Patent US3603880A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3603880A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Service computer for indicating when a product such as an automobile has to be serviced
Assignee: PACIFIC-ELECTRON Corp A CA CORP
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Filing: 1967-10-16
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Granted: 1971-09-07
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Expires: 1987-10-16
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a service computer and specifically to an automobile service computer for monitoring the operation of a device such as an automobile which requires a periodic servicing and for providing an output indication to the operator of the device when servicing is required. Specifically, the invention relates to an automobile service computer including a pair of output indicators such as output lamps and wherein the output lamps have different current requirements to produce visual indications so that the a passage of current of a first particular level through both of the lamps produces a visual indication in only one of the lamps and a passage of a second particular current level higher than the first through the other lamp produces a visual indication in the other lamp. The invention also includes the use of a computing element such as an electrochemical storage cell which has a pair of electrodes and contains active material for transfer between the pair of electrodes. The storage cell has a plurality of inputs so as to monitor the operation of the automobile and the monitoring results in the transfer of active material between the electrodes in accordance with the operation of an automobile. When all of the active material has been transferred from one of the electrodes, the resistance across the electrodes in the storage cell increases and this increase in resistance is used to control the application of current to either one or both of the output lamps thereby providing the output indication to the operator of the device.
Inventors
- 👤 Nicholas L Brecker Jr
- 👤 John B Murphy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 08:41
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/005; G01R31/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
318 words
In a system for monitoring the operation of a device requiring periodic servicing and for providing an output indication when service is requIred, the combination of a pair of output indicators and wherein a first one of the pair of output indicators provides an indication that servicing is not required and wherein a second one of the pair of output indicators provides an indication that servicing is required, first means coupled to the device for providing an initiating of the operation of the device, an electrochemical storage element having first and second electrodes and an active material transferable between the electrodes in accordance with the flow of current through the electrodes, the electrochemical storage element having a relatively low impedance between the first and second electrodes during the existence of active material on both of the electrodes and having a relatively high impedance upon the transfer of all of the active material from one of the electrodes to the other and initially having active material on both of the electrodes, the electrochemical storage element being connected in a circuit with the first means for transferring the active material from one electrode to the other in the electrochemical storage element during the operation of the device, and third means coupled to the first means, the electrochemical storage element and pair of output indicators for providing an activation of the first output indicators, in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the device, during the production of the relatively low impedance between the first and second electrodes of the electrochemical storage element in accordance with the existence of active material on both of the electrodes of the electrochemical storage element and for providing an activation of the second output indicator, in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the device, upon the production of the high impedance between the first and second electrodes of the electrochemical storage element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
318 words
In a system for monitoring the operation of a device requiring periodic servicing and for providing an output indication when service is requIred, the combination of a pair of output indicators and wherein a first one of the pair of output indicators provides an indication that servicing is not required and wherein a second one of the pair of output indicators provides an indication that servicing is required, first means coupled to the device for providing an initiating of the operation of the device, an electrochemical storage element having first and second electrodes and an active material transferable between the electrodes in accordance with the flow of current through the electrodes, the electrochemical storage element having a relatively low impedance between the first and second electrodes during the existence of active material on both of the electrodes and having a relatively high impedance upon the transfer of all of the active material from one of the electrodes to the other and initially having active material on both of the electrodes, the electrochemical storage element being connected in a circuit with the first means for transferring the active material from one electrode to the other in the electrochemical storage element during the operation of the device, and third means coupled to the first means, the electrochemical storage element and pair of output indicators for providing an activation of the first output indicators, in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the device, during the production of the relatively low impedance between the first and second electrodes of the electrochemical storage element in accordance with the existence of active material on both of the electrodes of the electrochemical storage element and for providing an activation of the second output indicator, in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the device, upon the production of the high impedance between the first and second electrodes of the electrochemical storage element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the pair of output indicators are a pair of lamps and wherein the passage of current of a particular value through both lamps provides a visible output indication in only the first one of the pair of lamps.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the device which is monitored is an automobile and wherein the electrochemical storage element is responsive to the number of times the automobile is started and the length of time of operation of the automobile.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
300 words
In a system for monitoring the operation of a device requiring periodic servicing and for providing an output indication when service is required, the combination of a pair of output lamps and wherein a first one of the pair of output lamps provides a visual indication that servicing is not required and wherein a second one of the pair of output lamps provides a visual indication that servicing is required, first means coupled to the device for initiating the operation of the device, an electrochemical storage element having a pair of electrodes and active material on at least one of the electrodes and having an electrolyte for transfer of the active material between the electrodes, the electrochemical storage element having a relatively low impedance during the existence of the active material on both of the electrodes and having a relatively high impedance upon the transfer of all of the active material from one of the electrodes, the electrochemical storage element being connected in a circuit with the first means for monitoring the operation of the device to produce the low impedance in the electrochemical storage element, during the operation of the first means, when servicing is not required and to produce the high impedance in the electrochemical storage element, during the operation of the first means, when servicing is required, and second means coupled to the first means and pair of output lamps for providing an activation of the first output lamp in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the device by the first means when the electrochemical storage element has the low impedance and for providing an activation of the second output lamp in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the device by the first means when the electrochemical storage element has the high impedance.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
300 words
In a system for monitoring the operation of a device requiring periodic servicing and for providing an output indication when service is required, the combination of a pair of output lamps and wherein a first one of the pair of output lamps provides a visual indication that servicing is not required and wherein a second one of the pair of output lamps provides a visual indication that servicing is required, first means coupled to the device for initiating the operation of the device, an electrochemical storage element having a pair of electrodes and active material on at least one of the electrodes and having an electrolyte for transfer of the active material between the electrodes, the electrochemical storage element having a relatively low impedance during the existence of the active material on both of the electrodes and having a relatively high impedance upon the transfer of all of the active material from one of the electrodes, the electrochemical storage element being connected in a circuit with the first means for monitoring the operation of the device to produce the low impedance in the electrochemical storage element, during the operation of the first means, when servicing is not required and to produce the high impedance in the electrochemical storage element, during the operation of the first means, when servicing is required, and second means coupled to the first means and pair of output lamps for providing an activation of the first output lamp in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the device by the first means when the electrochemical storage element has the low impedance and for providing an activation of the second output lamp in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the device by the first means when the electrochemical storage element has the high impedance.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
98 words
The system of claim 4 wherein the output lamps have different current requirements so that the passage of a first particular current level through both output lamps produces a visible output indication in only one of the output lamps and wherein the second means is constructed to provide current at the first particular level through both lamps during the low impedance in the electrochemical storage element and is constructed to provide a current through only the second lamp, at a second particular level greater than the first particular level, during the high impedance in the electrochemical storage element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
132 words
The system of claim 4 wherein the output lamps have different current requirements to produce visible output indications and wherein the current requirement through the first lamp is at a first particular level and the current requirement through the second particular lamp is at a second particular level greater than the first particular level and wherein the second means controls the passage of current of a first particular level through both output lamps to produce a visible output indication in only the first one of the output lamps during the low impedance in the electrochemical storage element and wherein the second means controls the passage of current through the second output lamp to produce a visible output indication in only the second lamp during the high impedance in the electrochemical storage element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
123 words
The system of claim 4 wherein the first output lamp has a lower current requirement than the second output lamp to produce a visible output indication and wherein the second means is connected to provide a passage of current of a first particular level through both the first and second output lamps, during the low impedance in the electrochemical storage element, to produce a visible output indication in only the first output lamp and wherein the second means is connected to provide a passage of current of a second particular level higher than the first particular level through only the second output lamp, during the high impedance in the electrochemical storage element, to produce a visible output indication in the second output lamp.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
313 words
In a system for monitoring the operation of an automobile requiring periodic servicing and for providing an output indication when service is required, the combination of a pair of output indicators and wherein a first one of the pair of output indicators provides an indication that servicing is not required and wherein a second one of the pair of output indicators provides an indication that servicing is required, first means coupled to the automobile for initiating the operation of the automobile, second means coupled to the automobile and operative during the period of operation of the automobile, third means coupled to the automobile and operative during the transpiration of time, an electrochemical storage cell responsive to the operation of the first, second and third means for monitoring the operation of the automobile, the storage cell including a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte and active material for transfer by the electrolyte between the electrodes in accordance with the operation of the automobile, the storage cell having a low impedance during the occurrence of active material on both of the electrodes and having a high impedance upon the transfer of all of the active material from one of the electrodes to the other electrode and being responsive to the operation of the first, second and third means for obtaining a transfer of the active material from one of the electrodes to the other electrode, and fourth means coupled to the first, second and third means, the electrochemical storage cell and the pair of output indicators for providing an activation of the first output indicator, in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the first means, when the storage cell has a low impedance and for providing an activation of the second output indicator, in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the first means, when the storage cell has a high impedance.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
313 words
In a system for monitoring the operation of an automobile requiring periodic servicing and for providing an output indication when service is required, the combination of a pair of output indicators and wherein a first one of the pair of output indicators provides an indication that servicing is not required and wherein a second one of the pair of output indicators provides an indication that servicing is required, first means coupled to the automobile for initiating the operation of the automobile, second means coupled to the automobile and operative during the period of operation of the automobile, third means coupled to the automobile and operative during the transpiration of time, an electrochemical storage cell responsive to the operation of the first, second and third means for monitoring the operation of the automobile, the storage cell including a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte and active material for transfer by the electrolyte between the electrodes in accordance with the operation of the automobile, the storage cell having a low impedance during the occurrence of active material on both of the electrodes and having a high impedance upon the transfer of all of the active material from one of the electrodes to the other electrode and being responsive to the operation of the first, second and third means for obtaining a transfer of the active material from one of the electrodes to the other electrode, and fourth means coupled to the first, second and third means, the electrochemical storage cell and the pair of output indicators for providing an activation of the first output indicator, in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the first means, when the storage cell has a low impedance and for providing an activation of the second output indicator, in accordance with the initiation of the operation of the first means, when the storage cell has a high impedance.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 8 wherein the first and second output indicators receive current from the fourth means during the occurrence of the low impedance in the electrochemical storage cell and wherein only the second output indicator receives current from the fourth means during the occurrence of the high impedance in the electrochemical storage cell.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
113 words
The system of claim 8 wherein the first output indicator is constructed to produce an output indication at a first particular level of current and the second output indicator is constructed to produce an output indication at a second particular level of current greater than the first particular level of current and wherein the fourth means provides a flow of current through the first and second output indicators at the first particular level during the occurrence of the low impedance in the electrochemical storage cell and wherein the fourth means provides a flow of current through only the second output indicator during the occurrence of the high impedance in the electrochemical storage cell.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 10 wherein the first and second output indicators are light bulbs.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-06 | 1975-03-08 | 1975-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-06 | 1979-03-08 | 1979-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-06 | 1983-03-08 | 1983-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |