Circuit tester for automotive electrical systems

• US 4,540,940 A
• Filed: 03/24/1983
• Issued: 09/10/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David C. Nolan
• Original Assignee: David C. Nolan
• Inventors: Nolan, David C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Krawczewicz, Stanley T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Solis, Jose M.
• Application Number:
  US06/478,323
• Time in Patent Office: 901 Days
• Field of Search: 340/641, 340/650, 340/652, 324/133, 324/51, 324/52
• US Class Current: 324/133
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/06788 Hand-held or hand-manipulated probes, e.g. for oscilloscopes or for portable test instruments end pieces terminating in a probe H01R11/18
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 19/145 Indicating the presence of current or voltage

Abstract

A circuit tester for automotive electrical systems comprising a body member of "pistol-grip" configuration having an electrical socket at one end thereof and an electrically conductive probe extending from the other end thereof. An electrical lead is provided for connecting the terminals of the automobile battery to the socket. The lead has a plug at one end thereof which is reversibly receivable by the socket to enable the tester to be placed in either a positive test mode or a negative test mode. A first electrical lead member extends through the body member from the socket to the probe and has a light imposed therein. A second electrical lead extends from the socket to the probe but has a normally open, manually operated switch imposed therein. The second electrical lead member also has a replaceable fuse assembly imposed therein. The light will be illuminated when the switch is closed whether or not the probe is in electrical contact with the electrical system of the automobile or a component thereof. The light will be illuminated when the switch is opened and the probe is in electrical contact with the automobile electrical system or a component thereof when electrical continuity exists. When the switch is closed, electrical current is supplied to the probe.

Claims

1. A circuit tester for automotive electrical systems, comprising,

a body member having opposite ends and a grip portion therebetween,

an electrical conductive probe extending from one end of said body member,

a pair of electrical leads secured to said body member, each of said leads being adapted to be operatively electrically connected to one of the terminals of the battery of the automobile,

an electric circuit in said body portion connecting said leads with said probe,

said circuit comprising a first lead member connected to and extending from one of said leads to said probe, said first lead member having a light series connected thereto;

a second lead member connected to and extending from the other of said leads to said probe, said second lead member having a normally open, manually operated switch imposed therein which may be selectively closed to supply electrical current to said probe,

said light being illuminated when said switch is closed whether or not said probe is in electrical contact with a portion of the automobile electrical system or components thereof,

said light being illuminated when said switch is open and said probe is in electrical contact with a portion of the automobile electrical system or a component thereof when electrical continuity to said portion or component exists.

2. The tester of claim 1 wherein a replaceable fuse means is imposed in said second lead member.

3. The tester of claim 1 wherein said body member is "pistol-grip" shaped.

4. The tester of claim 1 wherein said probe is flexible.

5. The tester of claim 1 wherein said probe is angularly shaped.

6. The tester of claim 1 wherein said probe is selectively removably mounted on said body member.

7. The tester of claim 1 wherein said body member has an electrical socket provided therein which is connected to said first and second lead members, said electrical lead means having an electrical plug at one end thereof which is selectively reversibly receivable by said socket to enable the tester to be placed in either a positive test mode or a negative test mode.

8. The tester of claim 1 wherein said lead means has spring-loaded clamps for attachment to the terminals of the battery.

9. The tester of claim 1 wherein said light means is positioned on said body member so that it also functions as an auxiliary light source for the person using the tester.