Abstract: An auxiliary circuit continuously executes a timer counting operation under a condition that electric power is directly supplied from a vehicle battery to the auxiliary circuit. A main circuit receives no electric power during a waiting condition and hence minimizes current consumption. Only when a predetermined timer activation time is counted by the auxiliary circuit or an ignition key switch is turned on, electric power is supplied to the main circuit for allowing the main circuit to execute a zero point correction for load sensors.

Abstract: A vehicle engine control having an automatic start and stop feature for idling the engine to maintain the battery charge includes adjustment for the battery voltage threshold at which the engine is started to recharge the battery. Preferably, the adjustment results from use of an ambient air temperature sensor and a look up table in the control that varies the threshold based on a predetermined relationship between battery voltage and ambient air temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle electric supply system includes a semiconductor safety switch that interruptibly couples the vehicle battery to electric consuming devices that are supplied by an electric socket on board the vehicle. A programmable control unit controls opening and closing of the switch, as a function of a monitored vehicle parameter, such as elapsed time, battery charge state or current consumption via the vehicle socket.

Abstract: A power distributing apparatus is provided to reduce the number of voltage converters. The power distributing apparatus 1 includes a power source part 4 for supplying a power of 42V, an electrical connection box 7 connected with the part 4 through a power line 5, and a plurality of electronic control units 8a, 8b . . . , 8n. The electrical connection box 7 has a regular-supply converter 9 to convert a high voltage of 42V to an intermediate voltage higher than a load voltage of 5V. The regular-supply converter 9 can exhibit a high conversion efficiency when the apparatus is operated under high load. Each of the electronic control units 8a, 8b . . . , 8n has a series regulator 14 to convert the intermediate voltage to the load voltage. Owing to the supply of voltage higher than the load voltage by the regular-supply converter 9, there is no need to consider inconvenience due to voltage drop between the converter and a remote load.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system that can be used on any vehicle where the standard lighting system installed on the vehicle is malfunctional, especially at the rear of the vehicle, due to shorting out or other causes. The emergency lights consist of units having various colored lights therein, such as red, white or yellow that are normally recognized in any traffic pattern. The lights can be operated from the standard battery of the vehicle or can be switched to a battery system contained in the light units. This is especially true in vehicles towing a boat or a trailer. When the boat is launched into the water, the lights on the trailer may be submerged into the water thereby shorting out the electrical system. This renders the towed vehicle illegal in traffic on the highway because the rear lights are not functioning. The inventive concept of this invention solves the above noted problem.

Abstract: A mobile data system having automated shutdown is mounted in a motor vehicle having a vehicle motor and a vehicle electrical power source. The vehicle electrical power source provides variable voltage electrical power to the motor vehicle and to the mobile data system. The mobile data system includes a system computer for informational data retrieval in response to user input queries, a system interface device, and a computer power supply. The computer power supply is electrically coupled with the vehicle electrical power source through the system interface device to convert the variable voltage electrical power to voltage regulated electrical power for operation of the system computer. The system interface device creates parameter comparison data, in response to which the system computer creates a system shutdown command.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle driven by generated electric power of a fuel cell comprises a fuel cell box disposed underneath a floor for storing therein the fuel call, G sensors for detecting a deformation of a vehicle body sideward of the fuel cell box, and a shut-off valve for closing a supply side piping of a hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell when a predetermined amount of deformation or the vehicle body is detected by the G sensors.

Abstract: A switch device for assembly with a fastener securing an access cover to a high voltage storage device includes a switch connector device connectable to a shroud. The switch connector includes a flange with a bolt hole through which a fastener passes and a first connector having a shorting bar. The shroud includes a second connector with first and second wire cables, mateable to the first connector. The switch device has open and closed positions. In closed position, the shroud is mated to the switch connector device, and conducts electrical signals between the first and second wire cables. The shroud substantially completely obstructs operative access to the fastener. In open position, the shroud is sufficiently unmated from the switch connector device to permit operative tool access to the fastener. The first connector is disconnected from the second connector when in the open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical power supply system for feeding electrical loads, having at least two electrical energy stores, a circuit for connecting the electrical energy stores to an electrical d.c. network with loads and at least one power generator, wherein each energy store can be connected to the d.c. network by activating switching elements by means of d.c. transformers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for insuring that a motor vehicle is being operated by an authorized operator. The apparatus includes an electronic control unit (ECU), an engine immobilizer unit, and a shared encryption key. The ECU generates a challenge by combining the output of a pseudo-random number generator and the output of a somewhat random number generator and cycling the combined number through a linear feedback shift register. The ECU sends the challenge to the immobilizer unit where it is encrypted with the shared key and sent back to the ECU as a response. The ECU uses the same key to encrypt the challenge and compares the encrypted challenge to the response. If the response matches the encrypted challenge, engine operation is enabled.

Abstract: A battery voltage is increased in a converter and is input to an inverter that supplies a motor with a motor drive current. A control unit detects input and output voltages of the converter from outputs of voltage sensors and controls the switching in the converter in accordance with the detected input and output voltages. When one of the sensors fails, the control unit estimates the voltage that would have otherwise been detected by the failed voltage sensor based on the switching state in the converter and the voltage detected by the other voltage sensor.

Abstract: A power supply unit includes a battery, a motor which is driven by the battery, an electric power converting device which is provided between the battery and the motor, a simulated electric leak generating device which generates an electric leak state between the battery and a vehicle body, and an electric leak detecting device which detects a simulated electric leak. A diagnostic system which performs a diagnosis of operating performance of the electric leak detecting device includes an opening/closing device which connects/disconnects the electric power converting device to/from the battery, and an opening/closing detecting device which detects opening/closing of the opening/closing device and which outputs a result of detection to the simulated electric leak generating device and the electric leak detecting device.

Abstract: In an engine starting system for an outboard motor mounted having a propeller and a steering mechanism driven by an electric motor, including a battery connected to the engine; a starter motor and an ignition switch provided in a voltage supply circuit from the battery to the starter motor, the positions of the ignition switch is arranged to have a START position at which the starter motor, the electric motor and other electric loads are supplied with the voltage from the battery; an ON position at which the voltage supply to the starter motor is discontinued when the key is turned from the START position, a first OFF position at which the voltage supply to the electric motor and the other electric loads is discontinued when the key is turned from the ON position, and a second OFF position at which the current supply to the electric actuator is still continued when the key is turned from the ON position.

Abstract: A vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a cranking motor, and a battery includes a double-layer capacitor characterized by a capacitance greater than 150 farads, and a low internal resistance. First and second electrical paths interconnect the capacitor with the cranking motor. A control circuit is coupled between the positive and negative terminals of at least one of the capacitor and battery, and this control circuit includes a switch that applies a variable control voltage to a relay in response to the position of the switch. The relay is included in one of the electrical paths, and the relay isolates the capacitor from the cranking motor when switched to the open-circuit condition by the control voltage and enables the capacitor to supply cranking current to the cranking motor when the control voltage places the relay in the closed-circuit condition.

Abstract: An apparatus connected to an energy storage device for powering an electric motor and optionally providing a warming function for the energy storage device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a circuit connected to the electric motor and the energy storage device for generating a current. The apparatus also includes a switching device operably associated with the circuit for selectively directing the current to one of the electric motor and the energy storage device.

Abstract: A severing apparatus for use with a battery cable is provided. The severing apparatus includes a housing that holds an initiator and a severing element. The battery cable is located through a lateral bore formed in the housing. The severing element is disposed on one side of the battery cable. A deformable blocker can be disposed on the opposite side of the battery cable. When it is desired to sever the battery cable and thereby discontinue the supplying of electrical power by the battery, such as when a predetermined vehicle collision occurs, the initiator is triggered and causes the severing element to move. Movement of the severing element removes a severed battery cable segment. Movement of the severing element and the severed battery cable segment is stopped using the blocker when present. The blocker can be part of a shell that surrounds the housing. Alternatively, the blocker can be held in the housing.

Abstract: An in-vehicle system control device, which controls an in-vehicle system mounted in a vehicle includes an electric load electrically connected to a battery for activating the in-vehicle system, and a judging means electrically connected to the electric load wherein the judging means detects activating voltage of a battery for activating the in-vehicle system by applying a voltage from the battery to the electric load connected to the battery before activating the in-vehicle system, and judges whether or not the battery is in deteriorated condition by comparing a predetermined judging condition.

Abstract: A power controller for a vehicle can operate electrical load upon stopping of engine or turning OFF of a key switch, without lowering of remaining capacity of a main battery. The control system has a control portion controlling operation of a power generator and an electrical load mounted on an automotive vehicle. The control system also includes remaining capacity measuring means for measuring a remaining capacity of a battery. The control portion energizes a predetermined power load when an engine is stopped or a key switch is held OFF, and operation of the power load is stopped when a remaining capacity of the battery measured by the remaining capacity measuring means becomes smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention refers to a charge/discharge protection circuit for a rechargeable battery being able to differentiate between a temporary overvoltage on the charge/discharge terminals and a permanent overvoltage and in the last case for security reasons to permanently disconnect the battery from the charge/discharge terminals. Hereby said protection circuit comprises a number of partial switches (15[1:]), being either parallel to a load switch (LS) or parallel to the charge terminals, and an overvoltage detector (10) which closes in case of an overvoltage all partial switches via a control logic (11, 12, 13, 17, 18) and which afterwards opens one partial switch after the other. A voltage detector (16), monitoring the remaining voltage over the partial switches, inhibits, however, the opening of at that time next partial switch if the remaining voltage over the still closed partial switches is higher than a predefined limit of said remaining voltage.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for reducing overheating in a passenger compartment of a parked vehicle. The device has a temperature sensor, a temperature comparator, and a control system in electrical communication with the comparator for controlling the actuation and operation of an existing air conditioner fan within the vehicle. The control system incorporates a power supply management arrangement designed to draw energy in pulses from a battery unit of the vehicle to energize the motor when the temperature in the passenger compartment exceeds a predetermined level, and to cease drawing energy when the temperature falls below the predetermined level.

Abstract: An electric power supply system for a vehicle has an electric power line wired in a loop configuration. From the electric power line power is supplied to a load, and to another system which supplies control system power supply. One shutdown circuit is provided in a module connected to the loop configured power supply line. When the electric power line and the load are short circuited, the shutdown can isolate and shut down only the failure point. Further, when the car is not in use, by stopping the power supply to the load, current consumption can be restrained. In response to detection of a ground short and a failure of a connection of a connector, an over-current prevention of an electric power line, a simple construction can be provided and a low current consumption can be realized.

Abstract: An arc discharge preventing device is electrically connected to at least two electronic devices, the arc discharge preventing device. The arc discharge preventing device includes an insulating main body, a first terminal, a second terminal, a low conductive member, and a conductive member. The first terminal is provided on the insulating main body, and electrically connected to a first electronic device. The second terminal is provided on the insulating main body, and electrically connected to a second electronic device. The low conductive member is provided on the insulating main body, and having a first resistance value. The low conductive member is electrically connected to the first and second terminals. The conductive member is detachably mounted on the insulating main body, and having a second resistance value lower than the first resistance value. The conductive member is electrically connected to the first and second terminals when the conductive member is attached to the insulating main body.

Abstract: A battery voltage is increased in a converter and is input to an inverter that supplies a motor with a motor drive current. A control unit detects input and output voltages of the converter from outputs of voltage sensors and controls the switching in the converter in accordance with the detected input and output voltages. When one of the sensors fails, the control unit estimates the voltage that would have otherwise been detected by the failed voltage sensor based on the switching state in the converter and the voltage detected by the other voltage sensor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle engine is under control of an engine control system (18) that performs an idle shutdown function to shut down the engine via a programmable output (50) of an electronic module of the control system after the engine has been idling for some amount of time. An ignition switch (14) is turned on and off for signaling the engine control system to turn the engine on and off. Relays (30, 40) are connected between the ignition switch and load circuits of the vehicle electrical system and to the programmable output of the module to allow the load circuits to be fed when the ignition switch is on and the programmable output of the module is not signaling an idle shutdown and to disallow feeding when the programmable output of the module is signaling an idle shutdown.

Abstract: An electrical accessory device controller system and process for controlling for a motor vehicle having a vehicle battery and an alternator. The system is provided with an electrical interface for an electrical accessory device, a device for detecting the voltage of the vehicle electrical system, and a power supply control unit to connect the electrical accessory device to the battery according to the detected battery voltage or to disconnect the electrical accessory device from it. Furthermore, there is an auxiliary energy storage device rechargeable by the alternator and which is connected to the power supply control unit. The power supply control unit is made such that depending on the detected voltage of the vehicle electrical system it electrically connects the auxiliary power storage device to the electrical accessory device to the battery or disconnects the electrical accessory device from it.

Abstract: A vehicle power distribution system for selectively providing battery power to a circuit. A circuit-interrupting device is arranged to respond to a control signal by selectively applying the battery power to the circuit. A circuit protection device is moveable between a first circuit position and a second circuit position, where the first circuit position is arranged to pass a current through the circuit concurrently with the circuit interrupting device. The second circuit position is arranged to pass the current around said circuit interrupting device.

Abstract: A fixed member 11 is provided with an input terminal 2 to be connected with a battery 100 and an output terminal 9 to be connected with an electric load 101. A movable member 12 is provided with the first current pass 4 that has connecting terminals 1 and 8 to be connected with the terminal members 2 and 9 respectively in a state where the movable member 12 is attached to the fixed member 11. The fixed member 11 is provided with the second current pass 15 for connecting the terminals 2 and 9 separately from the first current pass 4, and terminal protecting contacts 30 and 31 included in the second current pass 15.

Abstract: A disconnect switch for the load circuit of a vehicle battery, includes a movable contact element (81) and a stationary contact element (64) that are linked with a locking mechanism. For releasing the locking mechanism a shape-memory alloy release element (4) is used that contracts when heated. For closing the locking mechanism a shape-memory alloy spring element (110) is provided that induces closure of the mechanism by expansion.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring a motor vehicle's electric power, in which the method comprises the steps of sampling, calculating, comparing, displaying results, and counting intervals, and the device comprises a stabilizing circuit, a CPU, a voltage sampling circuit, a current control circuit, and a color lamp display circuit. The step of sampling is performed when the load and power transistor are enabled (i.e., there is a great amount of current) and with a very short sampling time so that the invention can inform a driver about a status of a battery by consuming very little power.

Abstract: An electronic unit in a motor vehicle has a connection for the negative onboard power supply voltage and a connection for the positive onboard power supply voltage, as well as an internal electric supply unit that can be used independently of the polarity of the onboard power supply voltage and independently of the onboard power supply voltage. The unit includes a function block which compares the actual voltage at the connection for the negative onboard power supply voltage with the actual voltage at the connection for the positive onboard power supply voltage. A polarity inversion of the onboard power supply voltage is detected (and a storage of the polarity inversion detection data is caused) if the actual voltage at the connection for the negative onboard power supply voltage is higher than the actual voltage at the connection for the positive power supply voltage, or if the respective actual voltages exceed preset reference values.

Abstract: A battery protection system for a battery having a switching mechanism positioned intermediate to the positive terminal and an electrical load of the battery. A controller manipulates the switching mechanism between an open position and a closed position, the closed position connects the electrical load to the battery and the open position disconnects the electrical load from the battery. The battery protection system utilizes a battery state-of-charge detection system, which instructs the controller to open the switching mechanism when the detection system detects a battery state-of-charge that is lower than a threshold value. The battery protection system is also equipped with a vehicle status detection system, which instructs the controller to close the switching mechanism when a vehicle startup condition is detected by the vehicle status detection system.

Abstract: The automobile power source monitor is provided with: a breaker 11 mounted in the feeding path through which the electric power from the battery 1 is fed to the electric devices through the feed sockets A1-Am provided in the car; an engine stop detecting circuit 16 to detect the stop of the engine according to the L signal of the regulator IC 19, and to shut down the breaker 11 through the driving circuit 17; an over current detecting circuits C1-Cm to detect the over current according to the detecting values of the current detecting circuits B1-Bm, and to shut down the breaker 11; an idling-up instruction circuit 13 to detect the increase of the feeding current, and to instruct the idling-up; and a low voltage detecting circuit 15 to detect the lowering of the output voltage of the battery 1 and to shut down the breaker 11.

Abstract: A power feed portion includes a power storage portion and a power generating portion. The power storage portion includes a storage battery. The power feed portion feeds electric power to a plurality of on-vehicle loads. In cases where the sum of feedable electric power is smaller than the sum of required electric power or in cases where an electric quantity related to the sum of feedable electric power is smaller than an electric quantity related to the sum of required electric power, a control portion increases the sum of feedable electric power or decreases the sum of required electric power. The sum of feedable electric power is equal to electric power which can be fed from the power feed portion to the on-vehicle loads, and which contains electric power generated by the power generating portion and electric power feedable from the storage battery.

Abstract: A self-contained safety and security system and method that performs the multiple functions of theft deterrence, battery saving, battery analysis system, accident protection, and telemetry and control data communication for vehicles is disclosed. The present invention is an electronically-based system for a vehicle having an existing power transmission circuit including a battery that can be readily installed and made operational by an individual having no special training using common household tools. The safety and security system requires the installation of no dedicated wiring in the vehicle. Furthermore, the system preferably installs without any cutting or splicing of the wiring in the vehicle's electrical system.

Abstract: A keyless entry system for a vehicle is provided, on the vehicle, with detection distance setting circuit for changing a detection distance within which an electronic key can receive an activation signal. By carrying out predetermined operations, the keyless entry systems enters an adjustment mode wherein the detection distance can be changed by the detection distance setting circuit. With this configuration, the detection distance can be adjusted while the keyless entry system is mounted on the vehicle, whereby it is possible to attain a system causing no malfunction and ensuring high levels of security.

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 motor vehicle engine is under control of an engine control system (18) that performs an idle shutdown function to shut down the engine via a programmable output (50) of an electronic module of the control system after the engine has been idling for some amount of time. An ignition switch (14) is turned on and off for signaling the engine control system to turn the engine on and off. Relays (30, 40) are connected between the ignition switch and load circuits of the vehicle electrical system and to the programmable output of the module to allow the load circuits to be fed when the ignition switch is on and the programmable output of the module is not signaling an idle shutdown and to disallow feeding when the programmable output of the module is signaling an idle shutdown.

Abstract: A battery system includes a generator, a starter and at least one battery, whereby the starter is connected to the battery via a starter line. An electronic pole terminal is arranged between the starter and the battery, and the starter line may be switched in a de-energized manner via the electronic pole terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle which includes an electrical system monitoring system which results in detecting arcing in the electrical distribution system of the vehicle and the ability to provide notification and protection for such arcing. The system functions to monitor the electrical distribution system of the vehicle to sense the frequencies of signals in the system using appropriate filtering. One type of filtering which may be used is based upon a heterodyning circuit which provides variable frequency filtering for filtering a signal representative of the current in at least one electrical circuit of the vehicle. The heterodyning circuit output is configured to produce a signal which may be logarithmically related to the filtered signal. If the output signal exceeds a predetermined limit (representative of noise) for a predetermined period (representative of a typical arc duration), the system generates an arc signal.

Abstract: An automotive electrical system protection device protects the wiring of a direct current electrical system should a short circuit scenario occur. Moreover, the same protection device independently detects and guards again battery voltage depletion due to low current drain or run-down caused by faulty accessory loads or such loads being left on after the engine of the vehicle and associated generator are shut-off. The protection device has a run-down relay which opens upon prolonged low current conditions which causes battery voltage to deplete below a threshold voltage necessary to start the engine. Upon starting of the engine, the run-down relay, if open, will automatically close to permit power to the starter motor. During high current or short circuit conditions, a high current relay will open to protect the wiring of the electrical system including that of a primary conductor wired directly between the battery and the starter motor.

Abstract: A power ring of annular conductor configuration for use in a military vehicle to supply electricity to devices in the vehicle. The power ring includes a plurality of controllers (1) as monitoring and switching devices arranged along and connected with the annular conductor segments forming the ring, a plurality of taps provided for the annular conductor (9) for connecting the annular conductor to loads, feed locations on the annular conductor (9) for feeding electrical energy, and data connections between the controllers (1) and a superordinated control apparatus for monitoring and controlling the power ring. The tap or the feed location for the annular conductor is in each instance structurally combined as a unit with a controllable node that is disposed along the annular conductor and connected into the annular conductor in a multiple manner so that annular conductor segments (9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5) are obtained between the tap controllers (1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.

Abstract: When a voltage larger than a voltage from a 12-V power supply (11) and capable of on/off controlling an n-channel MOSFET (15) is supplied to a simple ON/OFF circuit (19), the simple ON/OFF circuit (19) outputs to the gate G a control signal that on/off controls the n-channel MOSFET (15) by the supplied voltage, thereby performing on/off control of the n-channel MOSFET (15), and enabling control of electrical power supplied to a load (13) from the 12-V power supply (11). The 36-V power supply (17) is used for on/off control of the n-channel MOSFET (15), so as to supply the output voltage from the 12-V power supply (11) to the load (13).

Abstract: A battery assembly system used for an electric vehicle having a configuration in which electrolyte is not released from an exhaust passage even if the electrolyte is released in a mist state from a cell. A battery assembly case is provided behind a rear seat in a cabin. An exhaust duct having a cooling fan is connected to the battery assembly case, and an air inlet port is provided to the battery assembly case at the side opposite to the portion where the exhaust duct is connected. As the cooling fan, a sirocco fan or an axial-flow fan is used. The air for forcibly cooling the battery assembly is allowed to flow in the cabin, the air inlet port, the battery assembly case, the exhaust duct, the cooling fan, and the exhaust duct in this order. A mist state electrolyte released from the cell together with the air is allowed to collide with and is attached to a cascade of the fan or the wall surface of the fan.

Abstract: An electric energy source includes a battery, a positive and a negative booster clamps coupled to the battery for coupling the battery to the vehicle battery, and a device for selectively coupling the battery to the positive and the negative booster clamps when the positive and the negative booster clamps are correctly coupled to the vehicle battery. The battery may supply the energy to the booster clamps when the booster clamps are correctly coupled to the vehicle battery, and will not supply the energy when the clamps are wrongly coupled to the vehicle battery.

Abstract: An electric energy source includes a battery, a positive and a negative booster clamps coupled to the battery for coupling the battery to the vehicle battery, and a device for selectively coupling the battery to the positive and the negative booster clamps when the positive and the negative booster clamps are correctly coupled to the vehicle battery. The battery may supply the energy to the booster clamps when the booster clamps are correctly coupled to the vehicle battery, and will not supply the energy when the clamps are wrongly coupled to the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A combination battery includes a plurality of cells connected together in series. A switching element operates for selectively blocking and unblocking a power feed path between the combination battery and a load. The switching element is changed to its on state when receiving a drive voltage. When a starting switch is moved to its on position, a drive circuit is connected with at least one cell among the cells in the combination battery and uses the at least one cell as a power source to generate the drive voltage applied to the switching element. A power supply circuit receives an output voltage from the combination battery and starts to operate when the switching element is changed to its on state. At a later moment, a power source for setting the switching element in its on state is changed from the at least one cell to the power supply circuit.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical impact detecting device for a vehicle is provided which implements a multi-stage control for vehicle occupant protection systems and improves the operational delay characteristics of the vehicle occupant protection systems at an irregular collision based on the setting of multiple impact levels which are detected. When a main rotor rotates by a certain amount against the exertion force of a moving contact, the moving contact and fixed contact close the circuit, thereby detecting the first impact level. When the main rotor further rotates against the exertion force of the torsional coil spring, the remaining two pairs of fixed contacts and close the circuits sequentially, thereby detecting the second and third impact levels, respectively.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling power to a cranking subsystem in a device having a power source is disclosed. The cranking subsystem is coupled to an engine and a starter that allows a user to activate the cranking subsystem. The method and system include providing a switch and at least one controller. The switch is coupled between the power source and the cranking subsystem. The at least one controller is coupled with the switch and is for controlling the switch to be open or closed based on the starter being used to activate the cranking subsystem and at least one other criteria. The at least one other criteria is programmed into the controller.

Abstract: A circuit (10) for connecting a power distribution bus (14) to a battery (12) has a connector circuit (20) and a switch (40). The battery has a positive battery terminal (16) and a negative battery terminal (18). The switch (40) has a control terminal (46), a first terminal (42), and a second terminal (44). A contactor circuit (48) is coupled between the battery (12) and the power distribution bus (14). The contactor circuit (48) has a solenoid (50) and a plunger switch (52) that is operably coupled by solenoid (50). In one embodiment of the invention the connector circuit has a switch (38) used to allow the connector terminals to be coupled at different times to the circuit. In the second embodiment, different length terminals may be used to enable coupling of the battery terminals at different times.

Abstract: A low power consumption type automobile-mounted controller capable of switching so as not to continue power consumption of the automobile-mounted power source when the automobile has not been used over a long term.