EGR system testing device

• US 5,406,836 A
• Filed: 11/05/1993
• Issued: 04/18/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James N. Smith
• Original Assignee: James N. Smith
• Inventors: Smith, James N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chilcot, Jr., Richard E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Olsen, James M.
• Application Number:
  US08/147,307
• Time in Patent Office: 529 Days
• Field of Search: 73/118.1, 73/117.3, 123/571, 324/546, 324/555, 324/556
• US Class Current: 73/114.74
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/2829 Testing of circuits in sensor or actuator systems testing of apparatus for measuring electric or magnetic variables G01R35/00; testing of indicating or recording apparatus G01D; in airbag systems B60R21/0173; checking gas analysers G01N33/007; monitoring or fail-safe circuits for electromagnets H01F7/1844
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/72 Testing of electric windings testing of transformers G01R31/62

Abstract

An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve testing device is provided in a configuration to be utilized with a variety of motor vehicles. The portable device is adaptable, through a collection of interchangeable wiring harnesses, for connection to a wide variety of vehicles of various manufacture. A plurality of independent EGR solenoids may be selectively operated and tested by the selective operation of a plurality of switches incorporated in the invention. Operation of the invention also provides visual feedback of the position of the EGR solenoid pintle. The invention is also equipped with external signal outputs for operating external test devices.

Claims

1. In a hand-held, portable device for testing the operation of an electronically controlled EGR valve having a solenoid, said solenoid having a pintle-position responsive signal output, the improvement comprising:

A. A plurality of independently operating switches;

B. A plurality of visual indicators, one of each said indicators uniquely associated with one of each said switches;

C. A voltmeter responsive to said pintle-position signal output;

D. Circuit means responsive to each of said plurality of switches, whereby closure of each said switch energizes said EGR valve solenoid;

E. Second circuit means responsive to the operation of each said switches and said solenoid, whereby closure of said switches and said solenoid, whereby closure of said switch and desired operation of said solenoid affects operation of said uniquely associated indicator; and

F. Third circuit means responsive to each of said plurality of switches, whereby closure of said switch affects operation of a voltmeter responsive to said pintle-position signal output, causing an indication on said voltmeter in proportion to the physical position of the pintle of said solenoid.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein said device further comprises at least one voltage output jack suitable for connecting said device to an external voltmeter.

3. A device according to claim 1, which further comprises a plurality of removal and interchangeable wiring harnesses, one end of each said harness adapted to be removably attached to said device, and the other end of said harness adapted to be removably attached to said EGR valve.

4. The invention of claim 3, wherein said device further comprises at least one output jack suitable for connecting said device to an external testing device.

5. The invention of claim 4, wherein said external testing device is a volt meter.