Real-time clock back-up battery
US6016045A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S320/26
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A back-up battery system is provided for use with a real-time clock of an on-board device controller. In its normal operation, the real-time clock (RTC) is powered by a primary power source, such as a vehicle battery. When the primary source is interrupted, the back-up battery system is invoked to provide back-up power to the RTC. The system includes a low voltage dry cell battery mounted within a fuse component configured for electrical engagement within the vehicle fuse block. In one embodiment, a relay is interposed between the fuse component and the RTC to make and break the back-up power circuit in response to the state of the primary power source. In another embodiment, the battery within the fuse component is replaceable, with the fuse component including a base and a removable cap. In still another embodiment, the battery within the fuse component is a rechargeable battery, and the back-up power system includes a recharging circuit operable with the primary power source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.