144 results about "Repair shop" patented technology

A portable adapter that provides non-repudiable telecommunications services to bar-code reading hand-held computers and palm-top or tablet-type mobile computers is disclosed. The adapter provides supplemental power supply and processing capacity that supports API communications functions, such as interactive voice recognition, conference calling, data encryption, VoIP packetization and other signal-format conversions that are not implemented on mobile computers. In particular, the device automatically logs IP packet identifiers and DOV dialing and status signals, without the user having access to edit this information, thereby providing a "non-repudiation" record of all communications. The adapter also supports intensive use of the host computer's serial port by supplementing the power available from the host computer's battery, or replacing that battery with a connector. For plant inspection and inventory auditing, ground-based cellular communications are implemented for supporting on-site work, including conference calling to discuss apparent pilferage or imminent safety hazards, and removable WORM recording media for documenting these discussions. For repair shop use, a standard phone jack or 10-base-T connector allows the device to upload engine test-data, with reports or estimates dictated by the mechanic to the repair shop's LAN server. For hospital use, the device includes removable WORM media for logging patient test results and examination reports. The hospital device also uses a dedicated local-area RF or IR transmitter, with location-specific encryption, to protect the privacy of lab reports received by the device, and to limit use of these devices to hospital's own premises.

A computerized "smart card" which has a read/write memory and formatted data storage blocks is used to track the life history of one or more associated machine(s) (e.g., vehicles, medical instrumentation and apparatus, business and copying machines, etc.). The smart card can store a variety of information including machine identification, hardware/software specifications, debit/credit, regulated performance, warranty/insurance, maintenance/service and operational transactions that might impact the hardware, software or the intended operation or performance of the machine. The smart card will be equipped to interact with any of a plurality of autonomous reader/writer smart card units and computer-based reader/writer smart card units that may be equipped to interact with any of the plurality of computer databases through the utilization of land or wireless communications links. Preferably, each smart card will be associated with one or more specific machines at the time of sale of the machines, and will be periodically updated at each transaction (e.g., repair, scheduled maintenance, transfer of title, etc.) using reader/writer units operated by service technicians, repair shops, insurance agents, or the like. The stored life history can be used for valuation, maintenance scheduling, problem trouble shooting, and other applications.

Aspects of the invention are directed to methods and systems for efficiently communicating data between an insurer and a non-referral repair shop, e.g., vehicle repair shops that are normally not preapproved by the insurer to perform the estimating and repair work. The methods and systems described herein are particularly useful for insurers utilizing non-referral repair shops for servicing vehicles involved in insurance claims. According to aspects of this invention, the insured may be able to select a non-referral repair shop, not delegated or preapproved by the insurer, thereby generally allowing the insured to select any available vehicle repair shop.

An integrated parts location and transaction system for original equipment manufacturer (OEM), non-OEM as well as aftermarket automobile parts is adapted to be integrated with business management computer system (BMS) software, currently used by automobile dealerships (210) as well as repair shops. All participating parts suppliers, including dealerships (210), and repair shops are networked together, for example, over a combination of public and private communication networks to enable participating parts suppliers and potential buyers (for example, dealers and repair shops) to easily and quickly locate as well as buy and sell parts from each other.

Aspects of the invention include methods and systems for a vehicle insurance claim management application which improves communication and streamline tasks between a vehicle repair shop and an insurance company system in three general task groups: assignment (comprising work requests, estimates/photos, and reinspections), financial management, and performance measurement. Aspects of the invention also provide interoperability with different types of estimating systems that do not necessarily follow an industry standard. This interoperability is provided through an adapter module with a claim processing system to communicate with the insurance company system and the vehicle insurance claim management application. The invention is preferably accessed by a user over a computer network such as the Internet, from a remote location such as a vehicle repair shop.

Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the disposition of a shipped good, such as a car, damaged during transit. After the damage is detected, a digital image of the is obtained. The image is uploaded to a server typically along with the vehicle identification number and/or other identification data. The server determines the appropriate individual(s) to be contacted, and generates a notification message, typically including the URL of a web site where further information can be obtained. The appropriate individual (“user”) logs onto the server to view the digital images and provides input regarding the disposition of the good. The user may direct the damaged car to a repair shop, a dealer, or another destination. Alternatively, the user may indicate delivery of the car as originally planned. The server may notify other systems of the disposition as well. Other embodiments apply to the disposition of delivered packages.

A customerized driving environment setting system in which a portable memory card having multiple setting data stored therein is insertable into a card reader/writer on a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle wireless download device is controlled to download updated data from a remote customs service center wirelessly for updating the setting data of the portable memory card. Accessing of the card reader/writer to the portable memory card enables the user to set the accessories of the motor vehicle subject to the setting data of the portable memory card quickly, and to update the setting data of the portable memory card wirelessly. The user can carry the portable memory card to the repair shop, information station, and home computer to update the setting data anytime and anywhere.

A processing system includes one or more computers having a plurality of software modules that are connected to the Internet for remote access by an insurance companies and glass repair shops alike. The processing system manages the storage and retrieval of insurance claim information for the repair of automotive glass. Claim information is entered into the processing system whereby insurance claims are automatically processed for approval or disapproval of the repair based upon the information stored in the processing system. The processing system analyzes claim data against policy information and the current NAGS pricing specification. Work orders are automatically dispatched to the glass repair shop.

The invention relates to vehicle pollutant discharging total measuring device and method. The device is made up of diluting sampling tube, fan, computer measure-control system, chassis power measuring machine, fan flow rate adjusting device, flow rate, temperature, and pressure measuring devices, five components tail gas, O2, CO2 gas analysis devices. The measuring method includes the following steps: using fan flow rate adjusting device to control pumping drainage fan, measure diluted tail gas flow rate, temperature, pressure, O2, CO2 volume density; using five components gas analysis device to measure undiluted tail gas for each gas volume density; calculating out the undiluted tail gas flow rate by the volume density ratio to gain vehicle pollutants discharging gross. The invention has high detecting precision for tail gas, can be used in pollutants discharging gross detecting for vehicle operating condition method tail gas detecting line or repair shop.

The invention provides a layout structure for integration of a train depot and a junction station of an urban rail. The layout structure is composed of the junction station, a main line, a turn line, a release line, a lead line, a testing line, a train washing workshop, a parking train examination shop, a plant un-wheeling repair shop, an internal combustion adjustment engine shop, an engineering garage, related lines and turnout junctions, a comprehensive office building, a hazardous material storage and a guardroom erected on the ground. In the structure, the junction station, the turn line, the release line, a train washing line and the parking train examination shop are arranged in a tandem feed-through manner, a return section train starts from a station and enters the train washing workshop for washing through an entry line, and after washing, the return section train can directly enter the parking train examination for storage or enter the plant un-wheeling repair shop for inspection and repair. The lead line, the internal combustion adjustment engine shop, the engineering garage and the train washing workshop are parallel to each other, and the front and the rear of the line are connected with the entry line. The layout structure has the benefits of compactness and high production and operation efficiency. The testing line departs from a main plant area, and passes through the junction station. The door of the main plant area can be directly opened outwards. The layout structure occupies less space, and achieves high land and space utilization.

An OBDII device and method and system which includes an inexpensive, user friendly way to determine a vehicle's readiness status for emissions testing. An audible or visual indication that may or may not be wirelessly connected to the tool is provided to alert the repair shop technician or driver that the vehicle has completed its drive cycle and may now be tested for compliance with state and federal emissions laws. The device also includes the ability to prevent the tool from discharging a power source of the vehicle when the device is coupled to the vehicle.

An auto repair network is shown that is configured to follow specific standards of repair and guarantee work for at least a portion of the life of the vehicle, along with deductible assistance to the consumer. Consumers have access to the network of repair shops that have agreed to license and follow specific standards via a web site to select one or more licensing repair facilities that are convenient to them.

A method of improving the throughput of an automotive collision repair shop is disclosed comprising the steps of conducting a market analysis of a collision repair shop to determine a potential value of sales by the repair shop; analyzing the relative volume of sales by severity of repair needed for a period of time; analyzing the existing facilities for conducting repairs; and identifying changes in operating procedures and facilities of the repair shop based on the market analysis, relative volume of sales by repair severity and facilities analysis, wherein the identified changes improve the efficiency of the repair shop.

The present invention relates to a network-based business process. The process allows a business owner through a logon procedure on his computer to access, preferably via a website, the process of the present invention loaded on a host computer. The customer then accesses a main menu having one or more business tools suitable for improving the performance of businesses and is then requested to choose one of the business tools. The customer then enters customer business data as per instructions provided on the web page of the selected business tool. The process of the present invention then processes the entered data and provides a business solution to the customer. The menu includes several important business tools, such as plant capacity planner, determining optimal sales potential of the business, run charts, plant layout, business evaluation, sales & production tracker, work-in-process, etc. The process of the present invention is suitable for any business, but it is especially suitable for small businesses that may not be able to afford expensive consultants or personnel to run sophisticated programs necessary to improve business efficiency and profit margins. Some of the suitable businesses include, an auto collision repair shops, machine shops, grocery stores, butcher shops, barber shops, and manufacturing plants.

A verification system for verifying the thoroughness of automotive repairs. The system is adapted to retrieve electronic data and information from an onboard automobile computer or electronic system after a purported repair has been completed. The presence of fault codes or other problem data is an indication that such repairs have not been completed, while the absence of such fault codes or problem data is an indication that the repairs have been completed thoroughly.

Preauthorized payments may be made to service providers, repair shops and even vendors serving employees on business trips through credit card processing. The approved payment amount is authorized on a virtually created payment card which is then sent to the payee. These transactions incur interchange fees for the card processing. Therefore, unlike a check or EFT payment, the payee receives the approved payment less interchange fees. Interchange rates vary based on the payment card product offered by an issuing bank in addition to factors relating to how the payment card is processed. The current invention is a method of automatically generating a virtual payment card and/or processing the card in a manner to achieve a target interchange fee.

Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the disposition of a shipped good, such as a car, damaged during transit. After the damage is detected, a digital image of the is obtained. The image is uploaded to a server typically along with the vehicle identification number and/or other identification data. The server determines the appropriate individual(s) to be contacted, and generates a notification message, typically including the URL of a web site where further information can he obtained. The appropriate individual (“user”) logs onto the server to view the digital images and provides input regarding the disposition of the good. The user may direct the damaged car to a repair shop, a dealer, or another destination. Alternatively, the user may indicate delivery of the car as originally planned. The server may notify other systems of the disposition as well. Other embodiments apply to the disposition of delivered packages.

A method for identifying, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing a vehicle in a repair shop, including the steps of connecting a mobile communication interface (VCI) to the vehicle and connecting a first vehicle inspection device at least to the VCI at a first work station; detecting identification data for the vehicle using the first vehicle inspection device and storing the identification data for the vehicle in the VCI; carrying out the first set of inspections of the vehicle using the first vehicle inspection device and/or the VCI; disconnecting the first vehicle inspection device from the vehicle; connecting a second vehicle inspection device to the vehicle, reading out the identification data from the VCI into the second vehicle inspection device at a second work station, and carrying out a second set of inspections of the vehicle using the second vehicle inspection device and/or the VCI connected to the vehicle.

the invention discloses an Internet marketing transaction management system for an automobile maintenance store.including the management platform, Customer Service Terminal, Maintenance Store Terminal, Supplier Terminal, Distributor Terminal, Established Automobile Maintenance Store, Parts Supplier, Parts Distributor, Customer Service Integrated Marketing Transaction Management, Through Internet Appointment Maintenance, Personalized Order Maintenance, Big Data Statistics and Analysis, Improve User Experience, Optimize Management Process, Improve Work Efficiency; Between the parts supplier andthe auto repair shop, the labor cost of the repair shop and the spare parts shop is greatly reduced through the distribution system; By analyzing the data of automobile maintenance and the source anddestination of automobile parts, the quality of different brands of automobiles and parts can be judged directly, which is helpful to screen out high-quality manufacturers and promote the developmentof China's automobile manufacturing industry.

An A.C. generator has a rotor that is equipped with a permanent magnet and a field coil. The output of the A.C. generator charges the high-voltage battery. Voltage of the high-voltage battery is stepped-down by a DC/DC converter and supplied to the low-voltage battery. When the motor controller detects that the field coil has not been energized, the higher-rank controller switches so as to generate power by means of the permanent magnet of the A.C. generator and charge the low-voltage battery. This mechanism enables power to be generated when a circuit malfunctions. Thereby, a power supply system for vehicle can generate power when a circuit malfunctions so that the driver on the vehicle can drive the vehicle to a repair shop.