Clip for holding ignition wires of different sizes

• US 5,001,431 A
• Filed: 02/02/1990
• Issued: 03/19/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: Bear Automotive Service Equipment Company (SPX Corporation)
• Inventors: Yurkus, Charles J., Eidsvoog, Evan M., Garasimowicz, Gregory A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wieder, Kenneth
• Assistant Examiner(s): Harvey, Jack B.
• Application Number:
  US07/475,894
• Time in Patent Office: 410 Days
• Field of Search: 324/402, 324/393, 324/391, 324/390, 324/72.5, 324/149, 439/166, 439/170, 439/171, 439/173-175, 439/169
• US Class Current: 324/402
• CPC Class Codes: F02P 17/12 Testing characteristics of the spark, ignition voltage or current testing of sparking plugs H01T13/60
• CPC Class Codes: F02P 2017/006 using a capacitive sensor

Abstract

In an engine analyzer system, a test probe adapted for connecting to ignition wires of different diameters. The test probe including a pick-up clip for electrically coupling to the ignition wire and clamping to large diameter ignition wires. A rotatable clip adapted for clamping small size ignition wires is rotatable into alignment with the pick-up clip. The rotatable clip holds small diameter ignition wires in electrical contact with the pick-up clip.

Claims

1. A test probe for an engine analyzer for coupling to an ignition wire of an internal combustion engine comprising:

a pick-up adapted for receiving a first diameter ignition wire; and

means adapted for receiving a second, smaller diameter ignition wire wherein the means adapted for receiving a second diameter ignition wire is movable, relative to the pick-up, between a first storage position and a second holding position in which the means adapted for receiving a second diameter ignition wire is in alignment with the pick-up.

2. The test probe of claim 1 wherein the pick-up includes a grip portion, and wherein the means adapted for receiving a second diameter ignition wire is rotatable about the grip portion between the first and second positions.

3. The test probe of claim 1 wherein the pick-up comprises a capacitive pick-up.

4. The test probe of claim 2 wherein the means adapted for receiving a second diameter ignition wire comprises a slidable ring.

5. The test probe of claim 4 wherein the pick-up includes a clamp having a first inner dimension and the slidable ring includes a clamp having a second inner dimension.

6. The test probe of claim 5 wherein the first inner dimension is larger than the second inner dimension.

7. The test probe of claim 5 wherein the clamp comprises a material having a shape memory.

8. The test probe of claim 7 wherein the clamp comprises nylon compound.

9. A method of coupling a test probe in an internal combustion engine analyzer to an ignition wire in an internal combustion engine comprising:

aligning a first clip with a wire-receiving channel of a pick-up on the test probe, the channel having ends and wherein the first clip is longitudinally spaced from the ends of the channel; and

inserting the ignition wire into the first clip and the channel whereby the ignition wire is held by the clip in the channel and is electrically coupled to the pick-up.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein aligning the clip comprises rotating a ring about the test probe.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the pick-up comprises a capacitive pick-up.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein the pick-up comprises a second clip which defines the wire-receiving channel.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the first clip is adapted for receiving an ignition wire having a first diameter and the second clip is adapted for receiving an ignition wire having a second larger diameter.