Robert J Braun

US Patent:

50814443, Jan 14, 1992

Filed:

Feb 7, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/652115

Inventors:

William D. Nicholson - Waukesha WI
Thomas M. Fudali - Delafield WI
Robert T. Braun - Milwaukee WI
John C. Pendell - West Allis WI
Michael J. Brown - Milwaukee WI

Assignee:

Bear Automotive Service Equipment Company - New Berlin WI

International Classification:

G08B 1308
H02J 700

US Classification:

340545

Abstract:

An anti-tamper device in an automotive vehicle test system monitors an access panel to the automotive vehicle test system. An alarm is actuated if the access panel is opened. The automotive vehicle test system tests automotive vehicles and prints certificates which verify test results. The access panel is unlocked following the completion of an automotive vehicle test so that an operator can gain access to a printer to retrieve a printed certificate. The test system monitors the condition of the access panel even if power is removed from the automotive vehicle test system. A large capacitor provides power to monitoring circuitry. A data latch, powered by the capacitor, latches the condition of the access panel. The alarm is sounded when power is returned to the automotive vehicle test system and the condition of the latch indicates that an access panel has been opened.

US Patent:

57637644, Jun 9, 1998

Filed:

Nov 22, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/563898

Inventors:

Daniel Mieczkowski - Kenosha WI
Mark J. Hasenberg - Kenosha WI
Thomas P. Becker - Kenosha WI
Matthew M. Crass - Kenosha WI
Robert D. Braun - Kenosha WI
Edward T. Gisske - Mount Horeb WI
Donald J. Caldwell - Milwaukee WI

Assignee:

Snap-on Technologies, Inc. - Lincolnshire IL

International Classification:

G01M 326

US Classification:

73 40

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.

US Patent:

50142275, May 7, 1991

Filed:

Jul 17, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/380635

Inventors:

Michael J. Kling - Mequon WI
John M. Surwillo - Milwaukee WI
Peter A. Puetz - Waukesha WI
Robert T. Braun - Milwaukee WI

Assignee:

Bear Automotive Service Equipment Company - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

G06F 1520

US Classification:

364559

Abstract:

A wheel alignment system measures caster and steering axis inclination (SAI) by positioning the wheels at a right turn position and a left turn position. Toe, camber and inclination angle measurements are made for both wheels at both the left turn position and the right turn position. Based upon these measurements, caster and SAI are calculated either directly or through an iterative technique.

US Patent:

52549526, Oct 19, 1993

Filed:

Aug 29, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/751704

Inventors:

Glenn E. Salley - Racine WI
Sohrab S. Rameshk - Milwaukee WI
Thomas P. Becker - Kenosha WI
Dennis G. Thibedeau - Franklin WI
Ronald D. Geisler - Kenosha WI
Paul A. Willems - Kenosha WI
Robert D. Braun - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Snap-on Tools Corporation - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

G01N 2746

US Classification:

324429

Abstract:

A battery and charging system tester includes an automatically-operated carbon pile for loading the battery, the pile having a shaft therethrough rotated by a stepper motor, and a compression nut threadedly engaged with the shaft for movement into and out of engagement with the carbon pile in response to rotation of the shaft for varying the compression of the pile and, thereby, the impedance thereof. Probes are provided for sensing battery load current and output voltage, and the output current of an alternator charging unit. A feedback control circuit including a microprocessor operating under stored program control converts the analog probe outputs to digital signals and compares the battery output voltage and load current to selectively variable references for controlling the stepper motor to vary the battery load so as to regulate either the battery load current or the battery output voltage to a predetermined reference value, depending upon the test being performed. A selectively variable timer controls the time period during which the battery is loaded. A display indicates the reference values, the values of the parameters being regulated and the state of the timer.

US Patent:

D3320650, Dec 29, 1992

Filed:

Mar 8, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/667057

Inventors:

John E. Stanley - Racine WI
Robert J. Holmen - Kenosha WI
Robert D. Braun - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Snap-On Tools Corporation - Kenosha WI

US Classification:

D10 98

US Patent:

53510020, Sep 27, 1994

Filed:

Aug 20, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/569618

Inventors:

Gary S. Wollert - Kenosha WI
Timothy J. Alho - Kenosha WI
Robert D. Braun - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Snap-on Incorporated - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

G01R 106

US Classification:

324754

Abstract:

The test probe comprises a handle and a rod, the rod including a flat face which can be placed against an electrical terminal to be tested. The rod includes a loop residing in a cavity in the handle. An alligator clip may be applied to the loop.

US Patent:

51879743, Feb 23, 1993

Filed:

Aug 29, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/751757

Inventors:

Kirk E. Mellits - Racine WI
Robert D. Braun - Kenosha WI
Gary S. Wollert - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Snap-on Tools Corporation - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

G01M 326

US Classification:

73 497

Abstract:

The pressure-testing apparatus comprises a manifold having a pair of conduits extending therefrom and being substantially parallel. Quick connectors at the free ends of the conduits have receptacles the axes of which are substantially parallel. A pair of adapters are respectively attached to the fittings of a broken coupler in a vehicle. The quick connectors are respectively applied to the adapter elements. The apparatus also comprises a pressure gauge on the manifold and/or means on the manifold for connection to a gauge.

US Patent:

52299422, Jul 20, 1993

Filed:

Nov 13, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/612320

Inventors:

William D. Nicholson - Waukesha WI
Thomas M. Fudali - Delafield WI
Ronald V. Sova - Milwaukee WI
Allan J. Renner - New Berlin WI
Robert T. Braun - Milwaukee WI
Bernadine M. Palczynski - New Berlin WI
Timothy Ledger - Elkhorn WI
Jim Visser - Pewaukee WI
John C. Pendell - West Allis WI
Michael J. Brown - Milwaukee WI

Assignee:

Bear Automotive Service Equipment Company - New Berlin WI

International Classification:

G06F 1520

US Classification:

36442403

Abstract:

Automotive vehicle test equipment includes a controller which controls power supplied to a test circuit. The controller monitors a sleep mode switch which determines whether the controller enters a sleep mode. In sleep mode, the controller disconnects the test circuit from a power source. The controller also monitors a telephone line. Upon detection of a ring signal on the telephone line, the controller connects the test circuit to the power supply.