Audible circuit tracer

• US 4,945,346 A
• Filed: 08/07/1989
• Issued: 07/31/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 08/07/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John P. Schmiemann
• Original Assignee: John P. Schmiemann
• Inventors: Schmiemann, John P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Orsino, Joseph A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Jackson, Jill
• Application Number:
  US07/390,289
• Time in Patent Office: 358 Days
• Field of Search: 340/656, 340/384 E, 340/693, 324/506, 324/508, 324/510, 324/511, 324/538, 324/55, 181/141, 362/253, 381/88, 381/90, 381/205, 381/188, 307/125, 307/126
• US Class Current: 340/656
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 19/155 Indicating the presence of voltage
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/20 responsive to moisture
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 3/10 using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission

Abstract

An audible circuit tracer which is palm size for indicating audibly the presence of electric power in an outlet. The tracer consists of a cylindrical housing containing a step down transformer, a full wave rectifier and a piezo buzzer for sounding in the presence of electric power. The sound being emitted can be muffled adjustably and there is provision for a light as well.

Claims

1. A portable electric power indicator assembly comprising:

a. a palm size cylindrical housing having electric prongs at one end for plugging into an electrical outlet;

b. said housing having mounted in the other end thereof a piezo energized buzzer and including an attachment for carrying said housing on a tool belt;

c. a step down transformer within said housing having the primary coil thereof connected to two of said electric prongs;

d. a full wave bridge rectifier;

e. electrical conductors connecting the second coil of said transformer to said piezo buzzer through said rectifier so that only dc will be delivered to said buzzer;

f. openings at the end of said housing opposite the end carrying said prongs for broadcasting the buzzer sounds when said piezo buzzer is activated, said openings having adjustable shutters for permitting said sounds to be selectively baffled;

g. an adaptor for checking a bulb socket, said adaptor comprising a threaded male member at one end to thread into said bulb socket and openings at the other end for receiving said prongs on said housing; and

h. an adaptor for checking hard-wired electrical equipment, said adaptor comprising a member having openings for receiving said prongs and leads connected to said openings terminating in insulated alligator clips for electrical engagement to said equipment.

2. A safe method for terminating electric power to an electrical outlet comprising the steps of:

a. inserting into said electrical outlet a palm size power indicator comprising;

(i) a cylindrical housing having electric prongs at one end for plugging into said outlet, (ii) said housing having mounted in the other end thereof a piezo energized buzzer, (iii) a step down transformer within said housing having the primary coil thereof connected to two of said electric prongs, (iv) a full wave bridge rectifier, (v) electrical conductors connecting the secondary of said transformer to said buzzer through said rectifier so that only dc will be delivered to said buzzer, (vi) openings at the end of said housing opposite the end carrying said prongs for broadcasting the buzzer sound when said buzzer is activated, and (vii) said openings having adjustable shutters for permitting said sounds to be selectively baffled; and

b. adjusting said shutters so that the noise level emanating from said openings is sufficient to be heard where a circuit breaker or fuse has to be deactivated to terminate the electric power to said outlet; and

c. deactivating circuit breakers or fuses in sequence until the correct breaker or fuse is deactivated to cause the sound from said indicator to stop.