Abstract: An accessory controller is configured for installation in a vehicle including a vehicle battery, an on-board diagnostics (OBD) port, and a vehicle accessory. The accessory controller includes a network input configured for connection to a communications network pin of the OBD port, and a battery input configured for connection to a battery pin of the OBD port. The accessory controller further includes a controller circuit configured to deliver a vehicle operation signal to the vehicle accessory when a communications signal provided via the network input exceeds a first voltage threshold and a battery signal provided via the battery input exceeds a second threshold.

Abstract: A power supply configured for installation in a vehicle is disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a battery, an on-board diagnostics (OBD) port, and a vehicle accessory. In at least one embodiment, the power supply includes a controller area network (CAN) input configured for connection to a CAN pin of the OBD port, a battery input configured for connection to a battery pin of the OBD port, at least one power output configured for connection to a vehicle accessory, and a controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to (i) monitor a CAN voltage provided via the CAN input, (ii) monitor a battery voltage provided via the battery input, and (iii) selectively deliver power to the at least one power output depending at least in part on the CAN voltage and the battery voltage.

Abstract: A power supply configured for installation in a vehicle is disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a battery, an on-board diagnostics (OBD) port, and a vehicle accessory. In at least one embodiment, the power supply includes a controller area network (CAN) input configured for connection to a CAN pin of the OBD port, a battery input configured for connection to a battery pin of the OBD port, at least one power output configured for connection to a vehicle accessory, and a controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to (i) monitor a CAN voltage provided via the CAN input, (ii) monitor a battery voltage provided via the battery input, and (iii) selectively deliver power to the at least one power output depending at least in part on the CAN voltage and the battery voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting disturbances in an alternating current (AC) supply. A method includes a step of indicating a relationship between supplied AC voltage and a threshold voltage for at least a portion of each cycle of the supplied AC voltage. A circuit for detecting disturbances in supplied alternating current (AC) is provided. The circuit includes a threshold detector coupled to a source of supplied AC. The threshold detector provides a signal indicating a relationship of the supplied AC levels to a threshold level for at least a portion of each cycle of the supplied AC.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and bi-directional communication device, such as a cable modem, router, bridge, or other communication device adapted to communicate via a network and having a firewall, for identifying those packets associated with inappropriate activity. The communication device includes at least one user discernable indicator associated with the firewall. The at least one user discernable indicator contemporaneously indicates that a number of packets associated with the inappropriate activity has exceeded a threshold level.