Patent US4680039A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3783371A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotary switch three pin circuit tester for electrical outlet socket
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-06-19
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Granted: 1974-01-01
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Expires: 1992-06-19
Abstract
Abstract An electrical circuit tester for testing the wiring to an electrical socket comprising a housing having three pins protruding therefrom for connection into a socket to be tested. A three-position rotary switch incorporating a neon indicator bulb is provided on the housing and is arranged to interconnect selected pairs of the pins. The switch is provided with a pointer, and the housing carries a legend showing which pair of pins is electrically coupled together and the operative state of the indicator for a correctly wired socket at each setting of the switch.
Inventors
- 👤 R Mcmillan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 07:20
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R19/00; G01R19/145
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A three pin circuit connection tester for testing an electrical socket comprising housing means, three pins mounted on the housing means for insertion in a socket to be tested, a correct wiring indicator, selectively operable rotary switch means rotatably mounted on the housing means and having three discrete positions for coupling said correct wiring indicator across a different pair of said three pins at each said position of the switch means, and means for indicating which pair of pins are coupled at each operative position of the switch means, said correct wiring indicator having two operative states on the housing means and so coupled to the switch means that, in use, the correct wiring indicator is actuated to indicate whether the socket is wired correctly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A three pin circuit connection tester for testing an electrical socket comprising housing means, three pins mounted on the housing means for insertion in a socket to be tested, a correct wiring indicator, selectively operable rotary switch means rotatably mounted on the housing means and having three discrete positions for coupling said correct wiring indicator across a different pair of said three pins at each said position of the switch means, and means for indicating which pair of pins are coupled at each operative position of the switch means, said correct wiring indicator having two operative states on the housing means and so coupled to the switch means that, in use, the correct wiring indicator is actuated to indicate whether the socket is wired correctly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A circuit connection tester according to claim 1, wherein the correct wiring indicator is mounted in the switch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
86 words
A circuit connection tester according to claim 1, wherein the switch means comprises knob means rotatably mounted on said housing means for rotation about an axis, three balls mounted on said knob means and spaced apart equidistantly from and at angles of substantially 120* around said axis for defining said three discrete angular operative positions of the switch means, resilient means for biasing each said ball into coupling engagement with an associated pin, and means electrically coupling two of said balls with said correct wiring indicator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A circuit connection tester according to claim 3, wherein the resilient means comprises an individual spring means for each said ball and the knob means includes channels for receiving said spring means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A circuit connection tester according to claim 4, wherein said means coupling two of said balls with said correct wiring indicator includes conductive members mounted at the base of the channels associated with said two balls.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
A circuit connection tester according to claim 5, wherein each pin terminates in a contact pad which lies in the path of rotation of the balls so that in each of said three positions a different pair of the pins are connected electrically through the correct wiring indicator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
A circuit connection tester according to claim 6, wherein said knob means is provided with angular position indicating means arranged to co-operate with said means for indicating which pair of pins are coupled together at each operative position of the switch means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
A circuit connection tester according to claim 7, wherein said means for indicating which pair of pins are coupled together includes means for indicating the operative state of the correct wiring indicator for a correctly-wired socket at each operative position of the knob means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A circuit connection tester according to claim 6, wherein each said contact pad is recessed for positive engagement with a ball.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A circuit connection tester according to claim 1, wherein said correct wiring indicator is a bulb.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A circuit connection tester according to claim 8, wherein said correct wiring indicator is a bulb.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-31 | 1977-07-02 | 1978-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-31 | 1981-07-02 | 1982-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-31 | 1985-07-02 | 1986-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |