Device for testing a vehicle engine pulley

• US 6,301,978 B1
• Filed: 11/24/1999
• Issued: 10/16/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Quirino L. Pua
• Original Assignee: Scott F. Sargent
• Inventors: Sargent, Scott F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Fuller, Benjamin R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Martir, Lilybett
• Application Number:
  US09/449,079
• Time in Patent Office: 692 Days
• Field of Search: 474/8, 474/135, 56/127, 731/181, 731/44, 73/7, 738/624.5, 738/624.9, 738/624.8, 738/624.7
• US Class Current: 73/862.49
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 5/06 using mechanical means G01L5/042, G01L5/045 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 13/02 Gearings; Transmission mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 13/023 Power-transmitting endless elements, e.g. belts or chains

Abstract

A device for testing an engine pulley includes an elongated tubular shaft formed of two telescoping sections that are spring biased in a retracted position. A handle is disposed at a first end of the shaft and a motor driven pulley is rotatably mounted to the opposing end. When the shaft is extended against the bias of the spring, electrical contact between an external power source and the motor is established. A belt is placed about the motor driven pulley and the engine pulley to rotate the select engine pulley independently of the remaining engine pulleys allowing a user to audibly and visually determine if the pulley is malfunctioning.

Claims

1. A device for testing an engine pulley comprising:

a power source

a shaft having a drive pulley rotatably mounted thereon, said shaft including a pair of telescoping sections, said sections biased in a retracted position wherein a length of said shaft is selectively extendable;

a motor received within said shaft and connected to said drive pulley for automatically rotating said drive pulley;

a belt encompassing said drive pulley and said engine pulley so that said motor will simultaneously rotate said drive pulley and said engine pulley;

an activation means for selectively activating said motor, said activation means including a first fixed electrical contact within said shaft and electrically connected to said motor, a second electrical contact received within said shaft and in communication with said power source, said first contact and second contact being separated when said shaft sections are in said retracted position and said first contact engaging said second contact electrically connecting said power source to said motor;

when said shaft sections are in an extended position.

2. The device for testing an engine pulley according to claim 1 further comprising a handle on an end of said shaft which is grasped by a user to operate said device and to extend said shaft.

3. The device for testing an engine pulley according to claim 2 wherein said drive pulley is removable.

4. The device for testing an engine pulley according to claim 3 whereon one of said shaft sections includes a receptacle electrically connected to said second electrical contact.

5. The device for testing an engine pulley according to claim 4 further comprising a battery source, a cord having a plug at a first end adapted to be coupled with said receptacle and a pair of clamps at an opposing end which are secured to said battery source.

6. The device for testing an engine pulley according to claim 3 wherein said drive pulley includes an axle attached to said shaft, said axle including a keyway that removably receives a key on said drive pulley, allowing said pulley to be removed and replaced with a differing size drive pulley.