Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A device for use in conjunction with a battery electrically connected to an electrical system for an engine having an electrical ignition system comprising: means for producing a reset signal indicative of engine operation, means for generating a battery voltage signal representative of the voltage of the battery, means for setting a cut off voltage level as a function of elapsed time from the last generated reset signal, means for iteratively comparing said battery voltage signal with said cut off voltage level and for generating an output signal whenever said battery voltage signal is less than said cut off voltage level, a timing means, means responsive to said output signal for initiating said timing means, said timing means producing a battery disconnect signal a time period following initiation unless said reset signal occurs during said time period, means responsive to said battery disconnect signal for electrically disconnecting said battery from said load.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
152 words
A device for use in conjunction with a battery electrically connected to an electrical system for an engine having an electrical ignition system comprising: means for producing a reset signal indicative of engine operation, means for generating a battery voltage signal representative of the voltage of the battery, means for setting a cut off voltage level as a function of elapsed time from the last generated reset signal, means for iteratively comparing said battery voltage signal with said cut off voltage level and for generating an output signal whenever said battery voltage signal is less than said cut off voltage level, a timing means, means responsive to said output signal for initiating said timing means, said timing means producing a battery disconnect signal a time period following initiation unless said reset signal occurs during said time period, means responsive to said battery disconnect signal for electrically disconnecting said battery from said load.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 and comprising means for varying one of said battery voltage signal or said cut off voltage level as a function of temperature.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said device comprises a preprogrammed microprocessor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said disconnecting means comprises a switch means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said switch means comprises: two switch contact plates, means for urging said contact plates apart from each other, latch means for holding said contact plates together, and means responsive to said disconnect signal for releasing said latch means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said releasing means comprises a motor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for setting said cut off voltage level comprises means for increasing the cut off voltage level proportionately with elapsed time from the last reset signal and for varying said battery voltage level as a function of said temperature signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said electrical system includes hazard lights and wherein activation of said hazard lights produces a reset signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 and comprising means for comparing said battery voltage signal with a preset low voltage level, said low voltage level being substantially less than said cut off voltage level, and for generating a reset signal whenever said battery voltage level falls below said low voltage level.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention as defined in claim 6 and comprising means responsive to a battery disconnect signal and an activation of said ignition system for activating said motor to move said switch contact plates into engagement with each other.