Abstract:
A vehicle communication interface (VCI) that allows for a single communications protocol to be used between a software application and a plurality of software drivers that are connected to physical interfaces of the VCI. Also, a method of communicating with a vehicle using a host system such as a personal computer. The method also makes use of a single communications protocol between a software application that processes information received from a vehicle and a plurality of software drivers.
Abstract:
A tire spoon for mounting or removing a tire from a wheel rim includes a spoon, and an elongated shaft. The spoon can be inserted between a wheel rim and a tire disposed thereon. The elongated shaft defines a lever arm that is distal from the spoon and that is configured to receive and transfer a lever force to the spoon to flex a portion of the tire about the wheel rim. A force member extends transversely from the shaft proximate to the spoon and between the spoon and the lever arm, and is configured to receive and transfer a pushing force to the spoon to drive the spoon between the tire and the wheel rim. A grip portion of the spoon has at least one groove configured to grip a surface of the tire and/or wheel rim.
Abstract:
A system that provides a safety rating for a driver or a vehicle to a rider of the vehicle. Information including diagnostic information such as sensor information and location information is used to determine the safety rating. By having a high safety rating, the rider of the vehicle has some level of assurance that the vehicle will arrive at a designated location.
Abstract:
A car wash with integrated diagnostic functions is provided that includes the ability to wash and dry a connected vehicle and perform various diagnostic functions. The various diagnostic functions such as tread depth measurement, measuring tire pressures, performing safety inspection, emissions testing and performing vehicle diagnostics and the like may be performed while the connected vehicle is at the car wash. The results of the diagnostic tests may be provided to the driver at the end of the car wash via the driver's wireless computing device.
Abstract:
A sensor calibration tool, in particular for calibrating sensors on a vehicle, includes a vertical rail that defines a first rail axis, a vertically movable carriage assembly, and a horizontally movable carriage assembly. The vertically movable carriage assembly is supported by the vertical rail and movable along the first rail axis, and has a horizontal rail that defines a second rail axis transverse to the first rail axis. The horizontally movable carriage assembly is supported by the horizontal rail and is movable along the second rail axis. The horizontally movable carriage assembly has a transverse mounting bar with a plurality of target mounts. Each target mount is configured to releasably support a respective calibration target. Different combinations and positions of calibration targets enables calibration of sensors on different vehicles based on predetermined specifications corresponding to the different vehicles.
Abstract:
A method of configuring a controller for communication with at least one instrument module includes electrically connecting an interface of the at least one instrument module to an interface of the controller, receiving with the controller an identification signal from the interface of the at least one instrument module through a portion of the interface of the controller, and executing with the controller a configuration program that corresponds to the identification signal to enable communication between the at least one instrument module and the controller.
Abstract:
An inlet debris filter disposed within a manifold assembly and operable to filter refrigerant that flows through the manifold assembly. In some embodiments, the manifold assembly may be disposed within an air conditioning servicing system. In some embodiments, the inlet debris filter may be removable and serviceable.
Abstract:
A mobile sensor calibration apparatus that is operable to be mounted to the side of a service vehicle to perform calibrations outside of a workshop environment. The mobile sensor calibration apparatus may further comprise platform members to provide an even surface for a subject vehicle having sensors needing calibration. In some embodiments, the mobile sensor calibration apparatus may be compacted and stored in the service vehicle during transportation.
Abstract:
An air condition service machine for charging an air conditioner with refrigerant in a fast-charge mode, the fast-charge mode controlled based upon the changing weight rate of a refrigerant tank providing the supply of refrigerant to the air conditioner. The embodiment may also include a compensation mode to provide greater accuracy of the charge after completion of the fast-charge mode. The rate of refrigerant flow is monitored and an end time as opposed to weight target ends the charge.
Abstract:
A system that receives and analyzes a connected vehicle's safety feature activation and the location of activation on a road to determine if a hazard condition exist and providing an alert on a subscriber's vehicle or wireless device. Weather information for the location of the activation, highway engineering information for the location of the activation and other connected vehicles' safety feature activation at the location are also considered in the determination if the hazardous condition exists on the road. The hazardous condition alert can also be sent to the highway transportation department so that the hazardous condition can be mitigated.