Electrical current measuring and circuit breaking device

• US 6,037,676 A
• Filed: 08/03/1998
• Issued: 03/14/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard V. Foree
• Original Assignee: Richard V. Foree
• Inventors: Foree, Richard V
• Primary Examiner(s): Elms, Richard T.
• Application Number:
  US09/128,612
• Time in Patent Office: 589 Days
• Field of Search: 307/9.1-10.7, 307/131, 307/125, 307/112, 307/116, 361/187, 361/93, 361/100, 361/101, 340/425.5, 340/455, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 320/134, 320/136, 320/DIG. 18
• US Class Current: 307/10.7
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0231 Circuits relating to the driving or the functioning of the vehicle monitoring tyres B60C23/00; indicating overspeed B60K31/00; for dash boards B60K37/00, B60Q3/10; for indicating emergencies B60Q1/52; brake control systems B60T; registering or indicating the working of vehicles G07C5/00; measuring distance G01C, e.g. combinations of speed and distance G01C23/00; engine indicators G01L; measuring speed or acceleration G01P

Abstract

A electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system attached between a vehicle battery and a vehicle power cable for measuring a current flowing from the battery. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system includes a clamp for connecting with a terminal of the battery and an electrical terminal for connection to the power cable. A device for sensing current flowing from the battery is connected to the clamp. The sensed current is transmitted to a comparator for comparing the sensed current to a reference value and determining when the sensed current is one of equal to and less than the reference value. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system may also include a device for alerting the operator when the battery power has reached a predetermined level. In this instance a signal will be transmitted to an alarm device available to the operator to alert the driver that the battery current is at a low level.

Claims

1. A electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system attached between a vehicle battery and a vehicle power cable for measuring a current flowing from the battery, said electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system comprising:

a) clamp means for connecting with a terminal of the battery;

b) an electrical terminal for connection to the power cable;

c) means for sensing current flowing from the battery connected to said clamp means; and

d) means connected to said current sensing means for comparing said sensed current to a reference value and determining when said sensed current is one of equal to and less than said reference value, and further comprising;

e) means for generating said reference voltage connected to said means for comparing, said means for generating said reference voltage including a manual adjustment device for manually adjusting the reference voltage.

2. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for alerting the driver upon determining said sensed value is one of equal to and less than said reference value.

3. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for alerting the driver is a remote alarm device;

and said system further comprises a transmitter means connected to said comparing means for generating an alarm signal indicating an alarm situation exists upon a determination by said comparing means that said sensed current is one of equal to and less than said reference value and transmitting said alarm signal to said remote alarm device for alerting the driver as to an emergency situation.

4. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 3, wherein said remote alarm device is a mobile device held by the driver.

5. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 4, wherein said remote alarm device includes a visual display for visually alerting the driver upon receipt of said alarm signal.

6. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 5, wherein said remote alarm device includes an audible alarm for audibly alerting the driver upon receipt of said alarm signal.

7. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 3, wherein said remote alarm device is positioned within a dashboard of the vehicle.

8. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 7, wherein said remote alarm device includes a visual display for visually alerting the driver upon receipt of said alarm signal.

9. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 8, wherein said remote alarm device includes an audible alarm for audibly alerting the driver upon receipt of said alarm signal.

10. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 9, wherein said remote alarm device is hardwired to said comparison means.

11. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a display device connected to said means for sensing current for displaying said sensed current value.

12. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 1, further including a switch connected between said clamp means and said electrical terminal for selectively providing a path for current to flow through said system.

13. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 12, wherein said switch is controlled by said means for comparing to operate between an open position disconnecting said clamp means from said electrical terminal and a closed position connecting said clamp means to said electrical terminal.

14. The electrical current measuring and circuit breaking system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a manual override switch for manually controlling the position of said switch.