Abstract: A gate-drive circuit (10) is an interface between a clock (12) and control circuit (14) and a circuit (16) comprising an isolated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) devices. The clock (12) provides two complementary clock signals (CLK1, CLK2) to the gate-drive circuit (10); the control circuit provides a signal (ENABLE) for turning the gate-drive circuit on and off, and the gate-drive circuit outputs isolated supply voltages (+RAIL, -RAIL), a drive signal (GATE), and a common reference signal (EMITTER). The control signal is sent across an isolation boundary via a 2-MHz push-pull converter in the gate-drive circuit (10). A transformer (T1) in the gate-drive circuit provides the isolation boundary. The power required to switch the IGBT device (16) is sent through the same 2-MHz converter. The secondary of the 2-MHz push-pull transformer (T1) is referenced to the IGBT emitter.

Abstract: A system for starting an internal combustion engine includes an electrical energy storage device 10, a cranking motor 12 connected with the storage device, and energy management means including a controller 26 for estimating the energy delivery capability of the storage device as a function of at least one variable having a value determined during a previous episode of engine operation.

Abstract: In a hand-held electronic apparatus, such as radio display pager, a control circuit is powered by a first battery to produce an control signal for operating an inductive device such as vibrator. A second battery is provided having an internal resistance lower than the internal resistance of the first battery. A capacitor is connected in parallel with the inductive device and the voltage developed thereacross is monitored by a voltage sensor, which produces a sensor output when the voltage exceeds a prescribed level. A first switching circuit is responsive to the control signal for coupling the inductive device to the second battery and responsive to the sensor output for decoupling it from the second battery. A second switching circuit also responds to the sensor output for coupling the inductive device to the first battery until the control signal ceases to exist.

Abstract: To prevent the complete discharge of a battery connected to a load, a battery voltage of the battery is compared with a reference voltage, and a switch is activated to open an electrical connection between the battery and the load when the detected battery voltage falls below the reference voltage. To compensate for dynamic characteristics of the battery and the load, a battery current flowing through the battery is detected and a value of the reference voltage is continuously set according to the detected battery current. Similarly, a battery temperature of the battery also controls the reference voltage. Also, a timer may be provided to cause the switch to open the connection between the battery and the load only when the detected battery voltage remains below the reference voltage for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A device for use in conjunction with a battery in a motor vehicle which is connected to an electrical load. The device includes a microprocessor which iteratively inputs the value of the battery voltage as well as the ambient temperature surrounding the battery. The microprocessor also sets a cut off voltage level which increases proportionately with elapsed time from the last system reset of the device and preferably adjusts the cut off voltage level as a function of the ambient temperature of the battery. The cut off voltage level is set so that when the battery reaches the cut off voltage, sufficient energy remains in the battery for engine ignition, i.e. engine starting. The microprocessor then iteratively compares the battery voltage signal with the cut off voltage level and generates an output signal whenever the battery voltage is less than or equal to the cut off voltage level. The output signal initiates a timer which counts down a relatively short period of time, for example two minutes.

Abstract: A battery protection system for an engine-driven system having an engine, a storage battery to provide starting power for the engine, a main switch having a first condition in which the engine is operative and a second condition in which the engine is inoperative, and a load circuit connected to the battery to receive electrical power from the battery. The battery protection system protects the battery from being discharged below a predetermined minimum value sufficient to start the engine.

Abstract: A battery charge monitor for automotive vehicles that includes electronic circuitry for connection to the vehicle battery and responsive to battery voltage to provide a first electrical signal when battery voltage decreases to a selected threshold level. A latching relay includes relay contacts for connection between the vehicle battery and vehicle battery loads, including the starter. A first relay coil is operatively coupled to the relay contacts and responsive to the first signal from the electronic circuitry to open the relay contacts and disconnect the battery from the battery loads including the starter. A second relay coil is operatively coupled to the relay contacts and responsive to a second electrical signal from an operator reset switch for reclosing the relay contacts and connecting the battery to the loads. Thus, when battery charge reaches a level below which starting may be difficult, the electronic circuitry cooperates with the latching relay to disconnect the battery from the loads.

Abstract: A method of automatically starting and stopping an engine of a truck to conserve fuel while maintaining the engine in a ready-to-start condition, and while controlling the temperature of a truck sleeper unit. The method includes the steps of selecting predetermined system parameters via a password accessible interactive program, providing a first switch for selecting an automatic engine start-stop operating mode, providing a second switch for selecting an automatic temperature control mode for the truck sleeper unit, and providing safety apparatus which indicates when the truck engine may be safely operated in the automatic engine start-stop operating mode. The method further includes the step of overriding the ignition switch control of the engine in response to a predetermined condition when the first switch selects the automatic operating mode and the safety apparatus indicates the truck engine may be safely operated in the automatic operating mode.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the position of a tractor-trailer rearview mirror to maintain unobstructed vision in the mirror during turns employs a pair of ultrasonic transducers mounted on the external rear wall of the tractor on opposite sides of the centerline thereof so as to project ultrasonic sound beams onto the forward wall of the trailer. A control circuit determines the difference in the two path lengths, indicating the degree of turning of the vehicle, to generate control signals to a mirror rotating motor. A third transducer may be mounted for rotation with the mirror and directs an ultrasonic beam along the zone immediately beside the trailer for detecting persons or objects within the zone and actuating an alarm in the event of such detection.

Abstract: A vehicle storage battery protection system that senses a drop in battery voltage to a level at which the battery still retains sufficient power to start the vehicle. If the sensed voltage remains at or below this level for a time greater than the time normally required to start the vehicle, the battery is disconnected from the load and a hysteresis signal is provided to prevent a reconnection as the battery voltage begins to rise after the load has been disconnected. The load is automatically reconnected to the battery upon operation of the ignition switch to restart the vehicle. A reset circuit provides a small test voltage to the disconnected load, and senses a voltage drop caused by operation of the ignition switch to start the vehicle. This sensed voltage drop is detected and causes a main switch to reconnect the battery to the loads.

Abstract: A typical motor vehicle has an electrical storage battery (BT) to power its electrical facilities (L), including facilities which normally consume current when the vehicle is left unattended. A control system (CU) for the electrical supply system comprises means for generating a first relatively low reference voltage (VR1) and a second relatively high reference voltage (VR2), each selected to conform to a pre-selected battery condition; a first timing means (T1) operable for a relatively short period and a second timing means (T2) operable for a relatively long period. The timers operate from the time when the driver leaves the vehicle. A first voltage comparator (C1) is arranged to compare the actual battery voltage with the first reference voltage after said relatively short period and thereafter to provide a low battery signal if the actual voltage is below the first reference voltage.

Abstract: A programmable timer power switch unit with emergency override reset for use with a battery includes a power switch which receives power from the battery and switches the power to equipment. The unit also has a plurality of voltage detectors connected to the battery to detect a plurality of voltages and a vibration-pressure detector which detects any movement of the motor. There is a timer-control logic which is connected to the components and disables the power switch when voltage problems are detected. The unit further includes a programmable delay switch. The purpose of this switch is to allow the equipment to run during a pre-selected time. Also, there is an auto/manual override switch for overriding the timer-control logic and providing a short delay time prior to disconnecting the unit in order to protect any memory intensive electronic equipment from intermittent drop-outs such as when the engine is started.

Abstract: A method for detecting a fault in an automotive system is disclosed, the method including the steps of energizing the system, monitoring the power supply value of the vehicle power supply during a predetermined interval; detecting an inability of the system to be placed into a desired operating state and generating a fault signal in response thereto; and recording each occurrence of a fault signal only when the power supply value is within predetermined limits.

Abstract: An on/off circuit is provided to automatically turn "on" or "off" electrical power to electrical outlets depending upon whether an automobile engine is "on" or "off". The circuit is powered by the automobile battery via a plug inserted into an automobile cigarette lighter socket. The circuit includes a mechanical vibration sensor, namely a piezoelectrical transducer, that monitors engine vibrations. Upon detection of vibrations, the sensor outputs a signal that is amplified by an operational amplifier before being rectified and filtered into a signal that triggers a transistor to switch a power supply circuit "on". Energization of the power supply circuit provides power to one or more electrical sockets. The power supply circuit includes a current limiting circuit (featuring a Darlington transistor) to protect against high current damage. When the sensor notes an absence of vibrations, the on/off circuit shuts off the power supply circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle storage battery protection system that senses a drop in battery voltage to a level at which the battery still retains sufficient power to start the vehicle. If the sensed voltage remains at or below this level for a time greater than the time normally required to start the vehicle, the battery is disconnected from the load and a hysteresis signal is provided to prevent a reconnection as the battery voltage begins to rise after the load has been disconnected. The load is automatically reconnected to the battery upon operation of the ignition switch to restart the vehicle. A reset circuit provides a small test voltage to the disconnected load, and senses a voltage drop caused by operation of the ignition switch to start the vehicle. This sensed voltage drop is detected and causes a main switch to reconnect the battery to the loads.

Abstract: A vehicular battery operated charger (202) for charging an electronic device such as a radio (204) includes a controller (218). Controller (218) determines the battery voltage of the vehicles battery (222) and compares it to a threshold level stored in controller (218). Charger (202) will automatically charge radio battery (206) as long as the voltage level of the vehicles battery (222) does not drop below the threshold level stored in controller (218).

Abstract: A battery disconnect circuit (10) is shown for disconnecting a battery (12) from an electrical load (14). A voltage measuring circuit (32) constantly measures the voltage of the battery (12). When the voltage reaches a predetermined voltage, proportional to the stored electrochemical energy sufficient to start a vehicle one time, a circuit breaker (24) disconnects the battery (12). An inhibitor (53) senses the operation of the engine (31) through an electret microphone (94) and inhibits the circuit breaker (24) from opening. An alarm disabler (58) senses the state of the circuit breaker (24), i.e., whether the circuit breaker (24) is open or closed, and disables the alarm (42) if the circuit breaker (24) is closed. A trigger (41) through a sensor (R1) sensing a drop in voltage due to an operator trying to activate the starting subsystem (30), activates the alarm (42) to notify the operator that the battery (12) has been disconnected.

Abstract: A vehicle having an engine starter requires a huge amount of electric power so that when the remaining capacity of the battery is low, the engine starter cannot start the engine quickly. In order to maintain a minimum capacity of the battery necessary to start the engine quickly, an electric power supply apparatus is provided which includes a switching device for stopping a vehicle engine, a timer device for measuring elapsed time after engine stoppage, a capacity detector for detecting remaining capacity of a battery, vehicle equipment driven by the electric power from the battery, a switching member for turning off the power supplied from the battery to the vehicle equipment and a control device for controlling the switching member when the capacity of the battery is below a certain level and the timer device measures the elapsed time.

Abstract: An electric machine such as a telephone set, a facsimile machine, etc. installed in a vehicle is supplied with an electric power from a power supply. The power supply is a battery which is charged from a generator driven by an engine of the vehicle, when the engine is rotated. On the other hand, the power supply is a secondary battery which is charged from the battery, when the engine is not rotated.

Abstract: In a pulse forming electrical circuit suitable for use with a gas discharge laser having continuously falling impedance, there is provided a saturable inductor operable to cause the output impedance of the circuitry to vary with the current drawn by the load thereby ensuring that the matching between the impedance of the circuitry and the load to be better than would be the case if the impedance of the circuitry were fixed.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system is equipped with a circuit to produce a pulse signal when a disconnected vehicle battery is reconnected, and a normally asleep microcomputer based controller is programmed to wake up upon receipt of the pulse signal or another detector signal, and to evaluate the status of each detector signal and the armed, disarmed and alarm state of the controller to sound an alarm, if appropriate, in response to the battery reconnect signal. The armed, disarmed or alarm state of the controller is stored in a non-volatile memory so that information will be kept indefinitely during power loss.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a power supply of an electric machine in a vehicle comprises primary and secondary power supplies for supplying an electric power to the electric machine. In an engine-off state the primary power supply is selected as a power supply for the electric machine when an electric power consumption of the electric machine is over a predetermined value, indicating an operating mode, and the secondary power supply is selected when the consumption is below the predetermined value, indicating a waiting mode. Therefore, the absentee receiving of facsimile information, the absentee recording of telephone message, etc. are carried out, even in an ignition-off state. The secondary power supply is used mainly in the case that the electric machine is in waiting mode, so that the complete exhaustion of the secondary battery can be prevented.

Abstract: A battery discharge load current control system for a motor vehicle electrical system which can disconnect the battery from an electrical load to prevent over-discharge of the battery. The electrical load can be a so-called parasitic load which is of the type that is normally permanently connected to the battery. The electrical load is disconnected from the battery after the elapse of certain time periods. The system has a means for counting ignition cycles and after a certain count is attained, it is considered that the motor vehicle has been delivered to a purchasing customer. Prior to attaining the count, the time period is controlled to be about 1 or 2 days. After the count is attained, the time period is increased to be about 20 to 30 days.

Abstract: A battery protection circuit for an engine ignition system comprises first and second terminals for connection in series with a discharge circuit of the battery and normally ON switching means connected between said terminals. If the battery voltage falls below a predetermined level, for example, as a result of leaving the headlights on in a parked motor vehicle, incorporating the circuit in its ignition system, the switching means turns OFF and isolates the battery, so as to prevent further discharge of the battery. The switching means can be reset by the user, for example, by means of a signal from a handheld I.R. transmitter on returning to the vehicle, enabling the ignition coil to be energized from the battery and the engine to be started. Thus the circuit can be used to prevent a vehicle battery from going flat when the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: A discharge detector circuit is provided for detecting a discharging state of a battery of a motor vehicle. A lower limit voltage of the battery which is a lower limit voltage for starting an engine of the vouching is detected. Power supply to a car stereo is cut off when the discharge of the battery is detected and the battery voltage decreases to the lower limit voltage.

Abstract: A battery protector/automatic ON switching device comprises a first terminal for connecting to the generator output of the vehicle and a second terminal for connecting to the input pole of the vehicle battery, and a diode serially connecting the first and second terminals to permit a charging current to flow to the battery and block current flow in the reverse direction. A third terminal for connection to a load circuit of the vehicle connects to the first terminal through an automatic switch which will switch on the ON condition only when at least a threshold voltage sufficient to excite the genertor to its full output is experienced at the first terminal. The first terminal connects directly to a dummy pole that may be gripped by a booster cable for providing a booster charge to another battery. The diode prevents current flow from the battery of the source vehicle and the inadvertent damage thereof.

Abstract: Method of operation of an air cleaner used in a motor vehicle, comprises the steps of: intermittently turning off a blower motor of the air cleaner at a given interval; detecting ripple components included in an output voltage developed by a dynamo driven by an engine of the motor vehicle by detecting the output voltage between dc power supply lines connected from the dynamo to the air cleaner; and maintaining turn off condition of the blower motor when the ripple component is lower than a given level during intermittently turning off the blower motor. When the engine is stopped, during the on interval of the blower motor, stoppage of the engine cannot be detected by watching the ripple components included in power supply lines. However, during the following intermittent turning off interval, stop of the engine can be detected because the ripple component due to operation of the blower motor is not developed.

Abstract: An electrical heating arrangement for a motor vehicle comprises a heating resistor that is energizable directly by the power generator provided that within a network of consuming devices failure has been detected and also provided that essential elements of the network such as battery or engine temperature are within predetermined limits. Upon detection of a failure this error condition is optically indicated and the connection between the heating resistor and the generator is interrupted.

Abstract: A kit 11 comprises an electrical apparatus 13, a clamp connector 15, a nut connector 17 and an adaptor post 19. Kit 11 enables electrical apparatus 13 to be selectively connected in an automobile in circuit alternatively with an engine starter circuit 21 and a battery 23 having post terminals 25, 27 (FIG. 1) and with an engine starter circuit 29 and an automobile battery 31 having nut terminals 33, 35 (FIG. 2) by appropriate connection of adaptor post 19. Adaptor post 19 is interchangeable between a location (FIG. 2) in which it is clamped in the clamp connector 15 of apparatus 13 and a location (FIG. 1) in which it is threaded into the nut connector 17 of apparatus 13.

Abstract: A device for use in conjunction with a battery in a motor which is connected to an electrical load. The device includes a microprocessor which iteratively inputs the value of the battery voltage as well as the ambient temperature surrounding the battery. The microprocessor also sets a cut off voltage level which increases proportionately with elapsed time from the last system reset of the device and preferably adjusts the cut off voltage level as a function of the ambient temperature of the battery. The cut off voltage level is set so that when the battery reaches the cut off voltage, sufficient energy remains in the battery for engine ignition. The microprocessor then iteratively compares the battery voltage signal with the cut off voltage level and generates an output signal whenever the battery voltage is less than or equal to the cut off voltage level. The output signal initiates a timer which counts down a relatively short period of time, for example two minutes.

Abstract: A noise immune electronic switch is connectible between a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle and a plug-in accessory device. The electronic switch is turned on in response to the drop in B+ voltage at the lighter socket when the automobile starter is engaged for rapidly charging an integrating capacitor that is coupled to a comparator. The other comparator input is connected to a source of reference voltage. The output of the comparator, when switched, drives a transistor switch conductive to couple the B+ line between the cigarette lighter socket and an output connector. A filter passes alternator ripple voltage on the B+ line to an amplifier where the ripple is amplified and inverted. The negative half cycles of the ripple voltage charge the integrating capacitor to maintain the comparator output switched.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic starting, running and stopping of an internal combustion engine. Designed primarily for automotive applications, this invention provides significant improvements in convenience, safety, and reliability as compared to current state of the art engine controller designs. Included are means of automatic activation for ease of operation, means of automatic deactivation to insure safety, and means of automatically initiating an engine start sequence or disregarding an engine shutdown request in order to avoid a low probability of restart condition. Means are also provided for the actuation of fuel supply means, actuation of the starter, and actuation of accessories as with any automatic engine starting device.

Abstract: A parking lamp operating system reduces the electrical load on the battery of a vehicle, such as a truck, during periods when the vehicle engine is off but the parking lamps of the vehicle remain on wherein a switched signal input from the battery is modulated to provide a pulse-width-modulated output to the gate of a power transistor having a power input from the battery and an output to the parking lamps. The pulsed signal causes the transistor to intermittently switch the power to the lamps thereby reducing the effective voltage thereto while providing sufficient light output to be observed. The modulator may be bypassed by a second signal line connected to the vehicle alternator to provide a continuous signal to the transistor gate, thereby providing full power to the lamps when the engine is running.

Abstract: An automatic power interrupting system for a vehicular control circuit including a relay switch having a contact connected between a power source and the supply terminal of a control circuit and a relay coil connected with the power source, a control switch connected between the power source and the supply terminal and with the signal input terminal of the control circuit and turned on only by an external force, a revolution detector for detecting engine revolutions and a switching device for turning the relay switch on when power is supplied to the circuit and off after a predetermined time period measured after stop of the engine based on a signal from the revolution detector.

Abstract: An emergency circuit breaker for preventing the transmission of electrical current to a vehicle from a battery connected in an electric circuit of the vehicle. The battery is connected in the circuit of the vehicle so that at least one terminal of the battery is not grounded to the structure of the vehicle under normal conditions. The circuit breaker is provided as a separate modular unit which is mountable to the external posts of the battery. The circuit breaker has an impact resistant housing for shielding the ungrounded terminal of the battery from electrical contact with the structure of the vehicle. A fuse link is provided for interrupting the flow of electrical current from the battery to the vehicle circuit in response to an increase in the electrical current flowing through the fuse link. The ungrounded terminal of the battery is electrically connected to a first side of the fuse link, and the impact resistant housing shields the connector from electrical contact with the structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A snowmobile electrical system having a battery conservation circuit. The system is designed to conserve battery power after deactivation of the engine using the kill switch, even if the key switch is left on. Battery power is normally consumed by continued connection of the microprocessor-based electronic engine control unit (ECU) to the battery after kill switch activation. To prevent battery consumption, the ECU monitors the electrical output of the ignition system at a position within the system wherein the output is dependent on engine speed. If the output drops to a specified level, a signal generator in the ECU is activated. Signals from the signal generator are directed to a solid state switching system which disconnects the battery from the ECU. As a result, battery consumption is controlled.

Abstract: A theft deterrent system according to which the battery of a motor vehicle is selectively rendered inoperative. A numbered code is manually entered onto a key pad which may be located on the dashboard of the motor vehicle. The key pad is connected to an integrated circuit which is an integral component of the battery. When the proper numbered code is entered, the battery is rendered either operative or inoperative, as desired. When the battery has been inactivated and an incorrect number is entered, as by an unauthorized person, the battery remains inactivated, but an alarm is energized.

Abstract: A detector unit for use in detecting unauthorized intrusion into homes, offices, factories and other buildings is described. The detector unit comprises a detector such as a passive infrared detector and a radio frequency transmitter that is connected to the detector and that transmits a detector signal when the detector is actuated, and battery means. Two batteries power the detector and the transmitter. A power control means is arranged so that when the power of the said first battery drops below a certain minimum the second battery is connected to the detector and the transmitter. A warning is given at the main control unit that the second battery is being used so that the user can now replace both batteries.

Abstract: A pulse generating unit including a delay unit for delaying an input signal of the pulse generating unit and a comparator unit for comparing an output signal of the delay unit with the above mentioned input signal, wherein the delay unit comprises one inverter for inverting the above mentioned input signal and for delaying the pulse fall time of the pulse fall edge of the inverted input signal, whereby the pulse generator generates an output pulse signal with a constant pulse duration even in the case where the pulse duration of the input pulse signal is shorter than the delay time of the delay unit.

Abstract: An accelerometer based power control apparatus for use in an aircraft subsystem (where the subsystem may be a fire extinguishing system) utilizes an independent battery source. The battery is connected to the aircraft subsystem only during the flight of the aircraft by a positive indication of an associated accelerometer which closes a switch connecting the battery to the aircraft subsystem.

Abstract: An automatic light-extinguishing circuit (60) is disclosed for extinguishing, for example, the headlights (30) of an automobile some interval of time after the ignition switch (54) is opened. The circuit includes a temperature-actuated switch (72), switching relay (78), and diode (86). The heating element (74) of the temperature-actuated switch and a solenoid (80) of the switching relay are energized upon closure of the ignition switch, closing two normally open switch element (82 and 84). In this condition, current passes through the switch elements of the switching relay to the headlights and taillights. When the heating element causes the temperature of a switch element (76) to rise sufficiently, the switch element closes, forming an alternative path of current to the solenoid. When the ignition switch is opened, this path is maintained, ensuring continued flow of current to the headlights and taillights until the switch element cools sufficiently to open.

Abstract: A programmable timer power switch unit for use with a battery includes a power switch receives power from the battery and switches the power to equipment. The unit also has a charge-discharge detector connected to the battery to detect a potential charge of the battery and a vibration-pressure detector which detects any movement of or sounds from the motor. There is a timer-control logic which is connected to the components and disables the power switch when any problems are detected. The unit further includes a programmable delay switch. The purpose of this switch is to allow the equipment to run during a pre-selected item. Also, there is a manual override switch for overriding the timer-control logic when necessary.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to an electrical feeding device of a central unit by at least one control signal. The unit is connected with at least one receiving local station and comprises, in association with the local station, a voltage dividing circuit with resistances connected in series with a feeding source through a switching element associated with the local station, and a detector of potential level at a dividing terminal of the dividing circuit generating the control signal when the switching element is closed.

Abstract: Saturable inductor and transformer for magnetic compression of an electronic pulse, using a continuous electrical conductor looped several times around a tightly packed core of saturable inductor material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the consumption of electrical current exceeding the total generating capability of an electrical system and for monitoring the charge of a storage battery between maximum and minimum levels and for disconnecting electrical loads in response to the level reaching the minimum.

Abstract: A high voltage pulse power converter comprises a modified type E pulse charging network (74) in series with a nonlinear magnetic switch (76). The network comprises a ladder of charging elements (78) each of which comprises a shunt section of a pulse charging module (80) in parallel with a pulse receiving capacitor (82), and a series section comprising an inductance (84). The pulse charging module (80) steps up power from a low voltage power supply (102) through a transformer (110) to charge the pulse receiving capacitors (82); the pulse receiving capacitors (82) discharge simultaneously when sufficient volt seconds have been applied to the nonlinear magnetic switch (76).

Abstract: An automatic switching apparatus is disclosed for a system employing a battery and a charging device. A load is automatically disconnected in response to the decrease in voltage caused by an inactivation of the charging device so that the battery will not be undesirably discharges if the load is not turned off. An override switch is provided to allow the load to draw power even when the charging device is not operating.

Abstract: A power source failure detecting system for detecting failure in a power source for an electronic control system for a vehicle determines that a failure occurs in the power source and outputs a signal when the vehicle speed continues to be higher than a predetermined value (e.g., 40 Km/h) for a predetermined time interval (e.g., 10 seconds) and at the same time, the power source voltage is lower than a predetermined value (e.g., 9 v).

Abstract: A safety device is wired in series with selected accessories in a wiring circuit for a vehicle. The safety device of the present invention determines the state of charge of the battery as a function of the rate of discharge of the battery. When the state of charge falls below preset values, the device activates a switch which disconnects the battery from the vehicle wiring circuit in order to save sufficient energy for engine ignition. In another embodiment, a programmed microprocessor activates electronic switches to sequentially disconnect banks of accessories from the battery.

Abstract: A snowmobile electrical system having a battery conservation circuit. The system is designed to conserve battery power after deactivation of the engine using the kill switch, even if the key switch is left on. Battery power is normally consumed by continued connection of the microprocessor-based electronic engine control unit (ECU) to the battery after kill switch activation. To prevent battery consumption, the ECU monitors the electrical output of the ignition system at a position within the system wherein the output is dependent on engine speed. If the output drops to a specified level, a signal generator in the ECU is activated. Signals from the signal generator are directed to a solid state switching system which disconnects the battery from the ECU. As a result, battery consumption is controlled.