Multi-scanner device having a detachable outlet tester

• US 7,633,282 B2
• Filed: 08/17/2007
• Issued: 12/15/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ECM Industries, LLC
• Original Assignee: Actuant Corporation
• Inventors: Radle, Patrick J., Wiesemann, David L., Brockman, Daryl C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Vincent Q
• Application Number:
  US11/840,616
• Publication Number:
  US 20080042657A1
• Time in Patent Office: 851 Days
• Field of Search: 324/67, 324/508, 335/28, 337/60
• US Class Current: 324/67
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/69 of terminals at the end of a cable or a wire harness; of plugs; of sockets, e.g. wall sockets or power sockets in appliances

Abstract

A multi-scanner device having a detection unit and an outlet tester that can be selectively connected together for convenient use and easy storage. Preferably, a plug on the outlet tester is inserted into a non-functional socket located on the detection unit to form a multi-scanner device with a detachable outlet tester.

Claims

1. A multi-scanner device comprising:

a detection unit including circuitry for performing at least one scanning function and having an interface for attachment to an outlet tester; and

an outlet tester including circuitry for performing at least one electrical wall outlet testing function and having a male plug for connection to a wall outlet;

wherein the detection unit and the outlet tester are adapted to be selectively connected together at the interface.

2. The multi-scanner device of claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes circuitry for detecting at least one of a wood stud, a metal object, and an AC voltage.

3. The multi-scanner device of claim 2, wherein the detection unit includes a switch for selecting the scanning function.

4. The multi-scanner device of claim 3, wherein the detection unit includes a switch for activating the scanning function.

5. The multi-scanner device of claim 2, wherein the detection unit has a tip for marking a surface.

6. The multi-scanner device of claim 1, wherein the outlet tester includes circuitry for testing at least one of an outlet for faulty wiring and an outlet for a ground fault circuit interrupter.

7. The multi-scanner device of claim 6, wherein the outlet tester includes a switch for selecting between an outlet faulty wiring test and a ground fault circuit interrupter test.

8. The multi-scanner device of claim 1, wherein the plug is a Type B American three-pin grounded plug.

9. The multi-scanner device of claim 2, wherein the interface is a socket for mating with the Type B American three-pin grounded plug.

10. The multi-scanner device of claim 1, wherein the scanning function includes an audible alarm.

11. The multi-scanner device of claim 1, wherein the scanning function includes a visual alarm.

12. The multi-scanner device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for performing the scanning function is located inside a housing for the detection unit, and the circuitry for performing the electrical socket testing function is located inside a housing for the outlet tester.

13. The multi-scanner device of claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes circuitry for detecting a wood stud, a metal object, and an AC voltage, and the outlet tester includes circuitry for testing an outlet for faulty wiring and an outlet for a ground fault circuit interrupter.

14. A multi-scanner device comprising:

a detection unit including circuitry for detecting a wood stud, a metal object, and an AC voltage and having a socket; and

an outlet tester including circuitry for testing an outlet for faulty wiring and an outlet for a ground fault circuit interrupter;

wherein the detection unit and the outlet tester are adapted to be selectively connected together.