Electrical testing device with angle-adjustable probe

Abstract

An apparatus for testing a voltage level in an electrical terminal cavity has a test body and a test lead for insertion into the electrical terminal cavity. The test lead includes a non-flexible portion configured to be attached to the test body, a non-flexible probe configured to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity, and a flexible connector extending between the non-flexible portion and the non-flexible probe such that the flexible connector has two or more links, each link being articulatable in a plurality of directions. The apparatus also includes circuitry operatively coupled with the probe to sense a voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 113,609, filed on February 23, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth in this specification. Background Art

[0003] Electrical test devices, such as handheld electrical test devices, are commonly used to measure voltage, current (amperage), resistance, and other values. Examples of electrical test devices include multimeters, volt-ohm meters, multimeters, voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, and the like. These electrical test devices can include both analog and digital versions and are useful for everything from simple tests (such as measuring battery voltage) to detecting faults in electrical components and complex diagnostics. Electricians often use electrical test devices to measure the expected capacity of a circuit by inserting appropriate probes into one or more terminals on an active circuit. This is useful for troubleshooting electrical problems on motors, appliances, circuits, power supplies, and other wiring systems.

[0004] However, when used within a confined area, electrical test devices are often unable to obtain accurate readings without clearing other obstructions from the test area. Furthermore, in subsequent cavities separated only by a narrow space, even when other obstructions are cleared, conventional test devices are bulky and may prevent themselves from being able to achieve accurate readings, or require additional adapter components to account for the obstruction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Disclosed herein is an electrical test device having a flexible connector. In some embodiments, the flexible connector allows for angles or bends from 0 to 180 degrees, or multiple angles and bends, such that a probe of the test device can obtain improved measurements without having to remove other obstructions or get in its own way, compared to an electrical test device without the flexible connector.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a device for testing a voltage level in an electrical terminal cavity, comprising a test body and a test lead for insertion into the electrical terminal cavity. The test lead includes a non-flexible portion configured to attach to the test body, a non-flexible probe configured to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity, and a flexible connector extending between the non-flexible portion and the non-flexible probe, wherein the flexible connector has two or more links, each of which is capable of articulating in multiple directions. The device also includes circuitry operatively coupled to the probe for sensing a voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity.

[0007] In an embodiment of the device, the two or more links comprise a semi-rigid material.

[0008] In an embodiment of the device, the flexible connector is adjustable upon application of force.

[0009] In an embodiment of the device, the semi-rigid material is non-conductive.

[0010] In an embodiment of the device, the flexible connector receives flexible wires that electrically connect the circuitry and the inflexible probe.

[0011] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the contact surface of the non-flexible probe is configured to contact the electrical terminal cavity.

[0012] In an embodiment of the device, the test body conducts electrical current when engaged.

[0013] In an embodiment of the device, the test body is encapsulated in an electrically insulating layer.

[0014] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a user interface.

[0015] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the user interface is configured to display a measured value of a voltage level of the electrical terminal cavity.

[0016] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the user interface is configured to display the measured value of the voltage level with at least three significant digits.

[0017] In an embodiment of the device, the device further comprises a circuit protector.

[0018] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the circuit protector comprises a fuse or a circuit breaker.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of using a device for testing a voltage level in an electrical terminal cavity, the method comprising contacting the electrical terminal cavity with the device, wherein the device comprises a test body and a test lead for insertion into the electrical terminal cavity. The test lead comprises a non-flexible portion configured to be attached to the test body, a non-flexible probe configured to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity, and a flexible connector extending between the non-flexible portion and the non-flexible probe, wherein the flexible connector has two or more links, wherein each link is capable of articulating in multiple directions. The device also comprises circuitry operatively coupled to the probe for sensing the voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity.

[0020] In an embodiment of the method, the method further comprises detecting, via the device, a voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity.

[0021] In an embodiment of the method, the method further comprises displaying the measured value of the voltage level of the electrical terminal cavity via a user interface on the device.

[0022] In an embodiment of the method, the measured value of the voltage level of the electrical terminal cavity comprises at least three significant digits.

[0023] In an embodiment of the method, two or more links comprise a semi-rigid material.

[0024] In an embodiment of the method, the flexible connector is adjustable upon application of the force.

[0025] In an embodiment of the method, the flexible connector houses a flexible wire that electrically connects the circuitry within the test body and the inflexible probe.

[0026] Other embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description and, where appropriate, referring to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for testing voltage levels in an electrical terminal cavity according to an example embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for testing a voltage level in an electrical terminal cavity according to an example embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an electrical testing device having a flexible connector for testing voltage levels in an electrical terminal cavity according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an electrical testing device having a flexible connector for testing voltage levels in an electrical terminal cavity according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating a flexible connector of an apparatus for testing a voltage level in an electrical terminal cavity according to an example embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating a link of a flexible connector according to an example embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] This specification describes various exemplary embodiments, at least some of which relate to apparatus for testing voltage levels in electrical terminal cavities, such as apparatus including a power supply and a voltmeter, ammeter, and / or ohmmeter. As noted above, there is a need for a flexible connector that allows for angles or bends from 0 to 180 degrees, or multiple angles and bends, such that a probe of a test apparatus can obtain improved measurements without having to remove other obstructions or move in its own way, compared to an electrical test apparatus without a flexible connector.

[0036] This device includes a test body and a test lead for insertion into an electrical terminal cavity. The test lead includes a non-flexible portion configured to be attached to the test body, a non-flexible probe configured to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity, and a flexible connector extending between the non-flexible portion and the non-flexible probe, such that the flexible connector has two or more links, each link being capable of articulating in multiple directions. The device also includes circuitry operatively coupled to the probe for sensing a voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity.

[0037] The disclosed examples will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, of the disclosed examples. Indeed, a variety of different examples may be described, and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0038] II. Example Device

[0039] Figure 1 FIG is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus 100 for testing a voltage level in an electrical terminal cavity. The apparatus 100 may include the following: Figure 2 In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes a test body 102 having a power source 108, a first port 116, a second port 118, a first connection lead 120, and a second connection lead 122. Each of the first connection lead 120 and the second connection lead 122 can have a first end configured to couple with the first port 116 and the second port 118 and a second end configured to include probes 104a and 104b, respectively.

[0040] Thus, the device 100 can be used to apply a voltage to an electrical component to be tested by connecting the first port 116 to a first electrical terminal cavity using the probe 104a via a first connection lead 120 (e.g., fixedly or removably) and by connecting the second port 118 to a second electrical terminal cavity using the probe 104b via a second connection lead 122 (e.g., fixedly or removably). This will power the electrical component between the first electrical terminal cavity and the second terminal cavity so that a reading can be obtained at the device 100.

[0041] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus 100 for testing voltage levels in an electrical terminal cavity. Apparatus 100 includes a test body 102, probes 104a and 104b for contacting the electrical terminal cavity, and circuitry 106 disposed within test body 102. In some embodiments, probes 104 may have different configurations and / or geometries suitable for testing different electrical terminal cavities, as discussed herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, circuitry 106 may be analog or digital, depending on the embodiment of apparatus 100. Thus, circuitry 106 may be disposed within test body 102 such that circuitry 106 is operatively coupled to probes 104 to sense voltage levels in the electrical terminal cavity. While apparatus 100 is used to measure voltage, in other embodiments, the apparatus may also be used to measure current (Ohm's law) or another electrical parameter. Furthermore, while two probes are described in the above embodiment, in other embodiments, the apparatus may include only one probe or more than two probes.

[0042] In some embodiments, the test subject 102 optionally further includes a power supply 108, a voltmeter 110, an ammeter 112, an ohmmeter 114, a first port 116, a second port 118, a first connection lead 120, a second connection lead 122, and / or a computing device 124. The computing device 124 may include one or more processors 126, a non-transitory computer-readable medium 128, a communication interface 130, and / or a user interface 132.

[0043] The components of the computing device 124 may be linked together via a system bus, network, or other connection mechanism 134. The one or more processors 126 may be any type of processor, such as a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array, a digital signal processor, a multi-core processor, etc., coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium 104. The non-transitory computer-readable medium 128 may be any type of memory, such as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM)) or non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical disks, or compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), as well as other devices for storing data or programs temporarily or permanently.

[0044] Additionally, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 128 may store instructions 136. The instructions 136 may be executed by one or more processors 126 to cause the computing device 124 (eg, the testing device 100) to perform any of the functions or methods described herein.

[0045] Communication interface 130 may include hardware to enable communication within computing device 124 and / or between computing device 124 and one or more other devices. The hardware may include, for example, any type of input and / or output interface, a universal serial bus (USB), PCI Express, a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. Communication interface 130 may be configured to facilitate communication with one or more other devices according to one or more wired or wireless communication protocols. For example, communication interface 130 may be configured to facilitate wireless data communication from computing device 124 according to one or more wireless communication standards, such as one or more Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 801.11 standards, ZigBee standards, Bluetooth standards, etc. As another example, communication interface 130 may be configured to facilitate wired data communication with one or more other devices. Communication interface 106 may also include analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that computing device 124 may use to control various components of computing device 124 or external devices.

[0046] User interface 132 may include any type of display component configured to display data. As one example, user interface 132 may include a touchscreen display. As another example, user interface 132 may include a flat panel display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light-emitting diode (LED) display. User interface 132 may include one or more hardware components for providing data and control signals to computing device 124. For example, user interface 132 may include a mouse or pointing device, a keyboard or keypad, a microphone, a touchpad or touchscreen, and other possible types of user input devices. Generally, user interface 132 may enable an operator to interact with a graphical user interface (GUI) provided by computing device 124 (e.g., displayed by user interface 132).

[0047] The power source 108 is typically in the form of a rechargeable battery, but other examples are possible. In some embodiments, the user interface 132 is configured to display a measurement of the voltage level of the electrical terminal cavity. In some embodiments, the user interface 132 is configured to display a measurement of the voltage level with at least three significant digits.

[0048] The voltmeter 110 is an instrument configured to provide a digital or analog output that indicates a voltage detected between the input terminals of the voltmeter 110. The voltmeter 110 typically includes a high resistance between the input terminals of the voltmeter 110 so that the measurement of the voltage does not substantially change the voltage when compared to the circuit being measured. The terms "about" or "substantially" with respect to quantities or measurements described herein mean that the feature, parameter, or value described need not be achieved exactly, but deviations or variations may occur, including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors known to those skilled in the art, which deviations or variations may occur to an extent that does not preclude the effect that the feature is intended to provide. The first port 116 is configured to receive a first connecting lead 120, and the second port 118 is configured to receive a second connecting lead 122.

[0049] In some embodiments, device 100 can cause test subject 102 to conduct current when engaged. Furthermore, in some embodiments, test subject 102 includes a housing comprising an electrically insulating layer. This shields test subject 102 from any adverse effects of electrical contact. Furthermore, in some embodiments, test subject 102 includes a circuit protector. For example, the circuit protector can be a fuse or a circuit breaker.

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an electrical test device 300 for testing voltage levels in electrical terminal cavities. The device 300 has a handle 302 configured to attach to a test body of the electrical test device, which may include Figure 1 and Figure 2 Any combination of components of the test body 102 in.

[0051] Device 300 may also include a test lead 304 for insertion into an electrical terminal cavity. Test lead 304 includes a non-flexible portion 306 configured to attach to handle 302, a non-flexible probe 308 configured to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity, and a flexible connector 310 extending between non-flexible portion 306 and non-flexible probe 308, such that flexible connector 310 has two or more links. Each of the two or more links can articulate in multiple directions. For example, flexible connector 310 allows for angles or bends from 0 to 180 degrees, or multiple angles and bends, such as 0 to 30 degrees, 30 to 60 degrees, 60 to 90 degrees, 90 to 120 degrees, 120 to 150 degrees, and 150 to 180 degrees, enabling the probe of the test device to obtain improved measurements without having to remove other obstructions or obtain them in their own way.

[0052] The two or more links of flexible connector 310 can be made of a flexible, semi-rigid material, such as a plastic material. In some embodiments, the semi-rigid material is non-conductive to prevent interference with the wires. An example of such a material is an acetal copolymer material, which may include polyoxymethylene. Many other plastics and / or other non-conductive electrical materials can be used for flexible connector 310. Furthermore, flexible connector 310 can be adjustable when a force (e.g., bending, twisting, etc.) is applied to the two or more links.

[0053] In some embodiments, flexible connector 310 houses a flexible wire that electrically connects the circuitry within handle 302 and non-flexible probe 308. The contact surface of non-flexible probe 308 is configured to contact the electrical terminal cavity to be tested. Furthermore, in some embodiments, non-flexible probe 308 can take the form of a pointed tip. In some embodiments, device 300 includes a circuit protector, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, that can protect the circuit from damage caused by overcurrent, overload, or short circuit by interrupting the current after a protective relay detects a fault.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, two links (310a and 310b) can constitute the flexible connector 310, but other configurations with more links are also possible. For example, the first link 310a can be configured to be positioned between the inflexible portion 306 attached to the handle 302 and the second link 310b. The second link 310b can be configured to be positioned between the first link 310a and the probe 308. The first link 310a and the second link 310b can be configured to allow the probe 308 to bend relative to the inflexible portion 306 attached to the handle 302.

[0055] For example, in Figure 4 , aspects of an electrical test device 400 for testing voltage levels in an electrical terminal cavity are shown having a flexible connector 410 having three links (410a, 410b, and 410c). The electrical test device 400 includes a handle 402 configured to attach to a test body of the electrical test device, which may include Figure 1 and Figure 2 Any combination of components of the test body 102 in.

[0056] The device 400 may also include a test lead 404 for insertion into the electrical terminal cavity. The test lead 404 includes a non-flexible portion 406 configured to be attached to the handle 402, a non-flexible probe 408 configured to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity, and a flexible connector 410 extending between the non-flexible portion 406 and the non-flexible probe 408, such that the flexible connector 410 has three links (410a, 410b, and 410c). The three links 410a, 410b, and 410c may be configured in the same manner as Figure 3 The links 310a and 310b are of the same form, can be of the same or similar material, may require the same force to bend, etc.

[0057] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating a flexible connector 500 and a probe 502 for connecting to electrical terminals that provide improved access to restricted and / or difficult-to-reach areas. Flexible connector 500 is comprised of two or more links 504. For example, a first link 506 can be configured to interact with a second link 508, enabling radial movement of the first and second links 506, 508 relative to each other in multiple directions. This reduces the need for additional and / or attachable components to test fixtures, enabling testing of electrical terminal cavities that may have limited or restricted access (e.g., partially blocked by other components or located within a tight confines), such as rigid attachments that only allow for certain test angles within the electrical test fixture. Flexible connector 500 allows probe 502 to be positioned at the appropriate angle for insertion into these electrical terminal cavities without requiring physical additions to the fixture, such as adapters. Instead, flexible connector 500 allows probe 502 to be bent from the test fixture to an angle between 0 and 180 degrees, or a range of angles between 0 and 180 degrees.

[0058] The two or more links 504 can be bent into a variety of shapes relative to each other at a variety of bends and angles, as well as into a variety of shapes (e.g., an "S" shape). For example, the two or more links 504 allow for angles or bends from 0 to 180 degrees, or a variety of angles and bends, such as 0 to 30 degrees, 30 to 60 degrees, 60 to 90 degrees, 90 to 120 degrees, 120 to 150 degrees, and 150 to 180 degrees, so that the probe of the test device can obtain improved measurements without having to remove other obstacles or obtain them in their own way.

[0059] In some examples, the length of flexible connector 500 is between 2 inches and 6 inches. For example, a flexible connector can be 2 inches long, composed of a series of 3 links, and can allow up to 45 degrees of freedom of motion. In other examples, a flexible connector can be 6 inches long, composed of 10 flexible connectors, and can allow up to 180 degrees of freedom of motion. Other lengths of flexible connector 500 are possible.

[0060] In some examples, such as Figure 5B As shown, flexible connector 500 may include a series of links, such as links 520a and 520b. In these examples, each link in the series (e.g., 520a) can be frictionally coupled to an adjacent link (e.g., 520b). Furthermore, each link 520a, 520b can include conical portions 522a, 522b and rounded portions 524a, 524b. The conical portion 522a of a first link 520a can be coupled to the rounded portion 524b of an adjacent second link 520b. This configuration allows for frictional engagement and radial movement of the rounded portion 524b, thereby allowing the first link 520a to couple with the adjacent second link 520b. This configuration also provides flexible connector 500 with sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape during use, while also allowing sufficient force to be used to shape flexible connector 500 into a desired position.

[0061] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a method 600 for operating the apparatus 100. Figure 6 As shown, method 600 includes one or more operations, functions, or actions as shown in block 602. Any additional blocks may be performed in parallel and / or in an order different from that described herein. In addition, based on the desired implementation, various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and / or removed.

[0062] At block 602, the method 600 of using an apparatus for testing a voltage level in an electrical terminal cavity includes contacting the electrical terminal cavity with the apparatus. The apparatus may include Figure 1 Any component of a device described in claim 1, comprising a test body and a test lead for insertion into an electrical terminal cavity. The test lead comprises a non-flexible portion configured to be attached to the test body, a non-flexible probe configured to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity, and a flexible connector extending between the non-flexible portion and the non-flexible probe, such that the flexible connector has two or more links, each link being capable of articulating in multiple directions. The device also includes circuitry operatively coupled to the probe for sensing a voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity.

[0063] In some embodiments, the method includes detecting a voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity via the device. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the method includes displaying a measured value of the voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity via a user interface on the device. In some embodiments, the measured value of the voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity includes at least three significant digits.

[0064] In some embodiments, the method includes two or more links of the device comprising a semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the flexible connector is adjustable upon application of force. In some embodiments, the flexible connector houses a flexible wire that electrically connects a circuit within the test subject to the non-flexible probe.

[0065] III. Conclusion

[0066] It should be understood that the arrangements described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions, sequences, and / or functional groupings) may be used instead, and that some elements may be omitted entirely.

[0067] Although various aspects and embodiments are described herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0068] In this specification, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are used to introduce elements and / or functions of example embodiments. Use of these articles intends that there are one or more of the introduced elements and / or functions.

[0069] In this specification, the intention of using the term "and / or" within a list of at least two elements or functions, and the intention of using the terms "at least one of...", "at least one of the following...", "one or more of...", "one or more of...", and "one or more of the following" immediately before a list of at least two elements or functions, is to cover every embodiment that independently includes the listed components or functions and every embodiment that includes a combination of the listed components or functions. For example, an embodiment described as including A, B, and / or C, or at least one of A, B, and C, or at least one of A, B, or C, or one or more of A, B, and C, or one or more of A, B, and C, or one or more of A, B, or C, or one or more of A, B, or C, is intended to encompass each of the following possible embodiments: (i) an embodiment including A but not B and not C, (ii) an embodiment including B but not A and not C, (iii) an embodiment including C but not A and not B, (iv) an embodiment including A and C but not B, (v) an embodiment including B and C but not A, (v) an embodiment including B and C but not A, and / or (vi) an embodiment including A, B, and C, (v) an embodiment including B and C but not A, and / or (vi) an embodiment including A, B, and C. For an embodiment including component or function A, the embodiment may include one A or multiple A's. For an embodiment including component or function B, the embodiment may include one B or multiple B's. For embodiments including a component or functionality C, the embodiments may include one C or multiple C. According to the foregoing examples and at least some example embodiments, "A" may represent a component, "B" may represent a system, and "C" may represent a system.

[0070] The use of ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and "third" is intended to distinguish corresponding elements and does not indicate the order of these elements unless the context of the use of these terms clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, description of a "first" element (such as a first plate) does not require the presence of a second or any other element (such as a second plate).

Claims

1. A device for testing a voltage level in an electrical terminal cavity, the device comprising: Test subject; A test lead, the test lead being used to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity, the test lead comprising: a non-flexible portion configured to attach to the test body; a non-flexible probe configured to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity; and a flexible connector extending between the inflexible portion and the inflexible probe, wherein the flexible connector comprises two or more links, and wherein each of the links is capable of articulating in multiple directions; and Circuitry is disposed within the test body, wherein the circuitry is operatively coupled to the test lead such that the circuitry is configured to sense a voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The two or more links comprise a semi-rigid material.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein The flexible connector is adjustable upon application of force.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein The semi-rigid material is non-conductive.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein The flexible connector houses a flexible wire that electrically connects the circuit within the test body and the inflexible probe.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein The contact surface of the non-flexible probe is configured to contact the electrical terminal cavity.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein When engaged, the test body conducts electrical current.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein The test body is encapsulated in an electrically insulating layer.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user interface.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein The user interface is configured to display a measured value of a voltage level of the electrical terminal cavity.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein The user interface is configured to display the measured value of the voltage level with at least three significant digits.

12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes circuit protector.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein The circuit protector includes a fuse or a circuit breaker.

14. A method of using an apparatus for testing a voltage level in an electrical terminal cavity, the method comprising: contacting the electrical terminal cavity with the device, wherein the device comprises: Test subject; A test lead, the test lead being used to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity, the test lead comprising: a non-flexible portion configured to attach to the test body; a non-flexible probe configured to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity; and a flexible connector extending between the inflexible portion and the inflexible probe, wherein the flexible connector comprises two or more links, and wherein each of the links is capable of articulating in multiple directions; and Circuitry is disposed within the test body, wherein the circuitry is operably coupled to the test lead such that the circuitry is configured to sense a voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: A voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity is detected via the device.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: A measurement of the voltage level of the electrical terminal cavity is displayed via a user interface on the device.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The measured value of the voltage level of the electrical terminal cavity includes at least three significant digits.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein The two or more links comprise a semi-rigid material.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The flexible connector is adjustable upon application of force.

20. The method according to claim 14, wherein The flexible connector houses a flexible wire that electrically connects the circuit within the test body and the inflexible probe.

Images