Abstract: In electronic systems for power adjustment in motor vehicles, conventional mechanical linkages or Bowden cables are replaced or supplemented by the transmission of electric signals. Such an electronic power adjustment device contains a control unit (6) which acts on the power adjustor (9) via an electric actuator (8). In order to influence the engine power, an accelerator pedal (5) is provided as a setpoint generator. In a converter (7), the accelerator pedal position is converted into an electric signal which is supplied to the control unit (6). During the starting of the vehicle, a driving authorization control is carried out. The vehicle engine can already be started during the driving authorization control, but accelerator pedal position is taken into account by the control unit (6) only when the driving authorization control is concluded positively. This ensures both a reliable control of driving authorization and comfortable and reliable starting of the vehicle engine by an authorized driver.

Abstract: A neutral safety switch (NSS) is described for use with a remote engine starting system. The NSS may be attached to each of an emergency brake on, door open, engine running and motion sensor. By sensing the state of the sensor inputs, the NSS determines that the emergency brake has been set, that the vehicle transmission is in neutral and that the driver and passengers have left the vehicle, and if these conditions are not met, disables the remote starting system. The NSS may be used with automatic or manual transmission vehicles.

Abstract: An engine control circuit for a lawn tractor having a magneto-operated engine. The circuit includes a four-position switch. When in the first position, the engine is stopped. The engine is started in the fourth position. In the third position, the tractor's power take-off can be used only during forward movement of the tractor. When the operator selects the second switch position, the power take-off can be used regardless of the direction of movement of the tractor. An additional switch is included in the circuit to isolate the tractor drive from a reverse selection arrangement.

Abstract: In a vehicle which has an automatic stop/restart device of the engine 1, the engine 1 is started rapidly only in cases where a quick start of the engine 1 is required such as when the vehicle is stationary on a rising slope, or cuts across the opposite lane for a left turn. For this purpose, excitation of an motor 2 is performed before startup of the motor 2 for restarting the engine 1 quickly. When automatic stop conditions are satisfied, the engine 1 stops, and when restart conditions are satisfied, the motor 2 is started to restart the engine 1. When the vehicle is on a rising slope and it is required to start the vehicle quickly, the motor 2 is energized first before the motor 2 is started. Also, when it is determined that the vehicle must start rapidly such as when the vehicle is trying to cut across the opposite lane for a left turn, the motor 2 is excited before it starts.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automotive power supply system for preventing uncontrolled acceleration that includes a battery, an ignition switch electrically connected to the battery, and an acceleration responses switch provided between the battery and the ignition switch.

Abstract: An electrical/electronic system architecture for a vehicle includes a plurality of regions partitioning the vehicle, with each region having a regional electrical/electronic controller (REEC) and at least one local network partitioning each region, with each local network having an electrical/electronic device. The electrical/electronic system architecture includes a global power distribution network that distributes power from a power source to the REEC within each region and a regional power distribution system that distributes the power from the REEC to the local network. The electrical/electronic system architecture also includes a global communication network that provides serial data communication between the REECs in the regions and a regional communication network communicating with the global communication network, such that the regional communication network provides data communication between the REEC and the local network within the region.

Abstract: A starter circuit for a motor vehicle includes a circuit breaker responsive to a crash senor for disconnecting the starter circuit. A bypass switch is provided, which responds to a control circuit to provide power to the starter circuit following activation of the breaker, if the starter circuit is free of short circuits.

Abstract: A housing for a remote car starter that activates such starter at pre-set times of the day, and/or in response to a telephonically-originated message, comprises a cavitated area, an activation panel, a servomotor, and a timer and/or a dial-up sub-unit. The user places the transmitter of an existing remote car starter into the housing, places pins into the hole(s) opposite the start button(s) of the remote car starter, closes the housing and places the housing into the glove box or trunk of the car. The activation panel contains a series of holes arranged in two-dimensional fashion for positioning one or more pins opposite the transmitter's button or other activator. The timer includes means for setting at least one time of day for the timer cause activation of the servo-motor. In the dial-up embodiment, the dial-up sub-unit functions in manner similar to conventional beepers: a telephonically-originated message causes it to activate the servomotor.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a starter unit in a motor vehicle is provided. The vehicle is equipped with an electrical machine serving as both a starter and a generator, an inverter for converting the current generated or required in the electrical machine, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the unit consisting of the electrical machine and the inverter as a function of input signals. The control unit is capable of being activated at intervals even when the vehicle is not operating. An additional control function is provided to activate or deactivate the inverter as a function of vehicle operating information. As a result, unintentional movement of the vehicle is prevented during automatically occurring activation periods of the control system.

Abstract: A vehicle ignition and remote keyless entry (RKE) assembly includes a key with an RKE transmitter and a first immobilizer coil. A key cylinder is configured to receive the key. A housing receives the key cylinder. A lightpipe is also received within the housing. An actuator is engageable with the key for connecting the key to a circuit board assembly. An RKE antenna insert molded into the housing or the lightpipe. A second immobilizer coil is insert molded into the housing or the lightpipe.

Abstract: An engine start control system includes a starter and a motor generator capable of starting an engine. The engine start control system further includes a controller that determines the rotational resistance of the crankshaft based on cooling water temperature of the engine or viscosity of the engine oil, and then selects the starting mode of the engine by a starter motor and a motor generator based on the determination. Consequently, the startability of the engine is improved according to the state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A remote starting device intended chiefly for use in cars that utilizes a pulse signal that is generated by either an RF transmitter, a keypad, or a telephone. The pulse signal is transmitted to a rotating drive attached to the subject ignition. When the device receives the pulse signal, the rotating drive rotates to activate the ignition of the car, thereby starting the engine. The remote starting device operates independently of the car's circuitry using only the car's battery, via the cigarette lighter, as a power source. There is no need to modify the car's electrical system to install the device. This greatly simplifies installation of the device and does not jeopardize any applicable warranty on the car.

Abstract: In a vehicle having an engine and an ignition system, a sensing circuit is provided for sensing the ignition voltage and providing this sensed signal to various operating modules of the vehicle. The sensing circuit includes a diode/resistor filter that provides a filtered voltage signal at a first output node. A compensation circuit is provided that compensates voltage errors introduced by the filter circuit. The compensation circuit includes a second diode that has substantially identical electrical performance characteristics as the first diode, and that is preferably mounted on a common substrate. A voltage signal at a second output node between the second diode and the filter circuit is indicative of the voltage drop across the second diode, which is further representative of the voltage error introduced by the filter circuit. In one embodiment, the operating module receiving the ignition voltage signal is configured to receive voltage signals at the first and second output nodes.

Abstract: A starter for a gas discharge lamp, in particular a high-pressure gas discharge lamp for a motor vehicle headlight. The gas discharge lamp is supplied with operating power over the secondary side of a transformer. The required starting power is supplied on the primary side of the transformer and is transferred to the secondary side at the starting time. The starting voltage is generated by a cascade circuit, with the cascade circuit of capacitors and diodes provided in the starter circuit to generate the starting voltage at a charge capacitor. The starter circuit is supplied by the bridge circuit which supplies the gas discharge lamp with power for operation, and for the purpose of starting, the bridge circuit is cycled at a frequency which is much higher than the normal frequency for lamp operation. After the lamp has been started, the bridge circuit is switched to the normal frequency in lamp operation. The starter can be implemented in a two-wire concept, a three-wire concept or a four-wire concept.

Abstract: A system to interface the activation of an automatic engine starting device with a temperature threshold switch. The invention integrates a temperature threshold signal input, a run mode signal input, and an ignition key-on signal input operatively connected to a mode control switch circuit whereby the mode control switch circuit generates a mode control output signal if the threshold signal is present, and the run mode signal and the ignition key-on signal are not present. The invention incorporates a pulse switch circuit operatively connected to said timer controlled output signal whereby a one-shot pulse switch output signal is generated upon reception of a timer controlled output signal. The present invention can be used as a temperature safety system for a pet inside the cabin of a vehicle in hot weather conditions, or as a block heater to prevent the engine block of a vehicle from freezing in cold weather conditions.

Abstract: A process to be performed when starting the engine of a vehicle with an automated or automatic transmission and a vehicle brake which can be operated by way of external power is provided. In order to secure the vehicle against rolling away without any impairment of the operating comfort, situations are detected which express the imminent starting of the engine. The vehicle brake, particularly the service brake, is operated by way of external power before the starting of the engine for securely blocking the vehicle.

Abstract: During manual activation of an activation switch, authorization data are transmitted from a key to a lock. A steering lock unlocks the steering if the authorization data correspond to reference data. The ignition is then switched on and the steering lock is deenergzied as long as the ignition remains switched on. Consequently, the steering lock cannot be activated inadvertently during operation.

Abstract: A system for enabling successful use of HID lamps in aircraft, including in particular high power lamps for use as landing lights and taxi lights, utilizes a sealed beam HID lamp which during normal operation has an external temperature considerably lower than the external temperature of a quartz halogen or incandescent sealed beam lamp of equivalent light output. The lower external temperature arises in part from the use of a gas fill in the sealed beam. A detector is provided to monitor the seal integrity of the sealed beam HID lamp and further to provide a response to seal failure resulting in disablement of the lamp. Exemplary means for accomplishing seal failure detection include radioactive detection, pressure monitoring, and chemical sensing, or other means wherein detection of a failed seal is followed by an electrical output used to terminate or preclude lamp operation.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a usage authorization checking device that detects biometric data of a person with a biometric sensor configuration. If the usage authorization check, performed with biometrically detected data, is positive, the vehicle can be put into operation by performing a predetermined actuation without actuating a separate ignition or starter switch. A separate ignition or starter switch is eliminated. The driving motor can be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The predetermined actuation can include movement of an accelerator pedal, a transmission shift lever, a clutch pedal and a brake pedal. The biometric sensor configuration can also include connections to a driving motor start-up device and a shut-off device.

Abstract: A weight sensing anti-theft vehicle system for preventing theft and carjacking of vehicles. The weight sensing anti-theft vehicle system includes weight sensors comprising a mat, a microprocessor unit connected to the weight sensors for controlling the starting and stopping of a vehicle, a keypad data entry device for entering the weight of the driver into the microprocessor unit, a power source such as a battery connected to the microprocessor unit, and an ignition coil also connected to the microprocessor unit which turns on and off the engine if no weight is detected by the weight sensors and if the correct weight is not keyed into the microprocessor unit.

Abstract: A starter module for a discharge lamp, especially for a motor vehicle, includes a high tension transformer which has a magnetic circuit component such as an annular core, on which a primary winding (1b) and a secondary winding are wound. The transformer further includes an arrangement for modifying its magnetic characteristics so as to reduce the saturation level of the secondary winding.

Abstract: An energy coil together with an IR receiver form a mechatronic component of an ignition lock. The component is disposed in a receptacle of the ignition lock such that, with the ignition key inserted the component, it is disposed in close proximity to an energy coil and an IR transmitter of the ignition key and it is aligned with the latter.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine having an electronic engine controller to automatically start the engine at a programmable day/date and time include determining a current day/date and time, comparing the current day/date and time to a day/date and time previously stored in the programmable memory for automatically starting the engine, determining whether current conditions are acceptable for automatically starting the engine, and controlling the engine to automatically start the engine beginning at the programmed day/date and time. In one embodiment, a remotely located computer transmits a signal to coordinate automatic starting of a plurality of engines, such as in a truck/bus fleet, or for construction equipment at a construction site. Security features are provided to reduce the possibility of unauthorized use/theft of a vehicle or other equipment after being automatically started.

Abstract: A vehicle equipped with a brake booster that uses the negative pressure in an intake pipe of an internal combustion engine includes an automatic stop-start apparatus that performs an automatic stop-start control of the engine while securing a sufficient brake booster negative pressure in accordance with changes in the atmospheric pressure. The apparatus detects the pressure in the brake booster. If the detected pressure exceeds a predetermined reference value during the automatically stopped state of the engine, the apparatus outputs warning information or automatically restarts the engine. The reference value is changed in accordance with the magnitude of the atmospheric pressure around the vehicle.

Abstract: A disclosed battery supply control unit comprises a large current relay in which an excitation current continuously flows when it is in its connecting state and a small current relay in which a limited excitation current flows only at the time of changeover between its connecting state and non-connecting state. If loads require a large current, the large current relay and small current relay are maintained in the connecting state, and if the loads do not require the large current, the large current relay is maintained in the non-connecting state while the small current relay is maintained in the connecting state at least in a predetermined time.

Abstract: An electrical voltage supply system includes an alternator having phase windings, it being possible to connect the alternator to a battery, and which is part of a first vehicle electrical system. The output of the alternator leads via a rectifier bridge and a voltage transformer operating as a step-up transformer to a second vehicle electrical system which has a markedly higher voltage and has usually no battery. To supply voltage to the loads of the vehicle electrical system which is operated at a higher voltage even during a standstill of the alternator, the alternator is then connected to the battery of the vehicle electrical system, and the higher voltage is obtained with the assistance of the step-up transformer, the step-up transformer operating in such a manner that is uses the alternator inductance as a choke.

Abstract: The electric power breaker for breaking the electric power is placed on the midpoint of the electric power line from the battery power supply, and the electric power line is extracted from the electric power breaker. In addition, the electric power supply terminal is placed on the midpoint on the electric power line, from which the electric power is supplied to the individual electric load. The electric power distribution and the electric power supply operation to the electric loads are controlled by the multiplex communication. A semiconductor device having a self protection function is used as the switching device for supplying the electric power. The electric power line covered by the electric conductive material is arranged in a loop topology so as to start from the connection point to the battery and pass through the designated positions in the vehicle and return to the battery.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (10) for driving an ignition coil (14) has a first transistor (30) providing a coil current (ICOIL) at a first lead (22) of the integrated circuit. A second transistor (32) has a collector coupled to the first lead and an emitter coupled to a gate electrode of the first transistor. A gate electrode of the second transistor is coupled to a second lead (23) of the integrated circuit for receiving a control signal (VENABLE).

Abstract: An occupant compartment of an automotive vehicle contains an instrument panel to the rear of which an occupant of the vehicle may be seated. A knee bolster is disposed below the instrument panel frontally of the occupant's knees and has a through-opening toward the occupant. A movable cover selectively closes and opens the through-opening. When the cover is closed, it covers a key that was inserted into the vehicle ignition switch and turned to operate the switch to turn on the engine while the cover was open. The ignition switch is disposed in a mounting that extends outward when the cover is opened to render the switch accessible for key insertion, key operation, and key removal. When the cover is closed, the mounting and switch retract within the knee bolster.

Abstract: When a key is rotated, it is moved in order of an ON position, an R position, an N position and a D position so that the range of an automatic transmission is switched. Moreover, when the key 13 is pressed in the ON position and the N position, it is moved to a START position so that power is applied to a starter. In this case, it is possible to carry out an operation for starting an engine and an operation for switching the range of the automatic transmission by manipulating the same key in a different direction. Therefore, the operation for starting an engine and the operation for switching the range of the automatic transmission can be carried out easily.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system, which can prevent a vehicle from being unjustly moved and can prevent a password code for anti-theft from being stolen. This system includes: detecting whether a main relay has been turned on for a predetermined time after an ignition switch if turned off; increasing a number in a counter to detect that the main relay has not been operating for the predetermined time and cutting off engine fuel injection and ignition control to prohibit the engine from operating when the counter contents is equal to or more than a predetermined number. Therefore, the operation of the engine and potential password code theft by communication can be prohibited.

Abstract: In a power distributor for a vehicle, each of semiconductor switching elements 14 is disposed between an input terminal 10 and corresponding one of a plurality of output terminals 12. The semiconductor switching elements 14 are disposed in one direction and a control circuit board 18 is provided thereon. The input terminal 10, the output terminals 12 and board terminals 16 coupled to the control circuit board 18 are disposed in parallel to the arrangement direction of the semiconductor switching elements 14 and protruded from the casing 22 in the same direction to thereby directly form a connector.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle includes a controller for learning a unique code of a remote transmitter to define a learned remote transmitter capable of causing performance of a function associated with the vehicle, for example. The controller performs remote transmitter verification to generate an indication relating to whether a new uniquely coded remote transmitter has been learned by the controller. The remote control system is advantageously used, in one embodiment, for a vehicle security system. Transmitter verification may also be incorporated in a remote keyless entry system, remote engine starting system, and a door access system, for example. In one embodiment, the remote transmitter verification is based upon the controller being recently entered into the remote transmitter learning mode. According to another embodiment, the remote transmitter verification is based upon a number of learned remote transmitters, a change in that number, or a change in a learned code of a remote transmitter.

Abstract: An interlock system for a lawn and garden tractor or similar vehicle includes a latching circuit with a two-pole seat switch and an operator push button switch connected to a latch relay to provide operator actuated mow in reverse feature. The system provides a latching function which is actuated by the operator each time the vehicle is put into reverse to facilitate mowing in reverse. If the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO turned on and without the push button switch being depressed, the engine will be disabled. Also, if the operator leaves the seat while the vehicle is mowing in reverse, the engine will be disabled. The circuit includes a two pole operator presence switch connected to the PTO switch and to the brake switch, respectively, to isolate the circuits for simplicity and ease of routing connecting lines to indicators.

Abstract: A device for disabling vehicle controls includes one or more switches that control a function. This device also has a sensor to detect a vehicle event. When the sensor detects a vehicle event, a controller prevents the switches from controlling that function.

Abstract: The electric power breaker for breaking the electric power is placed on the midpoint of the electric power line from the battery power supply, and the electric power line is extracted from the electric power breaker. In addition, the electric power supply terminal is placed on the midpoint on the electric power line, from which the electric power is supplied to the individual electric load. The electric power distribution and the electric power supply operation to the electric loads are controlled by the multiplex communication. A semiconductor device having a self protection function is used as the switching device for supplying the electric power. The electric power line covered by the electric conductive material is arranged in a loop topology so as to start from the connection point to the battery and pass through the designated positions in the vehicle and return to the battery.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention reduces or even omits potential shocks and vibrations arising due to the coupling action of a coupling mechanism at the time of starting an internal combustion engine, and ensures a quick restart of the internal combustion engine. In a vehicle with an idling stop control apparatus of the present invention mounted thereon, a control unit inputs an inverted phase current Eon, which is determined according to the energy absorbing state of a transmission belt, into an auxiliary machinery driving electric motor, so as to brake rotations of the auxiliary machinery driving electric motor. After the input of the inverted phase current Eon into the auxiliary machinery driving electric motor, the control unit couples an electromagnetic clutch to link a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine with the auxiliary machinery driving electric motor. The value of the inverted phase current Eon is varied according to the energy absorbing state of the transmission belt.

Abstract: Jump start structure and method particularly useful for a battery-start vehicle for starting the vehicle or quick charging the battery from a separate source which may have an operating voltage substantially higher than the battery voltage. A starting system operating at a first voltage, for example twelve volts, is connected to a separate source of higher voltage, such as twenty-four volts, through a jumper cable. In one embodiment, a manual switch on the vehicle with the discharged battery must be operated simultaneously with the key switch to start the engine. In another embodiment, an inexpensive control circuit including a normally closed relay located on the vehicle connects the separate source with the discharged battery when a jumper cable from the source is plugged into the vehicle. Once the discharged battery receives sufficient charge, the relay activates to open the circuit between the separate source and the vehicle battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing and indicating operational failure in automobiles includes a diagnostic circuit for receiving signals input through wiring at both ends of each fuse and wiring of a relay in a fuse box or junction box installed in an automobile and diagnosing operation failure by detecting a change in the logic value of the input signal, and an output device for receiving the result of diagnosis from the diagnostic circuit and outputting signals indicating the location of a defective fuse or relay. Thus, a driver having little knowledge on car maintenance can easily take actions for repair or an emergency measure of automobiles according to the result of diagnosis of operational failure of the automobile informed in an audio-visual manner. Also, automobile repair experts or shops can save time needed for diagnosing and performing accurate repair using the apparatus for diagnosing and indicating operational failure in automobiles according to the present invention.

Abstract: This invention proposes a control device for an electric source supply, providing a function which prevents battery death of a vehicle. A lamp main relay turns a lamp main relay 3 off in case an ignition switch 1a is off and also when a door state is not changed over time T1 which is predetermined with a timer Tm1, and cuts off an electric source supply to an interior dome lamp 5, door lamps 6a, 6b, 6c of D-seat, P-seat, R-seat in order to prevent battery death. Further, a door/interior dome lamp control part 2c turns the interior dome lamp 5 and the door lamps in response to opened-doors off when doors are not closed more than time T2 which is predetermined with timer means Tm2 in order to prevent battery death. A warning signal may be generated before the control for preventing battery death or during the control mode for preventing battery death.

Abstract: A vehicle alarm bypass module which may be used as a part of an installation module for a remote vehicle starter. The alarm bypass module includes a plurality of resistors and a first plurality of switches connected configured to respectively short out respective of the plurality of resistors. Further, a plurality of relays are configured to selectively connect the plurality of resistors into a circuit path. A variable resistance may further be provided in series with the plurality of resistors and a second plurality of switches may be provided to selectively connect the plurality of relays into and out of the circuit path. A multiturn coil may also be provided and may be configured to generate a magnetic field and to be selectively connected into and out of the circuit path based on the setting of the second plurality of switches. With such a structure, the alarm bypass module is flexible in the connection of its circuit components.

Abstract: A school bus safety device provides an engine status line wired to a voltage detection location. The voltage detection location is a point in the electrical system of the school bus which is typically at a high voltage potential when the engine is in operation, and is at the same potential as ground when the engine is turned off. An edge-triggered logic device, such as a flip-flop, receives the engine status line as a clock pulse input. In a typical application, the falling edge of the engine status line causes the output line of the logic device to go high, thereby driving an annunciator, such as a buzzer. Therefore, turning off the engine of the bus causes the buzzer to sound. The driver walks to the rear of the bus and notices if any sleeping children are left on board. A key switch device, located in the back of the bus, is used to send a reset to the logic device, thereby turning off the buzzer. The driver then walks back to the front of the bus, double-checking to see that all children are off the bus.

Abstract: A circuit device is described for controlling the piloting voltage applied to the solenoid of an electromagnet associated with an electric starter motor of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. This control device comprises: a voltage generator operable selectively to provide a first predetermined reference voltage corresponding to a desired speed of displacement of the movable core coupled to the solenoid, and a second reference voltage of lower value than the first; a sensor operable to provide a signal indicative of the current flowing in the solenoid; an amplifier having a variable gain with its input connected to this sensor; and a summing device with first and second inputs connected to the generator and the output of the amplifier respectively, and having an output connected to the solenoid.

Abstract: A security system for a vehicle includes a keyboard including a start key and a washout key and adapted to receive a user code. A processor is operably coupled to the keyboard for receiving signals indicative of entry of the user code actuation of the washout key and, wherein the processor provides an output signal if the user code is entered and is followed by actuation of the start key. The processor also provides the output signal if the start key has been entered during an adjustable time period after the vehicle has been turned off. However, if the washout key is actuated, the processor does not provide the output signal upon actuation of the start key during the time period after the vehicle is turned off. A controlled device is operably connected to the processor and controls a component of the vehicle to allow the vehicle to start when the output signal from the processor is received.

Abstract: An engine service monitoring system and method for an engine having a spark plug, an ignition circuit with a transformer and a spark plug wire disposed between the spark plug and a coil of the transformer. A counting circuit for counting the ignition or spark pulses is inductively coupled to the spark plug wire such that for every spark pulse generated, a DC pulse is provided by a rectifier of the counting circuit. The DC pulses are provided to a computing element which computes the total number of the pulses, selectively adjusts the count on the basis of a low-oil pressure condition, an out-of-range temperature condition or other suitable operator-defined condition. The computing element also compares the adjusted count with one or more service change interval threshold values to provide an alarm to indicate that a service change is needed. The threshold values are either factory-set or field-adjustable.

Abstract: A selective ignition switch for a vehicle provided with two motors is disclosed herein. The selective ignition switch includes a selective switch assembly, a lock assembly to energize the selective switch assembly and a key to toggle the lock assembly. The selective switch assembly and the lock assembly are connected to a controller that activate the selective ignition switch mechanism relay the signals from the selective switch assembly to the two ignition systems of the vehicle.

Abstract: A starting apparatus for starting an engine only under constant conditions includes an electronically controlled clutch which is engaged or disengaged by an actuator in accordance with output signals from various detectors. The detectors sense a driving state, wherein a starter cut relay having normally-closed contacts is connected to an output terminal of an electronic control unit. One of the contacts of the starter cut relay is connected to one end of a relay coil for a starter relay. The other end of the relay coil is connected to a power source through a key switch. The other contact of the starter cut relay is connected to a non-grounded side contact of a neutral relay which is connected to the power source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine are disclosed. One of the disclosed apparatus includes an electric starter operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine and an energy storage device for supplying the starter with power. The apparatus is also provided with a sensor for detecting a temperature of the internal combustion engine and a consumer control device associated with a consumer of electrical power. The apparatus is further provided with a power flow controller which controls the consumer control device such that a portion of the energy stored in the energy storage device is delivered to the consumer of electrical power before the electric starter is supplied with power. The portion of the energy has a size which is dependent upon the sensed temperature. The size of the portion is smaller at low temperatures than at high temperatures.

Abstract: A module for interfacing with a serial data bus of an on-board computer system of a motor vehicle to provide a means by which an external device such as a lap top computer, electronic compass, etc., can exchange useful data therefrom. The module includes a controller having a vehicle data bus interface circuit which interfaces the module with the serial data bus. An accessory device interface circuit interfaces the module with the external device. The module provides a power connection terminal to provide power from the vehicle's electrical system to the external device. The module forms a low cost means by which various external devices can be interfaced with the on-board computer of the vehicle to exchange useful information and to enhance operation of the vehicle or the external device.

Abstract: An automatic door lock for a vehicle is arranged to lock the door of the vehicle following starting of the vehicle and performance by the driver of another action, such as stepping on the brake pedal of the vehicle in preparation for placement of the vehicle in gear, thereby ensuring that automatic door locking will occur even after the driver exits and re-enters the vehicle after starting it to permit the vehicle to warm up before driving away. The controller may also be programmed to lock the vehicle doors immediately following turning of the ignition, in situations where the brake pedal would not necessarily be pressed prior to placing the vehicle in gear, such as in the case of a manual transmission.