Abstract: A telecommunication signal detector consists of a light emitting diode attached to a standard connector plug which maybe temporarily connected to the telecommunications equipment to be tested. The light emitting diode illuminates to indicate the presence of a signal. In this manner, the telecommunications equipment maybe tested for signal presence by a small and inexpensive device without interruption of operation.

Abstract: A light bulb tester includes a body having first and second opposite ends. A pair of parallel cylindrical electrically-conductive wire probes on the first end are spaced apart a distance of from about 4.5 mm to about 6.0 mm, said distance including the widths of the two probes and the length of the gap formed between them. A pair of male and female nine-volt battery contacts are attached on the second end of the body so that the tester may be powered by a standard battery of the 9V (household transistor) size. The tester is used for testing a bulb of a holiday light bulb string of the standard type having a plurality of bulbs in sockets wired in series. The bottom of each socket forms an aligned pair of apertures or a slot leading to a pair of electrical socket contacts inside the socket. There is enough room in the apertures (or slot) to insert the probes and to connect them to the socket contacts in order to test the bulb while it remains in the socket.

Abstract: A tester is adapted to plug in or otherwise connect to an ignition control module under test. The tester includes an LED in series with a resistor. The series circuit is connected between a battery and a contact in the connector which provides the control module with an electric load in substitution for the ignition coil primary associated with the vehicle engine. If, after the tester is connected to the ignition control module and to a battery, the LED is turned on bright, it is one indication of a failed switching transistor in the module. The tester is provided with a flexible lead terminating in a contact which is touched to a predetermined terminal of the ignition control module. If the LED flashes on and off in correspondence with the terminal being touched, it is an indication of the control module being capable of processing ignition timing signals and of the switching transistor in the module being good.

Abstract: A circuit tester for vehicle fuel injectors uses light emitting diodes which are individually illuminated by the pulse of electrical energy sent to each injector while the vehicles's engine is operating. The housing of the tester may be provided with a longitudinal slot in which a magnetically attached, moveable support for a magnifying lens is positioned. The lens may be positioned over any individual diode to allow viewing from a distance while performing engine tests, and a further moveable polarized filter can be positioned across the magnifying lens to improve the viewing capabilities.

Abstract: A two-unit device for identifying individual conductors in a multi-conductor installation having two ends. Each unit includes a telephone handset interposed in a series communication and continuity circuit. One of the units is a master unit and includes a multi-position switch for selecting individual conductors. The other unit is a slave unit and includes a set of LEDs. During operation, a person with the master unit selects a particular conductor by means of the switch, and an LED at the slave unit identifies the other end of the selected conductor. The two persons then communicate over the circuit being identified, and establish a label designation for the ends of the particular selected and identified conductor.

Abstract: A handheld battery-powered telecommunications test instrument for monitoring the status of a pair of wires. A tone-generating circuit generates a tone signal in response to the user manually selecting operation in a tone-generating mode. The instrument monitors the pair of wires to determine whether an on-hook, off-hook or ringing signal is present on the wires, and if present, generates an interrupt control signal through a microprocessor. Logic circuitry connected to the microprocessor results in connecting and disconnecting the tone-generating circuit and the pair of wires to selectively apply the tone signal to the wires. In response to the control signal and the user selecting the tone-generating mode, the microprocessor connects the tone-generation circuit to the pair of wires if no control signal is generated, and disconnects the tone-generating circuit if the control signal is generated.

Abstract: A device for detecting errors of a plurality of electric parts which are built in electronic equipment has error detecting circuits in the form of relays. The relays are interconnected one-to-one to various electric parts which are the subject of error detection, while display circuits are interconnected one-to-one to the relays. Output signals of the relays are fed to a reporting circuit without the intermediary of the display circuits. When an electric part is free from an error and only a display circuit associated therewith has failed, no error signal is fed to the reporting circuit. Only when any of the electric parts has really failed, an error signal is delivered to the reporting circuit to cause the latter to take an adequate measure such as the interruption of power supply.

Abstract: A fault indicator for indicating the occurrence of a fault current in a monitored electrical conductor of an AC power distribution system utilizes a liquid crystal display having independent "F" and "N" display elements. A rectifier circuit capacatively coupled to the conductor charges a first capacitor in the presence of voltage on the conductor. A second capacitor is connected to the first capacitor by a first reed switch in magnetic communication with the conductor. Upon occurrence of a fault current the reed switch closes and a portion of the charge on the first capacitor is transferred to the second capacitor, which is connected to the "F" display segment electrodes of the liquid crystal display to cause an "F" to be displayed. The fault indication can be reset either by the slow discharge of the second capacitor, or by discharging the second capacitor through a second reed switch manually actuated by a magnetic reset tool from outside the fault indicator housing.

Abstract: A hand-held probing device is adapted for use in testing the existence and amount of electrical potential in an automobile engine block or other object under investigation. The device has a specially formed housing from which extends a probe and a ground lead at opposite ends. The housing also includes a voltmeter and an electric bulb connected in parallel between the probe and ground lead. The housing also includes a switch which enables the device to be operated while held in one hand thus enabling the other of the user's hand to be free and usable for other functions.

Abstract: A detector (42) is provided for testing a string of lamps (12) that are connected to a wire (14) in a series configuration. The detector (42) has a probe (44) disposed on the end thereof with a cavity (56) formed therein. The cavity (56) is operable to be disposed around the socket (30) of lamp (12). The electrodes (34) and (36) disposed in the interior of the socket (30) are disposed parallel to two electrodes (60) and (62) that are embedded in the probe (44). A detector circuit is provided for detecting the presence of an AC signal capacitively coupled from one of the electrodes (34) and (36) to one of the capacitive plates (60) and (62), respectively. A large DC signal will be present for a defective bulb having at least one of the electrodes (34) or (36) connected to one side of an AC supply (18).

Abstract: A circuit tester indicates the presence of power at an outlet and the continuity of a resistive load connected to the outlet. The tester is particularly useful as an automotive block heater circuit tester. The tester has a housing with a male end equipped with the prongs conventionally found on a male electrical plug and a female end with a socket of the same configuration as a conventional female electrical outlet. One of the sockets is divided into inner and outer terminals that are sequentially engaged by the mating prong of a male plug as it is inserted into the female end of the tester. A lamp and a resistive circuit are connected into this structure in such a way that when the tester is plugged into a live outlet, the lamp is illuminated brightly. When a male plug is inserted into the female end of the tester, the lamp initially dims to confirm continuity of the load and then brightens as the male plug is fully seated in the socket.

Abstract: An auto electric tester has been provided that is simpler in construction, easier to manufacture and can expedite the location of several electrical problems more easily than all known prior art. The tester comprises a casing, circuitry mounted within the casing, four electrical conductors extending from the casing and connected to the circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the integrity of wiring cables provides a transmitter and a receiver that electrically connect to opposite ends of group of wires to be tested. The transmitter produces a voltage test signal applied to a test set of wires and a different voltage reference signal is applied to a reference set of wires. At the receiver, indicator circuits interconnect the wires to a common bus. The reference signal is applied to the common bus and, when the test signal is present, the indicators operate to produce a display. The test signal can be cycled through a plurality of test sets making up the entire test group.

Abstract: A portable DC miniature lamp tester is formed by a generally rectangular translucent body formed from plastic material having an open socket therein for reception of the bayonet end of the lamp and a pair of conventional snap-tab connectors for cooperatively connecting the body to the terminals of a conventional 9-volt dry cell battery. The auxiliary lamp is illuminated when either the incandescent filament of the lamp under test or its shunt is still good and conducts current.

Abstract: An electrical power detection and indication device for quick and simple external attachment onto an insulated electric power cord, is linked to the conductors of the power cord by sharp probes which penetrate the insulation on the power cord conductors. The device can be configured to give a variety of audible or visible signals that indicate the presence or absence of electrical power and can also be used to detect and indicate polarity or grounding integrity. Modular construction allows flexibility with regard to power cord size, cord conductor number, and cord conductor arrangement, as well as with the type of indication desired.

Abstract: A tool for automotive technicians to use to diagnose electrical problems on automobiles. That is easer to use, faster, and far more accurate. This tool comprises of a case to hold probe, circuit, LED's and a means to connect said tool to an automobile. Two lights, first light to tell the operator the tool is ready for use and that the electrical connections to the storage battery are complete to the second light. Second light illuminates when said probe is in contact with automobile system and continuity of said circuit exists. A switch on said tester to select current direction of said tester. Tester circuit which is lower thatn 20 milli amps. when in series or parallel with the automotive circuit being tested.

Abstract: To detect a short circuit condition between guide paths embedded in the floor for automatic guided vehicles, a detection relay has a pair of current transformers having primary windings connected into a guide path circuit at points on the source and the return side of the circuit, the transformer secondary windings being connected in opposition to yield a null signal when there is no short and a finite signal when primary current inequalities are present. Amplifier circuitry discriminates between null and finite signals and controls a relay which activates an annunciator.

Abstract: A portable testing device for seed tube and combine sensors is provided for checking the operability of the sensor in situ at the time a problem arises in the agricultural implement. The testing device includes a housing in which is mounted a printed circuit board and a battery for providing an electrical current to the components on the circuit board. The circuit board includes an on/off switch and an LED. An electrical coupler allows the device to be quickly and easily attached to the coupler of the planter harness so as to check the operability of a seed tube sensor. In operation, the LED blinks on and off when the sensor is properly operating, and remains lit when the sensor is malfunctioning.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multisize coaxial cable testing device having a housing, a transmitter-analyzer unit and a receiver unit. The transmitter-analyzer unit is located in the housing and includes an on/off switch, a power source, wiring, a circuit board with resistors to regulate current flow, and three or more different size three-wire coaxial cable connectors. The transmitter-analyzer unit also includes at least two signal lights and the power source is connected to each of the cable connectors through the circuit board and wiring. The signal lights are also connected to the wiring to signal the malfunction of a particular wire of a three-wire coaxial cable when tested. The receiver unit receives current from the transmitter-analyzer unit and returns current to the transmitter-analyzer unit. The receiver unit has three or more different size three-wire coaxial cable connectors of the size and type as the connectors of the transmitter-analyzer unit.

Abstract: A monitor for detecting miswiring in standard 3-spade AC electrical outlets. The monitor includes a housing, prongs for insertion into the outlet to be tested, outlet ports for an external plug, and a banana jack for a wrist strap or other anti-static device. If the outlet is properly wired, a lamp will illuminate. If, however, the outlet is miswired, one of two silicon controlled rectifiers will shunt current around the lamp, extinguishing it, indicating to the user the presence of a faulty outlet. A junction field effect transistor is also provided to activate one of the silicon controlled rectifiers when one particular miswiring condition is present.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, including an opto-isolation coupler, for monitoring an electrical parameter of a high voltage circuit. The apparatus comprises monitoring circuitry, a pair of input conductors, and the opto-isolation coupler. The input conductors are coupled to the high voltage circuit. The coupler comprises a holder and a Neon or other glow tube located therein for producing light upon the passage very little electrical current, e.g., in the microamp range, therethrough. The coupler includes a very high resistivity resistor coupled to the input conductors for providing the very low current to the Neon tube, and a phototransistor located within the holder and coupled to the monitoring circuitry to provide an electrical signal in response to the receipt of light from the Neon tube. The holder is a tubular member having a glass barrier wall separating the Neon tube and phototransistor and is encapsulated in a light-tight structure to prevent ambient light from reaching the phototransistor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses electrical testing apparatus to test an AC multiphase supply outlet. The apparatus is located within a flame proof enclosure and provides a visual indication of phase energization, direction of phase rotation, and supply voltage.

Abstract: A switching system for powering first and second electrical loads from a voltage supply, the electrical loads being operable from controls and adapted to be connected to the voltage supply by the switching system. The switching system includes switching circuitry having a control element which is responsive to a control voltage difference to cause the switching circuitry to become conductive, the switching circuitry having a switch terminal connected to a first supply line and another switch terminal connected to the first electrical load. The switching system also includes additional circuitry responsive to the controls for generating the control voltage difference when the voltage supply is connected to the first supply line thereby powering the first electrical load from the first supply line. The switching system further includes further circuitry responsive to the controls for generating first and second control signals.

Abstract: A high voltage detecting device has an input terminal for receiving electrical energy and includes a first circuit having a gas filled tube receiving electrical energy from the terminal. The gas filled tube provides a visual indication of the presence of high voltage. A second circuit also receives electrical energy from the terminal and is coupled in parallel with the first circuit. The second circuit provides an audible and visual indication of the presence of high voltage. The high voltage detecting device is contained in a test stick having a housing. The housing includes three compartments for holding the first and second circuits along with a power supply for the second circuit. The two independent circuits in the test stick provide a positive indication of the presence of high voltage over a broad range of transmission and distribution applications.

Abstract: A vehicle light testing system is provided for testing the lighting systems of a vehicle having a plurality of lights (which have different operating functions). The testing system includes an arrangement for scanning the plurality of lights in a predetermined scanning sequence. This scanning allows a single testing operator to check the different operating functions of the lights in a single trip around the vehicle. Thus, the scanning sequence can progress from the left turn signal to the brake lights to the right turn signal (and then repeat the cycle again) so that an operator in the back of the vehicle can watch the lights progress through this sequence. The system also includes a number of other features concerned with the testing of vehicle lights in conjunction with the scanning feature, including detection of shorts, bad grounds, and low testing battery voltage, as well as a "freeze" feature and a convenient system status indicator arrangement.

Abstract: The self-contained diagnostic system is provided for a stroboscopic light circuit. The diagnostic system includes a plurality of signal lights, preferably LEDs, connected at various locations in the circuit to provide a visual indication of the faulty portion of the circuit in the event that the circuit does not operate properly. The system provides a quick and easy method for determining the location of a malfunction of a stroboscopic light without the necessity of replacing the entire light system or the use of diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting breakage of a wire electrode in an electric discharge machining apparatus, and an apparatus for carrying out this method, whereby breakage of the wire electrode is detected by detecting a change in a current from a detection power source provided separately from the main power source. Current from the detection power source is applied through the wire electrode by a roller in contact therewith. When the wire electrode is unbroken, current passes from the detection power source, through the wire electrode, to an optical coupling circuit, the secondary of the latter driving and indicating circuit. When the wire electrode breaks, the power flow to the primary of the optical coupling circuit is interrupted, thereby indicating breakage of the wire electrode.

Abstract: A multi-function tester (10) for testing electrical continuity and detecting the presence of various types of voltages comprises a bistable flip flop (14) having set and reset input terminals (2, 6) which are driven by voltage changes thereat to change the level of voltage appearing at an output terminal (3), with the set input terminal being coupled to a voltage source (12) through a set resistor (30) and being coupled to a common terminal (26) through a TMOS FET switch (16). An LED (32) is connected between the flip flop output terminal and the common terminal. A storage switch (18) couples and decouples the set and reset terminals.

Abstract: A testing device for determining, in an automobile electrical system, the integrity and continuity of the power input circuitry to a mobile telephone installation, comprises a pair of body sections that are joined to form a hollow interior region. Electrical contact pins are mounted in bores through an interior wall integral with one of the body sections. The contact pins are arranged to contact terminals, connected to the battery, ignition, and ground circuits of the automobile electrical system, at the junction between the electrical system and the telephone installation. The battery and ignition pins are connected to the input node of a red and a yellow LED, respectively. The output nodes of the LEDs are spliced together and connected to the ground pin. The LEDs are press-fit into an opening through a grommet. The grommet is press-fit and sealed onto the open end of one of the body sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for visually indicating abnormal phase relationships between incoming or outgoing phases for a plural phase device, comprised of a plurality of light emitting means interconnected between phases by a logic circuit arrangement whereby the various combinations of on/off indicators present a coded, visual presentation representing the specific mismatch condition of the network. The invention encompasses the concept of incorporating the indicating circuitry within the multiple phase device enclosure and providing an aperture in the enclosure so that the indicators may be viewed without the necessity of gaining access to the interior of the device and exposing individuals to the danger of high voltage/current circuits.

Abstract: A battery powered tester has an electrical testing circuit combining continuity, polarity, and voltage amplitude circuits. The testing circuit for measuring a test voltage or relative continuity has first and second inputs to which first and second test points can be respectively coupled by RED and BLACK prods. The continuity, polarity, and voltage amplitude circuits are coupled in parallel to the first and second inputs, the polarity circuit being symmetrically coupled to the inputs. The polarity circuit has first and second polarity lamps and a sensing circuit for lighting the first polarity lamp when the test voltage is positive and lighting the second polarity lamp when the test voltage is negative. The continuity circuit has a continuity lamp separate from the polarity lamps and a driving circuit for lighting the continuity lamp whenever a zero or low passive impedance is coupled to the first and second inputs.

Abstract: A burglar alarm fault detector for aiding in the detection of faults including intermittent faults within a burglar alarm circuit. The circuit includes low and high end adjustments for setting the values of the measured resistance above and below the actual resistance of the burglar alarm circuit. At each of these set values an alarm will sound. The alarm sounded from the high adjustment can be distinguished from that of the low adjustment.

Abstract: A load monitoring, indicating, and alarm system monitors electrical continuity through an AC electrical load coupled in a first electrical line with an electrical indicator such as an indicating lamp in a second electrical line coupled in parallel with the first electrical line. A first AC electronic switch such as a triac is coupled in series with the indicator in the second electrical line. The actuating gate of the first AC electronic switch is coupled to the first electrical line. The first AC electronic switch is therefore conducting and the indicator lamp on when there is electrical continuity through the load and power is being supplied to the load. A reactance control component is coupled in series with the load for adjusting the phase angle of gate current to voltage delivered to the gate terminal of the first AC electronic switch. The reactive component may be a second AC electronic switch coupled in series with the electrical load in the first electrical line.

Abstract: A testing implement that can be electrically connected to a test-alarm pa in a vehicle fire-suppression system for verifying the integrity of the panel circuitry. The testing implement can be used with the test-alarm panel installed in a vehicle or outside the vehicle (i.e., bench testing). The implement can also be used to test the integrity of electrical cables used in the fire-suppression system.

Abstract: A circuit testing device, including a casing having opposite ends, a single probe rigidly projecting from one end of the casing so that the casing may be manipulated to forcibly insert the probe into an electrical power socket, the casing carrying a first socket terminal, and there being a second probe connected with the socket terminal, circuitry in the casing including at least one Zener diode and at least one half wave rectifier interconnecting the single probe and the socket terminal, a presence-of-voltage circuit in the casing and electrically connected with the single probe, the circuit including a presence of voltage indicator and rectifier and amplifier elements electrically connected between the single probe and the indicator, the rectifier element including a rectifier bridge having two terminals connected across the Zener diode, there also being a voltage level indicating meter connected in series with such circuitry.

Abstract: Test apparatus for evaluation of multiconductor cable assemblies inlcude plural diverse indicators for each dedicated conductor pair and is responsive to single operator input to selectively drive the indicators for indication of proper cable assembly condition, conductor shorts, open assembly condition, and connection polarity reversal per assembly pair.

Abstract: A polarity and continuity tester of simple construction identifies grounded and positive lead wires in an automobile and is also capable of confirming proper operation of high voltage spark wires, all with one simple circuit. A tri-color light emitting diode is included in the testing device, along with a ground wire, a tester battery, a resistor and a conductive point probe, all connected in series. When the ground wire is secured to ground in the automobile, the point probe when touched to grounded conductors will cause the light emitting diode to emit a first color such as green, with current flowing through the diode in a first direction under influence of the tester battery. When the point probe is touched to a hot lead above about 5 volts, the tester battery becomes merely a conductor, current flows in the opposite direction, and the light emitting diode emits a second color such as red.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting gap-type defects in power line equipment in response to broadband radio frequency noise generated by such faults. The apparatus includes a radio receiver coupled to an antenna to receive the noise and provide first signals responsive thereto. Squelch circuitry attenuates the first signals below a predetermined magnitude and outputs second signals responsive to first signals which exceed the predetermined magnitude. Sample and hold circuitry provides third signals in response to the second signals, i.e. in the time periods in which the second signals are not squelched. Filter circuitry separates gap noise from other local noise by determining the periodicity of the third signals, providing fourth signals in response to third signals having a predetermined repetitive rate. Indicator circuitry responsive to the fourth signals identifies the times in which periodic noise indicative of gap-type noise is detected.

Abstract: An electrical measuring or testing instrument is disclosed for detecting alternating voltages in mains, induced voltages in ungrounded conductors, and alternating electrical fields in the vicinity of voltage-carrying conductors. The instrument includes a constant-voltage source, a test prod, which is connected via a protective resistor to the input of an amplification circuit and via a further resistor and a switching transistor to the negative pole of the constant-voltage source, and an LED connected to the constant-voltage source and controlled by the amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit has a very high amplification factor, so that even weak alternating fields in the vicinity of voltage-carrying conductors can be detected. The amplification is normally reduced with the aid of a resistor connected between the input of the amplifier circuit and the negative pole of the voltage source.