Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
297 words
An automotive voltage and continuity testing apparatus comprising: a test circuit including an indicator branch having in series a pair of like indicating lamps, said branch terminating at first and second terminal points; battery means one side of which is connected to apply a first potential at such first terminal point; a first test lead connected to the other side of said battery; a second test lead connected to the second terminal point of said indicating branch, whereby when said test leads are connected to a common conductor for testing continuity thereof, said battery potential is applied at said terminal points of said branch; a switched shorting branch being connected between said first terminal point of said indicating branch and the junction point between said indicator lamps; an actuating branch for said switch connected in parallel with said indicating branch, the current through said actuating branch acting to move said switch from a first to second position when said current exceeds a predetermined value; said switch being normally closed to short one of said indicating lamps, and said battery potential source being of such magnitude that the current through said switch actuating branch during continuity testing is insufficient to actuate said switch, whereby during said continuity testing only one said indicator lamp is lit if continuity is present; and whereby when a potential is electrically applied across said test leads, which potential in series with said battery provides a total potential exceeding a predetermined value, the current through said switch actuating branch opens said switch to electrically remove said shorting branch and permit both said lamps to light, whereby automotive hot wires may be detected by contacting said wire with said second lead while saId first lead is connected to a ground point on said auto chassis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
297 words
An automotive voltage and continuity testing apparatus comprising: a test circuit including an indicator branch having in series a pair of like indicating lamps, said branch terminating at first and second terminal points; battery means one side of which is connected to apply a first potential at such first terminal point; a first test lead connected to the other side of said battery; a second test lead connected to the second terminal point of said indicating branch, whereby when said test leads are connected to a common conductor for testing continuity thereof, said battery potential is applied at said terminal points of said branch; a switched shorting branch being connected between said first terminal point of said indicating branch and the junction point between said indicator lamps; an actuating branch for said switch connected in parallel with said indicating branch, the current through said actuating branch acting to move said switch from a first to second position when said current exceeds a predetermined value; said switch being normally closed to short one of said indicating lamps, and said battery potential source being of such magnitude that the current through said switch actuating branch during continuity testing is insufficient to actuate said switch, whereby during said continuity testing only one said indicator lamp is lit if continuity is present; and whereby when a potential is electrically applied across said test leads, which potential in series with said battery provides a total potential exceeding a predetermined value, the current through said switch actuating branch opens said switch to electrically remove said shorting branch and permit both said lamps to light, whereby automotive hot wires may be detected by contacting said wire with said second lead while saId first lead is connected to a ground point on said auto chassis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said second test lead comprises a probe tip, and wherein said first lead comprises a conductor terminating in a member clampable to ground.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said switch comprises a single pole double throw relay, said actuating branch comprising the coil for effecting opening of said relay.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said switch comprises a solid state switching device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 2, further including a case for containing said test circuit and battery means, said test leads extending from said case to enable said test functions, and said indicating lamps projecting through openings of said case and being available to an operator of said apparatus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein said indicating lamps comprise light emitting diodes.