Electricity: measuring and testing – Fault detecting in electric circuits and of electric components – Instruments and devices for fault testing
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-27
2001-08-28
Metjahic, Safet (Department: 2858)
Electricity: measuring and testing
Fault detecting in electric circuits and of electric components
Instruments and devices for fault testing
C324S556000, C324S096000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06281686
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to testing tools, and more particularly, to nonintrusive power and continuity testing tools for troubleshooting electrical and electronic circuits and systems.
There are a number of electrical test probes and equipment available on the market for testing the continuity of an electrical circuit or whether power is flowing through an electrical circuit. For example, a “VoltProbe 440” tool manufactured by Amprobe of Lynbrook N.Y., is a battery-operated testing probe that is used to determine if power is flowing through an electrical circuit. This tool has two electrical leads that are used to contact a test point and ground. If power flows through the tool, an audible sound is made indicating that a tested portion of the electrical circuit is functional. Radio Shack also sells a battery powered voltage sensor tool, part number 22-103, that operates in a similar manner. The Radio Shack circuit buzzes or flashes a light when is in close proximity to a powered circuit.
One particular embodiment of the present invention was developed as a test tool for use with ignition assemblies of burners, such as are used in boilers, furnaces, and internal combustion engines, for example. Typically, burners for boilers, such as those manufactured by Honeywell, for example, use optional monitoring systems that monitor various portions of the ignition system to determine if it is operating properly. Such monitoring systems are very expensive, and do not always accurately determine the functionality of the ignition assembly. However, these and other similar tools require a battery or other power source to operate. Also, the tools must be electrically connected to the circuit in order for the tool to properly operate.
It would therefore be an advantage to have a testing tool that does not require a power source to operate. The conventional electrical test probes mentioned above are connected to the circuit that is to be tested. It would also be an advantage to have a testing tool that is noninvasive, in that physical contact with the tested electrical circuit is not required in all circumstances.
Furthermore, conventional continuity testing tools, such as volt-ohm meters, and the like, are somewhat cumbersome. It would be an advantage to have a continuity testing tool that is easy to handle and whose output is easily seen.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide for power and continuity testing tools for troubleshooting electrical and electronic systems. It is another objective of the present invention to provide for a power testing tool that is noninvasive and does not require power source to operate. It is another objective of the present invention to provide for power and continuity testing tools that are easy to handle and whose output is easily seen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To meet the above and other objectives, the present invention provides for noninvasive power and continuity testing tools for troubleshooting electrical and electronic systems. Certain embodiments of the present invention do not require a power source to operate, while others are battery powered.
A first embodiment of the power testing tool comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) having an antenna electrically connected to at least one or more electrodes that are coupled to one or more liquid crystal display elements. The antenna is exposed at its end distal from its connection to the liquid crystal display element. RF energy radiated by a circuit that is tested is sensed by the antenna and is coupled to the liquid crystal display element. It is believed that the doping of the semiconductor material used to produce the liquid crystal display makes the liquid crystal display element(s) sensitive to the sensed RF energy, which causes the light emitting diode element(s) connected to the antenna to emit light when the RF energy is sensed.
A second embodiment of the present invention comprises a battery powered power testing tool. The battery powered power testing tool is a miniature compact nonintrusive tool for detecting the condition of electrostatic and electromagnetic fields. The tool can detect if a signal voltage is present in an electrical circuit and trace whether or not current is flowing through portions of a circuit. The tool senses signals without direct metal-to-metal electrical connections, or breaking into or piercing electrical insulation or power lines. The tool detects electromagnetic fields such as automobile ignition startup cycles and provides a visual indication of the timing cycle.
The battery powered power testing tool comprises a battery, an integrated circuit that may be operated as a switch, and a light emitting diode (LED). The positive lead of the light emitting diode is coupled to the positive terminal of the battery. The negative lead of the light emitting diode is coupled to a first pin of the integrated circuit (i.e., one end of the switch). A second pin of the integrated circuit is coupled to the ground terminal of the battery. RF energy radiated by the circuit that is tested is sensed by the integrated circuit (the switch) which is switched on to form a complete circuit between the battery and the light emitting diode. It is believed that the doping of semiconductor material used to produce the integrated circuit makes the semiconductor material sensitive to the sensed RF energy. In any event, the switch in the integrated circuit is closed when RF energy is sensed, which completes the circuit when the RF energy is sensed, which in turn couples power from the battery through the integrated circuit (switch) to the light emitting diode. The light emitting diode emits light to provide an indication of the operation of the tested circuit. Holding the device while testing the circuit enhances the sensitivity of the tool and increases the brightness of the light emitting diode. Holding the tool provides an electrical path to ground through the body that completes the circuit. In addition, a plastic sleeve and plug may be used to cover the light emitting diode which amplifies the light output of the light emitting diode.
The present invention also contemplates a continuity testing tool, which is a derivative of the battery powered power testing tool. The continuity testing tool comprises a battery, a light emitting diode having its positive terminal connected to the positive terminal of the battery and its negative terminal connected to a contact. A second contact is connected to the negative terminal of the battery. An amplifying light pipe used to cover the light emitting diode, and which amplifies the light output thereof.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4502937 (1985-03-01), Yagi
patent: 5208543 (1993-05-01), Albiniak
patent: 0124872 (1986-06-01), None
patent: 0289774 (1987-12-01), None
patent: 0313076 (1988-12-01), None
patent: 4364476 (1992-12-01), None
patent: 1377758 (1988-02-01), None
patent: 1714528 (1992-02-01), None
Deb Anjan
Float Kenneth W.
Metjahic Safet
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