US Patent: 6,512,361
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| 14/42-Volt Automotive Circuit Tester
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Patentee:
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| Thomas P. Becker (exact or similar names) - Kenosha, WI |
| Manufacturer: |
| Not known to have been produced |
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Patent Dates:
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| Applied: |
May 29, 2001 |
| Granted: |
Jan. 28, 2003 |
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Stan Schulz
Snap-On Tools Company History
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Description: |
| Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A circuit tester for both 14-volt and 42-volt automotive electrical systems includes a housing with a probe tip at one end and a ground connector at the other end. A battery-powered voltage detection circuit in the housing includes a plurality of comparators, each having one input connected to an input signal from the probe tip and a reference input connected to a tap of a tapped voltage divider providing plural reference signals having amplitudes respectively corresponding to industry-standard voltage levels, the comparators being arranged in two groups respectively corresponding to 14-volt and 42-volt automotive systems. Series-connected LEDs have their cathodes respectively connected to the outputs of the comparators, and are arranged for respectively being viewed through apertures in the housing arranged in two separate rows. The interconnections are such that only one LED at a time is illuminated, i.e., the one corresponding to the highest reference signal level which is equaled or exceeded by the input signals.
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