Abstract: A replaceable probe tip holder for an associated low capacitance probe head has a cap with a series of cavities formed therein and a bore extending from the inter most cavity to the front end of the cap. A first cavity receives the probe head tubular housing, a second cavity receives a portion of the probe head substrate extending from the housing, and a third cavity receives a first resilient compression member and a first electrically conductive probing tip having a shank and a head. The head is disposed in the third cavity in contact with the first resilient compression member and shank extends through the bore with the end of the shank extending from the front end of the cap. Attachment arms extend from the back end of the cap and are positionable on the outside of the housing. The replaceable probe tip holder may also be configured with differential probing tips having two electrically conductive probing tips extending from the cap.

Abstract: An electrical contact assembly (10) which includes a probe (12) and a housing (14) in which the probe (12) is selectively receivable at least in part. The probe (12) has an electrically conductive contact member (16) for selectively making contact with an electrical cable, contact or the like. The housing (14) includes a holding formation (15) defining a holding zone (62) in which an electrical cable (64) is receivable. The contact member (16) is displaceable into an operative position in which it is positioned in the holding zone (62) to make electrical contact with the cable (64).

Abstract: The voltage detection stick comprises an elongate and hollow casing member. A tip is attached to the casing member and has a first leg and a second leg protruding outwardly from the tip. A cavity is defined between the legs. An antenna is disposed within the casing member for sensing a voltage and transmitting a detection signal when an electrically conductive member is disposed in the cavity. An antenna extension is removably attachable within the cavity for increasing the sensitivity of the antenna.

Abstract: A test lead retraction system for retracting test lead cables on a spool. The test lead retraction system includes a base having an upper surface, a pillar is fixedly mounted to the upper surface, and a first bore extending through the pillar. An axle having a first end and a second end is fixedly mounted in the first bore. A first spool and a second spool are rotatably mounted on the axle between the pillar and the first end and the second end, respectively, of the axle. First and second biasing mechanisms rotationally bias the first spool and the second spool against rotation with respect to the axle in a first rotational direction. A first connecting cable and a second connecting cable are each wrapped about the respective first and second spools. A first linking cable links the first electrical contact and a meter. A second linking cable links the second electrical contact and the meter.

Abstract: An electronic probe has a termination portion, a filter, and an impedance device. The termination portion is connected between a transmission line end and a common node. The termination portion has a termination resistor and a termination capacitor connected in series between the transmission line end and the common node. The filter has a resistor connected in parallel with a capacitor and an inductor connected in series with the filter resistor and filter capacitor combination. The components are connected between the transmission line end and an output. An impedance device is connected between the output and the common node. A zero is associated with the termination portion and a pole is associated with the filter. The frequency of the zero is approximately equal to the frequency of the pole. The probe provides a device for measuring tri-state logic circuits without overloading the circuits.

Abstract: A contamination resistant probe attachment device attaches over an opening in a top cover of a disc drive to couple a testing probe to the interior of the disc drive. The attachment device has a base for surrounding and attaching around the opening in the top cover in the disc drive and a centrally located aperture for communicating with an upwardly extending flexible tube. The flexible tube having a first and second end, the first end attaching to the base and a second end defining an engagement opening throughwhich a disc drive testing probe is inserted.

Abstract: A device for testing a conductor for the presence of high AC voltage includes a voltage detection circuit connected to a probe assembly, preferably designed for insertion in the access bushing of an underground electrical transmission or distribution equipment. The probe assembly includes an elongated tubular insulating housing with a conductive probe at one end and a threaded connector at the other end for connection to the detection circuit. A high resistance, preferably several megohms, is connected in series between the tip and the connector and is preferably comprised of a plurality of series-connected resistors encased in a heat shrink tubing.

Abstract: The most commonly used type of voltage probe for high-bandwidth applications is the high-impedance passive probe. It is reliable, rugged, simple to use, and inexpensive. However, because it has a relatively high input capacitance, it is not truly “high impedance” to the higher frequency components of a test signal. Consequently, connecting the probe can distort the signal under test (e.g., by increasing the rise and fall times of a fast pulse). Also, the probe input capacitance forms a resonant circuit with any parasitic inductance in the probe ground lead. In response to a short-duration step in voltage, this can cause spurious oscillations in the input signal to the instrument. Active probes generally have a much lower input capacitance, thereby minimizing these problems. Also, active probes have been able to achieve much higher bandwidths than those of high-impedance passive probes. But active probes are very expensive, and they are not as rugged or as reliable as passive probes.

Abstract: A conduit apparatus for an electrical enclosure that allows safe, convenient access for current measurement of circuits therein is provided. The conduit apparatus has one or more non-magnetic conduits extending therethrough. The conduits, in turn, each house a conductor. The conduits are accessible from outside the enclosure. By placing a hook-on type ammeter over the conduit, the current in the conductor may be measured. In one embodiment, the conduit apparatus is a component that mounts within a load center or other electrical enclosure. In another embodiment, the conduit apparatus is an integral portion of such an enclosure.

Abstract: A passive voltmeter for high voltage transmission lines that accurately measures and displays a wide range of voltages. A d'Arsonval type meter movement is preferably used in conjunction with the voltmeter wherein the scale contains a linear range and a compressed, nearly-logarithmic range. A circuit controls the pointer so that the deflection is linear for a low range of voltages while a high range of voltages is deflected in a compressed manner. The term “compressed” means that the display is scaled in a logarithmic manner although not a true logarithmic function. The circuit comprises one or more parallel branches with a meter movement and a resistor in the first branch; each additional branch, if more than one, contains a resistor and at least one diode connected in series.

Abstract: The voltage detection stick comprises an elongate and hollow casing member. A tip is attached to the casing member and has a first leg and a second leg protruding outwardly from the tip. A cavity is defined between the legs. An antenna is disposed within the casing member for sensing a voltage and transmitting a detection signal when an electrically conductive member is disposed in the cavity. An antenna extension is removably attachable within the cavity for increasing the sensitivity of the antenna.

Abstract: A high frequency probe is presented. The probe comprises a probe body having a coaxial resilient double ended probe element attached thereto by an adaptor. A locking pin is attached to the probe adaptor and extends parallel to the probe element, however, it is slightly shorter as the locking pin should not contact any pins of the device being probed. The locking pin serves to hold the probe in place. Alternatively, a high frequency differential probe is presented. The high frequency differential probe comprises a base having a first pair of opposing spring steel plates and a second adjacent pair of opposing spring steel plates connected thereto. The first pair of spring plates are also connected to a first probe adaptor and the second pair of spring plates are also connected to a second probe adaptor. A first probe body is mounted at an angle to the first adaptor and a second probe body is mounted at an angle to the second adaptor.

Abstract: A pico fuse detector assembly incorporating a probe structure that minimizes short-out of closely adjacent pico fuses during testing has two probe arms, each pivotably connected at one end to a detector body with their free ends adjustably dispaceable from each other and respectively accomodating improved probe elements thereon. Each probe element has a conductive lead disposed inside an insulating housing connected at one end to a set of test contacts extending from the bottom of the housing. The other end of the lead is coupled by a spring to a test circuit. The restricting of the contact area with the isolating housing limits the chance of the contacts accidentally being placed at a location to cause damage to two closely arranged adjacent pico fuses under test and thus obviates the problem of fuse short-out during measuring of the closely arranged fuses. Also, the contacts and lead are axially movable by virtue of the spring-mounting to the test circuit.

Abstract: The voltage detection stick comprises an elongate and hollow casing member that has a front and a back. A tip is rotatably and removably attached to the front of the casing member and a sensor is disposed within the casing member for sensing the presence of a voltage when the sensor is positioned adjacent an electrically conductive member. The casing member has an indicator and an integrated circuit entirely disposed within the casing member for receiving a signal from the sensor and transmitting the signal to the indicator. A power source is disposed within the casing member for powering the sensor, the integrated circuit and the indicator.

Abstract: A hand held detection device for detecting electromagnetic waves at at least one predetermined frequency has an elongated conductor member having a bottom end portion for grasping by a hand of a user and a top end portion, the elongated conductor is configured to function as an antenna at the predetermined frequency. An inductor is supported on and electrically connected to the top end portion of the elongated conductor. A wave detection circuit is supported at the top end portion of the elongated conductor member one the inductor. The wave detection circuit includes a rectifier diode for rectifying high-frequency alternating current received in the inductor via the elongated conductor to produce a direct current. The wave detection circuit also includes an indicating means for indicating a presence of a direct current produced by the rectifier diode, the indicating means and the rectifier diode are serially connected to form a series circuit, and the series circuit is connected across a portion the inductor.

Abstract: A measurement probe includes a sacrificial assembly fixture as part of the probe head. The probe head has probing contact at one end thereof and a transmission cable extending from the other end thereof and includes a housing having interior surfaces with the probing contact disposed in one end of the housing and the transmission cable extending from the other end. A substrate is disposed within the housing and is electrically connected to the probing contact and the transmission cable. An alignment fixture has a base with deformable ribs formed on one surface thereof and opposing sidewalls extending from the base opposite the surface with the deformable ribs. Each sidewall has an interior surface with a channel formed therein at the exposed ends of the sidewalls for engaging the substrate.

Abstract: An improved probe for probing high speed, low impedance bus structures. The probe comprises an AC termination portion and an RCR filter. In a first embodiment, the AC termination portion comprises a resistor and capacitor in series. The time constant formed by the AC termination portion is sufficiently larger than the time it takes a signal to travel through the cable of the probe. The RCR filter comprises two resistors in series disposed between the AC termination resistor and ground. A capacitor is connected in parallel to the first resistor in order to achieve a flat pulse response from DC through to high frequencies.

Abstract: A voltage tester has an indicator housing and two separate probes connected to the housing by lead wires. One or more visual indicators are provided on the top surface of the indicator housing which wrap around to the sides and front of the indicator housing, and the bottom of the indicator housing has a clip into which the probe handles may be snapped from the sides of the clip so as to hold the probes beneath the indicator housing with the probe tips extending forward of the indicator housing and spaced a distance apart so as to fit into the blade openings of an ordinary wall outlet.

Abstract: A tool for indicating the presence of potentially dangerous voltages to the user includes circuitry for detecting the presence of an AC voltage on a blade or other operative portion of the tool, circuitry for filtering and processing the detected AC voltage, and a display for indicating the detected AC voltage to the user.

Abstract: An arrangement for electrically connecting an electrical utility revenue meter to a meter base includes at least two current blades that have a width that is less than the standard predefined current blade width. The meter base has one of first and second vertical alignment mechanisms, said first and second vertical alignment mechanisms cooperating with electrical utility revenue meters having current blades of a standard predefined width for effecting proper registration of the electrical utility meter with respect to the meter base. The arrangement of the present invention includes at least first, second, third and fourth current blades. At least two current blades each have a first edge aligned in registration with the first vertical alignment mechanism, and at least two current blades each have a second edge aligned in registration with the second vertical alignment mechanism.

Abstract: A hand held detection device for detecting electromagnetic waves at at least one predetermined frequency has an elongated conductor member having a bottom end portion for grasping by a hand of a user and a top end portion, the elongated conductor is configured to function as an antenna at the predetermined frequency. An LC-resonance circuit is supported on and electrically connected to the top end portion of the elongated conductor and the LC-resonance circuit is tuned for accepting the at least one predetermined frequency. A wave detection circuit is supported at the top end portion of the elongated conductor member. The wave detection circuit includes a rectifier diode for rectifying high-frequency alternating current received in the LC-resonance circuit via the elongated conductor to produce a direct current.

Abstract: A meter is mounted on the wrist of the user with a suitable strap while the active or positive probe from the meter extends through a probe holder on the finger of the user. The probe lead is fairly short extending from the meter, through the probe holder to project beyond the index or pointing finger. Two forms of holding the probe to the finger are illustrated. The other probe to ground or neutral is longer and provided with a contact clip. The invention frees both hands of the user or at least all of the fingers except the one used to point the probe. With the invention the meter is more effectively and economically used.

Abstract: Angle members forming the vertically extending supply buses in a meter center have arcuate offsets so that flanges on the ends of horizontally extending tenant buses form tenant stab contacts which are vertically aligned with supply stab contacts on straight sections of the outwardly projecting flanges of the supply bus angle members. Meter socket assemblies have double ended fastenerless meter jaws one pair of which plug onto the supply bus stab contacts and another pair of which plug onto the tenant bus stab contacts, and into which the meters are plugged. The double ended fastenerless meter jaws are fabricated from a pair of elongated flat members having end sections bent back on and diverging from straight center sections, and terminal sections which extend toward each other from the end sections and converge slightly toward the center sections. Spring clips clamp the terminal sections of the pair of elongated members in compliant confronting relationship to form the double ended fastenerless meter jaws.

Abstract: A method for determining electrical measurement variables (e.g. DC or AC voltages or currents, powers or resistances) without physically contacting a conductor (1) includes at least two coil systems (6) arranged at a distance from one another. The coil systems (6) are positioned in the electromagnetic field of the conductor (1). The coils (6) and/or an electrically conductive component (3) in the vicinity of the coils (6) are set into periodic mechanical oscillation for the determination of DC voltages and/or direct currents. Consequently, determination of electrical measurement variables is achieved without physically contacting an electrical conductor which cannot be completely surrounded.

Abstract: A target gemstone is irradiated with ultraviolet energy while sensing the electrical potential across the gemstone. A silicon carbide gemstone will generate an electrical potential and, therefore, can be positively identified, as distinct from other gemstones such as diamond and cubic zirconia that do not produce a potential.

Abstract: The hand held circuit tester includes a hollow handle. A probe extends from one end of the handle. First and second leads extend from the other. An LED carrying circuit board is situated within the handle. One end of the circuit board is connected to the probe by a spring. The other end is connected to the leads. A "U" shaped collar is received within slots in the circuit board in a position perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board. The collar edge abuts the edge of one of the handle parts to stabilize the circuit board relative to the handle.

Abstract: The present invention includes a portable, damage resistant, palm-held, low cost, high sensitivity ergonomically dimensioned digital remote gauge assembly unit for the measurement of external parameters that include by way of example temperature, pressure, and vacuum; a kit having a digital remote gauge assembly unit, a variety of probes and adapters that provide for the communication signals to the unit in response to externally measured parameters, and a communication link between a respective probe and the digital remote gauge assembly unit; and, a method of utilizing the kit and device to facilitate the rapid measurement of a variety of external parameters. The digital pressure gauge includes a gauge body dimensioned to be held in the palm of a user's hand. The gauge body has microprocessor controlled circuitry therein, an altitude and temperature compensated pressure transducer in communication with the microprocessor, and keys for actuating the microprocessor.

Abstract: A test device for testing for the presence of voltage on an electrical power cable has a manually graspable handle and a probe mounted on the handle for projecting forwardly for engaging the power cable. The housing contains an electronic detection circuit responsive to signals from the probe for detecting presence of voltage on the cable and an indicator light for providing a warning indication in response to the detection of a voltage. The probe has a v-shaped mouth for surrounding the cable and a central rod for engaging into the cable. The mouth is retracted by pressure to expose the rod. The rod engages between the exposed neutral wires of one type of cable or into a punched hole in a cable of the type having a jacket.

Abstract: An alarm tag releasing device is provided for a theft monitoring device. The theft monitoring device has a gate installed in a desired position and producing a theft monitoring region of a predetermined range by transmitting radio waves at a predetermined wavelength. A buzzer tag is attached to a protected item by a built-in lock mechanism so as not to be detached, and an alarm circuit operated by a built-in battery to sound an alarm when the radio waves at the predetermined wavelength are received when the buzzer tags enters the monitoring region, said alarm tag releasing device comprising: an insertion part having a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the buzzer tag and into which the buzzer tag can be inserted, such that the lock mechanism provided in the buzzer tag is unlocked when the buzzer tag is inserted into the insertion part.

Abstract: The present invention in one embodiment provides a metal detector comprising a coil, a circuit board on which the coil is etched, a digital signal processor, and a warning circuit, and battery power source. When a sufficient amount of metal is near the coil, the digital signal processor activates a device or devices in the warning circuit. In another embodiment the circuit board on which the coil is placed is used in conjunction with a one piece molded housing. In another embodiment the present invention, provides a metal detector comprising an elongated coil etched onto an elongated circuit board. At least one active device, which is part of detection circuitry is also preferably placed on the elongated circuit board. The detection circuitry in one embodiment, includes circuitry which together with the elongated coil forms an oscillator circuit. The elongated covering case in one embodiment is molded substantially seamlessly by blowmold, extrusion, or injection mold.

Abstract: A test probe guide device 10 for use with a conventional electrical test probe 100 and an electrical wire 200 wherein the guide device 10 includes a housing member 20 dimensioned to receive the test probe 100 and spring biased plunger disk 30 and further including a wire engaging unit 13 comprising a hook member 40 dimensioned to captively engage the electrical wire 200 to allow the test probe needle 102 to be electrically connected to the electrical wire 200.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method which can sequentially move a RF probe through the 16 measurement positions specified in the IEC 1000-4-3 field of uniformity measurement test. The time consuming task of precisely positioning the probe, entering and exiting/opening and closing the anechoic chamber and turning the power off while repositioning the probe is eliminated. The apparatus utilizes stepping motors. The apparatus is lightweight, mechanically simple, ascetic, rugged, consistently reliable and precise, and may be easily transported and set up.

Abstract: A system for locating corresponding ends of a patch cord used to conduct a signal between a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The system includes a cable having a main signal transmission means and a pair of electrically conductive members extending along the length of the cable. A first connector is attached to one end of the cable and a second connector is attached to the other end of the cable. The first and second connectors are adapted to removably mate with the first and second receptacles, respectively. The first connector has a pair of leads associated therewith. Each of the leads is connected to and corresponds to one of the conductive members. An electrical indicator is attached to the first receptacle. The indicator is electrically connected to the pair of leads when the first connector is mated to the first receptacle. A power supply is used to apply current through the conductive members so that upon application of the current, the indicator is activated.

Abstract: A probe adapter may comprise an elongate body having a nose section, a tail section, and a generally U-shaped elongate slot for receiving a probe. The U-shaped elongate slot has a front end that is located a space distance from the nose section of the elongate body. A probe tip assembly mounted to the nose section of the elongate body is adapted to engage the signal input terminal of the probe so that the signal input terminal of the probe is electrically connected to the probe tip assembly when the probe is positioned within the elongate slot.

Abstract: A gauge includes a probe for taking measurements, a microprocessor for processing the measurements taken by the probe; and a screen display for displaying the measurements processed by the microprocessor; wherein the screen display can be selectively operated in a first mode wherein the measurements are displayed on the screen display in a first orientation, and in a second mode wherein the measurements are displayed on the screen display in a second orientation.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed pistol grip voltage probe testing device features visual output indicators, such an LED light, as well as at least one additional or auxiliary indicator such as a buzzer. The LED advantageously changes colors depending on the potential applied to the probe conductor. Other auxiliary output feedback devices are disclosed. The device is particularly suitable for use in an automotive environment, and, in one embodiment, includes a cigarette plug adapter for connecting the device to a cigarette lighter receptacle for supplying output power and a ground reference potential to the test device.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the surface resistance and electrical resistivity of a homogeneous, resistive material sample includes a measuring cell having a sample location able to receive the sample and several electrodes in the form of knives placed on the same side of the sample and guided in an insulating block whose ends are positioned on the sample, the pressure necessary for establishing good electrical contacts between the electrodes and the sample being ensured by a shim which urges the electrodes toward the sample. A first pair of the electrodes make it possible to inject a current into a sample to be tested and a second pair of the electrodes make it possible to collect a voltage from the sample.

Abstract: In a rotary probe mounted on a circuit board and used to connect a circuit of the circuit board to an external device, an outer frame has a flange portion facing the circuit board. A first lead extends along the flange portion and has a signal input terminal and is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the circuit board. The signal input terminal is connectable to parts of the circuit of the circuit board one by one by rotating the first lead. A probing jack is connected to the first lead, and is connectable to a corresponding terminal formed on the circuit board. A ground supply terminal projects from the outer frame and is connectable to a corresponding ground terminal formed on the circuit board.

Abstract: A defibrillator charge tester includes a generally fork-shaped nonconductive shell defining two prongs and a handle. A charge testing circuit is disposed in the shell. The circuit terminates at two ends. A conductive plate-shaped contact member is disposed at each of the two ends, external to the shell. In use, the contact members touch respective defibrillator electrode surfaces. The circuit includes a fuse to prevent reuse of the tester.

Abstract: A test probe includes a probe tip electrically connected to a probe amplifier. The probe tip includes an input conductor, a shield conductor, and a middle conductor between the input conductor and the shield. The capacitance between the middle conductor and the input conductor are employed in a frequency compensation circuit. In one embodiment the three conductors form a triaxial probe tip. The middle conductor is a thin film formed along an equipotential surface defined between the input conductor and the shield with the middle conductor not present.

Abstract: A probe fixture for an automatic circuit board tester has a high density array of probe pads. The array of probe pads are sized and spaced apart to ensure contact with all of the test points on the device under test (DUT). The width of the pads is made smaller than the known minimum separation of the test points, and the separation of the pads is made smaller than the known width of the test points. The pads are connected to remote contacts of the fixture. A multiplexer unit may be provided to connect the desired test circuits to different probe pads of the fixture. Using the multiplexer unit, a controller of the tester can individually test the relative connection status of each of the probes of the fixture. By comparing to the known test point layout of the DUT, the controller then determines which of the probe pads is in contact with which of the test points and proceeds with the desired test functions accordingly.

Abstract: In a sparkplug voltage probe device, an insulator base is attached to the internal combustion engine, an upper surface of the insulator base having a plurality of grooves in which the corresponding cables are placed. An electrode plate is embedded in the insulator base along the grooves to form a static capacity between the electrode plate and an array of all the cables in the grooves, both of the longitudinal sides of the electrode plate being curled around the outermost cables respectively to compensate shortage of static capacitance so as to form a capacitance adjusting function in order to substantially even a distribution of the static capacity between the electrode plate and the array of all the cables in a direction perpendicular to a length of the electrode plate. A lead wire is provided to electrically connect the electrode plate to a microcomputer.

Abstract: A system monitors the stability of fats and oils especially having the capacity of simultaneous analysis of a multitude of samples making it convenient for use to monitor a production plant. A plurality of probes (made from a metal taken from a group consisting of nickel, chromium, rhodium, titanium and stainless steel) have spaced parallel electrodes immersed in a liquid carrier (deionized water) through which an effluent of heated fats or oils is bubbled. A common conductivity meter responds to signals from each of the probes, in turn, for measuring the induction time of the fats or oils samples. The instrument features a power failure recovery system that utilizes a battery-power clock, so that short duration power failures do not cause a loss of data. A long duration power failure does not cause loss of data to the point of failure, however incomplete analyses are stopped.

Abstract: A testing clip for electrical connections between a wire and points, surfaces or pins, which thus are connected to electric and electronic measuring and testing equipment and generators. The clip has a hand-held unit, a gripping unit and a resilient device providing connections both by direct hand-held pointing and by hitching on, offering good accessibility to narrow places and good insulation between the operator and the signal. The contacts are performed by a tip of the electrically conductive needle, which is a part of the hand-held unit and to which the wire is connected. The gripping rod, attaches the clip to the device to be tested by the hitch on procedure.

Abstract: In a snap-in type spark plug voltage probe device, the insulator base has an upper half and a lower half, both ends of which are integrally connected by means of a flexible portion. The upper half and the lower half have a plurality of grooves in which spark plug cables are placed. The upper half and the lower half are joined together by the flexible portion when in a closed position. The upper half has an opening to receive a protrusion provided on the lower half of the insulator base to maintain the upper half of the insulator base along the grooves, providing static capacity between the electrode layer and the spark plug cables when voltage is applied across the spark plugs. A lead wire electrically connects the electrode layer to a microcomputer so as to analyze the burning condition based on the static capacity between the electrode layer and the spark plug cables.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for testing and/or measuring electric magnitudes, in particular voltages and/or resistances. The instrument consists of two handle parts (10, 12), which are connected by a flexible cable (14), and which each have a contact point (16, 18). In addition to the contact point (16, 18), the handle parts (10, 12) each have a receptacle for the contact point (18, 16) of the other handle part (12, 10). The handle parts (10, 12) can be plugged together in such a way that their contact points (16, 18) each are pluggable into the receptacle of the other handle part (12, 10) nonparallel with the contact point (18, 16) of such other handle part. The contact point (16) and the receptacle of the one handle part (10) are arranged in a down-folding point part (22), so that the instrument, in the plugged-together condition, can be folded together for convenient, safe and space-saving storage.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge generator device for generating/simulating controlled electrostatic discharges, in both positive and negative polarities is disclosed for testing electronic equipment. The device includes an electrically conductive body with an attached contact probe mounted thereon and insulated therefrom. The device includes a high voltage generator and a mechanism to operate the generator. An impedance element is electrically connected to the generator. An electrical coupling interconnects the impedance element and the probe and has a spark gap formed therein. The spark gap is located in a sealed, vacuum or gas filled, chamber. The width of the spark gap determines in part the voltage level and signal characteristic of the ESD. Because of the conductive body, no ground wire is required from the equipment-under-test to the generator, as the human body of the user is used to complete the electric circuit loop.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of an electric current in a conductor having a elongate hollow tubular body defining a handle, an electrically conductive blade having a sharpened edge attached to and extending from one end of the handle, an electric lamp visibly housed within the handle and electrically connected to the blade and a ground wire electrically connected to the lamp and including a clamp for secured attachment to a ground. The sharpened edge of the blade is specifically structured and disposed for cutting through the insulation of a wire conductor for conductive contact therewith whereupon the presence of an electric current through the conductor will illuminate the lamp in the handle of the device.

Abstract: The probe is a tubular shaped device held in one hand such as one would hold a hypodermic syringe. An extended L shaped hook acquires and presses an electrical wire to be tested into the apex of a V notched holding block. The hook and holding block, with test wire in between, are held pressed together by spring action. The holding block has a guide and outlet hole centered at the apex of the V notch which receives and guides a needle probe along a radial line towards the central axis of the wire. The needle pressure and position are controlled independently by the operator via a threading mechanism. Proper penetrating pressure can be applied for a range of wire sizes and insulation types. The needle is removable for sharpening or replacement.

Abstract: A probe apparatus includes a probe contact connected to a storage capacitance via a photoconductive switch. The photoconductive switch can be operated at high speed by means of a pulsed laser. The laser pulses (L) are synchronized with a moment in the operation cycle of the circuit at which moment the voltage at the point under test is to be measured. After a number of pulses and operation cycles the storage capacitance is charged to the voltage value (V) to be measured. Then, the capacitance does not form a load on the point under test and the voltage (V) can be determined accurately.