Audio test tool
AssigneeClear Com
InventorsRom Rosenblum, Nigel Gordon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This disclosure relates to a portable audio test tool configured for testing an audio circuit. The portable audio test tool may replace an assortment of non-portable and/or bulky test equipment. The portable audio test tool may comprise a small and efficient troubleshooting tool that includes the functionality of multiple pieces of test equipment in a hand-held, pocket sized form. The portable audio test tool may be powered by a rechargeable power source recharged via power from a wet intercom's DC voltage power circuit cable. In some implementations, the portable audio test tool may comprise a tool connector, a tone generator, a transducer, a voltage indicator device, a power circuit, a switching device, a housing, a user interface, and/or other components.
Claims18
A portable audio test tool configured for testing an audio circuit, the audio circuit including a cable, the cable comprising one or more cable lines, a cable connector, and one or more cable connector pins, wherein the portable audio test tool comprises:
- a tool connector configured to be coupled with the cable connector, the tool connector including tool connector pins configured to be coupled with the cable connector pins;
- a tone generator configured to generate a test tone signal for delivery on one or more of the tool connector pins;
- a transducer configured to generate audible sound in response to the portable audio test tool receiving an audio signal on one or more of the tool connector pins;
- a voltage indicator device configured to identify which individual one of the cable connector pins is a power pin;
- a power circuit configured to supply power to the tone generator, the transducer, and the voltage indicator device, wherein the power circuit includes a charger and a rechargeable power source configured to be recharged via the charger, and wherein, in response to power being delivered through a power pin, the rechargeable power source is recharged via the power pin during testing of the audio circuit;
- a switching device configured to connect a powered tool connector pin to the charger included in the power circuit;
- and
- a housing that houses the tool connector, the tone generator, the transducer, the voltage indicator device, the power circuit, and the switching device.
A method for testing an audio circuit with a portable audio test tool, the audio circuit including a cable, the cable comprising one or more cable lines, a cable connector, and one or more cable connector pins, the method comprising:
- coupling the portable audio test tool with the cable connector, the coupling performed by a tool connector of the portable audio test tool, the tool connector including tool connector pins configured to be coupled with the cable connector pins;
- generating a test tone signal for delivery on one or more of the tool connector pins with a tone generator of the portable audio test tool;
- generating, with a transducer of the portable audio test tool, audible sound in response to the portable audio test tool receiving an audio signal on one or more of the tool connector pins;
- identifying which individual one of the cable connector pins is a power pin with a voltage indicator device of the portable audio test tool;
- supplying power to the tone generator, the transducer, and the voltage indicator device with a power circuit of the portable audio test tool, wherein the power circuit includes a charger and a rechargeable power source;
- recharging, in response to power being delivered through a power pin, the rechargeable power source via the power pin during testing of the audio circuit;
- connecting, with a switching device of the portable audio test tool, a powered tool connector pin to the charger included in the power circuit;
- and
- housing the tool connector, the tone generator, the transducer, the voltage indicator device, the power circuit, and the switching device with a housing of the portable audio test tool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.