Probe-actuated guard shield switch
AssigneeTektronix, Inc.
InventorsFlorian C. Deibele, William F. Schell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A probe-actuated guard-shield switch mechanism automatically disconnects a guard shield to an input terminal of a measurement instrument upon insertion of a guard probe, and reconnects the guard shield upon removal of the guard probe. The mechanism provides a break-before-make connection sequence for safety reasons, and also provides a non-conductive safety gate to minimize shock hazard.
Claims4
A guard voltage input device having a probe-actuated switch which automatically disconnects a guard shield from a signal input line upon insertion of a probe tip into said device and automatically reconnecting said guard shield to said signal input line upon removal of said probe tip, comprising:
- a non-conductive housing having a probe tip insertion opening therein;
- a receptacle axially aligned with said opening for receiving said probe tip, said receptacle electrically connectable to said guard shield;
- a switch disposed in said housing, said switch having a first terminal electrically connectable to said signal input line and a second terminal electrically connectable to said guard shield;
- and
- a spring-biased actuating member disposed at a substantially right angle to the central axis of said receptacle, said member being engaged by said probe tip as it is inserted and being displaced thereby, opening said switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.