US 5,875,413 A · Digital remote gauge assembly

Abstract

The present invention includes a portable, damage resistant, palm-held, low cost, high sensitivity ergonomically dimensioned digital remote gauge assembly unit for the measurement of external parameters that include by way of example temperature, pressure, and vacuum; a kit having a digital remote gauge assembly unit, a variety of probes and adapters that provide for the communication signals to the unit in response to externally measured parameters, and a communication link between a respective probe and the digital remote gauge assembly unit; and, a method of utilizing the kit and device to facilitate the rapid measurement of a variety of external parameters. The digital pressure gauge includes a gauge body dimensioned to be held in the palm of a user's hand. The gauge body has microprocessor controlled circuitry therein, an altitude and temperature compensated pressure transducer in communication with the microprocessor, and keys for actuating the microprocessor. The body also includes a display for informing the user of readings taken in a mode of operation of the device, a probe assembly; and, a multi-conductor shielded cable connecting the gauge body and the probe assembly. The gauge also includes routines providing a plurality of the modes of operation of the gauge including a PSI mode, a KPA mode, a PEAK HOLD mode, a HI/LO resolution mode, and a temperature mode in which the display presents a temperature of a fluid being tested in either .degree.C. (Centigrade) or .degree.F. (Fahrenheit).

Claims31

Dependent claims

A digital pressure or temperature gauge, comprising:

a gauge body dimensioned to be held in the palm of a user's hand, the gauge body having microprocessor controlled circuitry therein, an altitude and temperature compensation means in communication with said microprocessor, and keys for actuating said microprocessor;
a display disposed on said gauge body for informing the user of readings taken in a mode of operation of said device;
a probe assembly remote from said gauge body;
and,
a multi-conductor shielded cable connecting said gauge bodv and said probe assembly, said cable providing a communication link between said probe assembly and said circuitry, and said cable being dimensioned and constructed to allow a user to manipulate said keys on said gauge body while said probe assembly is in an actual test position on a component of a vehicle, while said vehicle is in motion and while said user is operating said vehicle, and said digital pressure gauge being self-powered and having roaming and remote use capability, said gauge body housing no more than four pressure sensitive function buttons actuating said modes of operation of said device,
whereby said user can easily manipulate a change in the modes of operation of said gauge while said vehicle is in motion.

3 more elements

A digital pressure or temperature gauge, comprising:

a gauge body dimensioned to be held in the palm of a user's hand, the gauge body having microprocessor controlled circuitry therein, an altitude and temperature compensation means in communication with said microprocessor, and keys for actuating said microprocessor;
a display disposed on said gauge body for informing the user of readings taken in a mode of operation of said device;
a probe assembly remote from said gauge body;
and,
a multi-conductor shielded cable connecting said gauge body and said probe assembly, said cable providing a communication link between said probe assembly and said circuitry, and said cable being dimensioned and constructed to allow a user to manipulate said keys on said gauge body while said probe assembly is in an actual test position on a component of a vehicle, while said vehicle is in motion and while said user is operating said vehicle, and said digital pressure gauge being self-powered and having roaming and remote use capability, a sleeve being made of a substantially rigid material and being sized and dimensioned to slide along said cable,
whereby positioning of said sleeve and said cable in a passenger or driver's side window is greatly facilitated while test driving this vehicle.

3 more elements

A method of measuring a pressure or temperature on a component of a vehicle while said vehicle is moving and in operation, comprising the steps of:

providing a digital pressure or temperature gauge, said gauge having a gauge body dimensioned to be held in the palm of a user's hand, said gauge body having microprocessor controlled circuitry therein, an altitude and temperature compensated pressure transducer in communication with said microprocessor, and keys for actuating said microprocessor;
a display disposed on said gauge body for informing the user of readings taken in a mode of operation of said device;
a probe assembly;
and, a multi-conductor shielded cable connecting said gauge body and said probe assembly, said cable providing a communication link between said probe assembly and said circuitry, and said cable of a length sufficient to allow a user to manipulate said keys on said gauge body while said probe assembly is in an actual test position on a component of a vehicle and while said vehicle is actually in motion and while said user is operating said vehicle;
connecting said probe assembly to said component of said vehicle while said vehicle is stationary, said component being remote from a passenger compartment of said vehicle;
positioning said gauge body in a convenient, easily viewable position with respect to said user in said passenger compartment of said vehicle;
actuating movement of said vechicle;
and,
viewing readings on said display in response to actuating said keys on said gauge while said vehicle is moving.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Digital remote gauge assembly

Life of this patent

Digital remote gauge assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31