Wireless method and apparatus for testing armament circuits
First Claim
1. A light weight portable system for multi-testing of an armament circuit, comprising:
- at least one connector, the connector structured and arranged to electrically connect to the armament circuit;
a test module coupled to the connector, the test module comprising a testing circuit, the testing circuit testing the armament circuit when the connector is connected to the armament circuit on a first end and connected to the testing circuit on a second end, the testing module comprising a controller and a first communications circuit;
a data collector and controller comprising a second communications circuit, the first and second communications circuits communicating over a wireless link, the data collector and controller sending test instructions to the test module over the link and the test module sending test data from the armament circuit over the link to the data collector and controller; and
wherein, the data collector and controller is a portable handheld device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The testing apparatus of the present invention provides a self-contained test module that connects to the weapons firing circuit on the weapons platform. This test module communicates with a data collector and controller that is carried by a technician or operator. The communication link between the test module and the data collector and controller is wireless so that the technician can move about without interference from the cable. The test module, which contains a digital voltage detector, is more accurate than prior analog voltage detectors. The test module connects to different connectors, allowing for a reduction of equipment needed in the testing apparatus and providing a significant savings in weight. The data collector and controller stores test data of a particular circuit over a period of time and performs analysis on that test data to identify upcoming or potential problems so that repair can be made before operational readiness is compromised by a circuit failure.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A light weight portable system for multi-testing of an armament circuit, comprising:
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at least one connector, the connector structured and arranged to electrically connect to the armament circuit; a test module coupled to the connector, the test module comprising a testing circuit, the testing circuit testing the armament circuit when the connector is connected to the armament circuit on a first end and connected to the testing circuit on a second end, the testing module comprising a controller and a first communications circuit; a data collector and controller comprising a second communications circuit, the first and second communications circuits communicating over a wireless link, the data collector and controller sending test instructions to the test module over the link and the test module sending test data from the armament circuit over the link to the data collector and controller; and wherein, the data collector and controller is a portable handheld device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of testing an armament circuit, comprising the steps of:
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providing a connector that can electrically couple to the armament circuit and coupling a first end of the connector to the armament circuit; connecting a test module to a second end of the connector; establishing a wireless communications link between the test module and a handheld data collector and controller; climbing into a cockpit associated with the armament circuit and bringing the handheld data collector and controller into the cockpit; receiving instructions from a display on the handheld data collector and controller and exercising the armament circuit from within the cockpit, accordingly; sending an instruction from the handheld data collector and controller over the link to the test module to test the armament circuit; testing the armament circuit with the test module; providing results of the test to the data collector and controller over the link. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification