US4716365A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Circuit tester
Assignee: Lisle Corp
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Filing: 1985-10-11
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Granted: 1987-12-29
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Expires: 2005-10-11
Abstract
Abstract A circuit tester is described herein and includes a housing closed by a removable cap member. An electrode, or wire contact, extends through the cap member and electrically interconnects with a bulb, fitted within the housing. The electrode carries a spring-biased catch member which is used to select and capture the wire under investigation.
Inventors
- 👤 James L. Pool
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 23:22
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R1/00; G01R1/02; G01R1/06; G01R1/067; G01R1/06788
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
253 words
A circuit tester comprising, in combination: a housing having a closed end, an open end, and a transparent portion, said housing defining a central chamber; a bulb adapted to fit within said central chamber and extending into said transparent portion, said bulb including a first and second contact; ground means, extending through said housing, for interconnecting with and grounding said first contact of said bulb; a removable cap member adapted to engage and close said open end of said housing in an assembled state; an electrode fixedly secured to said removable cap member, said electrode extending through the cap member and including a head portion within said removable cap member and a needle portion defining a pointed end and extending outside the cap member for contacting a wire; spring contact means interconnecting said head portion of said electrode and said second contact of said bulb in said assembled state; a catch member slidably mounted on said electrode, said catch member including a hook portion and a grasping portion opposite said hook portion; and means for simultaneously maintaining said catch member on said electrode and for positionally biasing said catch member towards an at-rest position, said hook portion of said catch member extending beyond said pointed end of said electrode in said at-rest position and translatable against a biasing force to engage a wire against the pointed end, said means for maintaining comprising a single spring member connected at its opposite ends to the cap member and the grasping portion of the catch member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
253 words
A circuit tester comprising, in combination: a housing having a closed end, an open end, and a transparent portion, said housing defining a central chamber; a bulb adapted to fit within said central chamber and extending into said transparent portion, said bulb including a first and second contact; ground means, extending through said housing, for interconnecting with and grounding said first contact of said bulb; a removable cap member adapted to engage and close said open end of said housing in an assembled state; an electrode fixedly secured to said removable cap member, said electrode extending through the cap member and including a head portion within said removable cap member and a needle portion defining a pointed end and extending outside the cap member for contacting a wire; spring contact means interconnecting said head portion of said electrode and said second contact of said bulb in said assembled state; a catch member slidably mounted on said electrode, said catch member including a hook portion and a grasping portion opposite said hook portion; and means for simultaneously maintaining said catch member on said electrode and for positionally biasing said catch member towards an at-rest position, said hook portion of said catch member extending beyond said pointed end of said electrode in said at-rest position and translatable against a biasing force to engage a wire against the pointed end, said means for maintaining comprising a single spring member connected at its opposite ends to the cap member and the grasping portion of the catch member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A circuit tester as claimed in claim 1 wherein said grasping portion is substantially annular and substantially enlarged with respect to said electrode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A circuit tester as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hook portion of said catch member defines a passage substantially coaxial with said needle portion of said electrode and adapted to receive and protect said pointed end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A circuit tester as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ground means extend through closed end of said housing for interconnecting with and grounding said first contact of said bulb.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A circuit tester as claimed in claim 1 wherein said spring contact means comprise a spring member interposed between the head portion of the electrode and said second contact of said bulb in said assembled state.
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) | 1990-12-28 | 1991-06-29 | 1991-12-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-12-28 | 1995-06-29 | 1995-12-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-12-28 | 1999-06-29 | 1999-12-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |