Short circuit protection system for a starter circuit
First Claim
1. A short circuit protection system for a DC power source and a device powered by said DC power source comprising a first switch connected within a conductive path extending between said DC power source and said device, a second switch connected within said conductive path between said first switch and said DC power source, and a microprocessor for receiving at least one input signal indicating a command to operate or cease operation of said device and for generating at least one output signal to said first and second switches for opening and closing said switches, wherein said device is configured to draw a current of at least 200 amps.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for short circuit protection to a motor vehicle starter circuit. The invention includes providing a switching mechanism positioned intermediate to a DC power source and the starter. A controller manipulates the switching mechanism between an open position and a closed position, the closed position connecting the starter circuit to the DC power source and the open position disconnecting the starter circuit from the DC power source.
14 Citations
31 Claims
- 1. A short circuit protection system for a DC power source and a device powered by said DC power source comprising a first switch connected within a conductive path extending between said DC power source and said device, a second switch connected within said conductive path between said first switch and said DC power source, and a microprocessor for receiving at least one input signal indicating a command to operate or cease operation of said device and for generating at least one output signal to said first and second switches for opening and closing said switches, wherein said device is configured to draw a current of at least 200 amps.
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11. A method for removing voltage from a conductive path having a DC power source at a first end and a device at a second end comprising the steps of:
- detecting an input signal indicating a command to cease operation of said device;
generating a first output signal to open a first switch that is connected within said conductive path; and
generating a second output signal to open a second switch that is connected within said conductive path between said first switch and said DC power source;
wherein said device is configured to draw a current of at least 200 amps. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
- detecting an input signal indicating a command to cease operation of said device;
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18. A method for adding and removing voltage from a conductive path having a DC power source at a first end and a device at a second end comprising the steps of:
- detecting a first input signal indicating a command to operate said device;
generating a first output signal to close a first switch that is connected within said conductive path;
generating a second output signal to close a second switch that is connected within said conductive path between said first switch and said device;
detecting a second input signal indicating a command to cease operation of said device;
generating a third output signal to open said second switch; and
generating a fourth output signal to open said first switch, wherein said device is configured to draw a current of at least 200 amps. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
- detecting a first input signal indicating a command to operate said device;
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24. A system for removing voltage from a length of electrical conductor which provides a conductive path between a device and a DC power source, said system comprising:
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a first switch connected at a first end of said length of electrical conductor;
a second switch connected at a second end of said length of electrical conductor between said first switch and said DC power source; and
a microprocessor for receiving at least one input signal indicating a command to operate or cease operation of said device and for generating at least one output signal to said first and second switches for opening and closing said switches;
wherein said device is configured to draw a current of at least 200 amps. - View Dependent Claims (25)
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26. A short circuit protection system for a DC power source and a device powered by said DC power source, the system comprising:
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a first switch connected within a conductive path extending between said DC power source and said device, a second switch connected within said conductive path between said first switch and said DC power source, and a microprocessor for receiving at least one input signal indicating a command to operate or cease operation of said device and for generating at least one output signal to said first and second switches for opening and closing said switches, wherein said device is unfused. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification