Patent US3091894A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5200877A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Battery protection system
Assignee: Baton Labs Inc
•
Filing: 1991-04-02
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Granted: 1993-04-06
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Expires: 2011-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle storage battery protection system that senses a drop in battery voltage to a level at which the battery still retains sufficient power to start the vehicle. If the sensed voltage remains at or below this level for a time greater than the time normally required to start the vehicle, the battery is disconnected from the load and a hysteresis signal is provided to prevent a reconnection as the battery voltage begins to rise after the load has been disconnected. The load is automatically reconnected to the battery upon operation of the ignition switch to restart the vehicle. A reset circuit provides a small test voltage to the disconnected load, and senses a voltage drop caused by operation of the ignition switch to start the vehicle. This sensed voltage drop is detected and causes a main switch to reconnect the battery to the loads.
Inventors
- 👤 Arnold L. Betton
- 👤 Edgar A. Hirzel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 20:55
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02J; H02J9/00; H02J9/002; H02J7/00; H02J7/14; H02J7/60; H02J7/63; H02J7/80; H01; H01H; H01H1/00; H01H1/58; H01H2001/5877; H01H3/00; H01H3/22; H01H3/26; H01H3/264; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B70/00; Y02B70/30; Y04; Y04S; Y04S20/00; Y04S20/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
220 words
For use in conjunction with an engine system having a battery, an ignition system, and a first at least one electrically powered load connected to the battery, a device adapted to electrically disconnect the battery from the first at least one load whenever the battery energy falls below a predetermined value and to automatically connect the battery to the first at least one load, said device comprising: a normally closed main switch for connection between a battery and the first at least one electrically powered load; means for sensing an electrical battery characteristic indicative of battery drain and for generating an output signal whenever the energy capacity of said battery falls below a predetermined value; timing means responsive to said sensing means output signal for generating a timing output signal a delay interval after said sensing means output signal; means responsive to said timing means output signal for opening said main switch; circuit means including said first at least one electrically powered load for connection to a second at least one electrically powered load such that when said second load is connected to said first at least one electrically powered load the voltage across said circuit means decreases; and automatic reset means connected to said circuit means for closing said main switch when the voltage across said circuit means changes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
220 words
For use in conjunction with an engine system having a battery, an ignition system, and a first at least one electrically powered load connected to the battery, a device adapted to electrically disconnect the battery from the first at least one load whenever the battery energy falls below a predetermined value and to automatically connect the battery to the first at least one load, said device comprising: a normally closed main switch for connection between a battery and the first at least one electrically powered load; means for sensing an electrical battery characteristic indicative of battery drain and for generating an output signal whenever the energy capacity of said battery falls below a predetermined value; timing means responsive to said sensing means output signal for generating a timing output signal a delay interval after said sensing means output signal; means responsive to said timing means output signal for opening said main switch; circuit means including said first at least one electrically powered load for connection to a second at least one electrically powered load such that when said second load is connected to said first at least one electrically powered load the voltage across said circuit means decreases; and automatic reset means connected to said circuit means for closing said main switch when the voltage across said circuit means changes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device defined in claim 1, wherein said device is adapted to be located entirely within the battery of within a housing adapted to be supported by the battery.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device defined in claim 1, wherein said predetermined value is approximately seventy percent of the voltage provided in a fully-charged battery.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device defined in claim 1, wherein said battery comprises a lead-acid battery and said predetermined value is approximately 12.24 volts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device defined in claim 1, wherein said delay interval is a time greater than the time normally required to start said vehicle by operation of said ignition system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device defined in claim 1, wherein said second at least one load is connected in response to operation of said ignition system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
62 words
The device defined in claim 1, wherein said means for sensing comprises threshold means for establishing a threshold potential, means for sensing battery voltage, and means for comparing sensed battery voltage to said threshold potential, said reset means comprising means responsive to a decrease in voltage across said circuit means for relatively lowering said threshold potential with respect to sensed battery voltage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device defined in claim 1, further including hysteresis means responsive to said timing output signal for maintaining said timing output signal when said battery voltage rises above said selected level after said main switch is opened.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
56 words
The device defined in claim 1, further including hysteresis means responsive to said timing output signal for causing said sensing means to generate said sensing means output signal when said battery voltage recovers to rise above said predetermined level, whereby the timing output signal remains when the battery voltage increases upon opening of said main switch.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device defined in claim 1, wherein said means for sensing comprises means for generating a sensed battery voltage signal, and further comprising hysteresis means for lowering said sensed battery voltage signal in response to said sensing means output signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device defined in claim 1, further including means for inhibiting said reset means to a predetermined time after generation of said sensing means output signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
51 words
The device defined in claim 1, wherein said automatic reset means comprises means for applying a relatively stabilized voltage to said first at least one electrically powered load, and means for sensing a change in said stabilized voltage responsive to connection of said a second at least one electrically powered load.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device defined in claim 12, wherein said second at least one electrically powered load is connected in response to operation of said ignition system to start said vehicle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device defined in claim 1, wherein said automatic reset means comprises means for sensing operation of said ignition system to start said vehicle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device defined in claim 1, wherein said automatic reset means comprises means for applying a relatively small test signal to said first at least one electrically powered load, and means for sensing a change in said test signal that occurs upon connection of said second at least one load.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device defined in claim 15, wherein said second at least one load is connected in response to operation of said ignition system to start said vehicle.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
75 words
The device defined in claim 1, wherein said means for sensing comprises a comparator circuit having a first input connected to said battery and having a second input, a threshold reference circuit connected to said second input for establishing a reference voltage level, detection means responsive to said comparator for generating said sensing means output signal, and hysteresis means responsive to said timing output signal for providing a lowered voltage at said first comparator input.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
81 words
The device defined in claim 17, wherein said automatic reset means comprises a test generator for generating a test signal, means for applying said test signal to said first at least one electrically powered load, whereby rapid variation of the voltage across said first at least one electrically powered load will vary said test signal, and comparison means responsive to variation of said test signal for decreasing the threshold level provided by said threshold circuit to said second comparator circuit input.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device defined in claim 18, wherein said test generator comprises a current controlling device connected across said main switch between said battery and said first at least one electrically powered load, and negative feedback means responsive to said test signal for stabilizing the magnitude of said test signal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
177 words
For use in conjunction with an engine system having a battery, an ignition system, and a first at least one electrically powered load connected to the battery, a device adapted to electrically disconnect the battery from the first at least one load whenever the battery energy falls below a predetermined value and to automatically connect the battery to the first at least one load, said device comprising: a normally closed main switch for connection between a battery and the first at least one load; means for sensing an electrical battery characteristic indicative of battery drain and for generating an output signal whenever an energy capacity of said battery falls below a predetermined value; p1 timing means responsive to said sensing means output signal for generating a timing output signal a delay interval after said sensing means output signal; means responsive to said timing means output signal for opening said main switch; and automatic reset means for closing said main switch, said automatic reset means responsive to sensing changes in voltage across said first at least one load.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
177 words
For use in conjunction with an engine system having a battery, an ignition system, and a first at least one electrically powered load connected to the battery, a device adapted to electrically disconnect the battery from the first at least one load whenever the battery energy falls below a predetermined value and to automatically connect the battery to the first at least one load, said device comprising: a normally closed main switch for connection between a battery and the first at least one load; means for sensing an electrical battery characteristic indicative of battery drain and for generating an output signal whenever an energy capacity of said battery falls below a predetermined value; p1 timing means responsive to said sensing means output signal for generating a timing output signal a delay interval after said sensing means output signal; means responsive to said timing means output signal for opening said main switch; and automatic reset means for closing said main switch, said automatic reset means responsive to sensing changes in voltage across said first at least one load.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device defined in claim 20, wherein said device is adapted to be located entirely within the battery or with a housing adapted to be supported by the battery.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device defined in claim 29, wherein said predetermined value is approximately seventy present of the voltage provided in a fully-charged battery.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device defined in claim 20, wherein said battery comprises a lead-acid battery and said predetermined value is approximately 12.24 volts.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device defined in claim 20, wherein said delay interval is a time greater than the time normally required to start said vehicle by operation of said ignition system.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device defined in claim 20, wherein said first at least one load is connected in response to operation of said ignition system.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
62 words
The device defined in claim 20, wherein said means for sensing comprises threshold means for establishing a threshold potential, means for sensing battery voltage, and means for comparing sensed battery voltage to said threshold potential, said reset means comprising means responsive to a decrease in voltage across said circuit means for relatively lowering said threshold potential with respect to sensed battery voltage.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device defined in claim 20, further including hysteresis means responsive to said timing output signal for maintaining said timing output signal when said battery voltage rises above said selected level after said main switch is opened.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
56 words
The device defined in claim 28, further including hysteresis means responsive to said timing output signal for causing said sensing means to generate said sensing means output signal when said battery voltage recovers to rise above said predetermined level, whereby the timing output signal remains when the battery voltage increases upon opening of said main switch.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device defined in claim 20, wherein said means for sensing comprises means for generating a second battery voltage signal, and further comprising hysteresis means for lowering said sensed battery voltage signal in response to said sensing means output signal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device defined in claim 20, further including means for inhibiting said reset means for a predetermined time after generation of said sensing means output signal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device defined in claim 20, wherein said automatic reset means comprises means for applying a relatively stabilized voltage to said first at least one electrically powered load, and means for sensing a change in said stabilized voltage responsive to connection of a second at least one electrically powered load.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device defined in claim 31, wherein said second at least one electrically powered load is connected in response to operation of said ignition system to start said vehicle.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device defined in claim 20, wherein said automatic reset means comprises means for sensing operation of said ignition system to start said vehicle.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device defined in claim 20, wherein said automatic reset means comprises means for applying a relatively small test signal to said first at least one electrically powered load, and means for sensing a change in said test signal that occurs upon connection of a second at least one electrically powered load.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device defined in claim 34, wherein said second at least one electrically powered load is connected in response to operation of said ignition system to start said vehicle.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
75 words
The device defined in claim 20, wherein said means for sensing comprises a comparator circuit having a first input connected to said battery and having a second input, a threshold reference circuit connected to said second input for establishing a reference voltage level, detection means responsive to said comparator for generating said sensing means output signal, and hysteresis means responsive to said timing output signal for providing a lowered voltage at said first comparator input.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
73 words
The device defined in claim 36, wherein said automatic reset means comprises a test generator for generating a test signal, means for applying said test signal to said first at least one load, whereby rapid variation of the voltage across said load will vary said test signal, and comparison means responsive to variation of said test signal for decreasing the threshold level provided by said threshold circuit to said second comparator circuit input.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device defined in claim 37, wherein said test generator comprises a current controlling device connected across said main switch between said battery and said first at least one load, and negative feedback means responsive to said test signal for stabilizing the magnitude of said test signal.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
200 words
For use in conjunction with an engine system having a battery, an ignition system, and at least one electrically powered load connected to the battery, a device adapted to electrically disconnect the battery from the at least one load whenever the battery energy falls below a predetermined value and to automatically connect the battery to the at least one load, said device comprising: a normally closed main switch for connection between a battery and the at least one load; means for sensing an electrical battery characteristic indicative of battery drain and for generating an output signal whenever an energy capacity of said battery falls below a predetermined value; timing means responsive to said sensing means output signal for generating a timing output signal a delay interval after said sensing means output signal; means responsive to said timing means output signal for opening said main switch; means for continuously monitoring the voltage across said at least one electrically powered load during at least a part of the time when said main switch is open; and automatic reset means for closing said main switch, said automatic reset means responsive to sensing changes in voltages across said at least one electrically powered load.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
200 words
For use in conjunction with an engine system having a battery, an ignition system, and at least one electrically powered load connected to the battery, a device adapted to electrically disconnect the battery from the at least one load whenever the battery energy falls below a predetermined value and to automatically connect the battery to the at least one load, said device comprising: a normally closed main switch for connection between a battery and the at least one load; means for sensing an electrical battery characteristic indicative of battery drain and for generating an output signal whenever an energy capacity of said battery falls below a predetermined value; timing means responsive to said sensing means output signal for generating a timing output signal a delay interval after said sensing means output signal; means responsive to said timing means output signal for opening said main switch; means for continuously monitoring the voltage across said at least one electrically powered load during at least a part of the time when said main switch is open; and automatic reset means for closing said main switch, said automatic reset means responsive to sensing changes in voltages across said at least one electrically powered load.
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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) | 1996-04-05 | 1996-10-05 | 1997-04-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-04-05 | 2000-10-05 | 2001-04-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-04-05 | 2004-10-05 | 2005-04-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |