Device and method for indicating in-use charging and abnormal discharging of a combustion engine battery following engine turn-off

• US 6,590,396 B1
• Filed: 05/11/2001
• Issued: 07/08/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/19/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Intellectual Ventures Fund 72 LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Battery Alert Ltd.
• Inventors: Yaffe, Jacob, Zur, Amos
• Primary Examiner(s): Tso, Edward H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TIBBITS, PIA FLORENCE
• Application Number:
  US09/831,573
• Time in Patent Office: 788 Days
• Field of Search: 324/426-433, 340/455, 340/438, 340/660, 340/661, 320/132, 320/134
• US Class Current: 324/433
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00306 Overdischarge protection
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/005 Detection of state of health [SOH]

Abstract

A device and corresponding method for indicating in-use charging and abnormal discharging of a combustion engine battery during and following engine turn-off using a current sensor, a charge level tester, a latch circuit, a charge indicator, and a voltage level tester for detecting, measuring, indicating, and storing an indication of in-use normal or abnormal battery charging/discharging.”

Claims

1. A device for indicating in-use charging and abnormal discharging of a combustion engine battery following engine turn-off, comprising:

(a) a first circuit for the indicating in-use battery charging during engine operation, through and following engine turn-off, said first circuit comprising;

(i) a first circuit current sensor operatively connected for sensing in-use battery charging current, converting said sensed in-use battery charging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed in-use battery charging current, and generating an in-use battery charging signal corresponding to said voltage;

(ii) a charge level tester operatively connected to said first circuit current sensor for measuring a magnitude of said in-use battery charging signal sent by said first circuit current sensor, comparing said in-use battery charging signal magnitude to a pre-determined in-use battery charging level, and generating a charge level tester signal proportional to said in-use battery charging signal magnitude when said in-use battery charging signal magnitude is greater than said pre-determined in-use battery charging level;

(iii) a latch circuit operatively connected to said charge level tester for receiving and registering said charge level tester signal sent by said charge level tester as an indication of the in-use battery charging, storing said indication of the in-use battery charging, and generating a latch circuit signal corresponding to said stored indication of the in-use battery charging;

(iv) a charge indicator operatively connected to said latch circuit for receiving said latch circuit signal corresponding to said stored indication of the in-use battery charging, and providing an indication of said in-use battery charging to an engine operator during the in-use engine operation, through and following the engine turn-off; and

(v) a first circuit voltage level tester operatively connected to the engine battery for measuring voltage of the engine battery, comparing said battery voltage to a pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to engine starting, and sending a first circuit voltage level tester signal to said latch circuit for resetting said latch circuit when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to engine starting; and

(b) a second circuit for the indicating abnormal battery discharging following engine turn-off, said second circuit comprising;

(i) a second circuit current sensor operatively connected for sensing battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery discharging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery discharging current, and generating a battery discharging signal corresponding to said voltage;

(ii) a discharge level tester operatively connected to said second circuit current sensor for measuring a magnitude of said battery discharging signal sent by said second circuit current sensor, comparing said battery discharging signal magnitude to at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and generating a discharge level tester signal proportional to said battery discharging signal magnitude when said battery discharging signal magnitude is greater than said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level;

(iii) a delay mechanism for delaying sending of said discharge level tester signal by said discharge level tester until said delay mechanism receives an indication of the engine turnoff and sends a delay mechanism signal corresponding to said indication of the engine turn-off to said discharge level tester;

(iv) a high discharge indicator operatively connected to said discharge level tester for receiving said delayed discharge level tester signal corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and providing an indication of the battery abnormal discharging to an engine operator following the engine turn-off; and

(v) a second circuit voltage level tester operatively connected to the engine battery for measuring said battery voltage, comparing said battery voltage to a pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to the engine turn-off, and sending a second circuit voltage level tester signal to said delay mechanism when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to the engine turn-off.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first circuit current sensor features a current sensor mechanism selected from the group consisting of a Hall Effect current sensor mechanism configured externally and immediately parallel to a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to a load of the engine, and a current sensor mechanism electrically connected in series of a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to said load of the engine.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said first circuit said in-use battery charging current sensed by said first circuit current sensor corresponds to said battery charging current selected from the group consisting of normal battery charging current and abnormal battery charging current.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said first circuit said pre-determined battery charging level includes a charging level greater than initial battery charging effected by a charging mechanism, said charging mechanism is selected from the group consisting of an alternator and a generator.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said first circuit said indication of the in-use battery charging provided by said charge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audio signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal, said non-warning signal includes a digital readout.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said first circuit said first circuit voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said first circuit voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said second circuit said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging is selected from the group consisting of a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle headlights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle hazard lights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to a vehicle anti-theft alarm device in an abnormal operative mode, and a battery discharging level corresponding to at least one vehicle accessory in an abnormal operative mode.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said second circuit said indication of the battery abnormal discharging provided by said high discharge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal selected from the group consisting of an audio signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said second circuit said second circuit voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said second circuit voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one temperature sensor associated with corresponding at least one component of the device selected from the group consisting of said charge level tester, said discharge level tester, said first circuit voltage level tester, and said second circuit voltage level tester, for measuring ambient temperature in a vicinity of the engine, and wherein said at least one component varies and is adjustable in relation to said ambient temperature.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said first circuit current sensor and said second circuit current sensor are configured, operatively connected, and function as a single current sensor for sensing battery current selected from the group consisting of said in-use battery charging current and said battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery current, and generating a current sensor signal selected from the group consisting of said in-use battery charging signal and said battery discharging signal, corresponding to said voltage.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said first circuit voltage level tester and said second circuit voltage level tester are configured, operatively connected to the engine battery, and function as a single voltage level tester for measuring said battery voltage, comparing said battery voltage to said pre-determined battery voltage levels, sending a said corresponding voltage level tester signal to said latch circuit for resetting said latch circuit when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to engine starting, and sending a said corresponding voltage level tester signal to said delay mechanism when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to the engine turn-off.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

(c) a third circuit operatively connected to said voltage level tester selected from the group consisting of said first circuit voltage level tester and said second circuit voltage level tester, for detecting and warning of a problem with a starter mechanism of the combustion engine.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein said third circuit comprises:

(i) said voltage level tester for continuously measuring said battery voltage at the end of a given engine starting time interval;

(ii) a timer responsive to activation of said starter mechanism to time said given engine starting time interval;

(iii) a counter for maintaining a cumulative count of occasions on which said battery voltage is below a given level; and

(iv) an alarm unit for providing a warning signal, said warning signal actuated in at least one form selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal, when said cumulative count exceeds a pre-determined number of counts, following activation of said starter mechanism, said warning signal temporally actuated selected from the group consisting of during activation of said starter mechanism, following engine turn-off, and, during activation of said starter mechanism and following engine turn-off.

15. A device for indicating in-use charging and abnormal discharging of a combustion engine battery following engine turn-off, comprising:

(a) a first circuit for the indicating in-use battery charging during engine operation, through and following engine turn-off, said first circuit comprising;

(i) a first circuit current sensor operatively connected for sensing in-use battery charging current, converting said sensed in-use battery charging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed in-use battery charging current, and generating an in-use battery charging signal corresponding to said voltage;

(ii) a charge level tester operatively connected to said first circuit current sensor for measuring a magnitude of said in-use battery charging signal sent by said first circuit current sensor, comparing said in-use battery charging signal magnitude to a pre-determined in-use battery charging level, and generating a charge level tester signal proportional to said in-use battery charging signal magnitude when said in-use battery charging signal magnitude is greater than said pre-determined in-use battery charging level;

(iii) a latch circuit operatively connected to said charge level tester for receiving and registering said charge level tester signal sent by said charge level tester as an indication of the in-use battery charging, storing said indication of the in-use battery charging, and generating a latch circuit signal corresponding to said stored indication of the in-use battery charging;

(iv) a charge indicator operatively connected to said latch circuit for receiving said latch circuit signal corresponding to said stored indication of the in-use battery charging, and providing an indication of the in-use battery charging to an engine operator during the engine operation, through and following the engine turn-off; and

(v) a voltage level tester operatively connected to the engine battery for measuring voltage of the engine battery, comparing said battery voltage to a pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to engine starting, and sending a voltage level tester signal to said latch circuit for resetting said latch circuit when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to engine starting; and

(b) a second circuit for the indicating abnormal battery discharging following engine turn-off, said second circuit comprising;

(i) a second circuit current sensor operatively connected for sensing battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery discharging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery discharging current, and generating a battery discharging signal corresponding to said voltage;

(ii) a discharge level tester operatively connected to said second circuit current sensor for measuring a magnitude of said battery discharging signal sent by said second circuit current sensor, comparing said battery discharging signal magnitude to at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and generating a discharge level tester signal proportional to said battery discharging signal magnitude when said battery discharging signal magnitude is greater than said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level;

(iii) a delay mechanism for delaying sending of said discharge level tester signal by said discharge level tester until said delay mechanism receives an indication of the engine turnoff and sends a delay mechanism signal corresponding to said indication of engine turn-off to said discharge level tester;

(iv) a high discharge indicator operatively connected to said discharge level tester for receiving said delayed discharge level tester signal corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and providing an indication of the battery abnormal discharging to an engine operator;

(v) at least one engine characteristic sensor selected from the group consisting of engine noise sensors and engine vibration sensors operatively connected for sensing at least one engine characteristic selected from the group consisting of engine noise and engine vibration, and generating at least one engine characteristic sensor signal corresponding to said at least one engine characteristic; and

(vi) at least one engine characteristic level tester selected from the group consisting of engine noise level testers and engine vibration level testers operatively connected to said at least one engine characteristic sensor for measuring said at least to one engine characteristic sensor signal generated and sent by said at least one engine characteristic sensor, comparing said measurement to at least one corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic for distinguishing between engine operation and engine non-operation, said engine non-operation including the engine turn-off, and sending at least one engine characteristic level tester signal to said delay mechanism when said measurement is less than said at least one corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic corresponding to the engine turn-off.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein said first circuit current sensor features a current sensor mechanism selected from the group consisting of a Hall Effect current sensor mechanism configured externally and immediately parallel to a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to a load of the engine, and a current sensor mechanism electrically connected in series of a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to said load of the engine.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein said first circuit said in-use battery charging current sensed by said first circuit current sensor corresponds to said battery charging current selected from the group consisting of normal battery charging current and abnormal battery charging current.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein said first circuit pre-determined battery charging level includes a charging level greater than initial battery charging effected by a charging mechanism, said charging mechanism is selected from the group consisting of an alternator and a generator.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein said first circuit said indication of the in-use battery charging provided by said charge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal selected from the group consisting of audio signals, visual signals, and electromagnetic signals, said non-warning signal includes a digital readout.

20. The device of claim 15, wherein said first circuit said first circuit voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said first circuit.voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

21. The device of claim 15, wherein said second circuit said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging is selected from the group consisting of a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle headlights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle hazard lights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to a vehicle anti-theft alarm device in an abnormal operative mode, and a battery discharging level corresponding to at least one vehicle accessory in an abnormal operative mode.

22. The device of claim 15, wherein said second circuit said indication of the battery abnormal discharging provided by said high discharge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal selected from the group consisting of an audio signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal.

23. The device of claim 15, wherein said second circuit said second circuit voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said second circuit voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

24. The device of claim 15, wherein said second circuit said at least one engine characteristic level tester measures said at least one engine characteristic sensor signal as a function of time selected from the group consisting of a continuous function of time and a discontinuous function of time.

25. The device of claim 15, wherein said first circuit current sensor and said second circuit current sensor are configured, operatively connected, and function as a single current sensor for sensing battery current selected from the group consisting of said in-use battery charging current and said battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery current, and generating a current sensor signal selected from the group consisting of said in-use battery charging signal and said battery discharging signal, corresponding to said voltage.

26. The device of claim 15, further comprising at least one temperature sensor associated with corresponding at least one component of the device selected from the group consisting of said charge level tester, said discharge level tester, said first circuit voltage level tester, said second circuit voltage level tester, and said at least one engine characteristic level tester, for measuring ambient temperature in a vicinity of the engine, and wherein said at least one component varies and is adjustable in relation to said ambient temperature.

27. The device of claim 15, further comprising:

(c) a third circuit operatively connected to said voltage level tester for detecting and warning of a problem with a starter mechanism of the combustion engine.

28. The device of claim 27, wherein said third circuit comprises:

(i) said voltage level tester for continuously measuring said battery voltage at the end of a given engine starting time interval;

(ii) a timer responsive to activation of said starter mechanism to time said given engine starting time interval;

(iii) a counter for maintaining a cumulative count of occasions on which said battery voltage is below a given level; and

(iv) an alarm unit for providing a warning signal, said warning signal actuated in at least one form selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal, when said cumulative count exceeds a pre-determined number of counts, following activation of said starter mechanism, said warning signal -temporally actuated selected from the group consisting of during activation of said starter mechanism, following engine turn-off, and, during activation of said starter mechanism and following engine turn-off.

29. A device for indicating abnormal discharging of a combustion engine battery following engine turn-off, comprising:

(a) a current sensor operatively connected for sensing battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery discharging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery discharging current, and generating a battery discharging signal corresponding to said voltage;

(b) a discharge level tester operatively connected to said current sensor for measuring a magnitude of said battery discharging signal sent by said current sensor, comparing said battery discharging signal magnitude to at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and generating a discharge level tester signal proportional to said battery discharging signal magnitude when said battery discharging signal magnitude is greater than said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level;

(c) a delay mechanism for delaying sending of said discharge level tester signal by said discharge level tester until said delay mechanism receives an indication of the engine turn-off and sends a delay mechanism signal corresponding to said indication of the engine turn-off to said discharge level tester;

(d) a high discharge indicator operatively connected to said discharge level tester for receiving said delayed discharge level tester signal corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and providing an indication of the battery abnormal discharging to an engine operator following the engine turn-off; and

(e) a voltage level tester operatively connected to the engine battery for measuring said battery voltage, comparing said battery voltage to a pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to the engine turn-off, and sending a voltage level tester signal to said delay mechanism when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to the engine turn-off.

30. The device of claim 29, wherein said current sensor features a current sensor mechanism selected from the group consisting of a Hall Effect current sensor mechanism configured externally and immediately parallel to a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to a load of the engine, and a current sensor mechanism electrically connected in series of a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to said load of the engine.

31. The device of claim 29, wherein said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging is selected from the group consisting of a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle headlights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle hazard lights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to a vehicle anti-theft alarm device in an abnormal operative mode, and a battery discharging level corresponding to at least one vehicle accessory in an abnormal operative mode.

32. The device of claim 29, wherein said indication of the battery abnormal discharging provided by said high discharge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal selected from the group consisting of an audio signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal.

33. The device of claim 29, wherein said voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

34. The device of claim 29, further comprising at least one temperature sensor associated with corresponding at least one component of the device selected from the group consisting of said discharge level tester, and said voltage level tester, for measuring ambient temperature in a vicinity of the engine, and wherein said at least one component varies and is adjustable in relation to said ambient temperature.

35. The device of claim 29, further comprising:

(f) a second circuit operatively connected to said voltage level tester for detecting and warning of a problem with a starter mechanism of the combustion engine.

36. The device of claim 35, wherein said second circuit comprises:

(i) said voltage level tester for continuously measuring said battery voltage at the end of a given engine starting time interval;

(ii) a timer responsive to activation of said starter mechanism to time said given engine starting time interval;

(iii) a counter for maintaining a cumulative count of occasions on which said battery voltage is below a given level; and

(iv) an alarm unit for providing a warning signal, said warning signal actuated in at least one form selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal, when said cumulative count exceeds a pre-determined number of counts, following activation of said starter mechanism, said warning signal temporally actuated selected from the group consisting of during activation of said starter mechanism, following engine turn-off, and, during activation of said starter mechanism and following engine turn-off.

37. A device for indicating abnormal discharging of a combustion engine battery following engine turn-off, comprising:

(a) a current sensor operatively connected for sensing battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery discharging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery discharging current, and generating a battery discharging signal corresponding to said voltage;

(b) a discharge level tester operatively connected to said current sensor for measuring a magnitude of said battery discharging signal sent by said current sensor, comparing said battery discharging signal magnitude to at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and generating a discharge level tester signal proportional to said battery discharging signal magnitude when said battery discharging signal magnitude is greater than said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level;

(c) a delay mechanism for delaying sending of said discharge level tester signal by said discharge level tester until said delay mechanism receives an indication of the engine turn-off and sends a delay mechanism signal corresponding to said indication of the engine turn-off to said discharge level tester;

(d) a high discharge indicator operatively connected to said discharge level tester for receiving said delayed discharge level tester signal corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and providing an indication of the battery abnormal discharging to an engine operator following the engine turn-off;

(e) at least one engine characteristic sensor selected from the group consisting of engine noise sensors and engine vibration sensors operatively connected for sensing at least one engine characteristic selected from the group consisting of engine noise and engine vibration, and generating at least one engine characteristic sensor signal corresponding to said at least one engine characteristic; and

(f) at least one engine characteristic level tester selected from the group consisting of engine noise level testers and engine vibration level testers operatively connected to said at least one engine characteristic sensor for measuring said at least one engine characteristic sensor signal generated and sent by said at least one engine characteristic sensor, comparing said measurement to at least one corresponding predetermined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic for distinguishing between engine operation and engine non-operation, said engine non-operation including the engine turn-off, and sending at least one engine characteristic level tester signal to said delay mechanism when said measurement is less than said at least one corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic corresponding to the engine turn-off.

38. The device of claim 37, wherein said current sensor features a current sensor mechanism selected from the group consisting of a Hall Effect current sensor mechanism configured externally and immediately parallel to a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to a load of the engine, and a current sensor mechanism electrically connected in series of a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to said load of the engine.

39. The device of claim 37, wherein said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging is selected from the group consisting of a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle headlights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle hazard lights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to a vehicle anti-theft alarm device in an abnormal operative mode, and a battery discharging level corresponding to at least one vehicle accessory in an abnormal operative mode.

40. The device of claim 37, wherein said indication of the battery abnormal discharging provided by said high discharge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal selected from the group consisting of an audio signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal.

41. The device of claim 37, wherein said voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

42. The device of claim 37, wherein said at least one engine characteristic level tester measures said at least one engine characteristic sensor signal as a function of time selected from the group consisting of a continuous function of time and a discontinuous function of time.

43. The device of claim 37, further comprising at least one temperature sensor associated with corresponding at least one component of the device selected from the group consisting of said discharge level tester, said voltage level tester, and said at least one engine characteristic level tester, for measuring ambient temperature in a vicinity of the engine, and wherein said at least one component varies and is adjustable in relation to said ambient temperature.

44. The device of claim 37, further comprising:

(g) a second circuit operatively connected to said voltage level tester for detecting and warning of a problem with a starter mechanism of the combustion engine.

45. The device of claim 44, wherein said second circuit comprises:

(i) said voltage level tester for continuously measuring said battery voltage at the end of a given engine starting time interval;

(ii) a timer responsive to activation of said starter mechanism to time said given engine starting time interval;

(iii) a counter for maintaining a cumulative count of occasions on which said battery voltage is below a given level; and

(iv) an alarm unit for providing a warning signal, said warning signal actuated in at least one form selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal, when said cumulative count exceeds a pre-determined number of counts, following activation of said starter mechanism, said warning signal temporally actuated selected from the group consisting of during activation of said starter mechanism, following engine turn-off, and, during activation of said starter mechanism and following engine turn-off.

46. A method for indicating in-use charging and abnormal discharging of a combustion engine battery following engine turn-off, comprising:

a) indicating in-use battery charging during engine operation, through and following engine turn-off, by operation of a first circuit, said operation of said first circuit comprising;

(i) sensing in-use battery charging current, converting said sensed in-use battery charging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed in-use battery charging current, and generating an in-use battery charging signal corresponding to said voltage, by an operatively connected first circuit current sensor;

(ii) measuring a magnitude of said in-use battery charging signal sent by said first circuit current sensor, comparing said first in-use battery charging signal magnitude to a pre-determined in-use battery charging level, and generating a charge level tester signal proportional to said in-use battery charging signal magnitude when said in-use battery charging signal magnitude is greater than said pre-determined in-use battery charging level, by a charge level tester operatively connected to said first circuit current sensor;

(iii) receiving and registering said charge level tester signal sent by said charge level tester as an indication of the in-use battery charging, storing said indication of the in-use battery charging, and generating a latch circuit signal corresponding to said stored indication of the in-use battery charging, by a latch circuit operatively connected to said charge level tester;

(iv) receiving said latch circuit signal corresponding to said stored indication of the in-use battery charging, and providing an indication of said in-use battery charging to an engine operator during the in-use engine operation, through and following the engine turn-off, by a charge indicator operatively connected to said latch circuit; and

(v) measuring voltage of the engine battery, comparing said battery voltage to a pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to engine starting, and sending a first circuit voltage level tester signal to said latch circuit for resetting said latch circuit when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to engine starting, by a first circuit voltage level tester operatively connected to the engine battery; and

(b) indicating abnormal battery discharging following engine turn-off, by operation of a second circuit, said operation of said second circuit comprising;

(i) sensing battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery discharging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery discharging current, and generating a battery discharging signal corresponding to said voltage, by an operatively connected second circuit current sensor;

(ii) measuring a magnitude of said battery discharging signal sent by said second circuit current sensor, comparing said battery discharging signal magnitude to at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and generating a discharge level tester signal proportional to said battery discharging signal magnitude when said battery discharging signal magnitude is greater than said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level, by a discharge level tester operatively connected to said second circuit current sensor;

(iii) delaying sending of said discharge level tester signal by said discharge level tester until a delay mechanism receives an indication of the engine turn-off and sends a delay mechanism signal corresponding to said indication of the engine turn-off to said discharge level tester, by said delay mechanism operatively connected to said discharge level tester;

(iv) receiving said delayed discharge level tester signal corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and providing an indication of the battery abnormal discharging to an engine operator following the engine turn-off, by a high discharge indicator operatively connected to said discharge level tester; and

(v) measuring said battery voltage, comparing said battery voltage to a pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to the engine turn-off, and sending a second circuit voltage level tester signal to said delay mechanism when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to the engine turn-off, by a second circuit voltage level tester operatively connected to the engine battery.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein said first circuit current sensor operates according to a current sensor mechanism selected from the group consisting of a Hall Effect current sensor mechanism configured externally and immediately parallel to a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to a load of the engine, and a current sensor mechanism electrically connected in series of a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to said load of the engine.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein said first circuit said in-use battery charging current sensed by said first circuit current sensor corresponds to said battery charging current selected from the group consisting of normal battery charging current and abnormal battery charging current.

49. The method of claim 46, wherein said first circuit said pre-determined battery charging level includes a charging level greater than initial battery charging effected by a charging mechanism, said charging mechanism is selected from the group consisting of an alternator and a generator.

50. The method of claim 46, wherein said first circuit said indication of the in-use battery charging provided by said charge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audio signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal, said non-warning signal includes a digital readout.

51. The method of claim 46, wherein said first circuit said first circuit voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said first circuit voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

52. The method of claim 46, wherein said second circuit said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging is selected from the group consisting of a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle headlights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle hazard lights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to a vehicle anti-theft alarm device in an abnormal operative mode, and a battery discharging level corresponding to at least one vehicle accessory in an abnormal operative mode.

53. The method of claim 46, wherein said second circuit said indication of the battery abnormal discharging provided by said high discharge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal selected from the group consisting of an audio signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal.

54. The method of claim 46, wherein said second circuit said second circuit voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said second circuit voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

55. The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of associating at least one temperature sensor with corresponding at least one component of said first circuit and said second circuit selected from the group consisting of said charge level tester, said discharge level tester, said first circuit voltage level tester, and said second circuit voltage level tester, for measuring ambient temperature in a vicinity of the engine, and wherein said corresponding at least one component varies and is adjustable in relation to said ambient temperature.

56. The method of claim 46, wherein said first circuit current sensor and said second circuit current sensor are configured, operatively connected, and function as a single current sensor for sensing battery current selected from the group consisting of said in-use battery charging current and said battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery current, and generating a current sensor signal selected from the group consisting of said in-use battery charging signal and said battery discharging signal, corresponding to said voltage.

57. The method of claim 46, wherein said first circuit voltage level tester and said second circuit voltage level tester are configured, operatively connected to the engine battery, and function as a single voltage level tester for measuring said battery voltage, comparing said battery voltage to said pre-determined battery voltage levels, sending a said corresponding voltage level tester signal to said latch circuit for resetting said latch circuit when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to engine starting, and sending a said corresponding voltage level tester signal to said delay mechanism when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to the engine turn-off.

58. A method for indicating in-use charging and abnormal discharging of a combustion engine battery following engine turn-off, comprising:

a) indicating in-use battery charging during engine operation, through and following engine turn-off, by operation of a first circuit, said operation of said first circuit comprising;

(i) sensing in-use battery charging current, converting said sensed in-use battery charging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed in-use battery charging current, and generating an in-use battery charging signal corresponding to said voltage, by an operatively connected first circuit current sensor;

(ii) measuring a magnitude of said in-use battery charging signal sent by said first circuit current sensor, comparing said in-use battery charging signal magnitude to a pre-determined in-use battery charging level, and generating a charge level tester signal proportional to said in-use battery charging signal magnitude when said in-use battery charging signal magnitude is greater than said pre-determined in-use battery charging level, by a charge level tester operatively connected to said first circuit current sensor;

(iii) receiving and registering said charge level tester signal sent by said charge level tester as an indication of the in-use battery charging, storing said indication of the in-use battery charging, and generating a latch circuit signal corresponding to said stored indication of the in-use battery charging, by a latch circuit operatively connected to said charge level tester;

(iv) receiving said latch circuit signal corresponding to said stored indication of the in-use battery charging, and providing an indication of said in-use battery charging to an engine operator during the in-use engine operation, through and following the engine turn-off, by a charge indicator operatively connected to said latch circuit; and

(v) measuring voltage of the engine battery, comparing said battery voltage to a pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to engine starting, and sending a first circuit voltage level tester signal to said latch circuit for resetting said latch circuit when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to engine starting, by a first circuit voltage level tester operatively connected to the engine battery; and

(b) indicating abnormal battery discharging following engine turn-off, by operation of a second circuit, said operation of said second circuit comprising;

(i) sensing battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery discharging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery discharging current, and generating a battery discharging signal corresponding to said voltage, by an operatively connected second circuit current sensor;

(ii) measuring a magnitude of said battery discharging signal sent by said second circuit current sensor, comparing said battery discharging signal magnitude to at least one predetermined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and generating a discharge level tester signal proportional to said battery discharging signal magnitude when said battery discharging signal magnitude is greater than said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level, by a discharge level tester operatively connected to said second circuit current sensor;

(iii) delaying sending of said discharge level tester signal by said discharge level tester until a delay mechanism receives an indication of the engine turn-off and sends a delay mechanism signal corresponding to said indication of the engine turn-off to said discharge level tester, by said delay mechanism operatively connected to said discharge level tester;

(iv) receiving said delayed discharge level tester signal corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and providing an indication of the battery abnormal discharging to an engine operator following the engine turn-off, by a high discharge indicator operatively connected to said discharge level tester;

(v) sensing at least one engine characteristic selected from the group consisting of engine noise and engine vibration, and generating at least one engine characteristic sensor signal corresponding to said at least one engine characteristic, by at least one operatively connected engine characteristic sensor selected from the group consisting of engine noise sensors and engine vibration sensors; and

(vi) measuring said at least one engine characteristic sensor signal generated and sent by said at least one engine characteristic sensor, comparing said measurement to at least one corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic for distinguishing between engine operation and engine non-operation, said engine non-operation including the engine turn-off, and sending at least one engine characteristic level tester signal to said delay mechanism when said measurement is less than said at least one corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic corresponding to the engine turn-off, by at least one engine characteristic level tester selected from the group consisting of engine noise level testers and engine vibration level testers operatively connected to said at least one engine characteristic sensor.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein said first circuit current sensor operates according to a current sensor mechanism selected from the group consisting of a Hall Effect current sensor mechanism configured externally and immediately parallel to a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to a load of the engine, and a current sensor mechanism electrically connected in series of a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to said load of the engine.

60. The method of claim 58, wherein said first circuit said in-use battery charging current sensed by said first circuit current sensor corresponds to said battery charging current selected from the group consisting of normal battery charging current and abnormal battery charging current.

61. The method of claim 58, wherein said first circuit pre-determined battery charging level includes a charging level greater than initial battery charging effected by a charging mechanism, said charging mechanism is selected from the group consisting of an alternator and a generator.

62. The method of claim 58, wherein said first circuit said indication of the in-use battery charging provided by said charge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal selected from the group consisting of audio signals, visual signals, and electromagnetic signals, said non-warning signal includes a digital readout.

63. The method of claim 58, wherein said first circuit said first circuit voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said first circuit voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

64. The method of claim 58, wherein said second circuit said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging is selected from the group consisting of a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle headlights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle hazard lights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to a vehicle anti-theft alarm device in an abnormal operative mode, and a battery discharging level corresponding to at least one vehicle accessory in an abnormal operative mode.

65. The method of claim 58, wherein said second circuit said indication of the battery abnormal discharging provided by said high discharge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal selected from the group consisting of an audio signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal.

66. The method of claim 58, wherein said second circuit said second circuit voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said second circuit voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

67. The method of claim 58, wherein said second circuit said at least one engine characteristic level tester measures said at least one engine characteristic sensor signal as a function of time selected from the group consisting of a continuous function of time and a discontinuous function of time.

68. The method of claim 58, wherein said first circuit current sensor and said second circuit current sensor are configured, operatively connected, and function as a single current sensor for sensing battery current selected from the group consisting of said in-use battery charging current and said battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery current, and generating a current sensor signal selected from the group consisting of said in-use battery charging signal and said battery discharging signal, corresponding to said voltage.

69. The method of claim 58, further comprising the step of associating at least one temperature sensor with corresponding at least one component of said first circuit and said second circuit selected from the group consisting of said charge level tester, said discharge level tester, said first circuit voltage level tester, said second circuit voltage level tester, and said at least one engine characteristic level tester, for measuring ambient temperature in a vicinity of the engine, and wherein said at least one component varies and is adjustable in relation to said ambient temperature.

70. A method for indicating abnormal discharging of a combustion engine battery following engine turn-off, comprising:

(a) sensing battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery discharging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery discharging current, and generating a battery discharging signal corresponding to said voltage, by an operatively connected current sensor;

(b) measuring a magnitude of said battery discharging signal sent by said current sensor, comparing said battery discharging signal magnitude to at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and generating a discharge level tester signal proportional to said battery discharging signal magnitude when said battery discharging signal magnitude is greater than said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level, by a discharge level tester operatively connected to said current sensor;

(c) delaying sending of said discharge level tester signal by said discharge level tester until a delay mechanism receives an indication of the engine turn-off and sends a delay mechanism signal corresponding to said indication of the engine turn-off to said discharge level tester, by said delay mechanism operatively connected to said discharge level tester;

(d) receiving said delayed discharge level tester signal corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and providing an indication of the battery abnormal discharging to an engine operator following the engine turn-off, by a high discharge indicator operatively connected to said discharge level tester; and

(e) measuring said battery voltage, comparing said battery voltage to a pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to the engine turn-off, and sending a voltage level tester signal to said delay mechanism when said battery voltage is less than said pre-determined battery voltage level corresponding to the engine turn-off, by a voltage level tester operatively connected to the engine battery.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein said current sensor operates according to a current sensor mechanism selected from the group consisting of a Hall Effect current sensor mechanism configured externally and immediately parallel to a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to a load of the engine, and a current sensor mechanism electrically connected in series of a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to said load of the engine.

72. The method of claim 70, wherein said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging is selected from the group consisting of a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle headlights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle hazard lights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to a vehicle anti-theft alarm device in an abnormal operative mode, and a battery discharging level corresponding to at least one vehicle accessory in an abnormal operative mode.

73. The method of claim 70, wherein said indication of the battery abnormal discharging provided by said high discharge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal selected from the group consisting of an audio signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal.

74. The method of claim 70, wherein said voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

75. The method of claim 70, further comprising the step of associating at least one temperature sensor with corresponding at least one component selected from the group consisting of said discharge level tester, and said voltage level tester, for measuring ambient temperature in a vicinity of the engine, and wherein said corresponding at least one component varies and is adjustable in relation to said ambient temperature.

76. A method for indicating abnormal discharging of a combustion engine battery following engine turn-off, comprising:

(a) sensing battery discharging current, converting said sensed battery discharging current into a voltage proportional to said sensed battery discharging current, and generating a battery discharging signal corresponding to said voltage, by an operatively connected current sensor;

(b) measuring a magnitude of said battery discharging signal sent by said current sensor, comparing said battery discharging signal magnitude to at least one pre-determined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and generating a discharge level tester signal proportional to said battery discharging signal magnitude when said battery discharging signal magnitude is greater than said at least one pre-determined battery discharging level, by a discharge level tester operatively connected to said current sensor;

(c) delaying sending of said discharge level tester signal by said discharge level tester until a delay mechanism receives an indication of the engine turn-off and sends a delay mechanism signal corresponding to said indication of the engine turn-off to said discharge level tester, by said delay mechanism operatively connected to said discharge level tester;

(d) receiving said delayed discharge level tester signal corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging, and providing an indication of the battery abnormal discharging to an engine operator following the engine turn-off, by a high discharge indicator operatively connected to said discharge level tester;

(e) sensing at least one engine characteristic selected from the group consisting of engine noise and engine vibration, and generating at least one engine characteristic sensor signal corresponding to said at least one engine characteristic, by at least one operatively connected engine characteristic sensor selected from the group consisting of engine noise sensors and engine vibration sensors; and

(f) measuring said at least one engine characteristic sensor signal generated and sent by said at least one engine characteristic sensor, comparing said measurement to at least one corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic for distinguishing between engine operation and engine non-operation, said engine non-operation including the engine turn-off, and sending at least one engine characteristic level tester signal to said delay mechanism when said measurement is less than said at least one corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic corresponding to the engine turn-off, by at least one engine characteristic level tester selected from the group consisting of engine noise level testers and engine vibration level testers operatively connected to said at least one engine characteristic sensor.

77. The method of claim 76, wherein said current sensor operates according to a current sensor mechanism selected from the group consisting of a Hall Effect current sensor mechanism configured externally and immediately parallel to a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to a load of the engine, and a current sensor mechanism electrically connected in series of a wire electrically connecting a battery lead to said load of the engine.

78. The method of claim 76, wherein said at least one predetermined battery discharging level corresponding to the battery abnormal discharging is selected from the group consisting of a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle headlights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to vehicle hazard lights in an operative mode, a battery discharging level corresponding to a vehicle anti-theft alarm device in an abnormal operative mode, and a battery discharging level corresponding to at least one vehicle accessory in an abnormal operative mode.

79. The method of claim 76, wherein said indication of the battery abnormal discharging provided by said high discharge indicator appears at a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to a part of the engine, said external to a part of the engine includes internal to a vehicle cabin along a dashboard display, and whereby said indication is of a form selected from the group consisting of a warning signal and a non-warning signal, said warning signal selected from the group consisting of an audio signal, a visual signal, and an electromagnetic signal.

80. The method of claim 76, wherein said voltage level tester is connected to the engine battery by a connection selected from the group consisting of a direct electromechanical connection to leads of the battery and an indirect electrical connection to the engine battery, said indirect electrical connection features said voltage level tester connected in an electrical circuit of the engine selected from the group consisting of internal to a part of the engine and external to the engine.

81. The method of claim 76, wherein said at least one engine characteristic level tester measures said at least one engine characteristic sensor signal as a function of time selected from the group consisting of a continuous function of time and a discontinuous function of time.

82. The method of claim 76, further comprising the step of associating at least one temperature sensor with at least one component selected from the group consisting of said discharge level tester, said voltage level tester, and said at least one engine characteristic level tester, for measuring ambient temperature in a vicinity of the engine, and wherein said at least one component varies and is adjustable in relation to said ambient temperature.