Enhancing voltmeter functionality

US6356853B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventor

• Daniel Sullivan · Edina, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 27, 1999
• Grant date: Mar 12, 2002
• Expiry date: Dec 27, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R31/006
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Enhanced voltmeter leads includes load circuitry having a test load that can be switchably coupled between the leads to help identify faults in a circuit under test. In certain embodiments, the value of the test load can be any appropriate value set according to parameters or characteristics of the circuit under test. In these embodiments, the value of the test load can be set manually or automatically or both. The types of faults that can be identified include a short-to-ground, an open circuit, and a high (e.g., corrosive) resistance. The leads include a switch whose setting is adjustable to couple and decouple the test load between the leads. The switch can be located in the leads or in a lead handle of the leads for easy access by a user/technician. The leads can also include a fuse or circuit breaker for safety reasons. The leads can be used systematically to help identify the type and location of a fault from voltage readings. The voltage readings are obtained at various points in the circuit under test with the switch both closed and open. Conventional test leads or the leads that include the switch to couple/decouple the test load can be used if the load circuitry is integr…