Abstract: A multivoltage vehicle electrical system for supplying electrically operated loads in motor vehicles, specific loads being respectively assigned to each vehicle electrical circuit which is respectively operated with a different voltage, is characterized in that cross-connecting means are provided which, in the event of a failure or fault in a circuit, automatically ensure that the loads connected to this failed vehicle electrical circuit are supplied from one of the other vehicle electrical circuits.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes: a heating portion charged with heating agent and having a conductivity which is arranged between a first connecting terminal connected to a power source side and a second connecting terminal connected to a load side; an ignition portion for causing the heating agent charged in the heating portion to generate heat by igniting an ignition agent; an expandable/contractable elastic member arranged near the heating portion or in contact with the heating portion and pressing the heating portion; an outer container receiving the elastic member, the ignition portion and the heating portion; a pressing operation restricting member preventing the elastic member from being pressed to the heating portion which is melted due to heat of the heating agent; and a heat conduction member bringing any one of the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal into contact with the ignition portion.

Abstract: A fuse apparatus (1) is provided for selectively interrupting a load current (Ia) flowing between a pair of associated conductor leads. The fuse apparatus includes at least two spaced apart electrically conductive contact elements (5) operatively connected with the associated conductor leads. A fuse element (7) is connected to the contact elements (5) using an electrically conductive connection material (9) to allow the current (Ia) to flow between the pair of associated conductor leads. The connection material (9) is adapted to electrically disconnect the fuse element (7) from the contact elements (5) when the current (Ia) exceeds a predetermined current intensity. The connection material (9) has an intrinsic electrical transition resistance characteristic whereby the material develops a temperature in proportion to an intensity of the current. The connection material melts as the current increases to separate the fuse element from the contact elements.

Abstract: A method for operating a safety device for motor vehicles which contains a multistage high-current battery isolating switch, disconnection of the battery from the vehicle's electrical system being blocked by vehicle operating signals, is characterized in that, to reactivate the vehicle, door contact switches are actuated and feed battery current to a switching logic which actuates the battery isolating switch by motor operation, in such a way that said switching logic moves the battery isolating switch into a standard position which connects the vehicle's electrical system to the battery.

Abstract: A polarity reversal protective circuit for an electronic power output stage that can be driven via a drive circuit is described. In the case of an incorrect polarization of a supply voltage, power FETs are used in at least one supply terminal to interrupt a connection of the wrongly applied supply voltage to the drive circuit and the power output stage. A definite polarity reversal protection is obtained using a circuit that is improved with respect to cost and space requirement. A single N-channel power FET is looped, with its source-drain path, into the positive supply terminal of the supply voltage. The source terminal of the N-channel power FET is connected with the positive supply terminal. The gate terminal of the N-channel power FET is connected to a collector of a PNP transistor, which is additionally connected to an output of the drive circuit via a current-limiting resistor.

Abstract: In a protective circuit for a field-effect transistor which has at least drain-, source- and gate-terminals and is operated as a power switch, overloading of the FET is prevented in case of a power supply voltage of inverted polarity in that the switching voltage is able to be supplied to the gate terminal as a driving voltage via a charge pump. The charge pump is powered via a suitable circuit (e.g., a Graetz bridge rectifier) independently of the polarity of the applied power supply voltage. In case of incorrect polarity of the power supply voltage, the charge pump is driven to output a driving voltage via a suitable circuit (e.g., a diode connected to the base terminal).

Abstract: An electrical power supply system for a vehicle is provided, which can eliminate proliferation of adverse effect on other control modules caused within one of a plurality of control modules. This is accomplished by provision of the power supply system comprising: battery 10 for supplying power; power line PL in a loop lay-out; a plurality of control modules BCM 100, VCM 110, FIM 120, DDM 130, RIM 140, CCM 150 and PDM 160 for a plurality of accessory systems, which are connected via said power line PL in loop lay-out, wherein a power control module (PCM) 20 for controlling the engine is connected to the power supply source via another power line 22 different from the power line PL.

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 current sensor 73 detects a current flowing through a first buss bar 11. When a current value detected by the current sensor 73 became equal to or greater than a threshold current value, a CPU 74 outputs a driving control signal to a driving circuit 77, and the driving circuit 77 operates an, ignitor 29 through a second substrate 65 and a terminal 50. Therefore, the ignitor 29 ignites, a second projection 41 is melted by heat of a heating agent 27, a compression spring 34 is expanded and a thermite case 26 jumps up. Thus, electrical connection between the thermite case 26 and the first and second buss bars 11, 19 is interrupted.

Abstract: The device includes a power-supply block for the electronics making up the device, and a block for detection of an incident undergone by the vehicle; it further comprises a block for processing the signal from the block for detecting an incident, and activation block for disconnecting the battery in the event of such an incident, a block to indicate the status of the device, and a block for resetting the device. Disconnection of the battery is achieved in situations such as fire, short circuit, collision or when any other signal is received from the exterior.

Abstract: An electricity accumulator which is capable of equalizing the voltages of a plurality of electricity accumulating devices such as batteries in an inexpensive and simple construction and quickly even in a state which is not a fully charged state. Dissipation of electrical energy is prevented. The electricity device includes a plurality connected in series. There is a capacitor connectable in parallel with at least two of the electricity accumulating devices. A connection switching device switches selectively a first connection mode in which the capacitor is connected to a first electricity accumulating device so that the capacitor is charged or discharged through the first electricity accumulating device and a second connection mode in which the capacitor is connected to a second electricity accumulating device.

Abstract: A torque control system for a lean burn engine utilizing a supplemental torque apparatus that is operable during the engine mode transition from a lean air/fuel ratio to a rich air/fuel ratio. The supplemental torque apparatus 34, STA, operates to maintain the basic engine torque equation: Te+Tsta=Td such that the device or a electrically connected battery 38 absorbs extra engine torque during a predetermined time period and generates engine torque at times other than the predetermined time period. During the predetermined time period, a Lean NOx Trap 26 in the exhaust system is purged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for conserving power on a machine having a mobile communicator. The method includes the steps of determining a current status of the machine, determining a duration since entering the current status, and determining one of a plurality of power conservation modes in response to the current status, and the status duration.

Abstract: A power supply monitoring apparatus, for which a plurality of different preset reference current values and corresponding permitted times are provided, includes: a cutoff device; current detection circuits; overcurrent detection circuits; an idle-up command circuit; and a low voltage detection circuit. When an overcurrent detection circuit detects a current value equaling or exceeding at least one of the preset reference current values, and when that condition continues for a time equaling or exceeding a permitted time corresponding to the pertinent reference current value, the circuit transmits a command to the cutoff device to interrupt the current supplied to a power feeding path. Further, when the idle-up command circuit detects an increase in a supplied current, an idle-up command is issued.

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: 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: A switching process and apparatus for switching-off an electric energy supply of a vehicle has two switching elements which are mounted in the proximity of the electric energy source, and couple it to supply electric energy to consuming devices of the vehicle. In the event of a fault, an all-pole switch-off is implemented by opening both switching elements. One of the two switching elements is an operating switch by means of which the electric energy source can be switched off in normal operation. In the case of a vehicle driven by an electric motor in a normal operation the driving current of the electric motor is first controlled downward, and the operating switch is then opened when the driving current is decreased.

Abstract: A secondary battery cell protection circuit protects a charge control FET, a discharge control FET, and a secondary battery cell from destruction due to use of a charger of greater than rated voltage to charge the secondary battery cell. The secondary battery cell protection circuit has a charger voltage detection circuit, a first charge circuit control circuit for cutting off a charge circuit when the charger voltage detection circuit detects a charger voltage in excess of a predetermined value, and a second charge control circuit for cutting off a charge circuit when the over-charge detection circuit detects a secondary battery cell charge voltage in excess of a predetermined value. When the charge control FET is OFF, a load voltage proportionate to the charge voltage of the charger appears at a −B terminal and is applied to the emitter of a transistor, activating the transistor. A current proportionate to the charge voltage of the charger then flows to the transistor.

Abstract: A power controller for a vehicle can operate electrical load upon stopping of engine or turning OFF of a key switch, and lowering of remaining capacity of a main battery can be prevented. 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 drives 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: 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: 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: Disclosed is an electrical power generation system comprised of a network of metal-air fuel cell battery (FCB) subsystems connected to an output power bus structure and controlled by a network control subsystem. The operation of each metal-air FCB subsystem is controlled so that, on the average, the amount of metal-fuel in each of the FCB subsystem is substantially the same, regardless of the total amount of metal-fuel remaining within the system available for electrical power generation. The electrical power generation system can be used as an electrical power plant that can be installed in virtually any system, device or environment in which there is a need to satisfy the peak power demand of an electrical load (e.g. motor, appliance, machinery, tools, etc.) independent of the total amount of metal-fuel remaining within the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit for protecting consumers from damage caused by polarity reversal in an electrical system, comprising a limiter and a tripping device, wherein the system voltage supply is limited when polarity is reversed and the voltage source connected with reversed polarity can be disconnected.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be used to jump-start a car that has a weak battery. It includes a battery booster pack or a battery booster cable that is polarity sensitive and can detect proper and improper connections before providing path for electric current. This apparatus eliminates the danger of reverse connections, shorts, fires, spark firing and battery explosion. The apparatus requires no separate switching mechanism to turn power on or power off. It also does not require the imperfect human judgment of any indication device to determine correct or incorrect connection. The clamps detect for the correct polarity and automatically control the power. Power turns on once a good connection has been made. If user makes a wrong connection, there will be no power but its warning signal will go off. Once a clamp is dislodged from the battery terminal, it automatically turns power off without the need to deactivate a switch.

Abstract: When an engine is started with a key 19A inserted in an ignition key cylinder of a vehicle 11, a vehicle-side controller 12 transmits operational data to the key 19A and stores in the key 19A. Further, when a personal computer 30 is operated with the key 19A inserted in an R/W device 31, the R/W device 31 reads the operational data from the key 19A and transfers to the personal computer 30. In this structure, when a storage capacity of the key 19A becomes full, the vehicle-side controller 12 stores the operational data in a storage portion of its own, and when the key 19A is initialized, the stored operational data is written in the key 19A. For this reason, even when initialization of the key 19A is difficult, deletion of the operational data is prevented.

Abstract: A headlight warning system incorporates an engine running sensor and a headlight sensor coupled to a control circuit for activating a warning device, such as a buzzer, when the headlights have been left on for a first period of time after the engine has stopped running, and for deactivating the warning device either after a second period of time, if the engine is started, or if the headlights are shut off. The engine running sensor inductively senses a vehicle ignition signal. The headlight sensor magnetically senses the current in one of the battery cables using a Hall effect sensor in series with a magnetic flux collector encircling the battery cable. If the battery current exceeds an adjustable threshold, the headlights are assumed to be on. Following the deactivation of the warning device after the second period of time, the headlight warning system is reset by either starting the engine or by shutting off the headlights.

Abstract: After a vehicle has entered a sleep mode, the disclosed method places the vehicle monitoring system into longer and longer nap periods provided the monitoring system does not receive a wake-up signal from one of a plurality of vehicle subsystems. During the nap periods, the monitoring system requires a reduced amount of operating power thereby decreasing the parasitic current drain on the battery during the sleep mode.