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Multi-battery fuel saving and emissions reduction system for automotive vehicles

  • US RE40,820 E1
  • Filed: 06/04/2007
  • Issued: 07/07/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/13/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A battery charging system for an automotive vehicle including a starter motor, a catalytic converter for reducing emissions, a fuel burning engine, and vehicle load and accessory load circuits, comprising:

  • a start battery for providing a discharge current for operating the starter motor to start the engine;

    a run battery for operating vehicle load and accessory load circuits;

    a storage battery having a first very high discharge current;

    a heater for heating the catalytic converter to an elevated temperature in response to the first high discharge current;

    means for initiating a starting operation by connecting the start battery to the start motor for a first period of time and for connecting the storage battery to the heater for a second period of time;

    an alternator having a variable output condition including a regulated and selectable output voltage with an output current, the alternator being driven by the vehicle engine;

    a first circuit for connecting the alternator output to the start battery for recharging the start battery;

    a second circuit for connecting the alternator output to the run battery for recharging the run battery; and

    a third circuit for recharging the alternator output to the storage battery for recharging the storage battery.

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