Patent US4862364A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4862364A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Self-monitor system for automotive digital control system insensitive to battery voltage fluctuations
Assignee: Nissan Motor Co Ltd
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Filing: 1987-11-30
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Granted: 1989-08-29
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Expires: 2007-11-30
Abstract
Abstract A self-monitor system has a delay circuit active in response to the end of engine cranking to enforce a predetermined time delay which is long enough for battery voltage to recover to normal levels. The delay circuit outputs a command for execution of self-monitoring operations by the digital control system after the predetermined time delay. The self-monitor system in the digital control system is responsive to the command from the delay circuit to check the battery voltage and to apply dummy loads to system elements at levels sufficient to simulate actuation of the elements to be checked, such as sensors, actuators and/or indicators. By enforcing the time delay time, the influence of temporary drops in battery voltage due to overloading during engine cranking can be fully avoided.
Inventors
- 👤 Toshiro Matsuda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:25
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60T; B60T8/00; B60T8/32; B60T8/88; B60T8/90; F; F02; F02D; F02D41/00; F02D41/24; F02D41/26; F02D41/266
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A self-monitoring system for an automotive digital control system which checks elements to be controlled by the system comprising: an ignition switch assembly interposed between said control system and said vehicle battery and supplying battery power to said control system in a first switch position thereof; first means for applying a testing voltage having a signal level operating said element to a predetermined condition, for testing operation of said elements; and second means for activating said first means with a given delay period after said ignition switch assembly is actuated from a predetermined second switch position to said first switch position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A self-monitoring system for an automotive digital control system which checks elements to be controlled by the system comprising: an ignition switch assembly interposed between said control system and said vehicle battery and supplying battery power to said control system in a first switch position thereof; first means for applying a testing voltage having a signal level operating said element to a predetermined condition, for testing operation of said elements; and second means for activating said first means with a given delay period after said ignition switch assembly is actuated from a predetermined second switch position to said first switch position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The self-monitor system as set forth in claim 1, wherein in said first switch position, said battery supplies power to an ignition system of an automotive engine.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The self-monitor system as set forth in claim 2, wherein in said second switch position, said battery supplies power to a starter motor in order to start the engine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The self-monitor system as set forth in claim 3, wherein said given delay period is long enough for the battery voltage to return to its normal unloaded level after starter motor operation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The self-monitor system as set forth in claim 4, which further comprises a delay timer responsive to termination of starter motor operation to measure said given delay time.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
164 words
A self-monitoring system for an automotive digital control system associated with a vehicle battery for receiving power from the latter, the vehicle battery also supplying power to an ignition system and a starter motor for an automotive engine, said self-monitor system checking subsidiary elements to be controlled by the control system, the self-monitor system comprising: an ignition switch assembly connected to said battery and operable to any of a plurality of switch positions including a first position in which battery power is supplied to said ignition system and a second position in which battery power is supplied to said starter motor, said ignition switch assembly being associated with said control system for supplying battery power to the latter when it is placed in a preselected switch position thereof; first means for applying testing signals having values operating said elements to predetermined positions, and second means for activating said first means with a predetermined period of time delay after the end of starter motor operation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
164 words
A self-monitoring system for an automotive digital control system associated with a vehicle battery for receiving power from the latter, the vehicle battery also supplying power to an ignition system and a starter motor for an automotive engine, said self-monitor system checking subsidiary elements to be controlled by the control system, the self-monitor system comprising: an ignition switch assembly connected to said battery and operable to any of a plurality of switch positions including a first position in which battery power is supplied to said ignition system and a second position in which battery power is supplied to said starter motor, said ignition switch assembly being associated with said control system for supplying battery power to the latter when it is placed in a preselected switch position thereof; first means for applying testing signals having values operating said elements to predetermined positions, and second means for activating said first means with a predetermined period of time delay after the end of starter motor operation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The self-monitor system as set forth in claim 6, wherein said predetermined period of time is longer than the period of time required for the battery voltage to return to its normal, unloaded level after operation of said starter motor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The self-monitor system as set forth in claim 7, further comprising means, interposed between said ignition switch assembly and said activating means, for applying regulated battery voltage to said activating means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-08-28 | 1993-02-27 | 1993-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-08-28 | 1997-02-27 | 1997-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-08-28 | 2001-02-27 | 2001-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |