| 20100217475 | LOW CURRENT VEHICLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM FOR TRUCKS AND ATVS - A capacitor module is utilized as part of a vehicle accessory system to accommodate the use of accessories that require high current power supplies on many different vehicles, thereby reducing the demands on the vehicle electrical systems. The capacitor module includes a plurality of ultracapacitors capable of maintaining relatively high charge levels and thereby accommodating the demands for short bursts of high current electrical power. Control circuitry is included to manage capacitor charging using lower current signals, thereby allowing for use of accessories on vehicles having lower capacity electrical systems. In one embodiment the accessories contemplated include a snow plow attached to a vehicle, with the snowplow having a hydraulic pump motor which requires high levels of electrical current for operation. Control circuitry manages charging using a relatively constant current electrical signal and discharging of the capacitors as necessary to operate the pump motor. | 08-26-2010 |
