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 catalystic converter includes an annular catalyst bed containing catalyst beads and defined by inner and outer coaxial perforated tubes. An outer shell coaxial with the catalyst bed defines a passage between the outer shell and the outer perforated tube. The passage is connected to an outlet port. Exhaust gas flows radially outward through the catalyst bed and then through the passage to the outlet port. Air is injected into the passage at a selected axial location and is drawn into the catalyst bed by the reciprocating action of the engine. As a result, the single catalyst bed has an inner zone with a scarcity of oxygen which reduces oxides of nitrogen and an outer zone with oxygen present. Unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are oxidized in the outer zone.