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:
Jun. 14, 1994
Filed:
Nov. 27, 1992
Jack B Meister, Convent Station, NJ (US);
Echlin, Incorporated, Branford, CT (US);
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. When the vehicle is to be started, the battery is reconnected to the loads, including the starter, by operation of the reset switch before energizing the starter.