Testing Apparatus for Vehicles and Trailers

• US 20090009304A1
• Filed: 04/14/2008
• Published: 01/08/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Claude Lacasse
• Original Assignee: Claude Lacasse
• Inventors: Lacasse, Claude
• Application Number:
  US12/102,461
• Publication Number:
  US 20090009304A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/431
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/006 on road vehicles, e.g. automobiles or trucks testing of ignition installations peculiar to internal combustion engines F02P17/00

Abstract

A portable testing apparatus for testing the electrical systems and pneumatic systems of vehicles and trailers is provided. The apparatus can be alternatively connected to a vehicle or to a trailer. When connected thereto, a power supply in the testing apparatus provides electrical power to energize and test the various electrical systems thereof and a compressed air supply, also located in the testing apparatus, provides compressed air to feed and test the various pneumatic systems thereof. The testing apparatus is also generally equipped with indicator lights to provide visual indication of the proper functioning of a particular electrical circuit. Similarly, the testing apparatus is also generally equipped with pressure gauges to indicate the amount of pressure in a given pneumatic system and to detect leaks if any. The testing apparatus may also comprise a ground testing circuit for verifying that the vehicle or the trailer is correctly grounded electrically.

Claims

1. An apparatus for testing electrical systems and/or pneumatic systems of a vehicle and/or a trailer, said apparatus comprising:

a. a frame;

b. a control module;

c. an electrical power source mounted to said frame and operatively connected to said control module;

d. a compressed air source mounted to said frame and operatively connected to said control module;

e. a control panel mounted to said frame and operatively connected to said control module, said control panel comprising an indicating light for at each electrical system of said vehicle and/or a trailer;

f. at least one electrical connector in electric communication with said control module via an electric cable;

g. at least one pneumatic coupling in pneumatic communication with said compressed air source via pneumatic tubing;

wherein said control module is configured to activate said indicator light associated with said electrical system if a default is detected in said electrical system.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control module is adapted to activate all of said indicator lights if a default is detected with respect the grounding of said vehicle and/or trailer.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a handle mounted thereto and a pair of wheel pivotally mounted thereto.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrical power source comprises a battery.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrical power source comprises a battery and an electrical power converter.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said compressed air source comprises a compressed air tank.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said compressed air source comprises a compressed air tank and an electrical air compressor.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control panel further comprises actuating means, connected to said control module, for selectively energizing each of said electrical systems of said vehicle and/or trailer.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said control panel further comprises an ammeter, connected to said control module, for measuring the current provided to said selected electrical system.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an electrically controlled valve fluidly connected to said compressed air source and operatively connected to said control module for controlling the pressure provided by said compressed air source.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said control panel further comprises a pressure gauge, fluidly connected to said compressed air source, for providing visual indication of the pressure provided by said compressed air source.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said apparatus further comprises an electrical outlet connected to said electrical power converter for supplying electrical power to an electrical device.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said electrical power converter is adapted to recharge said battery.