Alternator diagnostic system
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for-testing an alternator of the type used in an automotive vehicle, comprising:
- a sensor configured to sense vibrations from the alternator and provide a vibration output related to vibrations generated by operation of the alternator;
an amplifier coupled to the vibration output configured to responsively provide an amplified output; and
a diagnostic system coupled to the amplified output configured to provide a diagnostic output related to condition of the alternator.
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Abstract
An apparatus for testing an alternator in an automotive vehicle includes a sensor positioned proximate the alternator which provides a vibration output related to vibrations generated by operation of the alternator. A diagnostic system diagnoses the condition of the alternator based upon sensed vibrations. A temperature sensor can also be employed.
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Citations
67 Claims
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1. An apparatus for-testing an alternator of the type used in an automotive vehicle, comprising:
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a sensor configured to sense vibrations from the alternator and provide a vibration output related to vibrations generated by operation of the alternator;
an amplifier coupled to the vibration output configured to responsively provide an amplified output; and
a diagnostic system coupled to the amplified output configured to provide a diagnostic output related to condition of the alternator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A method for testing an alternator in an automotive vehicle, comprising:
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sensing vibrations generated by operation of the alternator;
amplifying the sensed vibrations; and
diagnosing a condition of the alternator as a function of the amplified sensed vibrations. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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41. An apparatus for testing an alternator of the type used in an automotive vehicle, comprising:
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a sensor configured to sense temperature of the alternator and provide a temperature output related to temperature generated by operation of the alternator;
an amplifier coupled to the temperature output configured to responsively provide an amplified output; and
a diagnostic system coupled to the amplified output configured to provide a diagnostic output related to condition of the alternator. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
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61. A method for testing an alternator in an automotive vehicle, comprising:
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sensing temperature generated by operation of the alternator; and
diagnosing a condition of the alternator as a function of the sensed temperature. - View Dependent Claims (62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67)
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Specification