Patents by Inventor Larry Schaffer

Larry Schaffer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5920196
    Abstract: A rapid low voltage testing apparatus for detecting sequentially a plurality of electrical components of an electrical circuitry device for at least one of a plurality of predetermined low voltage levels. The rapid low voltage testing apparatus comprises a first multi-position switch having an output for sequentially outputting one of a plurality of input voltages; and a second multi-position switch having an output for sequentially outputting one of a plurality of predetermined output voltage levels which adjusts the sensitivity of a voltage detection circuit to the one of the plurality of predetermined output voltage levels. Upon a detection of a match between the first multi-position switch output and the second multi-position switch output, an indicator notifies the operator of the testing apparatus that one of the plurality of low voltage levels has been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Larry Schaffer
  • Patent number: 5847274
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing on/off or modulated/duty-cycled testing on a solenoid in a computer controlled automatic transmission when the solenoid is removed from the vehicle or while the solenoid is in the vehicle. The apparatus comprises: three jacks, a switch when actuated for performing a diode test, circuitry for electrically connecting the apparatus to the solenoid and preventing over current and over voltage surges, circuitry for performing the on/off testing, circuitry for performing the modulated/duty-cycled test and pneumatic components for supplying air pressure to the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Larry Schaffer
  • Patent number: 5712420
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing on/off or modulated/duty-cycled testing on a solenoid in a computer controlled automatic transmission when the solenoid is removed from the vehicle or while the solenoid is in the vehicle. The apparatus comprises: three jacks, a switch when actuated for performing a diode test, circuitry for electrically connecting the apparatus to the solenoid and preventing over current and over voltage surges, circuitry for performing the on/off testing, circuitry for performing the modulated/duty-cycled test and pneumatic components for supplying air pressure to the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Larry Schaffer
  • Patent number: 5611244
    Abstract: An apparatus for modifying the pressure of an electronically controlled automatic transmission including an electronic pressure controlled (EPC) solenoid, comprising: a pair of leads connected in parallel to the leads of the EPC solenoid; a pair of resistors, of fixed but differing resistance, connected to one of the leads; and, a switch connected to the other lead for selectively connecting the leads through the resistors to the leads of the EPC solenoid, the switch being movable between a plurality of positions to change the resistance wherein the transmission pressure changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Larry Schaffer
  • Patent number: 5467644
    Abstract: A device for selectively controlling the solenoids in a computer controlled transmission for testing the transmission. Circuitry for providing electrical power to the device may be adapted to be plugged into the cigarette lighter in the automobile. A pin connector adapted to different makes of transmissions is connected to the electrical connector of the transmission to be tested. Four (4) two-pole, six position rotary switches are provided for selectively activating the transmission solenoids and shifting the transmission into a selected gear. Indicator lamps are provided to indicate the selected gear in which the transmission should be. A single pole rotary switch is provided for selectively controlling the pressure in the transmission being tested. Two momentary switches are provided for controlling the torque converter clutch solenoids in the transmission. Only one of the four shift switches is used at any time depending on the make of transmission being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Larry Schaffer