Alternator tester

• US 7,706,991 B2
• Filed: 06/11/2007
• Issued: 04/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Midtronics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Midtronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Melton, Alan Keith, Bertness, Kevin I.
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel; Rajnikant B
• Application Number:
  US11/811,528
• Publication Number:
  US 20070244660A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,051 Days
• Field of Search: 324/115, 324/116, 324/427, 324/429, 324/432, 324/436, 324/162, 324/166, 324/430, 324/528, 324/426, 320/112, 320/107, 320/132, 320/136, 320/134, 320/116, 320/156, 320/160, 320/139, 320/106, 702/63, 702/65, 702/140, 702/108, 702/113
• US Class Current: 702/63
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/007 using microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/343 in operation

Abstract

An alternator tester is provided for testing an alternator of a vehicle while the alternator is coupled to the vehicle. A sensor is configured to couple to the vehicle and sense a signal related to operation of the alternator. A memory contains data related to operator instructions for performing an alternator tester of a function of vehicle type. A processor configured to provide an output indication of alternator condition based upon the sensed signal. An extra load or connection can be provided for coupling to the electrical system.

Claims

1. A method of testing an alternator of a vehicle, the method comprising:

providing sensing circuitry configured to couple to the alternator while the alternator is coupled to the vehicle;

providing instructions to an operator related to connecting at least one component of the alternator to the sensing circuitry,

sensing a signal related to operation of the at least one component; and

determining a condition of the alternator based on the sensed signal.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of connecting comprises connecting an electrical path of the at least one component to the sensing circuitry.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of connecting further comprises connecting the sensing circuitry and the electrical path of the alternator with an auxiliary sensor connector.

4. The method of claim 1 and further comprising suggesting a replacement part for the at least one component based on a vehicle type if the at least one component is approaching failure or has failed.

5. The method of claim 1 and further comprising generating an output indicating the condition of the at least one component of the alternator.

6. The method of claim 1 and further comprising determining a condition of a battery coupled to the alternator.

7. The method of claim 1 and further comprising selecting an electrical path from a plurality of electrical paths to couple to the sensing circuitry based on a vehicle type.

8. The method of claim 1 and further comprising generating an encrypted code based on the condition of the at least one component of the alternator.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein providing instructions comprises retrieving instructions from a memory.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein providing instructions comprises providing instructions based upon information related to vehicle type.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein providing instructions comprises providing instructions based upon information further related to vehicle model.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein providing instructions is based upon information further related to the vehicle year.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein providing instructions is based upon information related to the engine of the vehicle.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein providing instructions is based upon information related to the alternator of the vehicle.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein providing instructions is based upon information related to connecting an electrical load to the alternator for use in determining a condition of the alternator.

16. An alternator tester for testing an alternator of a vehicle while the alternator is coupled to the vehicle, comprising:

a sensor configured to couple to the vehicle and sense a signal related to operation of the alternator;

a memory containing data related to operator instructions for performing an alternator test as a function of information related to vehicle type; and

a processor configured to provide an output indication of alternator condition based upon the sensed signal.

17. An alternator tester for testing an alternator of a vehicle while the alternator is coupled to the vehicle, comprising:

a sensor configured to couple to the vehicle and sense a signal related to operation of the alternator;

an additional sensor or electrical connection;

a processor configured to provide an output indication of alternator condition based upon the sensed signal and the additional sensor or electrical connection.