Voltage probe testing device
First Claim
1. Voltage probe testing device comprising a portable housing having an elongate gripping portion and an operative portion at one end of said gripping portion;
- an elongate test probe generally defining a probe axis and having an insulation penetrating test point at one end of said operative portion and having another end thereof mounted on said operative portion;
circuit means in said housing connected to said test probe for sensing voltages applied to said test probe and for providing at least one output signal upon sensing of at least one predetermined voltage level on said test probe;
indicator means oriented on said operative portion to provide a user of said device at least one visually perceptible indication in response to generation of said at least one output signal during gasping of said gripping portion by said user and indication of said at least one output signal;
light generating means on said operative portion for illuminating the region of said test point of said test probe when the device is in use;
said gripping portion generally being in the shape of a pistol grip that can be held in the palm of said user said gripping portion having a plurality of indentations thereon, each said indentation individually sized and dimensioned for a finger of said user'"'"'s hand providing said user a secure gasp of said gripping portion and generally defining a grip axis offset from said probe axis, said test probe being mounted and oriented on said operative portion to point in a direction generally away from the user when normally gripped;
whereby said gripping portion of the device is gripped and held within the palm of said user without interfering with the access and visibility of said test point, indicator means and light generating means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An ergonomically designed pistol grip voltage probe testing device features visual output indicators, such an LED light, as well as at least one additional or auxiliary indicator such as a buzzer. The LED advantageously changes colors depending on the potential applied to the probe conductor. Other auxiliary output feedback devices are disclosed. The device is particularly suitable for use in an automotive environment, and, in one embodiment, includes a cigarette plug adapter for connecting the device to a cigarette lighter receptacle for supplying output power and a ground reference potential to the test device.
66 Citations
15 Claims
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1. Voltage probe testing device comprising a portable housing having an elongate gripping portion and an operative portion at one end of said gripping portion;
- an elongate test probe generally defining a probe axis and having an insulation penetrating test point at one end of said operative portion and having another end thereof mounted on said operative portion;
circuit means in said housing connected to said test probe for sensing voltages applied to said test probe and for providing at least one output signal upon sensing of at least one predetermined voltage level on said test probe;
indicator means oriented on said operative portion to provide a user of said device at least one visually perceptible indication in response to generation of said at least one output signal during gasping of said gripping portion by said user and indication of said at least one output signal;
light generating means on said operative portion for illuminating the region of said test point of said test probe when the device is in use;
said gripping portion generally being in the shape of a pistol grip that can be held in the palm of said user said gripping portion having a plurality of indentations thereon, each said indentation individually sized and dimensioned for a finger of said user'"'"'s hand providing said user a secure gasp of said gripping portion and generally defining a grip axis offset from said probe axis, said test probe being mounted and oriented on said operative portion to point in a direction generally away from the user when normally gripped;
whereby said gripping portion of the device is gripped and held within the palm of said user without interfering with the access and visibility of said test point, indicator means and light generating means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- an elongate test probe generally defining a probe axis and having an insulation penetrating test point at one end of said operative portion and having another end thereof mounted on said operative portion;
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14. Voltage probe testing device comprising a portable housing having an elongate gripping portion and an operative portion at one end of said gripping portion;
- an elongate test probe generally defining a probe axis and having an insulation penetrating test point at one end thereof and having another end thereof mounted on said operative portion;
circuit means in said housing connected to said test probe for sensing voltages applied to said test probe and for providing at least one output signal upon sensing of at least one predetermined voltage level on said test probe;
indicator means oriented on said operative portion for providing at least one visually perceptible indication in response to generation of said at least one output signal during grasping of said gripping portion by said user and indication of said at least one output signal;
said gripping portion generally being in the shape of a pistol grip that can be held in the palm of a user and generally defining a grip axis offset from said probe axis, said test probe being non-pivotally mounted and oriented on said operative portion to point in a direction generally away from the user when normally gripped, and said gripping and operative portions being pivotally connected to each other to permit selective adjustment of the angle between said probe and grip axes. - View Dependent Claims (15)
- an elongate test probe generally defining a probe axis and having an insulation penetrating test point at one end thereof and having another end thereof mounted on said operative portion;
Specification