the plurality of ring-shaped brushes surrounds each of the plurality of filter elements. Alternatively, a filter assembly for mechanically removing silicon monoxide during a crystal growth run having a filter housing having a upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion, a filter mounting plate attached to the filter housing proximate the upper portion, a plurality of filter elements attached to the filter mounting plate, and a cylindrical brush mounted in the center portion of the filter housing, wherein the cylindrical brush has a plurality of bristles pointing radially outward, said bristles contacting an outer portion of the plurality of filter elements. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100229044 | Diagnostic Test Sequence Optimization Method and Apparatus - A method for optimizing a test sequence to diagnose a failure mode of a device, such as a vehicle, is provided. At least one symptom of a fault of the device is received, and a plurality of taxonomies is generated. The taxonomies include a device component taxonomy, a fault taxonomy, and a diagnostic taxonomy, and each taxonomy has a plurality of nodes. At least one diagnostic test sequence, based on the symptom and the taxonomies, is generated, costs associated with the diagnostic test sequence are determined, and a cost optimal test sequence, based on the costs and the diagnostic test sequence, is generated. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100154406 | COOLING TOWER APPARATUS AND METHOD WITH WASTE HEAT UTILIZATION - A cooling tower system is provided that can exhibit increased energy efficiency. The cooling tower system includes a cooling tower unit, an expansion engine and a power operated component such as a fan or pump. The process fluid is first used to heat a working fluid for an expansion engine before being sent to the cooling tower for cooling. Power generated by the expansion engine is utilized to operate a component of the cooling tower such as a fan or a pump. The cooling tower is also utilized to provide cooling to condense the working fluid from a vapor to a liquid form cooling tower is used to remove waste heat from a process fluid. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100134374 | Phased-Array Antenna Panel for a Super Economical Broadcast System - A phased-array antenna panel for a super economical broadcast system is provided. The phased-array antenna panel system includes an antenna panel support member, a first pair of striplines and a second pair of striplines. The antenna panel support member includes a front reflector surface to support first and second columns of constantly-spaced, crossed-dipole radiators, a first pair of signal ground cavities disposed beneath the first column of crossed-dipole radiators, a second pair of signal ground cavities disposed beneath the second column of crossed-dipole radiators, and a rear surface including first and second pairs of signal distribution cable connectors. The first pair of striplines are respectively disposed within the first pair of signal ground cavities and are coupled to the first pair of signal distribution connectors and the first column of crossed-dipole radiators. The second pair of striplines are respectively disposed within the second pair of signal ground cavities and are coupled to the second pair of signal distribution connectors and the second column of crossed-dipole radiators. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100066637 | Broadcast Antenna Ellipticity Control Apparatus and Method - The present invention provides a phaser pack for an elliptically polarized antenna that includes a first structural component, a second structural component and a cylindrical inner conductor. The first structural component includes a recess, coupled to an input port, that forms a first portion of a cylindrical conductive path, while the second structural component includes a recess, coupled to a plurality of output ports, that forms a second portion of the cylindrical conductive path. The recesses of the first and second structural components form a continuous cylindrical conductive path when the first and second structural components are mated. The cylindrical inner conductor includes a plurality of tee junctions and a plurality of transition segments, coupled to the input port and the plurality of output ports, disposed within the continuous cylindrical conductive path to form a coaxial conductor that provides different phase delays to at least two of the plurality of output ports. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100057388 | Digital Oscilloscope Module - The present invention provides a digital data acquisition module, such as a digital oscilloscope, that includes a synchronous random access memory (RAM), a digital signal processing unit, and a master control unit. The digital signal processing unit is coupled to the synchronous RAM and includes at least one analog-to-digital (A/D) converter that digitizes an analog signal, and a digital signal processor that includes a dual-port RAM, a plurality of processing blocks and a communications interface. The plurality of processing blocks process the digitized analog signal data, store the processed signal data in the synchronous RAM, create display data from the stored signal data, store the display data in the dual-port RAM. The master control unit is coupled to the digital signal processing unit and includes an internal communications interface coupled to the digital signal processor communications interface, an external communications interface and a central processing unit that receives the display data over the internal communications interface and transmits the display data over the external communications interface. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100052653 | Digital Oscilloscope Module with Glitch Detection - The present invention provides a digital oscilloscope with glitch detection, including a synchronous random access memory (RAM), a digital signal processing unit, coupled to the synchronous RAM, and a master control unit coupled to the digital signal processing unit. The digital signal processing unit includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter to digitize an analog signal and a digital signal processor. The digital signal processor includes a dual-port RAM, a plurality of processing blocks to process the digitized analog signal data, detect glitches in the digitized analog signal data, store the processed signal data in the synchronous RAM, create display data from the stored signal data, and store the display data in the dual-port RAM, and a communications interface to transmit the stored display data. The master control unit includes an internal communications interface coupled to the digital signal processor communications interface, an external communications interface, and a central processing unit to receive the display data over the internal communications interface and transmit the display data over the external communications interface. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100010702 | DYNAMIC DECISION SEQUENCING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PLAN - A diagnostic tool and a computer-implemented method for generating testing and diagnosis procedures for vehicle diagnosis include determining if a first procedure remains to be performed, if a first procedure remains to be performed, then determining whether: there is a second procedure dependent on the first procedure, or the first procedure can run in parallel to the second procedure, if there is a second procedure dependent on the first procedure, then performing the first procedure, if the first procedure can run in parallel to the second procedure, then performing the first procedure, and determining if the second procedure remains to be performed. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090305710 | Super Economical Broadcast System and Method - A super economical broadcast system and method are provided. The system includes a plurality of base transceiver stations that define a plurality of respective cells, each base transceiver station includes a phased-array antenna having a plurality of sectors, each sector has a plurality of vertically-arranged antenna panels, and each antenna panel has a plurality of vertically-arranged radiators disposed in at least two staggered columns. The method includes forming a horizontally and vertically shaped beam using a plurality of vertically-arranged antenna panels, in which each antenna panel has a plurality of vertically-arranged radiators disposed in at least two staggered columns, and transmitting a power distribution that has an essentially uniform field strength over a near zone, a middle zone and at least a portion of a far zone. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090304488 | Engine Filter Lifting Device - A lifting device for raising and lowering a component of a vehicle for maintenance is provided. The lifting device includes a base with a plurality of legs, a fixed support arm attached to the base, a movable support arm rotatably attached to the fixed support arm, a device attached to the fixed and movable support arms, such as a long arm jack, to raise and lower the movable support arm, and an articulated gripper attached to an end of the movable support arm. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090300548 | Multi-Display Window with Scroll Ring Input - A graphical user interface for a portable diagnostic device includes a first window area in which a navigation bar is displayed, a second window area in which data list items are displayed and a wheel menu, selectively overlaying at least a portion of the first and second window areas, in which menu items are displayed. The data list items are selected in response to commands received from a first scroll ring input device, while the menu items are selected in response to commands received from a second scroll ring input device. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090299539 | Power Balancing for Vehicle Diagnostic Tools - A power balancing system includes a vehicle communication device connected to a data link connector of a vehicle, and a scan tool connected to the vehicle communication device, the scan tool including a handset and a vehicle connector interface (VCI), wherein power can be received from one or more of an external power source being external from the VCI, the vehicle, and an internal power supply of the scan tool, and wherein the system balances the received power. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090289756 | Diagnostic Connector Power for Tablet/Laptop PCs - An adapter for coupling a vehicle communication interface device and a computer processing device to a signal source comprises a first port configured for communication with the communication interface device and a second port configured for communication with the computer processing device. The adapter can include a receptacle configured to receive signals having a data portion and a power portion. The adapter can further identify the received signals as being one of vehicle signals or computer signals. Moreover, the adapter can include a relay having a first state associated with the vehicle signals for relaying the vehicle signals between the first port and the signal source and a second state associated with the computer signals for relaying the computer signals between the second port and the signal source. The relay can be selectively placed in one of the first and the second states associated with the received signals as identified by the receptacle. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090284325 | Phased-Array Antenna Filter and Diplexer for a Super Economical Broadcast System - A phased-array antenna filter and diplexer for a super economical broadcast system are provided. The filter and diplexer includes a signal divider tee diplexer, a receive filter and a transmit filter. The diplexer includes a tee branch point, an antenna port, a transmit port and a receive port. The receive filter includes a flat, multi-pole bandpass filter, an input port and an output port, where the input port is coupled to the diplexer receive port to define a receive signal path, from the tee branch point to the receive input port, that has a length of approximately one quarter receive wavelength. The transmit filter includes a folded, multi-pole bandpass filter, an input port and an output port, where the output port is coupled to the diplexer transmit port to define a transmit signal path, from the tee branch point to the transmit output port, that has a length of approximately one quarter transmit wavelength. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090276117 | Simultaneous Vehicle Protocol Communication Apparatus and Method - A diagnostic tool for simultaneously communicating with a plurality of motor vehicle control units and implements at least two different communication protocols within a single motor vehicle. The diagnostic tool includes a processor and a field programmable gate array. The processor simultaneously executes a plurality of diagnostic routines and thereby provides messages to at least two of the plurality of motor vehicle control units. The field programmable gate array provides a selectable multiple protocol interface to simultaneously accommodating the at least two different communication protocols. The field programmable gate array is coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the processor. The selectable multiple protocol interface simultaneously converts the messages from the processor into a format readable by the selected motor vehicle control units and simultaneously converting received control unit information into a format readable by the processor. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090267856 | Phased-Array Antenna Radiator Parasitic Element for a Super Economical Broadcast System - A parasitic element for a phased-array antenna radiator is provided. The radiator comprises a first dipole radiator including two coplanar monopole radiating elements disposed symmetrically about a radiation axis, a second dipole radiator, arranged orthogonally with respect to the first dipole radiator, including two coplanar radiating elements disposed symmetrically about the radiation axis, and a parasitic gain element, having a substantially elliptical shape, disposed above the first and second dipole radiators and centered on the radiation axis. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090262039 | Phased-Array Antenna Radiator for a Super Economical Broadcast System - A phased-array antenna radiator for a super economical cellular communication system is provided. The phased-array antenna radiator comprises two dipole radiators. The first dipole radiator includes a first monopole radiating element supported by a first outer conductor, a second monopole radiating element supported by a second outer conductor, a first inner conductor, disposed within the first outer conductor and extending therethrough, having an upper termination, a first feed strap, attached to the upper termination of the first inner conductor, and a first stub, disposed within the second outer conductor and attached to the first feed strap. The second dipole radiator includes a third monopole radiating element supported by a third outer conductor, a fourth monopole radiating element supported by a fourth outer conductor, a second inner conductor, disposed within the third outer conductor and extending therethrough, having an upper termination, a second feed strap, attached to the upper termination of the second inner conductor, and a second stub, disposed within the fourth outer conductor and attached to the second feed strap. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090250410 | DUAL MEDIA FLUID FILTER - A filter apparatus has a housing, an inlet port on one side of the housing and an outlet port on an opposed side of the housing. Sheet media is disposed in the housing having a first opening through the sheet media. Also dispersed in the housing is a bag media comprising an enclosed bag with a second opening into the bag. The first opening and the second opening are connected in fluid communication with each other and the sheet media is disposed before the bag media in the direction of flow through the housing so that both media are mounted inside the housing. Some fluid entering the inlet passes through both openings and through the bag media and into the outlet, and other fluid entering the inlet passes through the sheet media and then to the outlet. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090249868 | Starter Zero Current Test Apparatus and Method - An alternator and starter tester system having a starter current zero test. The current is measured before and after a solenoid of a starter motor is energized and deenergized to determine if the starter motor should be failed. This allows the operator to quickly determine if the starter motor is stuck on during normal starter motor testing. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090237086 | MODULAR HEAVY LOAD BATTERY TEST SYSTEM - A modular heavy load battery test system is provided. The system includes a heavy load module and a battery tester. The heavy load module includes a housing, first and second lengths of high-resistivity, large-gauge wire arranged on respective upper and lower surfaces of a heat-resistant support plate, a switch and at least one cooling fan. The battery tester includes a housing, a microcontroller and a set of battery charging wires. The microcontroller selects the configuration of the first and second wires and provides the control signal to the heavy load module, while the switch selectively connects the first and second wires to the battery tester based upon the control signal. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090237029 | INDUCTIVE BATTERY CHARGER FOR SERVICE EQUIPMENT - An inductive battery charging system for a handheld service tool is provided. The system includes a battery charger and a handheld service tool. The battery charger has a primary coil enclosed within a housing, and which is coupled to a power source. The service tool includes a secondary coil, enclosed within a housing, that provides at least 100 mA of inductively-generated alternating current, a rectifier, a linear voltage regulator, a battery charge controller and a battery. | 09-24-2009 |
