Abstract:
An apparatus to aid in the testing of engine ignition systems is herein disclosed. The apparatus is connected in a series wiring path between a spark plug wire and a spark plug of an internal combustion-type engine. The apparatus comprises a housing containing a resistor and a lamp which provide illuminated indication of a current flowing through the apparatus. The apparatus allows a user to quickly determine if an ignition circuit of an engine is operating properly.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/214,392 filed Apr. 24, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to automobile ignition systems, and in particular, to a device adapted for quickly and accurately assessing the state of a spark plug ignition portion of an automobile ignition system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     One (1) particular type of work found around motor vehicles, small engine repair shops, farms, and the like is that of engine repair. One (1) critical factor that must be verified at an early stage of repair diagnosis is that of a proper spark being supplied by the ignition system. Since the spark is provided in the interior of the combustion cylinder, a mechanic must rely on other indications of a proper spark which may not be highly reliable. 
     The verification of proper spark firing is a time consuming and difficult process which is nonetheless critical in the assessment of engine repair. Conventional methods for testing the working status of the system involve the removal and replacement of various portions of the system in order to access the components necessary to test the electrical current and the like. Such methods are expensive due to the time and labor involved in the removal and replacement processes. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide a device for verifying the status of an ignition system. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,693,148, issued in the name of Pittman, describes an integral engine timing light. U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,591, issued in the name of Doss, describes an ignition performance monitor for permanent installation in a motor vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,362, issued in the name of Lance, describes an apparatus adapted to test the status of these types of ignition systems. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices involve permanent installments which are not standard on existing vehicles and which are inefficient or cost prohibitive for one (1) time use when attempting to verify the state of an existing ignition system prior to engine work. Also, many such devices require significant work prior to testing including the removal and subsequent replacement of various parts of the system between each test. Accordingly, there exists a need for an ignition current tester without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to quickly test the working status of an existing conventional spark plug engine ignition system without undue labor associated with conventional methods of accessing internal portions of the system. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for testing and verifying proper operation of an engine ignition system. The apparatus provides an illuminated visual indication of a current being conducted to a spark plug. The apparatus comprises first and second electrical cables, a post connector, a housing, a lamp, and a spark plug connector. 
     Another object of the present invention is to connect to an existing ignition source, such as a spark plug wire, and a spark plug such that as an internal current flows through the apparatus, the lamp is illuminated indicating that sufficient current is present to cause a spark plug to function properly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an inserting attachment means into a boot connector portion of an existing spark plug wire. This is accomplished via the post connector, which comprises a highly-conductive copper tip which physically mimics a terminal end of a common spark plug. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an attachment means to an existing spark plug via the spark plug connector. The spark plug connector comprises a molded cup-like form which provides an interference fit to the spark plug. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow convenient viewing of the lamp by a user. The lamp is contained within the housing, which comprises a flush-mounted transparent viewing lens along a top surface. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to indicate to a user that sufficient current is present to cause a spark plug to function properly. The circuit further comprises a resistor interconnected in a parallel wiring path with the lamp which produces a voltage drop adequate to power the lamp when sufficient current is present. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow an engine to run with the apparatus in place such that a user can observe whether the ignition system is functioning properly under operational conditions, allowing the user to identify problems such as intermittent ignitions and the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide safe operation via the housing and via insulation portions which are located around the electrical cables, providing an effective waterproof barrier to the electrical portions of the apparatus. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow multiple units of the apparatus to be utilized simultaneously in order to test multiple cylinders of an existing engine at the same time. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of quickly connecting the post connector and spark plug connector to an existing boot connector portion and spark plug wire of an existing engine respectively, starting the engine, and observing illumination of the lamp through the viewing lens in order to accurately assess and troubleshoot the operating status of the ignition system of the existing motor vehicle. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an ignition current tester  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an environmental view of the ignition current tester  10  depicting an in-use state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of the ignition current tester  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical block diagram of the ignition current tester  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 1   
     
         
         
           
               10  ignition current tester 
               20  first electrical cable 
               25  second electrical cable 
               27  wiring 
               30  post connector 
               40  housing 
               41  grommet 
               42  wire clamp 
               43  resistor 
               45  viewing lens 
               47  lamp 
               50  spark plug connector 
               60  boot connector 
               70  spark plug wire 
               80  spark plug 
               85  illumination 
               90  fastener 
               95  adhesive 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an ignition current tester (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for testing and verifying proper operation of an engine ignition system comprising an illuminated visual indication of a current being conducted to a spark plug  80 . The apparatus  10  is connected in an in-line manner between an ignition source such as a spark plug wire  70 , and a spark plug  80 . As an internal current flows through the apparatus  10 , an internal lamp  47  is illuminated  85 , thereby indicating that sufficient current is present to cause a spark plug  80  to function properly in an engine. A user may utilize the apparatus  10  on various motorized equipment utilizing spark plugs  80  such as, but not limited to: motor vehicles, small engines, tractors, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a first electrical cable  20 , a second electrical cable  25 , a post connector  30 , a housing  40 , a lamp  47 , and a spark plug connector  50 . The post connector  30  provides an inserting attachment means into a boot connector portion  60  of an existing spark plug wire  70  (see  FIG. 2 ). The post connector  30  comprises a highly-conductive crimped and/or soldered copper tip which physically mimics a terminal end of a common spark plug  80 . The post connector  30  is connected to, and in electrical communication with the housing  40  via a first electrical cable  20  comprising a length of standard insulated high voltage ignition cable. 
     The housing  40  comprises a durable plastic enclosure providing sealed protection thereto an internal lamp  47  (see  FIG. 3 ). The housing  40  also comprises a flush-mounted transparent or translucent viewing lens  45  along a top surface to allow convenient viewing of said lamp  47  by a user. In a similar manner as the aforementioned first electrical cable  20 , a proximal end portion of the second electrical cable  25  is affixed to an opposite side surface of the housing  40 . The distal end portion of said second electrical cable  25  provides an attachment means thereto the spark plug connector  50 . The spark plug connector  50  comprises a molded cup-like form similar in construction and function to the boot connector portion  60  of the spark plug wire  70 , thereby providing an inserting connection means thereto an existing spark plug  80  by applying an engaging interference fit. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting an in-use state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. An electrical current from an ignition source such as a coil or distributor passes through the apparatus  10  to the spark plug  80 . The post connector  30  physically mimics a terminal end of a common spark plug  80 , thereby allowing engagement of an existing boot connector portion  60  of an existing spark plug wire  70  providing a slight interference fit into. To utilize the apparatus  10  a user would insert the post connector  30  into the existing boot connector portion  60  of the spark plug wire  70 , and insert the existing spark plug  80  into the spark plug connector  50  to establish a current flow. As power flows from the ignition system through the apparatus  10  to the spark plug  80 , the lamp  47  provides an illumination  85  to indicate a successful test. The engine being tested can be run with the apparatus  10  in place to observe, for example, an intermittent ignition or similar ignition problem. It is understood that multiple units of the apparatus  10  may also be utilized to test several cylinders of the engine at once. 
     The electrical cables  20 ,  25  each comprise a length of insulated ignition wire approximately six (6) inches in length and approximately a quarter (¼) inch in diameter being capable of withstanding expected voltages normally provided to a spark plug  80 . Additionally, the insulation portion of the electrical cables  20 ,  25  is to provide an effective waterproof barrier. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a section view of the apparatus  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The housing  40  comprises a durable rectangular plastic enclosure providing sealed protection thereto an internal resistor  43  and a lamp  47 . The electrical cables  20 ,  25  enter the housing  40  through opposing side surfaces of said housing  40  being secured thereto said housing  40  using respective wire clamps  42  mounted within the housing  40 . The wire clamps  42  fit tightly around an insulated end portion of each cable  20 ,  25  and are affixed thereto a bottom surface of the housing  40  using common fasteners  90 . Additionally, a connection between the housing  40  and said electrical cables  20 ,  25  is accomplished using common rubber grommets  41 . An ignition current flowing through said electrical cables  20 , is routed to the resistor  43  and the lamp  47  via internal wiring  27  extending from the clamped end portion of the cables  20 ,  25  into the housing  40 . The resistor  43  and lamp  47  are to be secured to an interior bottom surface of the housing  40  using an adhesive  95  such as, but not limited to: RTV silicone, glue, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an electrical block diagram of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The resistor  43  and lamp  47  are interconnected in a parallel wiring path via internal electrical wiring  27 . The resistor  43  produces a voltage drop being adequate to power the lamp  47 . The resistor  43 , lamp  47 , electrical wiring  27 , and any other necessary electrical components are enclosed within the housing  40 . The resistor  43  is envisioned to provide a value of approximately four thousand seven hundred ohms (4700Ω); however, alternate resistor values may be selected to produce a desired amount of illumination  85  of the lamp  47 . The lamp  47  preferably comprises a T-2 neon lamp; however, other illuminating devices may be provided with equal benefit such as, but not limited to: a light-emitting diode (LED), a wire ended lamp, a Candelabra Edison Screw lamp, and other such electric powered lighting components. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring at least one (1) unit of the apparatus  10 ; disconnecting an existing boot connector  60  from an existing spark plug  80 ; inserting the post connector  30  into said boot connector  60 ; inserting the spark plug connector  50  onto the existing spark plug  80 ; starting the engine; observing illumination  85  provided by the lamp  47  through the viewing lens  45  due to the passing of current through the apparatus  10 , thereby troubleshooting an ignition system; replacing and/or cleaning faulty spark plugs  80  or performing other needed repairs; repeating the ignition current test using the apparatus  10  on remaining spark plugs  80  as needed; and, benefiting from accurate and safe testing of ignition wiring and spark plugs  80  afforded a user of the present apparatus  10 . 
     The engine being tested can be run with the apparatus  10  in place to observe an intermittent ignition problem. It is understood that multiple units of the apparatus  10  may also be utilized to test several cylinders of the engine at once. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.