Abstract:
A universal Noid light for testing the output control voltage of an electronic fuel injector system includes a body with a lead wire wound on the body, a resistance light bulb maintained within the body and pins mounted on adjustable pin mounting arms.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an apparatus for testing the electronic control system for an electronic fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine. 
     Testing devices for determining whether the fuel injection control system of an internal combustion engine is providing properly timed fuel injection control signals has been, in the past, accomplished by means of a sensor device with lead wires for attachment of the sensor to the electronic control system outlet signal ports for the fuel injector. The starter for the engine is then operated or “cranked” after the sensor is attached to the control system. This causes the fuel injection control system to provide electronic signals through the test sensor. Normal voltage control signals are detected and evaluated by the sensor. Abnormal signals are also detected in this manner. 
     Heretofore, a version of such testing apparatus, known as a Noid light, was uniquely designed for each make or manufacture of vehicle and/or electronic injection system. Thus, a typical Noid light detection system includes a voltage detector, such as a light bulb, which is connected to the electronic fuel injection control system. If voltage provided to the sensor, e.g., test light, flashes intermittently and regularly, the mechanic concludes that the system is operating properly. However, if the sensor or light does not signal or flash or, for example, does not turn “on” or is “on constantly,” then something is defective in the control system and repair or replacement is required. 
     Numerous types of Noid lights are available in the marketplace, each individually designed for a particular ignition control system and vehicle construction and for compatibility with the wiring harnesses associated therewith. Thus, there has developed a need to provide a simple, more effective and universal device to test the control system for electronic fuel injection systems. Such a need inspired the development of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a principal aspect, the present invention comprises apparatus for testing the fuel injection control system for any one of a wide variety of internal combustion engine injector systems including a control system for multi-port as well as throttle body type injection systems. The testing apparatus comprises a body which includes a voltage responsive sensor mounted therein and first and second electric leads connected to the sensor. First and second electrical connector pins are connected to the ends of the first and second leads respectively. The pins are mounted in a special adapter which permits adjustment of the spacing of the pins so that the pins may be inserted into outlet ports or sockets associated with any one of a number of fuel injection control systems. Thus, the wiring harness from the engine fuel injectors may be detached from the injection control system, and the pins associated with the testing apparatus connected to the control system outlet ports. The engine may then be “cranked” by operating the starter and simultaneously initiating the output signals of the fuel injector control system. The sensor of the test apparatus, which typically comprises a light bulb, may then be observed to determine whether the fuel injector control system is providing properly timed signals to the engine fuel injectors. A flashing light will typically demonstrate that appropriate signals are being provided. 
     With the present invention, the spacing of the test apparatus connecting pins is fully adjustable to accommodate insertion of the pins into the outlet ports of any one of a number of fuel injector control systems. Additionally, the connector pins are adapted to receive conductive sleeves so that the pins may be connected to variously sized sockets or outlet ports. The Noid light of the invention or, in other words, the apparatus for testing the fuel injection control system is thus universal and may be used in combination with any fuel injection control system for testing of that system. 
     The apparatus further includes other features to enhance its universality. For example, the wiring leads may be wrapped up on a spool which is incorporated in the body of the apparatus. The spool may be disassembled to reveal an internal storage compartment and also to permit replacement of the sensor or test bulb. A suction cup is provided on the body to hold the body in position on a vehicle to facilitate its use and observation by a mechanic. The body further includes a molded bracket which allows storage of the adjustable pin spacing adapter. The body also serves as a housing for the light bulb. The housing may be disassembled to permit replacement of the light bulb. 
     Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a sensor apparatus which may be used with any one of a number of fuel injection control systems. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide sensor apparatus which is lightweight, economical and easy to assemble and disassemble. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a Noid light testing apparatus which has an elongated lead wire and a special adapter for connecting lead pins into a fuel injection control system. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a Noid light fuel injector control system testing apparatus which includes a lead wire or harness that is elongated and which may be stored temporarily on the apparatus. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a housing for the light bulb which permits replacement of the bulb. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a fuel injection control system testing apparatus useful for testing control systems for throttle body as well as multi-port injectors. 
     These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description that follows. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the drawing comprised of the following figures: 
     FIG. 1 is a partial cross sectional elevation of the assembled Noid light or testing apparatus of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded, isometric view of the apparatus of the invention; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a lead wire and adapter associated with the testing apparatus of the invention; 
     FIG. 4 is an elevation depicting the adapter which includes the connecting pins of the apparatus of the invention and the manner in which the spacing of the pins may be adjusted; and 
     FIG. 5 is an isometric view illustrating the manner in which the testing apparatus of the invention may be attached to the fuel injector control system associated with an internal combustion engine to reveal the operating characteristics of the control system. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the figures, the Noid light or testing apparatus of the invention is comprised of a molded plastic body  10 . The body  10  is comprised of a molded core or cylindrical center member or spool  12  which includes a hollow counterbore  14  and a through passage  16 . The spool  12  is threadably inserted into a second part of the body  10 , namely a bulb cover  18 . The bulb cover  18  includes a flange  20  and a counterbore internal chamber  22 . The bulb cover  18  further includes an outer mounting bracket  24  having spaced walls  26  and  28  as well as molded openings or pin receptacles  30  described in further detail below. 
     The body  10  also includes a molded plastic cap  32  which includes a flange  34 . A rubber suction cup  36  is attached to the outside of the flange  34 . The cap  32 , central spool or core  12  and bulb cover  18  are connected together by threaded connections molded therein. This assembly retains a bulb  40  connected to leads  42  and  44 . The bulb  40  is in a socket  46 . The socket  46  is retained in the through passage  16  and projects the bulb  40  into the chamber  22 . The bulb cover  18  is made of a translucent or transparent molded plastic material so that the lighted bulb  40  is visually observable and may be replaced if necessary. 
     The leads  42  and  44  connect to pins  46  and  48  mounted on arms  50  and  52  respectively. The pins  46  and  48  are mounted respectively on a first end of each of the first and second arms  50  and  52 . The opposite end of each of the arms  50  and  52  is connected together by a pivot connection  54 . In this manner, the arms  50 ,  52  may be pivoted as depicted in FIG. 4 to alter the spacing between the pins  46  and  48 . The pins  46 ,  48  may be adjustably spaced to accommodate or fit into injection lead wire sockets associated with various ignition control systems. The pins  46  and  48  further are adapted to receive sleeves  56  and  58  respectively. The sleeves  56  and  58  may be connected by threading onto the pins  46  and  48 . Thus the sleeves  56 ,  58  are designed to fit with various sizes of sockets. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate this construction further. 
     As depicted in FIG. 5, the Noid light may be placed on the hood of a car, for example. The lead wires  42  and  44  may then be unwound from the body  10  between the flanges  20  and  32 . The spacing of pins  46  and  48  may then be adjusted so that they may be placed into appropriate sockets associated with a fuel injection control system. The engine of the vehicle may then be “cranked” and this will cause the fuel injection control system to provide output signals. If the signals are proper or appropriate, then the light bulb  40  will periodically flash. If there is no flash or if there is a steady light, then the control system is not functioning as designed. 
     With the construction of the present invention, it is possible to utilize the Noid light or testing apparatus in combination with almost any fuel injection control system currently available in the marketplace. The Noid light of the invention also includes some structural features which enable it to be more universal than many of the prior art alternatives. Thus the lead wires  42 ,  44  may be wrapped or coiled onto the device. The pins  46  and  48  may be inserted into the bracket openings  30  and maintained between the walls  26  and  28  for storage. The sleeves  56  and  58  may be conveniently stored under the bulb cover  18  in the two holes provided in the body  10 . 
     Various other features and alternative features of the invention may be provided. Thus the invention is to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.