Maintenance alert cluster with memory
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. A device for alerting one to perform a preventative maintenance task on a mobile and immobile object in order to extend the life-span thereof, said device comprising:
- a housing for containing components associated with the device;
a processor for performing a predetermined set of functions and monitoring operation of the object;
a memory connected to the processor for storing information relating to the mobile and immobile object and for storing a plurality of maintenance rules defining a predetermined event;
a wiring harness for connecting the processor to a plurality of signal sources, wherein at least one of the signal sources provides a signal which can be monitored by the processor for determining a period of continuous time in which the object has been operating;
said processor including an input port for receiving mileage information generated by an odometer; and
an input/output port for transferring information to and from the device;
whereby the processor continually applies the maintenance rules against the period of continuous operating time and the mileage information for generating a maintenance alert signal upon the occurrence of the predetermined event.
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Abstract
A maintenance alert device having a memory for storing information relating to the vehicle is disclosed. More specifically, a housing is provided for containing the components of the device, which include a processor for performing various functions programmed into the device, and a memory connected to the processor for storing information relating to the vehicle. This information may include, but is not limited to, maintenance history records and information relating to replacement parts of the customized vehicle systems. The device further includes a wiring harness for receiving signals from the vehicle, and a port for receiving information generated by the vehicle'"'"'s odometer. The device also includes an input/output port for transferring information to and from the device. In operation, the maintenance alert device generates various maintenance signals after the occurrence of predetermined events monitored by the processor.
92 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A device for alerting one to perform a preventative maintenance task on a mobile and immobile object in order to extend the life-span thereof, said device comprising:
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a housing for containing components associated with the device; a processor for performing a predetermined set of functions and monitoring operation of the object; a memory connected to the processor for storing information relating to the mobile and immobile object and for storing a plurality of maintenance rules defining a predetermined event; a wiring harness for connecting the processor to a plurality of signal sources, wherein at least one of the signal sources provides a signal which can be monitored by the processor for determining a period of continuous time in which the object has been operating; said processor including an input port for receiving mileage information generated by an odometer; and an input/output port for transferring information to and from the device; whereby the processor continually applies the maintenance rules against the period of continuous operating time and the mileage information for generating a maintenance alert signal upon the occurrence of the predetermined event. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A device installed within a vehicle for alerting one to perform a preventative maintenance task on the vehicle in order to extend the life span thereof, said device comprising:
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a housing for retaining the components associated with the device, the housing including bracket means for mounting the device within the vehicle; a processor for performing a predetermined set of functions and for making decisions based upon a set of scheduled maintenance rules; a memory connected to the processor for storing the set of scheduled maintenance rules and information relating to the vehicle, the information including a database of maintenance history records and a database of vehicle replacement part records; a wiring harness for connecting the processor to a plurality of signal sources; an input port for receiving mileage information generated by an odometer of the vehicle; an input/output port for transferring information to and from the device, and wherein said input/output port communicates via one of a communication cable and an infrared data link to a processing terminal; a display integrated within the housing for presenting information generated by the processor; a keypad for programming the device and updating at least the database of maintenance history records; whereby the processor continually monitors the mileage information received from the odometer and elapsed time of operation of the vehicle, and applies the scheduled maintenance rules for generating a maintenance alert signal upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for generating a maintenance schedule for a vehicle comprising the steps of:
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providing a maintenance alert device installed within the vehicle for receiving information from a plurality of vehicle signal sources, said maintenance alert device including a processor and a memory for processing said information against a set of predefined maintenance rules stored within said memory for generating the maintenance schedule, and said maintenance alert device including a transceiver for transferring information generated by the maintenance alert device to a receiving station; providing the memory within the maintenance alert device with a database of vehicle maintenance records; providing the memory within the maintenance alert device with a database of vehicle part and configuration information; transmitting the information stored in the maintenance record database and the part and configuration database to the receiving station; and generating a maintenance alert notification at the receiving station based upon the information transmitted from the maintenance alert device for scheduling preventative maintenance of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A device installed within a vehicle for alerting one to perform a preventative maintenance task on the vehicle in order to extend the life span thereof, said device comprising:
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a housing for retaining the components associated with the device; a processor disposed within the device for performing a predetermined set of functions and for making decisions based upon a set of scheduled maintenance rules; a memory disposed within the device and connected to the processor for storing the set of scheduled maintenance rules and information relating to the vehicle, the information including a database of maintenance history records and a database of vehicle replacement part records; a wiring harness for connecting the processor to a plurality of signal sources; an input port for receiving mileage information generated by an odometer of the vehicle; a display for presenting information generated by the processor; and a keypad for interrogating the information stored within the memory and updating at least the database of maintenance history records; whereby the processor continually monitors the mileage information received from the odometer and elapsed time of operation of the vehicle, and applies the scheduled maintenance rules for generating a maintenance alert signal upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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Specification