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.

Abstract: A vehicle security siren that includes a rechargeable back-up battery and an electronic circuit that minimizes current drain from the vehicle's battery by controlling the rate at which the siren's back-up battery is charged by the vehicle's battery. The circuit charges the siren's battery at a relatively high rate when the vehicle engine is running or the ignition is on, and by a low charging rate at other times. This multi-level charging rate preserves the vehicle's battery charge particularly if the vehicle is not driven for any extended time period. The circuit includes a back-up battery condition detector that issues a warning signal in the event of failure of the back-up battery. The circuit also limits the maximum siren duration in the event that either the vehicle's battery or the security system is disconnected from the siren.

Abstract: The present inventions provides a generated-voltage regulator for an automobile, in which the on state of a key switch can be detected securely without being affected by a change in ambient temperature or the like. According to a selected embodiment, when a generation failure occurs in a power generation circuit 12, a power MOS FET 111 is turned on and off periodically so that a charge lamp 3 is lighted. The on/off state of the MOS FET 111 is detected by a detecting section 1121 of a voltage detecting circuit 112. Being supplied with an on signal from the detecting section 1121, a holding section 1122 turns the level of its output signal c to an "H" level only for a predetermined period. As a result, the key switch 2 is not judged to be off even in the case where the MOS FET 111 is turned on, and the on state of a switch 116 is maintained.

Abstract: A portable display device is capable of monitoring the residual capacity of a traveling battery from the outside of an electric vehicle, and conducting operations such as locking and unlocking of a door from outside of the vehicle and controlling the operation of the air conditioner through wireless means. This portable display device is inserted into an insertion section provided in an instrument panel of the vehicle for operating the vehicle. If an ID code in the portable display device agrees with an ID code in the vehicle, a traveling switch is unlocked. Then, if the traveling switch is operated, a steering lock device is released and the traveling motor is connected to the traveling battery in a state in which the electric vehicle is operable.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system has an input for connection to a battery to be tested, and an indicator for providing a visual indication of when the battery power falls below a selected minimum value. A switching device controls connection of the battery to the indicator, and is controlled to switch from its off state to its on state in the event that the battery voltage falls below the selected minimum value. The system may comprise a separate, portable unit to be connected to a battery to be tested, or may be built into an electrical system powered by a battery to continuously monitor battery status.

Abstract: In a hand-held electronic apparatus, such as radio display pager, a control circuit is powered by a first battery to produce an control signal for operating an inductive device such as vibrator. A second battery is provided having an internal resistance lower than the internal resistance of the first battery. A capacitor is connected in parallel with the inductive device and the voltage developed thereacross is monitored by a voltage sensor, which produces a sensor output when the voltage exceeds a prescribed level. A first switching circuit is responsive to the control signal for coupling the inductive device to the second battery and responsive to the sensor output for decoupling it from the second battery. A second switching circuit also responds to the sensor output for coupling the inductive device to the first battery until the control signal ceases to exist.

Abstract: A battery charge monitor for automotive vehicles that includes electronic circuitry for connection to the vehicle battery and responsive to battery voltage to provide a first electrical signal when battery voltage decreases to a selected threshold level. A latching relay includes relay contacts for connection between the vehicle battery and vehicle battery loads, including the starter. A first relay coil is operatively coupled to the relay contacts and responsive to the first signal from the electronic circuitry to open the relay contacts and disconnect the battery from the battery loads including the starter. A second relay coil is operatively coupled to the relay contacts and responsive to a second electrical signal from an operator reset switch for reclosing the relay contacts and connecting the battery to the loads. Thus, when battery charge reaches a level below which starting may be difficult, the electronic circuitry cooperates with the latching relay to disconnect the battery from the loads.

Abstract: The invention continuously monitors the current drawn from the on board battery system of a recreational vehicle or marine vessel. The device calculates and displays the energy remaining as a portion of the total capacity by accumulating over time the net energy drawn out of the battery. The device accurately accounts for the known effect of effectively lower battery capacities at higher current draws, and also allows the user to re-initialize the battery system capacity to reflect either degradation of the battery capacity with time or upgrades to the battery system.

Abstract: A device for supplying voltage to at least one consuming device in a motor vehicle including two parallel generators, two voltage regulators associated with each of the generators, two batteries each connected with one of the voltage regulators, a starter switch connected with at least one of the batteries and the voltage regulators, a charge control lamp for signalling connected with the starter switch and the voltage regulators, switching device for electrically connecting and disconnecting the consuming device or devices, and devices for controlling the voltage regulators so that during starting the charge control lamp indicates starting and the switching device disconnects the consuming devices and if a defect occurs in either generator-voltage regulator system, the charge control light lights and the consuming device or devices is (or are) supplied with current, even if, for example, one of the generators fails.

Abstract: An overcharge preventive device for an automotive battery charging circuit comprises an odorant sensor 6 for detecting the amount of gas generated from the battery 1 during charging (FIG. 3). A detector circuit 7 generates an overcharge detection signal when the amount of gas exceeds a predetermined level. In response thereto, the display or monitor lamp 8 displays the overcharged state, and the interruptor circuit 9 separates the alternator 5 from the battery 1. Alternatively, when the automobile has an audio device such as radio, a voltage detector 19 detects the voltage across the load 4 and outputs a signal when the voltage exceeds a predetermined level, an alarm signal generator 20 generating an audio signal in response to the output signal of the voltage detector 19, such that an alarm sound or voice is produced by a loudspeaker 17 via the amplifier 16 (FIG. 4).

Abstract: A battery disconnect circuit (10) is shown for disconnecting a battery (12) from an electrical load (14). A voltage measuring circuit (32) constantly measures the voltage of the battery (12). When the voltage reaches a predetermined voltage, proportional to the stored electrochemical energy sufficient to start a vehicle one time, a circuit breaker (24) disconnects the battery (12). An inhibitor (53) senses the operation of the engine (31) through an electret microphone (94) and inhibits the circuit breaker (24) from opening. An alarm disabler (58) senses the state of the circuit breaker (24), i.e., whether the circuit breaker (24) is open or closed, and disables the alarm (42) if the circuit breaker (24) is closed. A trigger (41) through a sensor (R1) sensing a drop in voltage due to an operator trying to activate the starting subsystem (30), activates the alarm (42) to notify the operator that the battery (12) has been disconnected.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system is equipped with a circuit to produce a pulse signal when a disconnected vehicle battery is reconnected, and a normally asleep microcomputer based controller is programmed to wake up upon receipt of the pulse signal or another detector signal, and to evaluate the status of each detector signal and the armed, disarmed and alarm state of the controller to sound an alarm, if appropriate, in response to the battery reconnect signal. The armed, disarmed or alarm state of the controller is stored in a non-volatile memory so that information will be kept indefinitely during power loss.

Abstract: An ignition device for a marine propulsion unit that provides a warning signal in the event of an abnormal engine running condition. The warning system is powered by a pair of alternately charged batteries and the warning signal is also activated in the event the batteries are disconnected or are malfunctioning. The engine is also provided with a protection system for reducing its speed in the event of an abnormal running condition and the system incorporates a holding circuit for continuing to maintain the engine at its reduced speed in the event of temporary interruption of battery power and subsequent reconnection of that battery power.

Abstract: An analyzing and fault indicating system for automatic transmissions and their related electro-mechanical operating functions, including vacuum pressure and/or fluid pressure and/or governor and/or computer controlled electrical circuits on automotive vehicles so equipped. This system inserts a passive electron flow measuring ampere meter in series with, and continuously monitors the transmission's principal solenoid winding, called a torque converter clutch (T.C.C.) solenoid, for manufacturers specified quantity of electron flow for satisfactory solenoid operation. Contained in an apparatus case are the system's lamps, light emitting diodes and an ammeter which functions to indicate faults or satisfactory operation of the automatic transmission and/or related function controls. The apparatus case is mechanically suspended from the in-vehicle rear view mirror or its immediate vicinity and connected by two cables to the automatic transmission.

Abstract: The electrical system of a vehicle includes a primary voltage source for starting and operating the engine of the vehicle and an auxiliary voltage source for operating the electrical accessories of the vehicle, particularly when the engine is not operating, and a voltage differential monitor circuit for warning the vehicle operator of the existence of a low voltage condition of the auxiliary battery, such as resulting from an auxiliary battery charging system failure which could result in the inability of an electrical accessory to operate even when the engine is operating.

Abstract: A warning system for an internal combustion engine that is not provided with external source of electric power and which indicates a malfunction or abnormal condition in the engine. The warning system is operated from the engine ignition circuit upon initial starting to provide self checking.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle a.c. generator comprises a rectifier connected to an armature coil of the a.c. generator, and having a main rectification output terminal for outputting the rectified output to a battery, and an auxiliary rectification terminal connected to one end of the field coil of the generator; a voltage regulator which turns on and off the field current by means of a switching element connected to the other end of the field coil to adjust the output voltage from the generator at a predetermined level; an overvoltage limiting unit including a switching element which conducts when the output voltage from the generator exceeds a predetermined overvoltage value; and a switching unit which is energized by the conduction of the switching element in the overvoltage limiting unit to ground the auxiliary rectification terminal of the rectifier.

Abstract: A fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission to be mounted on a vehicle, the fail-safe control device: detects the battery voltage; previously stores a standard battery voltage; makes a comparison between the thus-detected battery voltage and the above-described standard battery voltage; and switches to an emergency mode of turning off all of shift solenoids when the voltage deviates from the standard upon the comparison. As a result of this, generation of defects that shifting from high speed gear stage to a lower speed gear stage due to defective operation of the shift solenoid and disconnection or the like due to the overvoltage of the solenoid can be prevented. Furthermore, if a failure is detected, it can be notified to a drive.

Abstract: There is disclosed a battery monitor for monitoring a plurality of conditions of a battery utilized within a system as the primary or auxiliary power source of the system. The battery monitor includes a voltage measuring means for measuring the voltage of the battery and a processor coupled to the voltage measuring means. The processor utilizes the voltage measurement of the voltage measuring means to determine the presence or the absence of the battery, whether the battery voltage is equal to or greater than a nominal voltage level, and whether the discharge rate of the battery is greater than a selected discharge rate.

Abstract: A gauger for a car includes a housing having a tubular receiving room, a gauge head having an air inlet and an axial projection capable of being urged against a car air valve, a pressure-measuring plunger slidably received in the receiving room, a piston engaging with the plunger for being forced by an air pressure to protrude plunger from the receiving room, an elastic member mounted for returning the piston to rest against the gauge head when the projection is removed from the air valve, two conducting members respectively mounted on the gauge head, and a circuit device electrically connected to the conductive members and capable of showing an electrical power state of a car battery. Such gauger is also designed to detect the wearing degree of a tire tread.