Warranty controlling software and device

• US 6,629,054 B2
• Filed: 11/02/2001
• Issued: 09/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Inventors: Makhija, Surender K., Webster, Thomas L., Sparacino, Steven J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Barlow, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lau, Tung S
• Application Number:
  US09/985,295
• Publication Number:
  US 20020050163A1
• Time in Patent Office: 697 Days
• Field of Search: 701/33, 701/48, 324/545.81, 324/380, 324/72.5, 324/402, 702/113, 731/16, 350/96, 364/424
• US Class Current: 702/113
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 17/007 Wheeled or endless-tracked vehicles G01M17/08 takes precedence

Abstract

A system comprised of a computer that contains a display device such as monitor, an input device (e.g. a keyboard or a touch screen), a storage device such as a hard-drive, and software capable of collecting data. The data is collected from an adapter of which one end is attached to the computer and the other one end and attached to an automotive part. The automotive part is tested and performance data extracted. The data is sent to a remote location or to the computer where it is compiled for a wire variety of uses.

Claims

1. An electronic testing apparatus for testing automotive parts, comprising:

a microprocessor-based computer that comprises (i) an input device, (ii) a display device, (iii) a storage device and (iv) software code that resides on said storage device and retrieves testing results from the part in response to testing of the part, the computer;

an adapter comprising a first end adaptable for connecting to various parts to be tested and attached to said computer that transmits the testing results from said automotive part to said computer;

source leads that provide power to the part to be tested;

a power source connected to said source lead to provide power to the part to be tested;

a securing device for securely fastening an alternator; and

a motor for turning belts that are attached to the alternator to drive the alternator for testing.

2. The electronic testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said securing device is a two-prong device extending from a base.

3. The electronic testing apparatus of claim 2, wherein said two-prong device comprises prongs of differing diameters.

4. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein said computer further comprises:

a remote communication device for reporting a plurality of said test results to a remote location.

5. The electronic testing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an emergency disable that when activated discontinues all testing with said part.

6. The electronic testing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an output device wherein said test results are completed and compiled by said software are transmitted.

7. The electronic testing apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said output device is a printer.

8. An electronic testing apparatus for testing automotive parts, comprising:

a micro-processor based computing means that comprises (i) an input means, (ii) a display means, (iii) a storage means and (iv) software code;

that resides on said storage means and retrieves testing results from the part in response to testing the part;

said computing means storing the results to said storage means;

transmitting means for transmitting said testing results from the part to said microprocessor based computing means;

means for providing power to the part to be tested;

a securing means for securely fastening an alternator to the apparatus; and

a means for turning belts that are attached to said alternator to drive said alternator for testing.

9. The electronic testing apparatus of claim 8, wherein said two-prong device is comprised on prongs of differing diameters.

10. The electronic testing apparatus of claim 8, wherein said microprocessor based means further comprises a remote communication means for reporting a plurality of said test results to a remote location.

11. The electronic testing apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an emergency disable means for disabling testing of the part when activated.

12. The electronic apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an output means for outputting test results completed and compiled by said software code.

13. The electronic testing apparatus of claim 12, wherein said output means is a printer.

14. A method for testing automotive parts comprising the steps of:

connecting an adapter so that a first end is connected to a computer comprised of an (i) input device, (ii) a display device, (iii) a storage device and (iv) software code and a second end is connected to the part;

connecting an alternator to a pair of source leads that are connected to a power source, if the part requires power in order to be tested;

testing said part by applying power and activating said part;

transmitting test results from the part to the computer;

compiling and storing the test results;

attaching an alternator to a securing device for safely testing the alternator;

linking the alternator with belts to a motor; and

activating the motors to drive the alternator with the belts to test the alternator.

15. The method for testing automotive parts of claim 14, further comprising the step of:

transmitting the test results to a remote location with a remote communication device that is attached to the computer.

16. The method for testing automotive parts of claim 15, further comprising the step of:

printing the test results with a printer that is attached to said computer.

17. The method for testing automotive parts of claim 14, further comprising the step of:

disabling the testing of the parts with an emergency cut-off device that eliminates power to the source leads and ceases all power said motor driving said motor driving said alternator.