Patent US3663939A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3663939A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combination test box and battery charger
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1970-12-21
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Granted: 1972-05-16
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Expires: 1990-12-21
Abstract
Abstract This invention comprises a portable test box for checking the electrical circuits between a tractor and a trailer, as employed in typical diesel or other tractor-trailer arrangements. Essentially a maintenance device, it is constructed so as to be connectible between the wires coming from the tractor and those leading to the trailer so that by proper manipulation of switches rapid indication of open, grounded, or short circuits in the lighting and other wiring is readily indicated. The novel construction permits use of either the vehicle''s battery as a source of power for testing or an outside source of power. The novel construction and circuitry permits also the use of the device for charging of the vehicle battery from an outside source.
Inventors
- 👤 Hans Olsson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:34
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/005; G01R31/006; F; F02; F02B; F02B3/00; F02B3/06; G01R31/36; G01R31/385
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
241 words
An apparatus for testing and servicing the electrical system of an automotive tractor - trailer vehicle combination equipped with an electrical storage battery power supply comprising: a portable box; a first set of electrical connectors external to said box adapted for connecting to a plurality of electrical terminals of said system servicing the trailer member of said vehicle combination; a second set of electrical connectors external to said box adapted for connecting to a plurality of electrical terminals of said system serving the tractor member of said vehicle combination; a first plurality of manual switches interconnected with indicating and automatic circuit interrupting devices positioned within said box and connecting with said first set of external electrical connectors; a second plurality of manual switches interconnecting with said first plurality of switches positioned within said box and connecting with said second set of external electrical connectors; whereby successive manipulation of said manual switches produces an indication of defects in relevant parts of said electrical system. said manual switches and said indicating and automatic circuit interrupting devices being interconnected through an internal test circuit positioned within said box to provide selective individual testing of a plurality of circuits served by said external electrical connectors; said apparatus being further characterized by the complete absence of any portable external testing terminals or clamps; whereby successive manipulations of said manual switches produces indications of defects in each of said circuits without the use of further manual manipulation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
241 words
An apparatus for testing and servicing the electrical system of an automotive tractor - trailer vehicle combination equipped with an electrical storage battery power supply comprising: a portable box; a first set of electrical connectors external to said box adapted for connecting to a plurality of electrical terminals of said system servicing the trailer member of said vehicle combination; a second set of electrical connectors external to said box adapted for connecting to a plurality of electrical terminals of said system serving the tractor member of said vehicle combination; a first plurality of manual switches interconnected with indicating and automatic circuit interrupting devices positioned within said box and connecting with said first set of external electrical connectors; a second plurality of manual switches interconnecting with said first plurality of switches positioned within said box and connecting with said second set of external electrical connectors; whereby successive manipulation of said manual switches produces an indication of defects in relevant parts of said electrical system. said manual switches and said indicating and automatic circuit interrupting devices being interconnected through an internal test circuit positioned within said box to provide selective individual testing of a plurality of circuits served by said external electrical connectors; said apparatus being further characterized by the complete absence of any portable external testing terminals or clamps; whereby successive manipulations of said manual switches produces indications of defects in each of said circuits without the use of further manual manipulation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
100 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including in combination a storage battery charging device positioned within said box, said charging device being characterized by: means for connecting to an outside input source of alternating current power; output terminals of direct current charging power; said output terminals being adapted for connecting to the terminals of said storage battery; said output terminals being further connected to said internal test circuit; whereby said outside source of alternating current may be utilized to test said electrical systems and to charge said battery simultaneous and permit testing of said systems without the use of said battery.
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) | 1975-05-16 | 1975-11-15 | 1976-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-16 | 1979-11-15 | 1980-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-16 | 1983-11-15 | 1984-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |