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 motor driven switch for use in operation between high current electrical systems and low current electrical systems. The motor driven switch includes a control circuit for operating the switch, which includes at least one switch contact movable between electrically open and closed positions. The switch is operated by a reversible direct current motor having a shaft rotatable in opposite rotary directions, upon control of the switch circuitry. The switch contact is operable to conduct high currents, and the direct current motor and associated control circuitry are operative to be controlled by low current systems. In a preferred embodiment, the motor driven switch controls distribution of current within an automotive electrical system.

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 battery cable assembly having an in-line captive switch device, in which the battery cable conductor is divided into two parts, with a conductive contact pad electrically attached to the end of each part, the pads being axially aligned within the bore of a housing having a threaded sleeve member formed, at least partially, of insulating material. The first pad is secured within the sleeve in fixed non-rotating relation thereto, and in fixed position relative to the first cable portion. The second cable portion is provided with a threaded ferrule which is rotatable relative to the second cable portion for providing relative axial displacement between the pads. The rotatable ferrule is captively rotatable to preclude separation of the two cable portions. A blinking light-emitting device is electrically coupled to the two cable portions for energization via the storage battery and electrical circuit through the light-emitting device to provide visual indication when the pads separate.

Abstract: An antitheft ignition system and solenoid apparatus for use therewith in a motor vehicle having a starter motor energized therethrough by means of an ignition switch within the driver's compartment, the solenoid having a metal cannister housing with coils therein and an electronic circuit therein coded for operation in response to receipt of a predetermined series of pulses from the ignition switch for energizing the coils of the solenoid for enabling the starting of the motor of the vehicle. A circuit is provided within the solenoid for detecting the alternating current component of the battery voltage to sense an engine running condition.

Abstract: An anti-theft ignition system including a generally tamper-proof canister or housing substantially covering the solenoid of the starter motor with a portion thereof covering the ignition switch terminal of the solenoid. The housing includes a compartment for receiving electronic circuitry including an encoded circuit coupled to or forming a part of a microcomputer operable in response to proper sequential actuation of the ignition key for energizing a silicon controlled rectifier in series relation with the ignition switch.