US4517469A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Circuit for a current consuming device in a motor vehicle
Assignee: Audi AG
•
Filing: 1983-05-10
•
Granted: 1985-05-14
•
Expires: 2003-05-10
Abstract
Abstract This invention pertains to a circuit for controlling an electric device in a motor vehicle such as a light. The circuit has a control switch, a door switch and a semiconductor switch. The control switch activates the device either directly, or through the door and semiconductor switches. The control switch also has a neutral position in which the device is deactivated and the semiconductor switch is off reducing the current drain of the device on the motor vehicle battery.
Inventors
- 👤 Axel Bier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 04:49
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q3/00; B60Q3/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A circuit for activating a motor vehicle device comprising: a first switch operatively connected to a motor vehicle device and having a first position in which the device is directly activated; a second position which disables the device; and a third position; a door switch for activating said device when a door of said motor vehicle is opened; a semiconductor switch adapted to activate said device when said first switch is in said third position and said door switch is closed; and means for deactivating said semiconductor switch when said first switch is in said second position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A circuit for activating a motor vehicle device comprising: a first switch operatively connected to a motor vehicle device and having a first position in which the device is directly activated; a second position which disables the device; and a third position; a door switch for activating said device when a door of said motor vehicle is opened; a semiconductor switch adapted to activate said device when said first switch is in said third position and said door switch is closed; and means for deactivating said semiconductor switch when said first switch is in said second position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
94 words
The circuit of claim 1 wherein said semiconductor switch comprises a first transistor with its collector and emitter in series with said first switch when said first switch is in said third position, and said means comprises a second transistor with its collector and emitter in series with said door switch and base of said first transistor, and a comparator controlling the base of said second transistor, said comparator having a first input connected in series with said first switch in said third position and a second input connected to a reference voltage source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
106 words
The circuit of claim 1 wherein said semiconductor switch comprises a first transistor with its collector and emitter in series with said first switch when said first switch is in said third position, and said means comprises a first comparator having a first input connected in series with said first switch in said third position, a second input connected to a reference voltage source and an output, and a second comparator having a first input connected to the output of said first comparator, a second input connected in series with said door switch and an output connected in series with the base of said first transistor.
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) | 1988-05-13 | 1988-11-12 | 1989-05-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-05-13 | 1992-11-12 | 1993-05-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-05-13 | 1996-11-12 | 1997-05-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |