The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
May. 08, 2001

Filed:

Jun. 10, 1997
Applicant:
Inventors:

John G. Miskimins, Port Hadlock, WA (US);

Gary L. Combs, Seabeck, WA (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G01R 1/900 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G01R 1/900 ;
Abstract

A multiconductor continuity and intermittent fault analysis system that subjects the cable to controlled environmental stress stimuli, such as vibration at a plurality of frequencies simultaneously, during testing. Multiconductor cables used for the transmission of digital data and control signals include multiple individual conductors terminating at both ends in pins or sockets that are grouped together in a connector. Physical defects in these cables can be permanent, or they can be intermittent faults, such as temporary breaks or shorts caused by vibrational stress on the cables. By vibrating the cable under test and measuring continuity rapidly enough to detect short-term anomalies, even intermittent faults are located. A distributed processing embodiment disclosed uses a user interface unit such as a personal computer or personal digital assistant, a multiprocessor controlled control unit, and the dynamic stimulation unit. The control unit includes a plurality of processors operating independently to test a plurality of cable pins simultaneously.


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