Multiple cable conductor identification apparatus

Claim 1

A conductor identification apparatus for a multi-conductor cable comprising: an electrical power source having: a plurality of output terminals with each output terminal selectively connectable to a respective conductor Of the multi-conductor cable, a voltage source, a signal generator circuit including a diode matrix having a plurality of outputs interconnected respectively with said plurality of power source output terminals to provide a discrete electrical signal at each said output terminal, said diode matrix further including at least one set of plurality of input terminals, switch means connected with each of said matrix input terminals, said switch means operable to sequentially apply an electrical signal from said voltage source to each input terminal in succession, said diode matrix cumulatively adding to the electrical signal applied to each input terminal all electrical signals applied to each preceding input terminal forming a pulse train of electrical signals at each output terminal in succession with each such pulse train related to the respective input terminal, said identification apparatus further including a readout apparatus connectable to each output terminal independent of the others through the conductors of the cable and responsive to said discrete electrical signals to form an output display indicative of the signal applied to any selected conductor thereby identifying that conductor.