Abstract: An alarm device of a vehicle battery for monitoring voltage ranges in charging and discharging processes of the vehicle battery uses a sampling circuit to monitor the charging and discharging voltages real time of a battery, and prompts alert through a light or a buzzer of an alert unit in accordance with the preset voltage stage in a charging and discharging process of the battery. Moreover, a connection port compatible to an external electric device for accessing and examining the defect of a malfunction battery as a reference for maintaining and updating a malfunctioned battery.

Abstract: A degradation evaluating unit collects data related to a power storage device from a vehicle through a power cable, and based on the collected data, evaluates the state of degradation of the power storage device. A data processing unit reads data related to the state of degradation of the power storage device evaluated by degradation evaluating unit from a storage unit, and processes the read data related to the state of degradation to a first display item for a user, a second display item for a dealer and a third display item for a manufacturer. A display control unit controls display of the data processed by data processing unit on a display terminal.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a battery's state-of-health. An initial battery voltage is measured after a first voltage drop during an initiation of an engine cranking phase. A battery voltage is monitored during the remainder of the engine cranking phase. A lowest battery voltage is determined during the remainder of the engine cranking phase. A determination is made if a voltage difference between the lowest battery voltage and the initial battery voltage at the initiation of the engine cranking phase is less than a voltage threshold. A low battery state-of-health is identified in response to the voltage difference being less than the voltage threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing battery voltage misreporting is described. According to various embodiments, battery voltage may be monitored with respect to a state of charge and/or time. Based on this monitored information, battery charge state data may be generated by computing time derivatives of the monitored battery voltage across a voltage range. This battery charge state data may be compared with an expected set of charge state data if substantial differences exist, an error may be generated. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles is described. A station removes one or more spent batteries of electric vehicles having multiple batteries. The receiving system includes an engagement device for engaging with engagement structures of the batteries, in order to assist the removal of spent batteries. Spent batteries removed from vehicles may be tested and charged as they progress through the system in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries may be transferred to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles. Batteries which cannot adequately be recharged can be automatically removed from the system.

Abstract: An electronic control unit determines whether a level of a battery supply voltage is low, and whether a feedback system of a door lock control device is in an abnormal state. If the level of the battery supply voltage is determined to be low, or if the feedback system of the door lock control device is determined to be in the abnormal state, the electronic control unit performs alternative input processing. Internal control information, which is used by the electronic control unit for controlling a controlled object, is used for obtaining an alternative input value.

Abstract: In an on-vehicle radio communication apparatus, when the battery is in a voltage discharging state, every time a predetermined period pases, a current consumption value is updated for the radio circuit by integrating the current consumption for steady operation of the radio circuit. In addition, every time an event occurs in the radio circuit, the current consumption value is updated for the radio circuit by integrating the current consumption for the event operation. If the current consumption value is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the operation is stopped.

Abstract: An automotive power supply system comprises a battery module that includes serially connected battery groups each constituted with serially connected battery cells, integrated circuits each disposed in correspondence to one of the battery groups, a control circuit, a transmission path through which the integrated circuits are connected to the control circuit and a relay circuit via which an electrical current is supplied from the battery module. In response to a start signal instructing an operation start and received via the transmission path, each integrated circuit measures terminal voltages at the individual battery cells in the corresponding battery group and executes an abnormality diagnosis. If abnormality diagnosis results provided by the integrated circuits indicate no abnormality, the control circuit closes the relay, enabling supply of electrical current from the battery module and subsequently, the control circuit receives measurement results from the integrated circuits via the transmission path.

Abstract: A method for remote vehicle communication is provided. The method monitors, stores and/or transmits data representative of the operation of a component or system, whereby the transmitted data may be analyzed and vehicle performance improved through the analysis thereof. Additionally, the vehicle systems are remotely accessible such that a technician can remotely analyze the vehicle without taking control of the vehicle away from the consumer.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a hybrid drive vehicle includes a screen that depicts a first icon, a second icon, and a third icon to represent energy sources and energy destinations. The appearance of the screen is variable to indicate the flow of energy between energy sources and energy destinations. In a preferred embodiment, changes in color, changes in icon size, and movement of elements are used to indicate energy flow.

Abstract: An infotainment system for a vehicle having a first source of electrical power includes an audio/video apparatus installed in the vehicle. An external personal electronic device operates outside of the vehicle. A communications link is communicatively coupled to each of the audio/video apparatus and the external personal electronic device. The communications link is installed in the vehicle and transfers electronic infotainment content between the audio/video apparatus and the external personal electronic device. The transferring includes communicating with air-borne signals between the communications link and the external personal electronic device. The communications link is powered by the first source of electrical power when an engine of the vehicle is in an ON state. An electrical energy storage device is electrically connectable to the communications link. The electrical energy storage device powers the communications link when the engine of the vehicle is in an OFF state.

Abstract: A power management device includes: a calculating unit that calculates the number of parking allowed days of a vehicle, based on information about the battery state and information about the current to be consumed by the vehicle while the vehicle is parked; an obtaining unit that obtains a response indicating the number of parking days from the user in reply to a notification of the number of parking allowed days; and a control unit that causes a notifying unit to notify the user of the number of parking allowed days calculated by the calculating unit, and prohibits an engine stop until the charge amount of the battery reaches the necessary charge amount through a charging operation, when a determining unit determines that the battery needs to be charged in accordance with the number of parking allowed days and the number of parking days obtained by the obtaining unit.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle battery monitor includes an electrical connection configured to electrically couple to an electrical system of the vehicle. An output provides a visual indication related to a condition of the battery. A mount mounts the output at a location at which the output is visible from outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle configuration includes a folding roof and an electro-hydraulic system for moving the folding roof between a closed position and an open position. A roof actuation request for moving the folding roof from the closed position to the open position is blocked if the total number of roof actuation requests occurring in a period when the engine is off has reached a given maximum number in order to protect the vehicle battery. A display provides a driver alert information if the total number of roof actuation requests occurring in the period when the engine is off has reached the given maximum number. A method for controlling a power-operated vehicle roof is also provided.

Abstract: The invention features a dual-mode audio system for an automobile which in one mode is configured for play while the doors to the automobile are closed, and in a second mode, is configured for play while a door, such as a tailgate, is opened. Additionally, the invention also features a battery monitor which monitors the operating condition of the battery and may estimate the energy capacity of the battery. The system may also take power conservation measures if the system determines that the engine is not running or the operating condition of the batter reaches a predetermined state. The invention also features a remote control integrated within a key fob for controlling the audio system. The invention features various orientations for mounting a pair of loudspeakers within an automobile which directly radiate sound out of a rear opening of the automobile.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring an electrical power supply system of a vehicle, the vehicle having a battery and internal combustion engine, an alternator, and a starter. The apparatus has a filter for determining the battery terminal voltage when the vehicle ignition is turned on. There is also a voltage gradient detector for detecting phase and gradient change of the battery terminal voltage when the vehicle ignition is on. A waveform detector is used for detecting and separating different waveforms when the vehicle ignition is on, and an engine-rotating sensor is used to sense a speed of the internal combustion engine when the vehicle ignition is on. Also included is a processor for processing at least one of the battery terminal voltage, the phase and gradient change, the different waveforms, and the speed of the internal combustion engine. An output is provided that is indicative of a condition of the electrical power supply system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise systems and methods related to the provision of location based services via a mobile communications device. In different embodiments, a communication system is described, comprising a mobile communications device, a mobile communications base station, and a server computer system. The location of the device may be correlated with certain user preferences stored on the server computer system. In various embodiments, components of the larger system are described. In some cases, various location related mapping functions for a device are discussed. In other embodiments, systems and methods which provide for activities to be undertaken based on the location of a device are described. In still other embodiments, the disclosure addresses systems and methods of efficiently determining the location of a mobile device. In some embodiments, different notification schemes based on the location of a device and specified preferences are described.

Abstract: A multiple heat sensor alarm system for use in a vehicle to indicate that the interior temperature is above a preset limit has a control head with a microprocessor. Heat sensors or thermometers are placed at different points in the vehicle and connected to the microprocessor. The processor averages all sensor inputs and compares the average to the preset alarm temperature limit. When the limit is exceeded the microprocessor issues an alarm command. The system is connected to the vehicle components and the alarm command operates the horn, lights, windows, doors, or engine. The system may correspond with a portable beeper/pager. The microprocessor has a time delay mode on initial start-up. The system also monitors the battery power of the vehicle and indicates a low power situation.

Abstract: Alarm system for motor vehicle, incorporating an alarm control unit which is powered by a main battery of the motor vehicle, a siren unit likewise powered by the main battery, and a back-up battery in the siren unit which is arranged to power the siren unit upon failure of the power supply from the main battery. To simplify and make such an alarm safer, it is proposed inter alia that upon said failure of power supply from the main battery the back-up battery be arranged to automatically power also the alarm control unit.

Abstract: An indicator 19 having LEDs 20 is mounted on a panel 5 which is provided at the center of a steering handle 6 for monitoring the winkers. The indicator 19 indicates the battery charge amount with the lit up LEDs 20 and also the right or left turn of the vehicle when a winker switch 14 is turned on for indicating the corresponding steering direction. For right turns, the LEDs 20 are lit up incrementally in a sequence from the left to the right. As the LEDs 20 all have been lit up, they are temporarily turned off and their action in the incremental sequence is then repeated. For left turns, the LEDs 20 are lit up incrementally in order from the right. As the LEDs 20 all have been lit up, they are temporarily turned off and their incremental action from the right is then repeated.

Abstract: A transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus for moving machinery includes a microwave transmitter disposed outside the moving machinery to fill a chamber of the moving machinery with microwave energy. The transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus also includes a transponder disposed inside the moving machinery for measuring a sensed condition of a part of the moving machinery and providing a modulated microwave signal that contains information on the sensed condition. The transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus further includes a receiver disposed outside the moving machinery to separate modulated and continuous-wave signal components of the signal and extracts information from the modulated component.

Abstract: Disclosed a system and method of lengthening a life span of a battery power supply in an appliance such as a portable appliance, notebook computer or the like. A power saving method in an appliance includes displaying a user set-up menu for a power saving on a screen by respectively checking systems in the appliance, outputting a control command to a micro-controller in accordance with power saving contents determined on the user set-up menu by a user, and executing a power saving program set up by the user in accordance with the control command of the micro-controller.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting voltage states output from a voltage generating engine has a first connection point connecting the circuit to a voltage output of the engine, a second connection point connecting the circuit to electrical ground and a digital output signal port for providing binary output values. The circuit detects voltage levels ranging above and below a nominal voltage level and assigns binary values to the detected states, the values used as instruction to a device coupled to the circuit.

Abstract: A power monitor circuit and method delays the start of a computer until multiple power lines are at a safe level of operation. The integrated circuit monitors only the voltage of a primary power supply output and eliminates the need for monitor circuits on each supply output. The power supply is made to exacting specifications that tie the 5 volt and 3.3 volt supplies to the primary 12 volt supply. The ATX power supply drives the 3.3 and 5.0 supplies to reach 90% of their values within 40 ms after the 12 volt supply reaches 90% of its value. A time delay circuit 25 delays switching the 3.3 and 5 volt dual outputs from the standby voltage supply to the active voltage supplies until after the primary 3.3 and 5 volt are at a safe operating level.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated digital control SYSTEM and method for an automotive electrical device. The SYSTEM comprises switch means for controlling each portion of a vehicle, the switch means including switches; switch monitor means for displaying switch functions and operational states of the switches input from the switch means; switch control means for generating pulse signals corresponding to the switches operated and controling the switch monitor means; auxiliary control means for performing input/output control, malfunction detection, automatic control, etc. of each logic-division portion; central control means for performing control of the auxiliary control means and all data; instrument panel/monitor means for performing an instrument panel stimulation and applications program graphic processing according to control by the central control means; and RPM pulse generating means for providing RPM pulses to the central control means and the auxiliary control means through an RPM pulse cable.

Abstract: Determining near-end-of-life (NEOL) state of a combustion engine battery, comprising: first and second multi-functional modules operatively connected to a logic function linking group, each operating with different low cranking strength criteria based on using different reference voltages, and each counting a different number of occurrences of low cranking strength exhibited by the battery, for a plurality of engine startings; a third multi-functional module, additionally operatively connected to the logic function linking group, monitoring extent the battery was recharged by the charging system of the combustion engine during previous operation of the combustion engine, during each engine starting; and logic function linking group, performing logic operations and making decisions using simultaneously received output values of first, second, and third, multi-functional modules, for unambiguously determining a single logically correct specific case associated with the combustion engine battery in, or not in, t

Abstract: Disclosed a system and method of lengthening a life span of a battery power supply in an appliance such as a portable appliance, notebook computer or the like. A power saving method in an appliance includes displaying a user set-up menu for a power saving on a screen by respectively checking systems in the appliance, outputting a control command to a micro-controller in accordance with power saving contents determined on the user set-up menu by a user, and executing a power saving program set up by the user in accordance with the control command of the micro-controller.

Abstract: An indicator 19 having LEDs 20 is mounted on a panel 5 which is provided at the center of a steering handle 6 for monitoring the winkers. The indicator 19 indicates the battery charge amount with the lit up LEDs 20 and also the right or left turn of the vehicle when a winker switch 14 is turned on for indicating the corresponding steering direction. When turns right, the LEDs 20 are lit up incrementally in a sequence from the left to the right. As the LEDs 20 all have been lit up, they are temporarily turned off and their action in the incremental sequence is then repeated. When turns left, the LEDs 20 are lit up incrementally in order from the right. As the LEDs 20 all have been lit up, they are temporarily turned off and their incremental action from the right is then repeated.

Abstract: A hand-held control device for controlling a drive having one or more d.c. motors and/or a.c. motors for adjusting a piece of furniture, includes a housing having a lower housing part and an upper housing part. A circuit board is received in the housing and has switch elements. Further accommodated in the housing is a battery pack for providing emergency power supply for operation of drive functions and/or power supply for operating the hand-held control device. A cable and/or an infrared transmitter unit operatively connects the hand-held control device with the drive, wherein the circuit board and/or the upper housing part is securable to the lower housing part in at least two positions.

Abstract: A terminal for generating an electromagnetic field adapted to cooperate with at least one transponder when the transponder enters the electromagnetic field, the terminal including circuitry for determining the distance separating the at least one transponder from the terminal without requiring any transmission from the transponder to the terminal. In one example, the terminal also includes a phase regulation loop that regulates the phase of a signal in an oscillating circuit of the terminal with respect to a reference value.

Abstract: A method and device for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting, based on integrating changes in battery voltage specifically during engine starting, from the time the electro-mechanical starting load is initially applied to the battery, and logically analyzing values of the integrated changes in battery voltage during engine starting, for determining whether or not there is an initial stage of developing low cranking strength of the battery.

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: A method and system is provided for detecting a charging system fault in a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes an existing warning indicator driven by a first signal for indicating when one aspect of the motor vehicle performance is faulty. The method includes detecting a charge system fault, determining if the one aspect of the motor vehicle's performance is faulty and, if so, driving the existing warning indicator with the first signal. If the one aspect is not faulty and a charge system fault has been detected, the method includes driving the existing warning indicator with a second signal corresponding to the detected charge system fault. The second signal provides a different visual indication than the first signal.

Abstract: The invention is an improved method and system to monitor vehicle operation state and operator requests. It combines into a single gauge information indicating current vehicle operating state and ability to increase power assist using a display of instantaneous rate of consumption usage superimposed over available rate of power consumption limits. The invention can display whether an operator is requesting power assist, regenerative braking or battery charging while also displaying the available amount of each under present operating conditions. A vehicle system controller (VSC) or similar type controller is connected to the gauge, which can limit instantaneous rate of consumption usage or charge to the available rate of power consumption or charge limits. The invention can use analog needles or LEDs in various configurations as well as adding warning lamps or chimes when the instantaneous rate of consumption usage approaches or exceeds the available rate of power consumption limits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing reference information in a non-volatile memory unit when a power loss to a vehicle detector is imminent. A power monitor circuit senses an impending power loss. In response, the vehicle detector transfers reference information, including a reference count and the number of loop cycles over which the reference count was accumulated, as well as optional detector status information, from the vehicle detector volatile memory (typically RAM) to the non-volatile memory unit. When power is resumed, the information stored in the non-volatile memory unit is restored to the vehicle detector. The restored information prevents improper and potentially dangerous vehicle detector operation caused by the loss of reference information during unpredictable power losses. The transfer operation is not performed if the power loss is due to a mechanical disconnection of power.

Abstract: A hydrogen detector detects a concentration of hydrogen gas in an enclosed space communicating with an accommodation space for accommodating a battery, a hydrogen gas expeller is operative for expelling hydrogen gas from the enclosed space, a controller responds to a concentration of hydrogen gas detected by the detector, as the detected concentration exceeds a lower significant concentration, to provide a control signal for driving the expeller, an alarm system is operative for providing an alarm on an abnormal concentration of hydrogen gas, and another controller responds to the concentration of hydrogen gas detected by the detector, as the detected concentration exceeds a higher significant concentration, to provide a control signal for driving the alarm system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for monitoring usage of a electric vehicle's battery which offsets the display when the vehicle is in an on condition. A battery energy measuring device is provided which measures the conditions indicative of the maximum available current of the battery and generates a charge signal indicative of the conditions indicative of the maximum available current of the battery. A display is provided which is responsive to the charge signal for displaying the maximum available current of the battery. An offset device is provided which is responsive to the keyswitch to provide a keyswitch signal to the battery energy measuring device representative of the on and off condition of the keyswitch. The battery energy measuring device offsets the charge signal when the keyswitch is in an on condition such that the display displays the on and off condition of the keyswitch.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus for a vehicle-onboard AC generator has an alarm function improved owing to detection of both output voltages of a pair of armature coils of the generator. The alarm apparatus includes an AC generator (1) driven by an engine of a motor vehicle and including a field coil (10) and a pair of armature coils (11, 12), a pair of rectifier circuits (21, 22; 21A, 22A) for rectifying output voltages generated by the paired armature coils (11, 12), respectively, a battery (5) charged by rectified outputs of the paired rectifier circuits (21, 22; 21A, 22A), a voltage regulator (3) for regulating the output voltages of the paired armature coils (11, 12) on the basis of either rectified output voltages of the rectifier circuits (21, 22; 21A, 22A) or a terminal voltage of the battery (5), and an alarm means (4A, 49) for generating an alarm when at least one of the output voltages of the paired armature coils (11, 12) deviates from a predetermined value (VR2).

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

Abstract: A electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system attached between a vehicle battery and a vehicle power cable for measuring a current flowing from the battery. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system includes a clamp for connecting with a terminal of the battery and an electrical terminal for connection to the power cable. A device for sensing current flowing from the battery is connected to the clamp. The sensed current is transmitted to a comparator for comparing the sensed current to a reference value and determining when the sensed current is one of equal to and less than the reference value. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system may also include a device for alerting the operator when the battery power has reached a predetermined level. In this instance a signal will be transmitted to an alarm device available to the operator to alert the driver that the battery current is at a low level.

Abstract: An electrically heated catalytic converter (EHC) and a battery are connected to an alternator via a changeover switch. The changeover switch connects either of the EHC and the battery to the alternator. The slip-detecting device detects the rotational speed of the alternator from the frequency of the ripple in the output voltage of the alternator when the EHC is connected to the alternator, i.e., when the battery is isolated from the alternator. When the battery is isolated from the alternator, the output voltage of the alternator is raised, and the amplitude of the ripple becomes large accordingly. Further, since the battery is isolated, the ripples in the output voltage are not smoothed by the battery. Therefore, the rotational speed of the alternator is accurately detected. The slip-detecting device detects the slip of the driving belt of the generator based on the rotational speeds of the driver and the alternator.

Abstract: A Zener diode 16 is connected to each of single cells 10 of an electric double layer capacitor in parallel, and a resistor 18 is connected to each of the Zener diode 16 in series. Thus, in a case where a single cell 10 is excessively charged, when the bias voltage of the single cell 10 is equal to or higher than the Zener voltage, a discharge current flows through the Zener diode 16 connected to the single cell 10, so that the voltage decreases to the Zener voltage. Thus, it is possible to prevent the electric double layer capacitor from being excessively charged due to the dispersions in electrostatic capacity and internal resistance, and to stably accumulate electricity for a long time.

Abstract: A two-battery on-board electrical system in a motor vehicle is disclosed, in which an on-board electrical system control unit is disposed between the batteries, and one battery is used primarily to supply the usual consumers while the other is used primarily to supply the starter. The on-board electrical system control unit 16 includes an on-board electrical system module, which performs the requisite reverse switching operations and has one further terminal, by on-board electrical system components required for starting an operation can be supplied with voltage. These on-board electrical system components are supplied at maximum priority, and if the supply battery is too greatly discharged are jointly supplied by both batteries, but it is nevertheless assured that during the starting process the other on-board electrical system components are not connected to the starter battery.

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

Abstract: An improved alternating current generator control apparatus for a vehicle which is capable of preventing a lamp driving transistor from being damaged due to an over-current by controlling the current of the lamp driving transistor connected to an L-terminal when reversely connecting the L-terminal and an S-terminal connected to an external connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying the charging of the battery of an electric vehicle has a charging connector mounted on an outer panel of a vehicle body of the electric vehicle, a lid openably mounted on the panel in covering relation to the charging connector and a cavity defined in the outer panel, and a display panel disposed in the cavity for displaying a period of time required until the battery is fully charged and/or a charged capacity of the battery. The driver of the electric vehicle can easily recognize the remaining time required until the battery is fully charged and a percentage of the fully charged capacity of the battery to which the battery is presently charged, from outside of the electric vehicle. The driver is not required to confirm the state of charge of the battery with an indicator on a battery charger or within the passenger's compartment of the electric vehicle, but can easily confirm the state of charge of the battery from outside of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for electronic equipment mounted in a vehicle, such as audio systems, includes a housing for storing electronic component of the audio system and a detachable control panel that can be removed when the operator leaves the vehicle. A replacement detachable panel can be mounted on the housing to enable a locking of the housing to the vehicle dashboard. The second detachable panel can include an alarm, an ultrasonic sensing device, and a self-contained power source so that a security alarm system can be activated by the installation of the second detachable panel as a further deterrent to theft.

Abstract: A vehicle warning system for warning a vehicle operator of a dangerous condition resulting from an abnormal engine parameter for use in a vehicle having a sensor for measuring the engine parameter and a gauge connected to the sensor by a line. The vehicle warning system includes an input port, a connector for connecting the input port to the line connecting the sensor and the gauge, a voltage detector for detecting when a voltage level at the input port exceeds a threshold level, and an alarm generator for warning an operator of a dangerous condition when the voltage detector detects that the voltage level exceeds the threshold level.

Abstract: In a device for detecting the operative states of switches, a common switching device 17 is connected in series with input resistors 16, and currents flowing into switching circuits are cut off when it is judged based on the states of switches 10 to 15 that a vehicle is being parked. Further, a detector 19 is so set as to perform its detection only at specified intervals. The switching device 17 is turned on at the detection timing of the detector 19 and is, when the detector 19 performs no detection, turned off so as to prevent the currents from flowing into the respective switching circuits. With the above construction, the currents flowing into the switching circuits can perfectly be cut off while the vehicle is being parked, and the input resistors in use are less than in the prior art. Further, since the currents flow through the input resistors at specified intervals, an average power consumption of each input resistor can be reduced, enabling the use of input resistors having a low rated power.

Abstract: An anti-theft protection system comprises a battery having a series of cells and at least one terminal. The series of cells and the at least one terminal have an electrical connection therebetween, which connection is subject to activation and deactivation. A mechanical contact device is positioned in the battery for physically connecting and disconnecting the series of cells and the at least one terminal for activating and deactivating the electrical connection. At least one of a control unit, an intruder alert system, and a battery load sensor is provided with the system. A control circuit is also provided for controlling the mechanical contact device to cause activation and deactivation of the electrical connection. The control circuit is adapted to receive at least one command signal from at least one of the control unit, the intruder alert system, and the battery load sensor.