Method and device for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting

• US 6,646,561 B1
• Filed: 10/06/2000
• Issued: 11/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intellectual Ventures Holding 81 LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Battery Alert Ltd.
• Inventors: Lapidot, Offer, Zur, Amos
• Primary Examiner(s): Lieu, Julie
• Application Number:
  US09/685,004
• Time in Patent Office: 1,131 Days
• Field of Search: 340/636, 340/659, 340/660, 340/661, 340/438, 340/455, 324/428, 324/433, 324/435
• US Class Current: 340/636.12
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3647 for determining the ability of a battery to perform a critical function, e.g. cranking

Abstract

A method and device for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting, based on integrating changes in battery voltage specifically during engine starting, from the time the electro-mechanical starting load is initially applied to the battery, and logically analyzing values of the integrated changes in battery voltage during engine starting, for determining whether or not there is an initial stage of developing low cranking strength of the battery. The invention features (a) sensing time varying voltage of the battery by a comparator, from initiation of, and during, engine starting, (b) comparing the time varying voltage of the battery to a constant reference DC voltage by the comparator, (c) integrating output signals of the comparator by an integrator, (d) determining and responding to the output signal of the integrator by a detector, and (e) determining and responding to the output signal of the detector by an alarm, for providing an in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery to an operator of the combustion engine, during or following engine starting, and, optionally, following engine turn-off. Optional inclusion of a counter reset sub-circuit enables resetting a counter which counts the number of occurrences the device detects changes in battery voltage corresponding to low cranking strength of the battery during engine starting.

Claims

1. A method for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting, the engine starting featuring activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft by energy supplied by the combustion engine battery, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) sensing time varying voltage of the battery by a comparator, from initiation of and during the engine starting;

(b) comparing said time varying voltage of the battery to a constant reference DC voltage by said comparator, for forming a plurality of output signals of said comparator, from said initiation of and during the engine starting;

(c) integrating said plurality of said output signals of said comparator by an integrator, for forming an output signal of said integrator, during the engine starting;

(d) determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator by a detector, for forming an output signal of said detector, during the engine starting;

(e) determining and responding to said output signal of said detector by an alarm, whereupon according to said determination by said alarm, said response by said alarm is selected from the group consisting of remaining inactive and activating for providing an in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery to an operator of the combustion engine, at a time selected from the group consisting of during the engine starting and following the engine starting prior to engine turn-off;

(f) sensing at least one engine characteristic selected from the group consisting of engine noise and engine vibration, by at least one engine characteristic sensor;

(g) measuring said at least one engine characteristic of the engine and comparing said at least one engine characteristic to at least one corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said engine characteristic for distinguishing between engine activation and engine non-activation, said engine non-activation including engine turn-off;

(h) performing at least one ‘

AND’

logic operation on a first signal corresponding to said at least one engine characteristic and on a delayed second signal sent from said detector corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery; and

(i) upon completing a particular ‘

AND’

logic operation, activating said alarm for providing an additional in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery following engine turn-off.

2. The method of claim 1, whereby said time varying voltage of the battery includes voltage changes in the battery caused by electro-mechanical noise and vibrations associated with the engine starting, said electro-mechanical noise and vibrations are selected from the group consisting of random electro-mechanical noise and vibrations, and, periodic electro-mechanical noise and vibrations.

3. The method of claim 1, whereby said sensing of said time varying voltage of the battery by said comparator is effected in a mode selected from the group consisting of continuously with time and discontinuously with time.

4. The method of claim 1, whereby said constant reference DC voltage is set at a value corresponding to less than normal but sufficient cranking strength of the battery required for the activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft from said initiation of and during the engine starting.

5. The method of claim 1, whereby said output signals of said comparator are selected from the group consisting of digital and analog.

6. The method of claim 1, whereby step (d) further comprises the step of:

(i) determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said detector, said pre-determined value of said detector representing a larger than normal decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

7. The method of claim 1, whereby said in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery is selected from the group consisting of a once occurring warning signal and an automatically recurring warning signal, said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and, an electromagnetic signal, generated from a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine and external to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine.

8. The method of claim 7, whereby said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal sounding inside said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on dashboard display of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on a rear-view mirror of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on front windshield of said vehicle or device, and, a wireless signal generated from said vehicle or device.

9. The method of claim 1, whereby the steps (a) through (e) further comprise steps selected from the group consisting of controlling temperature and compensating effects due to temperature changes, during implementation of the method.

10. A method for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting, the engine starting featuring activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft by energy supplied by the combustion engine battery, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) sensing time varying voltage of the battery by a comparator, from initiation of and during the engine starting;

(b) comparing said time varying voltage of the battery to a constant reference DC voltage by said comparator, for forming a plurality of output signals of said comparator, from said initiation of and during the engine starting;

(c) integrating said plurality of said output signals of said comparator by an integrator, for forming an output signal of said integrator, during the engine starting;

(d) determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator by a detector, for forming an output signal of said detector, during the engine starting;

(e) determining and responding to said output signal of said detector by a one shot, for forming an output signal of said one shot, during the engine starting;

(f) determining and responding to said output signal of said one shot by a counter, whereupon according to said output signal of said one shot said counter registers a count number of occurrences of the low cranking strength of the battery, for forming an output signal of said counter, during the engine starting;

(g) determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator by a reset signal detector, for forming an output signal of said reset signal detector, substantially simultaneous to step (d) of said determining and said responding to said output signal of said integrator by said detector, during the engine starting;

(h) delaying forwarding of said output signal of said reset signal detector by a reset delay, during the engine starting;

(i) analyzing and responding to substantially simultaneous reception of said output signal of said one shot and said output signal of said reset delay by a reset logic circuit, for forming an output signal of said reset logic circuit, whereupon according to said output signal of said reset logic circuit sent to said counter, response of a counter reset mechanism associated with said counter is selected from the group consisting of activating for resetting said count number of said counter and remaining inactive by not resetting said count number of said counter, during the engine starting; and

(j) determining and responding to said output signal of said counter by an alarm, whereupon according to said determination by said alarm, said response by said alarm is selected from the group consisting of remaining inactive and activating for providing an in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery to an operator of the combustion engine, at a time selected from the group consisting of during the engine starting and following the engine starting prior to engine turn-off.

11. The method of claim 10, whereby said time varying voltage of the battery includes voltage changes in the battery caused by electro-mechanical noise and vibrations associated with the engine starting, said electro-mechanical noise and vibrations are selected from the group consisting of random electro-mechanical noise and vibrations, and, periodic electro-mechanical noise and vibrations.

12. The method of claim 10, whereby said sensing of said time varying voltage of the battery by said comparator is effected in a mode selected from the group consisting of continuously with time and discontinuously with time.

13. The method of claim 10, whereby said constant reference DC voltage is set at a value corresponding to less than normal but sufficient cranking strength of the battery required for the activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft from said initiation of and during the engine starting.

14. The method of claim 10, whereby said output signals of said comparator are selected from the group consisting of digital and analog.

15. The method of claim 10, whereby step (d) further comprises the step of:

(i) determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said detector, said pre-determined value of said detector representing a larger than normal decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

16. The method of claim 10 whereby step (g) further comprises the step of:

(i) determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said reset signal detector, said pre-determined value of said reset signal detector representing a normally large decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to normal cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

17. The method of claim 10 whereby step (i) further comprises the steps of:

(i) inverting a digital value of said output signal of said one shot, for forming an inverted digital value of said output signal of said one shot, by said reset logic circuit;

(ii) performing an ‘

AND’

logic operation on said inverted digital value of said output signal of said one shot and on a digital value of said output signal of said reset delay, by said reset logic circuit; and

(iii) responding to a particular result of said ‘

AND’

logic operation of step (ii) by said reset logic circuit sending a corresponding logic output signal to said counter.

18. The method of claim 10, whereby said in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery is selected from the group consisting of a once occurring warning signal and an automatically recurring warning signal, said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and, an electromagnetic signal, generated from a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine and external to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine.

19. The method of claim 18, whereby said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal sounding inside said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on dashboard display of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on a rear-view mirror of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on front windshield of said vehicle or device, and, a wireless signal generated from said vehicle or device.

20. The method of claim 10, whereby the steps (a) through (j) further comprise steps selected from the group consisting of controlling temperature and compensating effects due to temperature changes, during implementation of the method.

21. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

(k) sensing at least one engine characteristic selected from the group consisting of engine noise and engine vibration, by at least one engine characteristic sensor;

(l) measuring said at least one engine characteristic of the engine and comparing said at least one engine characteristic to at least one corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said engine characteristic for distinguishing between engine activation and engine non-activation, said engine non-activation including engine turn-off;

(m) performing at least one ‘

AND’

logic operation on a first signal corresponding to said at least one engine characteristic and on a delayed second signal sent from said counter corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery; and

(n) upon completing a particular ‘

AND’

logic operation, activating said alarm for providing an additional in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery following engine turn-off.

22. A method for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting, the engine starting featuring activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft by energy supplied by the combustion engine battery, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) sensing time varying voltage of the battery by an integrator, from initiation of and during the engine starting;

(b) evaluating time varying difference between said time varying voltage of the battery and a constant reference DC voltage by said integrator, for forming a plurality of evaluated voltage differences, from said initiation of and during the engine starting;

(c) integrating said plurality of said evaluated voltage differences by said integrator, for forming an output signal of said integrator, during the engine starting;

(d) determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator by a detector, for forming an output signal of said detector, during the engine starting;

(e) determining and responding to said output signal of said detector by an alarm, whereupon according to said determination by said alarm, said response by said alarm is selected from the group consisting of remaining inactive and activating for providing an in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery to an operator of the combustion engine, at a time selected from the group consisting of during the engine starting and following the engine starting prior to engine turn-off;

(f) sensing at least one engine characteristic selected from the group consisting of engine noise and engine vibration, by at least one engine characteristic sensor;

(g) measuring said at least one engine characteristic of the engine and comparing said at least one engine characteristic to at least one corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said engine characteristic for distinguishing between engine activation and engine non-activation, said engine non-activation including engine turn-off;

(h) performing at least one ‘

AND’

logic operation on a first signal corresponding to said at least one engine characteristic and on a delayed second signal sent from said detector corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery; and

(i) upon completing a particular ‘

AND’

logic operation, activating said alarm for providing an additional in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery following engine turn-off.

23. The method of claim 22, whereby said time varying voltage of the battery includes voltage changes in the battery caused by electro-mechanical noise and vibrations associated with the engine starting, said electro-mechanical noise and vibrations are selected from the group consisting of random electro-mechanical noise and vibrations, and, periodic electro-mechanical noise and vibrations.

24. The method of claim 22, whereby said sensing of said time varying voltage of the battery by said integrator is effected in a mode selected from the group consisting of continuously with time and discontinuously with time.

25. The method of claim 22, whereby said constant reference DC voltage is set at a value corresponding to less than normal but sufficient cranking strength of the battery required for the activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft from said initiation of and during the engine starting.

26. The method of claim 22, whereby step (d) further comprises the step of:

(i) determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said detector, said pre-determined value of said detector representing a larger than normal decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

27. The method of claim 22, whereby said in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery is selected from the group consisting of a once occurring warning signal and an automatically recurring warning signal, said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and, an electromagnetic signal, generated from a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine and external to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine.

28. The method of claim 27, whereby said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal sounding inside said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on dashboard display of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on a rear-view mirror of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on front windshield of said vehicle or device, and, a wireless signal generated from said vehicle or device.

29. The method of claim 22, whereby the steps (a) through (e) further comprise steps selected from the group consisting of controlling temperature and compensating effects due to temperature changes, during implementation of the method.

30. A method for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting, the engine starting featuring activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft by energy supplied by the combustion engine battery, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) sensing time varying voltage of the battery by an integrator, from initiation of and during the engine starting;

(b) evaluating time varying difference between said time varying voltage of the battery and a constant reference DC voltage by said integrator, for forming a plurality of evaluated voltage differences, from said initiation of and during the engine starting;

(c) integrating said plurality of said evaluated voltage differences by said integrator, for forming an output signal of said integrator, during the engine starting;

(d) determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator by a detector, for forming an output signal of said detector, during the engine starting;

(e) determining and responding to said output signal of said detector by a one shot, for forming an output signal of said one shot, during the engine starting;

(f) determining and responding to said output signal of said one shot by a counter, whereupon according to said output signal of said one shot said counter registers a count number of occurrences of the low cranking strength of the battery, for forming an output signal of said counter, during the engine starting;

(g) determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator by a reset signal detector, for forming an output signal of said reset signal detector, simultaneous to step (d) of said determining and said responding to said output signal of said integrator by said detector, during the engine starting;

(h) delaying forwarding of said output signal of said reset signal detector by a reset delay, during the engine starting;

(i) analyzing and responding to simultaneous reception of said output signal of said one shot and said output signal of said reset delay by a reset logic circuit, for forming an output signal of said reset logic circuit, whereupon according to said output signal of said reset logic circuit sent to said counter, response of a counter reset mechanism associated with said counter is selected from the group consisting of activating for resetting said count number of said counter and remaining inactive by not resetting said count number of said counter, during the engine starting; and

(j) determining and responding to said output signal of said counter by an alarm, whereupon according to said determination by said alarm, said response by said alarm is selected from the group consisting of remaining inactive and activating for providing an in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery to an operator of the combustion engine, at a time selected from the group consisting of during the engine starting and following the engine starting prior to engine turn-off.

31. The method of claim 30, whereby said time varying voltage of the battery includes voltage changes in the battery caused by electro-mechanical noise and vibrations associated with the engine starting, said electro-mechanical noise and vibrations are selected from the group consisting of random electro-mechanical noise and vibrations, and, periodic electro-mechanical noise and vibrations.

32. The method of claim 30, whereby said sensing of said time varying voltage of the battery by said integrator is effected in a mode selected from the group consisting of continuously with time and discontinuously with time.

33. The method of claim 30, whereby said constant reference DC voltage is set at a value corresponding to less than normal but sufficient cranking strength of the battery required for the activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft from said initiation of and during the engine starting.

34. The method of claim 30, whereby step (d) further comprises the step of:

(i) determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said detector, said pre-determined value of said detector representing a larger than normal decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

35. The method of claim 30, whereby step (g) further comprises the step of:

(i) determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said reset signal detector, said pre-determined value of said reset signal detector representing a normally large decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to normal cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

36. The method of claim 30, whereby step (i) further comprises the steps of:

(i) inverting a digital value of said output signal of said one shot, for forming an inverted digital value of said output signal of said one shot, by said reset logic circuit;

(ii) performing an ‘

AND’

logic operation on said inverted digital value of said output signal of said one shot and on a digital value of said output signal of said reset delay, by said reset logic circuit; and

(iii) responding to a particular result of said ‘

AND’

logic operation of step (ii) by said reset logic circuit sending a corresponding logic output signal to said counter.

37. The method of claim 30, whereby said in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery is selected from the group consisting of a once occurring warning signal and an automatically recurring warning signal, said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and, an electromagnetic signal, generated from a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine and external to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine.

38. The method of claim 37, whereby said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal sounding inside said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on dashboard display of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on a rear-view mirror of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on front windshield of said vehicle or device, and, a wireless signal generated from said vehicle or device.

39. The method of claim 30, whereby the steps (a) through (j) further comprise steps selected from the group consisting of controlling temperature and compensating effects due to temperature changes, during implementation of the method.

40. The method of claim 30, further comprising the steps of:

(k) sensing at least one engine characteristic selected from the group consisting of engine noise and engine vibration, by at least one engine characteristic sensor;

(l) measuring said at least one engine characteristic of the engine and comparing said at least one engine characteristic to at least one corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said engine characteristic for distinguishing between engine activation and engine non-activation, said engine non-activation including engine turn-off;

(m) performing at least one ‘

AND’

logic operation on a first signal corresponding to said at least one engine characteristic and on a delayed second signal sent from said counter corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery; and

(n) upon completing a particular ‘

AND’

logic operation, activating said alarm for providing an additional in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery following engine turn-off.

41. A device for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting, the engine starting featuring activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft by energy supplied by the combustion engine battery, the device comprising:

(a) a constant reference DC voltage;

(b) a comparator operatively connected to leads of the combustion engine battery and to said constant reference DC voltage, for sensing time varying voltage of the battery and for comparing said time varying voltage of the battery to said constant reference DC voltage, thereby forming a plurality of output signals of said comparator from initiation of and during the engine starting;

(c) an integrator operatively connected to said comparator, for integrating said plurality of said output signals of said comparator, thereby forming an output signal of said integrator during the engine starting;

(d) a detector operatively connected to said integrator, for determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator, thereby forming an output signal of said detector during the engine starting;

(e) an alarm operatively connected to said detector, for determining and responding to said output signal of said detector, whereupon according to said determination by said alarm, said response by said alarm is selected from the group consisting of remaining inactive and activating for providing an in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery to an operator of the combustion engine, at a time selected from the group consisting of during the engine starting and following the engine starting prior to engine turn-off;

(f) 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;

(g) 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 and for comparing said measurement to a corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic, for distinguishing between engine activation and engine non-activation, where engine non-activation includes engine turn-off;

(h) a logic circuit operatively connected to said at least one engine characteristic level tester and to an alarm, for performing at least one ‘

AND’

logic operation on a first signal received from said engine characteristic level tester and on a delayed second signal received from said detector, said logic circuit upon completing a particular ‘

AND’

logic operation activates said alarm for providing an additional in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery following said engine turn-off; and

(i) a delay mechanism operatively connected to said detector and to said logic circuit, for effecting delay of said delayed second signal sent from said detector to said logic circuit, following said engine turn-off.

42. The device of claim 41, wherein said time varying voltage of the battery includes voltage changes in the battery caused by electro-mechanical noise and vibrations associated with the engine starting, said electro-mechanical noise and vibrations are selected from the group consisting of random electro-mechanical noise and vibrations, and, periodic electro-mechanical noise and vibrations.

43. The device of claim 41, wherein said sensing of said time varying voltage of the battery by said comparator is effected in a mode selected from the group consisting of continuously with time and discontinuously with time.

44. The device of claim 41, wherein said constant reference DC voltage is set at a value corresponding to less than normal but sufficient cranking strength of the battery required for the activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft from said initiation of and during the engine starting.

45. The device of claim 41, wherein said output signals of said comparator are selected from the group consisting of digital and analog.

46. The device of claim 41, wherein said detector is further operative for determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said detector, said pre-determined value of said detector representing a larger than normal decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

47. The device of claim 41, wherein said in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery is selected from the group consisting of a once occurring warning signal and an automatically recurring warning signal, said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and, an electromagnetic signal, generated from a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine and external to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine.

48. The device of claim 47, wherein said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal sounding inside said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on dashboard display of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on a rear-view mirror of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on front windshield of said vehicle or device, and, a wireless signal generated from said vehicle or device.

49. The device of claim 41, further comprising components selected from the group consisting of components for controlling temperature and components for compensating effects due to temperature changes, during operation of the device.

50. A device for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting, the engine starting featuring activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft by energy supplied by the combustion engine battery, the device comprising:

(a) a constant reference DC voltage;

(b) a comparator operatively connected to leads of the combustion engine battery and to said constant reference DC voltage, for sensing time varying voltage of the battery and for comparing said time varying voltage of the battery to said constant reference DC voltage, thereby forming a plurality of output signals of said comparator from initiation of and during the engine starting;

(c) an integrator operatively connected to said comparator, for integrating said plurality of said output signals of said comparator, thereby forming an output signal of said integrator during the engine starting;

(d) a detector operatively connected to said integrator, for determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator, thereby forming an output signal of said detector during the engine starting;

(e) a one shot operatively connected to said detector, for determining and responding to said output signal of said detector, thereby forming an output signal of said one shot during the engine starting;

(f) a counter operatively connected to said one shot, for determining and responding to said output signal of said one shot, whereupon according to said output signal of said one shot said counter registers a count number of occurrences of the low cranking strength of the battery, thereby forming an output signal of said counter during the engine starting;

(g) an alarm operatively connected to said counter, for determining and responding to said output signal of said counter, whereupon according to said determination by said alarm, said response by said alarm is selected from the group consisting of remaining inactive and activating for providing an in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery to an operator of the combustion engine, at a time selected from the group consisting of during the engine starting and following the engine starting prior to engine turn-off;

(h) a counter reset mechanism associated with said counter, for resetting said count number of said occurrences of the low cranking strength of the battery;

(i) a reset signal detector operatively connected to said integrator, for determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator, thereby forming an output signal of said reset signal detector during the engine starting;

(j) a reset delay operatively connected to said reset signal detector, for delaying forwarding of said output signal of said reset signal detector during the engine starting; and

(k) a reset logic circuit operatively connected to said one shot, operatively connected to said reset delay, and operatively connected to said counter, for analyzing and responding to substantially simultaneous reception of said output signal of said one shot and said output signal of said reset delay, thereby forming an output signal of said reset logic circuit, whereupon according to said output signal of said reset logic circuit sent to said counter, response of said counter reset mechanism associated with said counter is selected from the group consisting of activating for resetting said count number of said counter and remaining inactive by not resetting said count number of said counter, during the engine starting.

51. The device of claim 50, wherein said time varying voltage of the battery includes voltage changes in the battery caused by electro-mechanical noise and vibrations associated with the engine starting, said electro-mechanical noise and vibrations are selected from the group consisting of random electro-mechanical noise and vibrations, and, periodic electro-mechanical noise and vibrations.

52. The device of claim 50, wherein said sensing of said time varying voltage of the battery by said comparator is effected in a mode selected from the group consisting of continuously with time and discontinuously with time.

53. The device of claim 50, wherein said constant reference DC voltage is set at a value corresponding to less than normal but sufficient cranking strength of the battery required for the activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft from said initiation of and during the engine starting.

54. The device of claim 50, wherein said output signals of said comparator are selected from the group consisting of digital and analog.

55. The device of claim 50, wherein said detector is further operative for determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said detector, said pre-determined value of said detector representing a larger than normal decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

56. The device of claim 50, wherein said reset signal detector is further operative for determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said reset signal detector, said pre-determined value of said reset signal detector representing a normally large decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to normal cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

57. The device of claim 50, wherein said reset logic circuit is further operative for inverting a digital value of said output signal of said one shot, thereby forming an inverted digital value of said output signal of said one shot, for performing an ‘

AND’

logic operation on said inverted digital value of said output signal of said one shot and on a digital value of said output signal of said reset delay, and for responding to a particular result of said ‘

AND’

logic operation by said reset logic circuit sending a corresponding logic output signal to said counter.

58. The device of claim 50, wherein said in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery is selected from the group consisting of a once occurring warning signal and an automatically recurring warning signal, said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and, an electromagnetic signal, generated from a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine and external to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine.

59. The device of claim 58, wherein said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal sounding inside said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on dashboard display of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on a rear-view mirror of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on front windshield of said vehicle or device, and, a wireless signal generated from said vehicle or device.

60. The device of claim 50, further comprising components selected from the group consisting of components for controlling temperature and components for compensating effects due to temperature changes, during operation of the device.

61. The device of claim 50, further comprising:

(l) 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;

(m) 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 and for comparing said measurement to a corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic, for distinguishing between engine activation and engine non-activation, where engine non-activation includes engine turn-off;

(n) a logic circuit operatively connected to said at least one engine characteristic level tester and to an alarm, for performing at least one ‘

AND’

logic operation on a first signal received from said engine characteristic level tester and on a delayed second signal received from said counter, said logic circuit upon completing a particular ‘

AND’

logic operation activates said alarm for providing an additional in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery following said engine turn-off; and

(o) a delay mechanism operatively connected to said counter and to said logic circuit, for effecting delay of said delayed second signal sent from said counter to said logic circuit, following said engine turn-off.

62. A device for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting, the engine starting featuring activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft by energy supplied by the combustion engine battery, the device comprising:

(a) a constant reference DC voltage;

(b) an integrator operatively connected to leads of the combustion engine battery and to said constant reference DC voltage, for sensing time varying voltage of the battery, for evaluating time varying difference between said time varying voltage of the battery and said constant reference DC voltage, thereby forming a plurality of evaluated voltage differences from said initiation of and during the engine starting, and for integrating said plurality of said evaluated voltage differences, thereby forming an output signal of said integrator during the engine starting;

(c) a detector operatively connected to said integrator, for determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator, thereby forming an output signal of said detector during the engine starting;

(d) an alarm operatively connected to said detector, for determining and responding to said output signal of said detector, whereupon according to said determination by said alarm, said response by said alarm is selected from the group consisting of remaining inactive and activating for providing an in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery to an operator of the combustion engine, at a time selected from the group consisting of during the engine starting and following the engine starting prior to 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;

(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 and for comparing said measurement to a corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic, for distinguishing between engine activation and engine non-activation, where engine non-activation includes engine turn-off;

(g) a logic circuit operatively connected to said at least one engine characteristic level tester and to an alarm, for performing at least one ‘

AND’

logic operation on a first signal received from said engine characteristic level tester and on a delayed second signal received from said detector, said logic circuit upon completing a particular ‘

AND’

logic operation activates said alarm for providing an additional in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery following said engine turn-off; and

(h) a delay mechanism operatively connected to said detector and to said logic circuit, for effecting delay of said delayed second signal sent from said detector to said logic circuit, following said engine turn-off.

63. The device of claim 62, wherein said time varying voltage of the battery includes voltage changes in the battery caused by electro-mechanical noise and vibrations associated with the engine starting, said electro-mechanical noise and vibrations are selected from the group consisting of random electro-mechanical noise and vibrations, and, periodic electro-mechanical noise and vibrations.

64. The device of claim 62, wherein said sensing of said time varying voltage of the battery by said integrator is effected in a mode selected from the group consisting of continuously with time and discontinuously with time.

65. The device of claim 62, wherein said constant reference DC voltage is set at a value corresponding to less than normal but sufficient cranking strength of the battery required for the activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft from said initiation of and during the engine starting.

66. The device of claim 65, wherein said detector is further operative for determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said detector, said pre-determined value of said detector representing a larger than normal decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

67. The device of claim 62, wherein said in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery is selected from the group consisting of a once occurring warning signal and an automatically recurring warning signal, said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and, an electromagnetic signal, generated from a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine and external to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine.

68. The device of claim 67, wherein said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal sounding inside said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on dashboard display of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on a rear-view mirror of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on front windshield of said vehicle or device, and, a wireless signal generated from said vehicle or device.

69. The device of claim 62, further comprising components selected from the group consisting of components for controlling temperature and components for compensating effects due to temperature changes, during operation of the device.

70. A device for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting, the engine starting featuring activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft by energy supplied by the combustion engine battery, the device comprising:

(a) a constant reference DC voltage;

(b) an integrator operatively connected to leads of the combustion engine battery and to said constant reference DC voltage, for sensing time varying voltage of the battery, for evaluating time varying difference between said time varying voltage of the battery and said constant reference DC voltage, thereby forming a plurality of evaluated voltage differences from said initiation of and during the engine starting, and for integrating said plurality of said evaluated voltage differences, thereby forming an output signal of said integrator during the engine starting;

(c) a detector operatively connected to said integrator, for determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator, thereby forming an output signal of said detector during the engine starting;

(d) a one shot operatively connected to said detector, for determining and responding to said output signal of said detector, thereby forming an output signal of said one shot during the engine starting;

(e) a counter operatively connected to said one shot, for determining and responding to said output signal of said one shot, whereupon according to said output signal of said one shot said counter registers a count number of occurrences of the low cranking strength of the battery, thereby forming an output signal of said counter during the engine starting;

(f) an alarm operatively connected to said counter, for determining and responding to said output signal of said counter, whereupon according to said determination by said alarm, said response by said alarm is selected from the group consisting of remaining inactive and activating for providing an in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery to an operator of the combustion engine, at a time selected from the group consisting of during the engine starting and following the engine starting prior to engine turn-off;

(g) a counter reset mechanism associated with said counter, for resetting said count number of said occurrences of the low cranking strength of the battery;

(h) a reset signal detector operatively connected to said integrator, for determining and responding to said output signal of said integrator, thereby forming an output signal of said reset signal detector during the engine starting;

(i) a reset delay operatively connected to said reset signal detector, for delaying forwarding of said output signal of said reset signal detector during the engine starting; and

(j) a reset logic circuit operatively connected to said one shot, operatively connected to said reset delay, and operatively connected to said counter, for analyzing and responding to substantially simultaneous reception of said output signal of said one shot and said output signal of said reset delay, thereby forming an output signal of said reset logic circuit, whereupon according to said output signal of said reset logic circuit sent to said counter, response of said counter reset mechanism associated with said counter is selected from the group consisting of activating for resetting said count number of said counter and remaining inactive by not resetting said count number of said counter, during the engine starting.

71. The device of claim 70, wherein said time varying voltage of the battery includes voltage changes in the battery caused by electro-mechanical noise and vibrations associated with the engine starting, said electro-mechanical noise and vibrations are selected from the group consisting of random electro-mechanical noise and vibrations, and, periodic electro-mechanical noise and vibrations.

72. The device of claim 70, wherein said sensing of said time varying voltage of the battery by said integrator is effected in a mode selected from the group consisting of continuously with time and discontinuously with time.

73. The device of claim 70, wherein said constant reference DC voltage is set at a value corresponding to less than normal but sufficient cranking strength of the battery required for the activation and initiation of cranking of the combustion engine crankshaft from said initiation of and during the engine starting.

74. The device of claim 70, wherein said detector is further operative for determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said detector, said pre-determined value of said detector representing a larger than normal decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to the low cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

75. The device of claim 70, wherein said reset signal detector is further operative for determining a value of said output signal of said integrator selected from the group consisting of less than, and, equal to or greater than, a pre-determined value of said reset signal detector, said pre-determined value of said reset signal detector representing a normally large decrease in said voltage of the battery during the engine starting and corresponding to normal cranking strength of the battery during the engine starting.

76. The device of claim 70, wherein said reset logic circuit is further operative for inverting a digital value of said output signal of said one shot, thereby forming an inverted digital value of said output signal of said one shot, for performing an ‘

AND’

logic operation on said inverted digital value of said output signal of said one shot and on a digital value of said output signal of said reset delay, and for responding to a particular result of said ‘

AND’

logic operation by said reset logic circuit sending a corresponding logic output signal to said counter.

77. The device of claim 70, wherein said in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery is selected from the group consisting of a once occurring warning signal and an automatically recurring warning signal, said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and, an electromagnetic signal, generated from a location selected from the group consisting of internal to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine and external to a vehicle or device powered by the combustion engine.

78. The device of claim 77, wherein said warning signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal sounding inside said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on dashboard display of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on a rear-view mirror of said vehicle or device, a visual signal appearing on front windshield of said vehicle or device, and, a wireless signal generated from said vehicle or device.

79. The device of claim 70, further comprising components selected from the group consisting of components for controlling temperature and components for compensating effects due to temperature changes, during operation of the device.

80. The device of claim 74, further comprising:

(k) 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;

(l) 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 and for comparing said measurement to a corresponding pre-determined threshold level of said at least one engine characteristic, for distinguishing between engine activation and engine non-activation, where engine non-activation includes engine turn-off;

(m) a logic circuit operatively connected to said at least one engine characteristic level tester and to an alarm, for performing at least one ‘

AND’

logic operation on a first signal received from said engine characteristic level tester and on a delayed second signal received from said counter, said logic circuit upon completing a particular ‘

AND’

logic operation activates said alarm for providing an additional in-use warning signal of the low cranking strength of the battery following said engine turn-off; and

(n) a delay mechanism operatively connected to said detector and to said logic circuit, for effecting delay of said delayed second signal sent from said detector to said logic circuit, following said engine turn-off.