Method and apparatus for indicating electrical connection
First Claim
1. A device for indicating whether a conductive element is reliably connected to a ground reference potential, comprising:
- a comparator which determines whether the electrical resistance between the conductive element and an element at a ground potential is greater than a predetermined reference value;
a detector which detects whether a change in state of the determined resistance persists for a minimum length of time; and
a tri-state indicator which is responsive to said comparator and said detector for indicating a first state when an electrical connection is present between the conductive element and the ground potential, for indicating a second state when there is no connection between the conductive element and the ground potential, and for indicating a third state for a predetermined period when a connection between the electrical element and the ground potential has been temporarily interrupted for at least said minimum length of time switching the indication from said third state, to one of said other states at the end of said predetermined period of time.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A ground and bond detection device for ensuring that a conductive material, such at a metal container, is properly grounded to prevent electrostatic charge buildup. The device indicates whether a ground connection between the conductive material and ground exists, and whether the ground connection has been interrupted. The device is battery-powered, portable, and can be used on conductive material which is coated with nonconductive material such as paint, dirt, or rust. The ground and bond detection device provides low-cost, reliable, portable, and safe monitoring of ground connections for, e.g., metal containers used to store flammable materials.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A device for indicating whether a conductive element is reliably connected to a ground reference potential, comprising:
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a comparator which determines whether the electrical resistance between the conductive element and an element at a ground potential is greater than a predetermined reference value; a detector which detects whether a change in state of the determined resistance persists for a minimum length of time; and a tri-state indicator which is responsive to said comparator and said detector for indicating a first state when an electrical connection is present between the conductive element and the ground potential, for indicating a second state when there is no connection between the conductive element and the ground potential, and for indicating a third state for a predetermined period when a connection between the electrical element and the ground potential has been temporarily interrupted for at least said minimum length of time switching the indication from said third state, to one of said other states at the end of said predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification