Snap-on Equipment Gmbh

Sun Electric U.k. Limited

Paul Smith

Barbara L Jones

Kenneth W Peter

Stephen J Davis

David Stollery

Jason Mark Clifton

Bernard Gee

Alastair J Hotchkiss

Christiaan Hoede

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

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

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 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

Method and apparatus for engine and rotary machine analysis provides a vibration sensor adapted to produce a plurality of superimposed waveforms corresponding to engine or machine operating parameters including rotational speed. The signals are transmitted by an RF transmitter/receiver system in analogue modulated form to a data capture and analytical function unit utilising a software sub-system in which a power spectral density plot is produced containing a signature characteristic of the engine or other machine under test. This signature is recognised by a signature detect algorithm which can recognise and trace the signature across the frequency spectrum covered by the apparatus so as to provide a continuous tachometric function not requiring the filtering-out or other removal of irrelevant data. A diagnostic function arises from detection of the presence of additional harmonic peaks within the signature. A capacitive coupling offers a simplified tachometric function based upon low voltage signals in the injector leads to a spark ignition engine.

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Norfolk, United Kingdom

Paul Smith