Abstract: Three possible types of "faults" may be detected in the ignition system of a vehicle, using simple combinational logic to provide an essentially error-free activation of an indicator when a true fault is present. "Fault" signals which mean non-rotation of the alternator, broken cables or short circuits and the like are distinguished from transient and less significant conditions. The latter conditions are prevented from activating the indicator. A single indicator lamp serves to alert the user to a serious fault requiring service.

Abstract: An integrated battery and recharger that consists of a single casing wherein both a voltage storage cell and a circuit for charging that storage cell are arranged and includes a removable head for attachment to that casing. The assemblage to have the dimensions of a standard "C" cell battery and larger, which head when positioned to the casing in one attitude provides for connection of a positive pole formed in that head to one side of the storage cell, with a battery negative pole connected to the other side of the storage cell, and, when the head is repositioned to its other attitude to the casing, a pair of blades that extend therefrom and are for fitting into a standard household current receptacle, are connected across the charging circuit to charge the storage cell, in which charging attitude the electrical connection to the battery negative pole is broken.

Abstract: A self-regulating energy storage system including: an a.c.

Abstract: Battery charging and surveillance circuits are provided which may have either shunt regulation or series regulation of the control coil. Automatic start up of the charging sequence is initiated when a battery is connected to the output terminals by providing a latch circuit which is powered from a capacitor charged from the high ripple voltage at the open output, which capacitor voltage collapses and causes a one-shot circuit to close, which closes a control power cut-off device in series with the control coil, thereby initiating a battery charging sequence. When the battery is to be disconnected, either a push button switch may be momentarily closed or a latch operates to open the cut-off device, thus causing the output voltage of the battery charging circuit to fall below that of the battery--the power diodes in the circuit preclude back-charge from the battery--so that the battery may then be disconnected without any substantial current flow and therefore without any arcing at the output terminals.