The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 29, 1992
Filed:
May. 16, 1990
Pita Witehira, Hamilton, NZ;
Evan L Bydder, Hamilton, NZ;
Power Beat International, Ltd., Hamilton, NZ;
Abstract
The present invention relates to power distribution systems and more particularly, to such systems using power storage devices such as batteries and involving a first electrical load best served by a power source having a low current rate and slow discharge period, and a second electrical load best served by a power source having a high current rate and rapid discharge period. One particular application involving these requirements is in automobile electrical systems. The present invention provides an electrical control circuit that functions in conjunction with such power sources to satisfy such electrical system operating requirements. The system of the present invention maintains the power sources in electrically separate condition when the associated vehicle engine is not running, so as to prevent discharge of the power source serving engine starting systems as a result of inadvertent discharge of the other power source. The control circuit detects presence of external conditions such as vibration or voltage drop created as an operator is about to start the engine. The control circuit electrically connects the power sources for starting, and may retain the connection for charging purposes, but disconnects the power sources from each other after engine operation is concluded. Controls are also provided for connection or disconnection of the power source in response to detected conditions such as undesirable voltages or current flows in the electrical system.