Abstract: An improved device and corresponding method for warning of deterioration of a starter mechanism in which a motor is powered by a battery to start a combustion engine, prior to failure of the starter mechanism to enable starting of the engine. Featuring the addition of at least one noise and/or vibration sensor, at least one corresponding noise and/or vibration level tester, a logic circuit, and a delay mechanism, to a device and method including a timer responsive to activation of the starter mechanism to time a given time interval, a voltage level tester for measuring a voltage across the battery at the end of the given time interval, a counter for performing an incremental count of occasions on which the voltage is below a given level, and an alarm unit for providing a warning signal when the incremental count is greater than a given number.

Abstract: A device for warning of deterioration of a starter mechanism in which a motor is powered by a battery to start a combustion engine. The device includes a timer responsive to activation of the starter mechanism to time a given time interval, a voltage level tester for measuring a voltage across the battery at the end of the given time interval, a counter for maintaining an incremental count of occasions on which the voltage is below a given level, and an alarm unit for providing a warning signal when the incremental count exceeds a given number. In a preferred embodiment, the voltage level tester measures the voltage across the battery continuously, and the timer identifies activation of the starter mechanism by a corresponding sudden drop in voltage across the battery.

Abstract: A device for warning when a person is submerged beneath water, comprising a timing circuit having first and second terminals and being responsive to a voltage applied to the first terminal for connecting the second terminal to the first terminal after a predetermined time interval and an alarm unit connected to the second terminal of the timing circuit. A normally open water-sensitive switch is provided for attaching to a part of the person's body which is normally above water and is coupled to the first terminal of the timing circuit. An electrical supply is coupled to the water-sensitive switch for applying the required voltage to the first terminal of the timing circuit when the water-sensitive switch is submerged beneath water. A normally deflated float may be worn by the person so as to be automatically inflated in response to the alarm signal.