US3579103A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Analog-to-digital converter tester
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1969-10-06
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Granted: 1971-05-18
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Expires: 1989-10-06
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for automatically testing an ADC for open and short circuits. A tester is connected to the contacts on the ADC shaft. The ADC motor turns the ADC shaft to a specific setting and in response to this setting means are provided for stopping the motor and producing a signal having a predetermined duration which is applied to the tester. The tester, in response to this signal, performs the open and short circuit tests for the specific setting of the ADC shaft. If there are no open or short circuits, the tester produces another signal which causes the ADC motor to turn the ADC shaft to another specific setting for testing. If there is an open or short circuit, the tester does not produce said another signal and a buzzer sounds. The operator can then look at lights on the tester to determine where the open or short circuit is located.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles H Russell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 05:29
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
239 words
Apparatus for automatically testing an ADC for open and short circuits wherein the ADC includes a motor and a shaft with a wiper arm for each decade of the ADC comprising: means including said ADC motor for turning the ADC shaft to a specific setting for testing; means responsive to said specific setting for stopping said ADC motor and for producing a signal; a first group of normally opened contacts connected in series with each other; a second group of 10 normally closed contacts connected in series with each other and in series with said first group of contacts; means connected to the wiper arms of said ADC shaft for closing the corresponding contact in said first group if no open circuit exists between the wiper and the ADC contact that it is on; means connected to the corresponding terminals of each decade of said ADC and responsive to said signal for opening the contacts in said second group corresponding to two terminals if there exists a short circuit between the two terminals; means for applying a voltage to one end of said series of contacts whereby if the voltage appears at the other end of said series of contacts there are no open or short circuits in the ADC for said specific Setting; and means responsive to said voltage at said other end of said series of contacts for turning the ADC to another specific setting for testing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
239 words
Apparatus for automatically testing an ADC for open and short circuits wherein the ADC includes a motor and a shaft with a wiper arm for each decade of the ADC comprising: means including said ADC motor for turning the ADC shaft to a specific setting for testing; means responsive to said specific setting for stopping said ADC motor and for producing a signal; a first group of normally opened contacts connected in series with each other; a second group of 10 normally closed contacts connected in series with each other and in series with said first group of contacts; means connected to the wiper arms of said ADC shaft for closing the corresponding contact in said first group if no open circuit exists between the wiper and the ADC contact that it is on; means connected to the corresponding terminals of each decade of said ADC and responsive to said signal for opening the contacts in said second group corresponding to two terminals if there exists a short circuit between the two terminals; means for applying a voltage to one end of said series of contacts whereby if the voltage appears at the other end of said series of contacts there are no open or short circuits in the ADC for said specific Setting; and means responsive to said voltage at said other end of said series of contacts for turning the ADC to another specific setting for testing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for actuating an alarm if said voltage does not appear at said other end of said contacts a predetermined length of time after the beginning of said signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
84 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein a light is associated with each of said contacts in said first and second groups and means responsive to said signal are provided for turning on the lights associated with the contacts in said first group that are closed and for turning on the lights associated with the contacts in said second group that are opened whereby the operator of said apparatus upon the actuation of said alarm can determine the location of the open or short circuit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means responsive to said specific setting for stopping said ADC motor and for producing a signal includes a cam-operated switch for each decade of said ADC.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for closing the corresponding contact in said first group if no open circuit exists includes a stepping switch for applying a voltage to the wiper arm of each decade providing no open circuit exists.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for opening the contacts in said second group includes a stepping switch for applying a voltage to all terminals of the ADC.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for opening the contacts in said second group includes three other contacts associated with each of the contacts in said second group.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
98 words
Apparatus for automatically testing an ADC for open and short circuits wherein the ADC includes a motor and a shaft comprising: means including said ADC motor for turning the ADC shaft to a specific setting for testing; means responsive to said specific setting for stopping said motor and for producing a signal; means connected to said ADC shaft and responsive to said signal for indicating opened and closed circuits in said ADC and for producing a voltage if no opened or closed circuits exists; and means responsive to said voltage for turning said ADC to another specific setting.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
98 words
Apparatus for automatically testing an ADC for open and short circuits wherein the ADC includes a motor and a shaft comprising: means including said ADC motor for turning the ADC shaft to a specific setting for testing; means responsive to said specific setting for stopping said motor and for producing a signal; means connected to said ADC shaft and responsive to said signal for indicating opened and closed circuits in said ADC and for producing a voltage if no opened or closed circuits exists; and means responsive to said voltage for turning said ADC to another specific setting.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said means for producing a signal includes a cam-operated switch for each decade of the ADC.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said means for indicating opened and closed circuits includes a group of contacts connected in series.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-17 | 1974-11-16 | 1975-05-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-17 | 1978-11-16 | 1979-05-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-17 | 1982-11-16 | 1983-05-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |