Snap-on Inc.

Snap-on Technologies, Inc.

Thomas Loewe

Dale A Trsar

Timothy G Ruther

Yosuf M Taraki

Michael B Meeker

Kenneth A McQueeney

Tyrone J Moritz

James A Panko

Lee M Snorteland

Disclosed are methods and corresponding systems to detect and prevent and/or eliminate overload conditions for a transistor. According to an embodiment, a method includes providing an input signal to a base terminal of a transistor for a first amount of time, determining if an overload condition exists at the transistor, disabling the transistor for a second amount of time when the overload condition exists at the transistor, and providing the communication signal to the base terminal upon expiration of the second amount of time. Additional overload conditions can be checked upon expiration of the second amount of time as well.

Overvoltage and overcurrent protection scheme

Engine cylinder contribution analysis is provided. An engine cylinder contribution tester includes a displacement measurement device and a signal analyzer. The displacement measurement device detects engine block movements or displacement relative to a fixed position caused by a poorly contributing cylinder. The displacement measurement device provides a displacement signal to the signal analyzer. The signal analyzer includes a cylinder contribution module for evaluating the displacement signal. If a particular cylinder is contributing less than the average of the other cylinders, the displacement signal indicates engine block movement associated with a lack of contribution from that cylinder.

Reciprocating engine cylinder contribution tester and method

Peak capture circuitry for measuring a peak value of a waveform characterized by a first portion having a first rate of change and a second portion having a relatively faster rate of change. Peak stretching circuitry stretches a portion of the waveform as a function of time. Digital signal processing circuitry samples an output waveform of the peak stretching circuitry for determining the peak value. Thus, despite any steeply sloped portion, samples can be reliably taken throughout the waveform for calculation of peak value.

DSP assisted peak capture circuit and method

Method and apparatus for displaying ignition coil waveforms. The method includes disposing a plurality of capacitive elements adjacent a plurality of coil-over-plug ignition coils. Signals detected by the capacitive elements are supplied to an adapter in which signal gain, polarity, and range are selected according to a particular vehicle tested, and displayed.

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Wonder Lake, IL, United States of America

Thomas Loewe