Pedal test instrument

Claim 2

A test instrument for pedal actuated systems comprising: a test instrument lever having a yoke pivotally attached to one end thereof, said yoke formed to engage the pedal lever to effectively provide said lever as an extension of the pedal lever, a hand grip formed on the other end of said test instrument lever; a force indicating means mounted upon said test instrument lever and engaging said pedal intermediate said yoke and said hand grip, whereby application of force to said hand grip in a brake actuating direction causes arcuate movement of said pedal and said pedal lever, the magnitude of force applied to said pedal being indicated by said force indicating means; and an angular displacement measurement means mounted upon said test instrument lever and indicating the angular movement of said pedal, thereby indicating to the test operator that the pedal has been moved through the specified arc and that said force indicating means should be read.

Claim 3

The test instrument of claim 1, said force indicatinG means further including: a pressure cell mounted on said test instrument lever and engaging said pedal, whereupon application of force to said test instrument lever in a brake actuating direction fluid pressure is generated in said pressure cell in direct proportion to the force applied to said pedal; and a hydraulic pressure gauge mounted on said test instrument lever and in fluid communication with said pressure cell through appropriate conduit means, said pressure gauge calibrated to indicate the force applied to said pedal.

Claim 4

The test instrument of claim 1, said angular displacement measurement means further including: a housing having an arcuate guide member with a guide slot formed therein; first and second spirit level devices mounted at a fixed angle relative to each other and pivotally mounted on said housing; first and second axially extending guide rods mounted respectively on said first and second spirit level devices and extending through the guide slot of said housing; friction detent means including first and second spring means respectively encircling said first and second guide rods and in concentric relationship therewith, said first and second spring means engaging respectively said first and second spirit level devices and acting against said arcuate guide member of said housing to hold said first and second spirit level devices stationary relative to said housing, said friction detent means being overcome by force applied to at least one of said first and second guide rods causing said first and second spirit level devices to rotate unitarily relative to said housing, said first spirit level being adjusted to a level horizontal position before braking force is applied to said test instrument lever; whereupon application of brake actuating force to said test instrument lever, said first and second spirit level devices rotate unitarily therewith, said second spirit level device assuming a level horizontal position upon actuation of said pedal through the fixed angle between said first and second spirit level devices, thereby indicating to the test operator that the pedal has been moved through the specified arc and that said force indicating means should be read.