Device for activating a vehicle odometer using an external power source
First Claim
1. A device for activating an electronic odometer of a vehicle without using a power source residing on the vehicle, the device comprising:
- (a) an auxiliary electrical power source;
(b) a load circuit electrically connected to the auxiliary power source, the load circuit comprising;
i. at least one power output connecting the auxiliary power source to the odometer; and
ii. a control relay electrically connected in series intermediate the auxiliary power source and said at least one power output for opening and closing an electrical connection between the auxiliary power source and said at least one power output in response to a control input;
(c) a fault protection circuit electrically connected to the auxiliary power source and electrically in parallel with the load circuit, the fault protection circuit comprising;
i. a current-limiting circuit for limiting the current in the fault protection circuit to a predetermined maximum value; and
ii. a trigger module electrically connected in series intermediate the current-limiting circuit and the control relay for providing the control input to the control relay in response to a trigger input.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for activating the electronic odometer of a vehicle without using an electrical power source residing on the vehicle. The device is housed in a portable case and includes an electrical power source, a load circuit for connecting the power source to the electrical system of a vehicle, and a fault protection circuit that is electrically in parallel with the load circuit for protecting the vehicle and the device from damage that could otherwise result from a short circuit in the vehicle'"'"'s electrical system. The method includes a series of steps that involve connecting electrical power to the vehicle'"'"'s computer and various electrical subsystems in a predefined order.
30 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A device for activating an electronic odometer of a vehicle without using a power source residing on the vehicle, the device comprising:
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(a) an auxiliary electrical power source; (b) a load circuit electrically connected to the auxiliary power source, the load circuit comprising; i. at least one power output connecting the auxiliary power source to the odometer; and ii. a control relay electrically connected in series intermediate the auxiliary power source and said at least one power output for opening and closing an electrical connection between the auxiliary power source and said at least one power output in response to a control input; (c) a fault protection circuit electrically connected to the auxiliary power source and electrically in parallel with the load circuit, the fault protection circuit comprising; i. a current-limiting circuit for limiting the current in the fault protection circuit to a predetermined maximum value; and ii. a trigger module electrically connected in series intermediate the current-limiting circuit and the control relay for providing the control input to the control relay in response to a trigger input. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A device connected to an electrical system of a vehicle for activating an electronic odometer of the vehicle without using a power source residing on the vehicle, the device comprising:
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(d) an auxiliary electrical power source; (e) a load circuit electrically connected to the power source, the load circuit comprising; i. a data link connection receptacle connecting the auxiliary power source to a data link connection port of the vehicle; and ii. a control relay electrically connected in series intermediate the auxiliary power source and the data link connection receptacle for opening and closing an electrical connection between the auxiliary power source and the data link connection receptacle in response to a control input; (f) a fault protection circuit electrically connected to the auxiliary power source and electrically in parallel with the load circuit, the fault protection circuit comprising; i. a current-limiting circuit for limiting the current in the fault protection circuit to a predetermined maximum value; and ii. a trigger module electrically connected in series intermediate the current-limiting circuit and the control relay for providing the control input to the control relay in response to a trigger input; (g) a shock sensor for interrupting the electrical connection between the auxiliary power source and the data link connection receptacle in response to movement of the device; and (h) a visual indication means for indicating that there is an electrical connection between the auxiliary power source and the data link connection receptacle.
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Specification