Alternator/starter testing device
First Claim
1. A device for testing an alternator which has been removed from an automobile, comprising:
- a motor adapted to be temporarily coupled to the alternator for rotating an armature of the alternator as part of a test;
a test coupling jack, adapted to be electrically connected to a corresponding connector on the alternator, the test coupling jack comprising a battery line connector, a ground line connector, and a field line connector, each line connector for connecting to a corresponding circuit in the alternator;
a power supply for simulating an automobile battery voltage, an output thereof coupled to the battery line connector;
a voltage regulator having a first terminal coupled to the power supply and to the battery line connector, and a second terminal coupled to the field line connector, wherein the voltage regulator regulates a voltage present at the first terminal by controlling a voltage at the second terminal;
a meter coupled to the battery line connector for displaying a voltage generated by the alternator in response to the test; and
a meter disconnect switch, coupled to the meter and to the power supply, for disconnecting the meter when the power supply is connected to the battery line of the alternator.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved alternator/starter testing device includes an electronic voltage regulator for regulating the output of an externally regulated alternator. A selectable load switch allows so-called "high output" alternators to be tested without damaging the voltage regulator. For certain types of internally regulated alternators, the testing device includes a meter disconnect circuit, coupled to an "energize" switch in the testing device, which operates to disconnect the testing meter during a period in which the energize switch is temporarily depressed to supply power to an internally regulated alternator under test, thus preventing misleading test results if a defective alternator is tested. Internal thermal circuit breakers are provided at strategic locations in the testing device to prevent internal circuit damage due to defective alternators and starters. A delay off timer circuit disconnects power from a starter under test after a predetermined time period in order to prevent damage to the starter due to overtesting.
220 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A device for testing an alternator which has been removed from an automobile, comprising:
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a motor adapted to be temporarily coupled to the alternator for rotating an armature of the alternator as part of a test; a test coupling jack, adapted to be electrically connected to a corresponding connector on the alternator, the test coupling jack comprising a battery line connector, a ground line connector, and a field line connector, each line connector for connecting to a corresponding circuit in the alternator; a power supply for simulating an automobile battery voltage, an output thereof coupled to the battery line connector; a voltage regulator having a first terminal coupled to the power supply and to the battery line connector, and a second terminal coupled to the field line connector, wherein the voltage regulator regulates a voltage present at the first terminal by controlling a voltage at the second terminal; a meter coupled to the battery line connector for displaying a voltage generated by the alternator in response to the test; and a meter disconnect switch, coupled to the meter and to the power supply, for disconnecting the meter when the power supply is connected to the battery line of the alternator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A device for testing an alternator which has been removed from an automobile, comprising:
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a motor adapted to be temporarily coupled to the alternator for rotating an armature of the alternator as part of a test; a test coupling jack, adapted to be electrically connected to a corresponding connector on the alternator, the test coupling jack comprising a battery line connector and a ground line connector, each line connector for connecting to a corresponding circuit in the alternator; a power supply for simulating an automobile battery voltage, an output thereof coupled to the battery line connector; a meter coupled to the battery line connector for displaying a voltage generated by the alternator in response to the test; and a switch, coupled to the meter and to the power supply, for temporarily connecting the power supply to the battery line connector and simultaneously disconnecting the meter from the battery line connector.
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10. A device for testing an alternator which has been removed from an automobile, comprising:
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a motor adapted to be temporarily coupled to the alternator for rotating an armature of the alternator as part of a test; a test coupling jack, adapted to be electrically connected to a corresponding connector on the alternator, the test coupling jack comprising connectors for coupling to an "internal" type alternator having an internal voltage regulator and to an "external" type alternator which relies on external voltage regulation; a power supply for simulating an automobile battery voltage, an output thereof coupled to the test coupling jack; an electronic voltage regulator which provides external voltage regulation for "external" type alternators; a meter which displays a voltage generated by the alternator in response to the test; an internal/external switch, coupled to the electronic voltage regulator and the test coupling jack, the internal/external switch providing a first circuit path which connects the electronic voltage regulator into a testing circuit for "external" type alternators and a second circuit path which disconnects the electronic voltage regulator from the testing circuit for "internal" type alternators; and a "high draw alternator" switch, coupled to the test coupling jack and the electronic voltage regulator, which provides a first circuit path causing a first voltage drop to be presented to the electronic voltage regulator and a second circuit path causing a greater voltage drop to be presented to the electronic voltage regulator. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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Specification