Other

Sun Electric U.k. Limited

Snap-on Equipment Gmbh

Snap-on Technologies, Inc.

Snap-on U.k. Holdings Limited

Barbara L Jones

Paul Smith

Stephen J Davis

Kenneth W Peter

Thomas F Wylie

Marcus J Hawkins

David Stollery

Rex J Keddy

Tom L Nam

Shawn Araikum

Timothy J Valentine

Robert D Peck

Joseph Watson

Jason Mark Clifton

Bernard Gee

Alastair J Hotchkiss

Christiaan Hoede

Reza Tamadoni

A method and apparatus for wireless transmission of data through a communications channel between at least two local data sensors (for example automotive diagnostic data sensors or NVH sensors), which may include a primary data-processing function, and data-processing function (for example a PC) to receive data therefrom. The system provides for asymmetrical division of the communications channel on a frequency or time-division or packet-switching basis so that the corresponding asymmetrical data transmission requirement of the local data sensors are matched to the capacity of their respective sub-channels whereby a single channel is capable of transmitting all the required data. A particularly practical application is to noise vibration harshness analysis of wireless-transmitted data from three-dimensionally spaced NVH sensors enabling spacial pinpointing of vibration sources in automotive warranty analysis studies.

Apparatus and method for vibration analysis of a machine or other article

A method and apparatus for wireless transmission of data through a communications channel between at least two local data sensors (for example automotive diagnostic data sensors or NVH sensors), which may include a primary data-processing function, and data-processing function (for example a PC) to receive data therefrom. The system provides for asymmetrical division of the communications channel on a frequency or time-division or packet-switching basis so that the corresponding asymmetrical data transmission requirement of the local data sensors are matched to the capacity of their respective sub-channels whereby a single channel is capable of transmitting all the required data. A particularly practical application is to noise vibration harshness analysis of wireless-transmitted data from three-dimensionally spaced NVH sensors enabling special pinpointing of vibration sources in automotive warranty analysis studies.

Wireless mutliplex data transmission system

A method and apparatus for mounting an acoustic emitter or detector of other sensor apparatus with respect to mounting structure therefor and so as to be isolated at least partially with respect thereto from the transmission of acoustic and/or electrical energy. The mounting provides a non-elastomeric snap-together bushing formed of a plastics material which accurately positionally locates the sensor or emitter with respect to its mounting while providing an unexpectedly high degree of isolation with respect to transmission of acoustic and other energy forms through the mounting.

Method and apparatus for mounting an acoustic transducer

Method and apparatus for three-dimensional mapping for automotive diagnostics and repair and other uses enables mapping of separate regions of a vehicle with a linking mapping step between the apparatus used for mapping the two regions, the linking mapping step using the transmission of an energy signal between the two sets of apparatus to establish their relative three-dimensional coordinates.

Three-dimensional mapping systems for automotive vehicles and other articles

Method and apparatus for calibration of 3-dimensional mapping systems applicable to automotive crash repair and diagnostics in which a calibration assembly provides accurate 3-dimensional optical inputs to a camera unit for calibration of the internal dimensional constants of the unit. The 3-dimensional calibration apparatus employs twin spaced mounting planes for patterns of optical emitters at known spacings and dispositions from the fixed camera unit position whereby tight tolerances in manufacture and assembly enable the apparatus to be more compact than a typical work piece to be mapped.

Method and apparatus for mapping system calibration

Method and apparatus for battery evaluation and classification applies transient microcharge and/or microload pulses to an automotive battery. Classification is made on the basis of analysis of the resultant voltage profile or portions or dimensions thereof. In one embodiment the analysis utilizes a neural network or algorithm to assess a microcycle sequence of microload/microcharge tests utilizing one of a series of battery parameters including impedance as well as voltage characteristics to effect classification. Another embodiment adopts an optimized (not maximum) level of prior test-based data-training for a self-organizing neural network. A third embodiment utilizes prior test data correlation to enable algorithm-based classification without use of a neural network.

Battery testing and classification

A method and apparatus for automotive testing comprises a base station and at least two handsets adapted to provide a testing function in at least two corresponding technically distinct areas. Embodiments employ Kelvin connectors and/or Hall effect probes and/or induction probes. System operation is effected by the simplest and minimum number of control commands.

Method and apparatus for automotive and other testing

Vehicle thermal testing method and apparatus is based upon the use of a mobile handset. The handset uses spot infra red thermal sensing to identify thermal imbalance between wheels on opposite sides or the same side of a vehicle. Testing identifies thermal levels resulting from braking by mere application of the handset to wheel nuts after a short brake application and without use of roller test beds or other such equipment. Tires can be similarly tested. The handset can generate test instructions. Repetition of an initial test enables the offset for cooling during the test to be verified. A similar technique applies to tires. The handset may communicate with a base station providing for keyboard input of vehicle data and results printout.

Method and apparatus for thermal testing of brake performance

A method and apparatus for determining tire pressure in automotive vehicles utilices twin spaced parallel and non-transverse piezoelectric cables which are traversed by a vehicle to produce a voltage pulse having a shapes or profiles characteristic of the tire pressure. Waveform analysis on the basis of a software algorithm and/or look-up calibration data enables numerical pressure determination. The system is well adapted for remote automotive vehicle tire pressure sensing under normal conditions of vehicle use.

Tyre pressure determination

A method of testing applicable to the routine testing of batteries for automotive vehicles and like batteries is described. The method comprises: providing a battery to be tested; providing a test electrical load for connection to the battery; providing a control circuit to connect the load to the battery for an interval of less than one second; and providing analysis means to analyze the battery's reaction to said load. The invention is characterized by causing the load to cause the battery to deliver a macro-current which is comparable to currents arising in use of the battery; causing said control circuit to connect the load to the battery for a transient time interval lying in the range of up to 100 milliseconds; and providing the control circuit as part of handset apparatus adapted to be operated and connected to the battery in the manner of a testing handset, and the transient macro-current generating an amount of heat in relation to the handset which can be accommodated by apparatus of the handset kind.

Method and apparatus for automotive and other battery testing

A method and apparatus for testing automotive electronic control units and batteries and other equipment for identification and performance purposes utilizes neural networks to effect waveform analysis on a digitized signal. Identification of electronic control units is by means of correlation of resultant waveform data with corresponding data on known units. Battery testing is by waveform analysis of the battery current during transient connection of a load by a transistorized switching circuit. In both cases the method of testing includes a network learning stage and an ensuing recognition test routine for characteristic waveforms.

Apparatus and method for testing automotive electronic control units and

Method and apparatus for automotive tire condition and other article assessment is based upon radiation analysis of a rotated tire. Analysis of reflected radiation on the basis of intensity sensing provides a measure of tread depth and sidewall profile, together with tread location and other data. By positional analysis of the tread depth locations there is provided complementary information on the tread wear pattern. Sidewall profile determination enables identification of other tire condition factors. Tread depth and sidewall profile are also determined by laser or other radiation line image displacement techniques and a mounting system is provided for the apparatus enabling determinations to be made without the use of a roller bed. Proper positional alignment of the wheel to the apparatus is determined by means of a reference datum derived from reflected radiation within the apparatus. Proper defined proximity of the tire is defined by a pair of alignment bars positioned over an optical window of the apparatus.

Apparatus and method for tire condition assessment

Method and apparatus for freon and other refrigerant matching, particularly for servicing of air conditioning systems for automotive applications. The matching process is based upon the comparison of resistance or infrared absorption or other data readings of a gas-sensing resistance or infrared absorption or other transducer applied to the refrigerant fluid under test and corresponding data from reference refrigerants.

Method and apparatus for matching refrigerants

A method and apparatus for analysis of engines analyzes digitized input signals from, for example, engine injectors and compares this digital data with the corresponding values of a digitized template or comparison signal. Compliance or divergence between the digitized signal values is indicated in bar graph form.

Method and apparatus for engine analysis by waveform comparison

A method and apparatus for analysis of particulate content of gases, applicable to the quantitative and qualitative analysis of vehicle engine emissions, includes sampling, removing particles and analysis of the removed particles. Sampling is effected by electrostatic precipitation using a catalyst-coated piezoelectric crystal. The analysis of the removed particles is effected by heating the crystal in an oxidizing atmosphere to oxidize the deposited particles. Connection of the crystal to an oscillation circuit enables the frequency of oscillation of the crystal to be monitored. Changes in the frequency of oscillation are interpreted to provide quantitative and qualitative analysis of particles deposited and subsequently oxidized.

Growing community of inventors

Norfolk, United Kingdom

Barbara L Jones