Alternator tester

• US 20070244660A1
• Filed: 06/11/2007
• Published: 10/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1996
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alan Melton, Kevin Bertness
• Original Assignee: Alan Melton, Kevin Bertness
• Inventors: Bertness, Kevin, Melton, Alan
• Granted Patent: US 7,706,991 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/108
• 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

1-17. -17. (canceled)

18. 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.

33. 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.

34. 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.