Patent ID: 6323654
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
Apparatus for connection to electrical conductor means at a first location on the electrical conductor means for locating or identifying the electrical conductor means at a second location on said electrical conductor means without introducing a signal into said electrical connector means at said second location, said apparatus comprising in combination:versatile signal generator means comprising a time domain reflectometer pulse generator for connection to electrical conductor means at a first location on the electrical conductor means and capable of producing different signal characteristics;detector means comprising a time domain reflectometer pulse receiver operatively associated with said versatile signal generator means at said first location for detecting a change in the load impedance of said electrical conductor means created at a second location spaced from said first location; andcontrol means for receiving signals from said detector means at said first location and responsive thereto to change the characteristics of the signal produced by said versatile signal generator means at said first location responsive to the change in load impedance created at said second location, said change in the characteristics of said versatile signal generator means being non-transient, said control means including software for controlling the application of control signals from said control means to said versatile signal generator means.