Abstract:
A battery pack includes a lead-acid battery and a charger port and an electronic switch connected between the two, the switch being controlled by a microcontroller which is connected to each of the battery and the charger port for separately monitoring the voltages thereat. The microcontroller operates under the control of a program which includes routines for comparing the battery voltage to the charger port voltage, for preventing closure of the switch unless the charger port voltage is at least a predetermined level and at least the battery voltage, for adjusting the duty cycle of the switch in accordance with the magnitude of the difference between the charger port voltage and the battery voltage, for detecting a bad battery by measuring the length of time required to increase the battery voltage from first to second predetermined levels, for reducing the switch duty cycle to a trickle charge level in the event of bad battery detection, and for disabling the bad battery detection routine in the event that a cigarette lighter adapter is coupled to the charger port. Audible and visible indicators may be provided to signal charging condition.
Abstract:
In one form, tester for an electrical system, such as for a vehicle, develops repetitively applied, short duration, control current pulses for reducing load current pulses through the electrical system. An operator connects a pair of input contacts across a fuse holder. A circuit between the input contacts is closed momentarily and repetitively to produce repetitive current pulses from the electricity source through the system. A perceptible alert is produced when the magnitude of the current pulse exceeds that of a prescribed reference current value. In another form, a tester for an electrical system is designed to plug into the fuse terminals in a fuse box. The tester can include a plurality of interchangeable circuit breaker modules to allow the tester to be used on circuits having differing current ratings.
Abstract:
A usage counter has input terminals connectable to the terminals of a jump-starting battery pack. The counter has an IC comparator which generates an output signal when battery voltage drops below a predetermined reference level. If the output signal persists for a predetermined time period, indicating an attempt to jump-start an engine with the battery pack, an IC timer is triggered to output a count pulse which is inverted and then counted and displayed by an IC counter/display circuit. The usage counter circuit is powered by the battery pack and has a Zener diode which provides to the IC circuits a limited supply voltage which is unaffected by voltage spikes which might appear at the battery pack terminals. A capacitor maintains the reference voltage level despite momentary drops in battery terminal voltage.
Abstract:
An electronic torque-angle instrument including a generally tubular body having a gripping section and a pivoting head for engaging a workpiece, such as a nut or bolt, and a housing associated with the body and containing electronics, including a microprocessor, which permit individual or simultaneous measurement of torque and angle applied to the workpiece. The microprocessor includes stored programs which interpret a signal from an input, such as a gyroscopic sensor, and sends the interpreted signal to an output means. The signal is finally displayed as an accurate torque measure and/or angle measure from the output means.
Abstract:
A portable battery jump start unit includes a portable, plastic, clamshell-type housing including a box-like open-top base and a box-like, open-bottom cover hingedly connected together for movement between open and closed conditions. A lead-acid battery is disposed in the housing, along with a state-of-charge monitoring circuit connected to the battery terminals and including a visible indicator viewable through an aperture in the housing. Cables are connected to the battery terminals and respectively extend through openings formed by cooperating notches in the mating edges of the base and cover, the cables respectively having clamp connectors at their distal ends which can be clamped onto posts projecting laterally outwardly from the sides of the base. A charger jack in the base is connected to the battery terminals for receiving a charger connector.
Abstract:
A linearly moving external part on a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is contacted with a hand-held rotary encoder, contact tachometer having a hollow handle in which processing circuitry is disposed for converting the rotary encoder output to a waveform signal. This signal, along with a signal responsive to the firing of the number one cylinder, are applied to an engine analyzer processor for display of a single engine cycle of the waveform signal on the CRT oscilloscope of the engine analyzer. The variations in amplitude of the waveform signal correspond to speed variations of the moving part over an engine cycle to give an indication of the relative power contributions of the individual cylinders.
Abstract:
An improved method of rotating the lockrod of a tool storage unit to the “locked” or “unlocked” position by use of a linear actuator to rotate the lockrod actuator, where the linear actuator operates electrically, allowing for control by any remotely or automatically operated system. The tool storage unit locking mechanisms include a center-neutral key position that rotates 90 degrees in either direction from center to lock and unlock the unit. This design allows a standard key to operate the locking mechanism, but also allows a secondary mechanism (such as an electromagnetically driven mechanism) to directly operate the lock. Due to its specifics, the design would also allow for retrofitability.
Abstract:
An evaporative emission tester is used to evaluate the integrity of a vehicle's evaporative emission control system, including determining the system's purge capability. The emission tester performs a purge flow test to determine whether fuel vapor stored in the vehicle's evaporative canister and present in the fuel tank is being drawn into the engine for combustion at a minimum amount. The emission tester also performs a pressure test of the vehicle's evaporative canister purge system, which includes the fuel tank and lines. The emission tester can function as a stand-alone unit or as an integrated product with a host computer.
Abstract:
A diesel timing light includes a flash circuit for flashing a xenon lamp in response to ignition events sensed by a knock sensor. A trigger circuit enables the flash circuit only in the presence of an enable signal, which is generated by a sensing circuit immediately before the ignition of the no. 1 cylinder. The sensing circuit includes a visible laser source which illuminates a patch of reflective tape on the engine flywheel just ahead of a timing mark corresponding to engine top dead center. The tape reflects the visible laser light to a sensor which generates the enable signal. The trigger disables the flash circuit immediately after the flash triggered by the first ignition event after the enable signal. LED indicators indicate when the photosensor is detecting the reflected beam and when the knock sensor is detecting ignition events.
Abstract:
A torque-angle wrench is provided with a handle for applying torque, such as to a fastener or bolt, through a tightening angle, at a rotational angular velocity. A piezoelectric gyroscopic sensor device including circuitry for vibrating an oscillating body is coupled to the wrench. As the wrench is rotated through the tightening angle, its rotational angular velocity causes the vibrating body to alter its direction of vibration. The new vibrating pattern is sensed and converted, by appropriate sensing circuitry, into an electrical signal proportional in intensity to the rotational angular velocity of the wrench. The electrical signal can be electronically processed by appropriate conversion and display circuitry to provide a visual indication of the tightening angle. Such conversion and display circuitry can be integral with the wrench or as part of an adaptably coupled meter non-integrally connected to the sensor device.