HVAC service tool with internet capability

Abstract

A system for servicing a computer controlled machine comprising: a computer controlled machine including a device operable to perform a function, a controller controlling the operation of that device, and a data access port for transferring data and commands from the controller; and a service tool operably connected to the data access port, the service tool including a remote communications capability, a computer, and diagnostics and graphing software; and an expert observer system operably linked to the remote communications capability of the service tool and including historical machine data, machine sales information, software revisions for the controller, additional diagnostics software, and an expert observer capable of providing a mentor capability to the operator of a service tool.

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       10 . A portable service tool comprising: 
 a body;    first, second and third communication systems within the body, each communication system having a respective first, second and third external port;    diagnostics function, operably connected to the first, second, and third communications systems, located within the body operable to receive data from the first system, to analyze said data, and to forward the analyzed results to the second and third communications systems;    wherein the third communication system includes a remote communications facility, the second communication system is connected by the second port to a service technician, and the first communication system receives analog and/or digital data.    
   
   
       11 . The service tool of  claim 10  wherein the remote communications facility includes an internet link.  
   
   
       12 . The service tool of  claim 11  wherein the remote communications facility includes an expert observer receiving the analyzed results.  
   
   
       13 . The service tool of  claim 12  wherein the expert observer studies the analyzed results and provides advice to the service technician.  
   
   
       14 . The service tool of  claim 13  wherein the advice is provided via the second and third communication systems.  
   
   
       15 . The service tool of  claim 14  further including the capability at the remote communications facility to provide software upgrades and fixes for all generations of the data received from the first system.  
   
   
       16 . The service tool of  claim 15  wherein the diagnostics function includes a first operative capability to perform maintenance and efficiency measuring tests and to display diagnostics including historical, current and real time graphing capabilities.  
   
   
       17 . The service tool of  claim 16  wherein the diagnostics function includes a second operative capability, in association with the remote communications facility, to display parts information and availability and to provide appropriate sales repair and replacement information in response to an identified problem.  
   
   
       18 . The service tool of  claim 17  wherein the diagnostics function includes a third operative capability to benchmark the first system being analyzed by the service tool in comparison to other similar systems.  
   
   
       19 . The service tool of  claim 18  wherein the diagnostics function includes a fourth operative capability to show an observer the precise value of data being measured and to show the observer the relationship of the measured data to associated trip points and limit points of the first system.  
   
   
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       59 . A method of using a portable service tool comprising the steps of: 
 providing first, second and third communication systems within a body, each communication system having a respective first, second and third external port wherein the third communication system includes a remote communications facility;    operably connecting a diagnostics function to the first, second, and third communications systems;    locating the diagnostic function within the body;    receiving data in the diagnostics function from the first system;    analyzing said data;    forwarding the analyzed results to the second and third communications systems;    connecting the second communication system by the second port to a service technician; and    receiving analog and/or digital data in the first communication system.    
   
   
       60 . The method of  claim 59  including the step of providing a remote communications facility including an internet link.  
   
   
       61 . The method of  claim 60  including the step of forwarding the analysis results by mean of the remote communications facility to an expert observer.  
   
   
       62 . The method of  claim 61  including the step of providing advice from the expert observer to the service technician.  
   
   
       63 . The method of  claim 62  including the step of providing the advice via the second and third communication systems.  
   
   
       64 . The method of  claim 63  further including the step of providing software upgrades and fixes for all generations of the data received from the first system.  
   
   
       65 . The method of  claim 64  including the steps of performing maintenance and efficiency measuring tests and displaying diagnostics including historical, current and real time graphing capabilities.  
   
   
       66 . The method of  claim 65  including the steps of displaying parts information and availability and providing appropriate sales repair and replacement information in response to an identified problem.  
   
   
       67 . The method of  claim 66  including the step of benchmarking the first system being analyzed by the service tool in comparison to other similar systems.  
   
   
       68 . The method of  claim 67  including the steps of showing an observer the precise value of data being measured and showing the observer the relationship of the measured data to associated trip points and limit points of the first system.