Abstract: A starter solenoid comprises a solenoid cap defining a contact channel. A first terminal and a second terminal are provided on the solenoid cap. A contact is moveable within the channel between a first position where the contact touches the first and second terminals and a second position where the contact is removed from the first and second terminals. A shield is positioned in the channel to space the contact apart from the channel walls. The contact comprises a first terminal face connected to a second terminal face. The first and second terminal faces are configured to respectively contact the first and second terminals when the contact is in the first position. Opposing lips extend from opposite sides of the first terminal face with a curved shoulder provided between the first terminal face and each of the opposing lips.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a starter motor clutch. The clutch includes, a shell, a wedgable component support member operably positioned adjacent the shell, and at least one wedgable component positioned between the shell and the wedgable component support member. The at least one wedgable component is displaceable into engagement with the shell to lock the shell into synchronous movement with the wedgable component support member upon initial rotational movement of the wedgable component support member in either direction relative to the shell while allowing asynchronous movement of the shell relative to the wedgable component support member.

Abstract: An engine starter comprises a housing with a planetary gear arrangement provided within the housing. The planetary gear arrangement includes a ring gear configured to pivot about an axis. The ring gear includes a face oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis, the face including a plurality of detents provided as a plurality of ribs and a plurality of depressions on the face. A torque limiter is positioned adjacent to the face of the ring gear within the housing of the engine starter. The torque limiter includes a plurality of projecting members engaging the plurality of detents on the ring gear when the ring gear pivots about the axis. The torque limiter is provided as a plate including a central hole, a body portion, and a perimeter portion. The plurality of projecting members comprise a plurality of spring fingers extending from the body portion at an angle.

Abstract: A starter solenoid comprises a solenoid cap defining a contact channel. A first terminal and a second terminal are provided on the solenoid cap. A contact is moveable within the channel between a first position where the contact touches the first and second terminals and a second position where the contact is removed from the first and second terminals. A shield is positioned in the channel to space the contact apart from the channel walls. The contact comprises a first terminal face connected to a second terminal face. The first and second terminal faces are configured to respectively contact the first and second terminals when the contact is in the first position. Opposing lips extend from opposite sides of the first terminal face with a curved shoulder provided between the first terminal face and each of the opposing lips.

Abstract: A starter apparatus is disclosed. The starter apparatus includes a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, the motor having an armature shaft, and a planetary gear train disposed within the housing and in operable communication with the armature shaft. The planetary gear train includes a ring gear, a carrier shaft in operable communication with the planetary gear train for outputting a torque of the armature shaft transferred through the planetary gear train, and a dampener in exclusive connection between the ring gear and the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a starter motor clutch. The clutch includes, a shell, a wedgable component support member operably positioned adjacent the shell, and at least one wedgable component positioned between the shell and the wedgable component support member. The at least one wedgable component is displaceable into engagement with the shell to lock the shell into synchronous movement with the wedgable component support member upon initial rotational movement of the wedgable component support member in either direction relative to the shell while allowing asynchronous movement of the shell relative to the wedgable component support member.