Abstract: A protection system for a two-cycle outboard motor engine having a separate lubricant storage tank. The protection system generally includes a sensing device associated with the lubricant storage tank for detecting a low lubricant level condition, a first circuit for producing a speed reduction signal in response to the detection of this condition, a second circuit for gradually reducing the speed of the engine in response to the speed reduction signal even though the engine throttle control may be set for a higher speed, and a switch for manually terminating this speed control. The first circuit includes a controlled conduction device for maintaining the presence of the speed reduction signal after the low lubricant level condition is no longer present until the switch is actuated.

Abstract: A stop/start engine control for a road vehicle has a relay with its winding in series with a driver operable stop switch and an accelerator pedal switch. The relay contact is connected to provide latching action which can be broken by opening the accelerator pedal switch. In the reset position of this relay contact, a clutch pedal operated switch controls another relay operation of which is inhibited when the engine is running. This other relay controls the engine starter motor control system. Thus, when required the engine can be stopped by closing the driver operable switch while the accelerator pedal is closed. The engine can be restarted by first pressing the accelerator pedal to reset the first-mentioned relay, and then pressing the clutch pedal.

Abstract: An engine stopping device for rendering an internal combustion engine of a spark ignition type by grounding an ignition circuit includes a contact section for achieving grounding which is exposed to air flow passing through an engine cooling air passage, to clean off dry grass or other foreign materials from the contact section.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring the concentration of particles in a gas using an electrode disposed within but electrically insulated from an electrically-conductive conduit member, a current measuring device and means for maintaining the conduit member and the electrode at substantially the same potential. Flow of gas containing charged particles along the conduit induces a current passing from the electrode through the current measuring device. If the concentration of particles in the gas becomes excessive, the current measuring device activates a warning device or takes other action to prevent damage to any gas-consuming device attached to the apparatus. The apparatus might include an optional ionizer upstream of the electrode to charge the particles in the gas.

Abstract: A water flow failure detection device comprising a first water flow conduit; a second conduit with one end closed and the other end open communicating with the water flow conduit; positioned within the second conduit is a float which is free to translate therein. The float includes a permanent magnet positioned around its longitudinal mid-section; and a reed switch located on the external surface of the second conduit whereby the flow of water through the first conduit sufficiently raises or elevates the float away from the reed switch allowing the reed switch to return to its normal state and an absence of water flow causes the float to translate downward due to gravity to a location adjacent the reed switch thereby changing the state of the reed switch. The reed switch change of state can be used to terminate fuel or ignition to an engine or operates an alarm signal in the absence of cooling water flow through the engine.

Abstract: A method for sensing when the quantity of oil in the crankcase of a reciprocating piston engine is inadequate for proper lubrication while the engine is operating. During engine operation, the crankcase gas pressure cycles between positive and negative values as the piston reciprocates. Positive crankcase gas pressures are vented through a check valve. The resulting cyclic vacuum in the crankcase has a peak and average magnitude which is a function of the quantity of oil in the crankcase. For a constant speed and substantially constant load engine, the crankcase vacuum can be used to indicate the approximate quantity of oil in the crankcase. For constant or variable speed and load engines, a drop in the crankcase vacuum below a predetermined level can be used to automatically stop the engine prior to damage by inadequate lubrication.

Abstract: The capacitor discharge ignition system has a capacitor connected to and charged by a charging coil through a diode. The primary of an ignition transformer is connected to the capacitor and a trigger device controls discharge of the capacitor to ground through said primary coil. The anode of a second diode is connected between the charging coil and the first diode and a shutdown switch is connected in series between the cathode of the second diode and ground.

Abstract: The lawn mower comprises a vertical cutter shaft which is driven by an internal combustion engine its upper housing is formed as synthetic plastics moulding and combines a fuel tank, a carburettor and an air suction silencer into one construction unit which is secured as a unit on the internal combustion engine. A fuel passage between the fuel tank and the carburettor is formed into the housing. In the path of the fuel supply there is arranged a fuel shut-off valve the valve body of which carries a segment disc serving as choke flap of the carburettor.

Abstract: In automatically stopping or restarting an engine on a basis of detecting an operational state of each component of a vehicle with the engine mounted thereon, judgement as to whether first condition of setting the function of allowing the engine to automatically stop and restart, second condition of automatically stopping the engine after the function is set and third condition of automatically restarting the engine after the function is set are fulfilled or not, respectively, is made by "and" of a plurality of signals including at least two or more signals out of a signal indicating an engine rotational speed, a signal indicating the generating condition of an alternator and a third signal indicating readiness or unreadiness for starting of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic revolution rate limiting apparatus is described which generally comprises a transducer for generating a tachometer signal which is indicative of the revolution rate of the internal combustion engine, a circuit for producing a control signal which is responsive to the tachometer signal and the operation state of the engine and which determines the maximum revolution rate for each of a plurality of operation states, and a switch for interacting with the ignition system of the engine to prevent a sparking voltage from being induced in the ignition system in response to the value of the control signal. When the revolution rate limiting apparatus is employed in a power plant in which the operation states comprise a plurality of drive states (e.g., forward, neutral, reverse), the circuit for producing the control signal is also responsive to which drive state the power plant is in, such that the maximum revolution rate may be individually controlled for each drive state.

Abstract: The invention relates to limiting of the r.p.m. on start of a power tool. At the same time the throttle control is locked in a starting position by a retaining member, a circuit in the ignition system is switched in to prevent ignition at an r.p.m. higher than the switching r.p.m. of the centrifugal clutch. The tool thus remains at low speeds during starting.

Abstract: An engine is automatically stopped under predetermined conditions, thereafter, automatically restarted under other predetermined conditions, and a primary check indicating device for indicating abnormal conditions in various components of a vehicle is forcedly turned OFF at least when the engine is automatically stopped. The primary check indicating device includes, for example, a charge warning lamp for indicating abnormality in the generating condition, an oil pressure lamp for indicating abnormality in the pressure of lubricating oil and an exhaust gas temperature lamp for indicating abnormality in the temperature of exhaust gas.

Abstract: A pressure activated switch for use in series in the fluid flow path of a motor is disclosed, with the switch having a housing with a top end, a bottom end, and axially extending chamber extending between the ends with a vertically extending wall defining the periphery of the chamber. The chamber has an inlet port and an outlet port communicating therewith, with the ports in vertically spaced relationship to each other so as to obtain a flow of fluid from the motor between the ports, such that the level of fluid in the chamber is directly related to the level of fluid associated with the motor. A first electrical terminal extends from the bottom end into the chamber, with a second electrical terminal extending into the chamber through the wall, the terminals are adapted to be connected in the current starting path of the motor. An element is provided which moves with the level of fluid within the chamber.

Abstract: A system for preventing overheating of an internal combustion engine comprised of a temperature detector which activates an electronic circuit to intermittently interrupt engine ignition spark to gradually decelerate the engine. The electronic circuit has an oscillator which is activated by the temperature detector whose duty cycle is gradually increased up to a maximum. The oscillator output energizes a gating circuit to turn on a thyristor which connects an ignition charging circuit to ground. Thus interrupting the ignition spark.

Abstract: A safety device for an implement powered by a four-stroke cycle internal combustion engine having a deadman control for reducing the time required to stop the engine when the deadman control is released is disclosed and includes a switch operable upon release of the deadman control to disable the engine ignition system and an arrangement for opening an engine valve at a time other than its normal opening time in the engine cycle. In one preferred embodiment an engine exhaust valve is opened about maximum at 25 degrees prior to top deadcenter position of the engine piston during its compression stroke.

Abstract: Determination as to whether the condition of automatically stopping an engine is formed or not is made based on outputs from pluralities of sensors and switches for detecting the operating conditions of various portions of a vehicle. Even if the result of determination satisfies the conditions of automatic stop, automatic stop is not effected when the temperature of the engine cooling water exceeds predetermined temperature limits.

Abstract: In a system wherein the operating conditions of various portions of a vehicle are detected and an engine is automatically stopped and started in accordance with the operating conditions thus detected, a fuel supply system is cut to prevent the run-on of the engine in addition to the cut-off of current passage to an ignition system as in the prior art. There controls are effected when both any one or more of predetermined operating conditions and any one or more of conditions of precluding the automatic stop are present.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with an engine, a transmission and a control device for cutting off the engine. This control device is actuated as a function of the position of the gearshift lever.

Abstract: Electronic shut-off circuit is provided in a capacitor discharge ignition system for internal combustion engines to protect against excessive high-speed operation. The circuit includes an electronic switching component connected across the main capacitor of the ignition system. A trigger coil is connected in circuit with a control electrode of the electronic switching component. The trigger coil is selected to generate a sufficient voltage to bias the switching means to its conductive state, thereby providing a low impedance shunt path to short the capacitor and to prevent it from discharging its energy into the primary of the ignition coil. A resistance-capacitance network, in circuit with the switching component, serves to hold it "on" until the engine is shut off.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine protection systems including visual and audible signals responsive to operative conditions of at least coolant level, engine temperatures, high and low oil pressures and, in the case of turbo chargers, to air intake pressures. An engine disabling means is operative when any of the aforegoing conditions exceed predetermined limits for a predeterminable period. Override means, effective for only a limited duration, permits emergency engine operation even if one or more of said predetermined limits have been exceeded for said predeterminable period so as to ordinarily incur engine disablement.

Abstract: An automatic engine stop and start apparatus for automatically stopping and starting an engine is disclosed. When a car starts to move while the engine has been automatically stopped and the car is to be braked, and a car velocity exceeds a predetermined speed and a booster pressure of a brake falls below a predetermined level, the apparatus issues an alarm. To this end, the apparatus includes a car velocity sensor for detecting the car velocity, a slope sensor for detecting the necessity of the brake for the car, a negative pressure switch fordetecting the booster pressure of the brake and alarm means responsive to detection outputs of those sensors.

Abstract: A fluid temperature monitor coupled into the engine coolant fluid circuit of an internal combustion engine includes a thermostat which is responsive to overheating of the fluid to operate a plunger so as to actuate a first switch upon overheating of the fluid to sound a warning alarm and a second switch to turn off the engine.

Abstract: An automatic switching-off arrangement for the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle comprises a sensor which senses the neutral position of the gear control lever or the idle running condition of the engine or the standstill condition of the vehicle. When the sensor detects such a condition a delay switch is energized which activates a switch-off means after a predetermined period so that the current supply to the ignition coil is interrupted or a half-compression device is operated and the engine is stopped. Thereby, fuel can be saved and pollution of the atmosphere can be reduced.

Abstract: A safety interlock for a vehicle driven through a transmission by an internal combustion engine that has a magneto ignition system and a seat occupied by a driver. The interlock is electrically connected to the ignition and to safety switches, one that is opened when the transmission to a traction drive is engaged and another that is closed when the seat is occupied. The interlock circuit disables the ignition if the engine is not running and the transmission is engaged so the engine cannot be started under unsafe conditions. The engine is also disabled if, after it is running, the seat becomes unoccupied while the transmission is engaged. However, the interlock allows the engine to be started with the seat occupied or not, as long as the transmission is disengaged. One or more safety switches associated with mechanisms driven by the engine can be connected in series with the transmission-operated safety switch to control operation in the same manner.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle engine stop-restart system responsive to throttle position is disclosed in which the engine is shut down by disabling the fuel supply in response to a closed throttle and restarted in response to an open throttle. During shutdown, the intake manifold is primed with an air and fuel mixture just prior to the stopping of the engine to provide an immediate restart capability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn mower including an engine having a first rotatable gear, an energy storage and delivery mechanism connected to said engine and comprising an energy storing spiral spring, a gear set including rotatably mounted second and third gears in mesh with each other and with one of the gears of the gear set connected to the spiral spring, which gear set is displaceable between a stop position wherein one of the second and third gears is in mesh with the first gear so as, in response to rotation of the first gear, to rotate the second and third gears in the direction which is effective to store energy in the spiral spring and a start position wherein the other of said second and third gears is in mesh with the first gear so as, in response to delivery of energy to the gear set from the spiral spring, to rotate the first gear in the engine operating direction, a releasable pawl movable selectively between positions engaged with and disengaged from the energy storage and delivery mechanism for p

Abstract: To protect the ignition system against high over voltages upon removal of a load in the high voltage circuit, represented by the spark gap of a spark plug, and a distribution gap of a distributor, an electrically conductive terminal element, such as a flag, a spring biased tab, or a push spring which is connectible to ground or chassis is so located that, when the spark plug cable terminals are connected, the insulator of the spark plug cable terminal will be interposed between the flag and the high voltage terminal which is to be protected.

Abstract: A safety system for limiting the speed of a fuel powered engine, particularly an internal combustion engine of a vehicle or machine, preferably by controlling the engine ignition. The system is especially useful for vehicles such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, power boats, and the like. An alternating or pulsed electrical output directly proportional to engine rpm is detected and the rpm is limited to one of two or more different levels, depending upon the condition of a programming switch or switches, in this embodiment a throttle switch. An upper level limits engine speed to a safe rpm in the event of load removal, such as when a drive belt breaks or a gear change is missed. Engine speed is limited to a lower level if the throttle switch indicates idle rpm is desired and if the engine does not begin to decelerate from a higher rpm within a predetermined time, regardless of the actual throttle condition.

Abstract: A device for the transmission of the position of a control element, particularly a gas pedal, (which control element is actuatable by the vehicle driver and controls the traveling speed of a motor vehicle, the gas pedal being connected with an electrical position encoder), to an actuator via electrical transmission means, the actuator being coupled with a regulating member, particularly a throttle valve, which member controls the fuel-air mixture of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An electrically operated disabling system engageable in the ignition or fuel supply support system of an automobile engine, the operation of which is under control of a master control switch for the ignition system, said disabling system includes a normally closed relay switch related to one of the support systems to disable that support system and cause the engine to stop operation when said relay switch is opened, an electrically operated time delay switching device under control of the master control switch and operating to cause the relay switch to open and disable its related support system after operation of the engine for a limited predetermined period of time; and a normally operable on and off switch to selectively put the disabling system into and out of service.

Abstract: A safety interlock for a vehicle driven through a transmission by an internal combustion engine that has a magneto ignition system and a seat occupied by a driver. The interlock is electrically connected to the ignition and to safety switches, one that is opened when the transmission to a traction drive is engaged and another that is closed when the seat is occupied. The interlock circuit disables the ignition if the engine is not running and the transmission is engaged so the engine cannot be started under unsafe conditions. The engine is also disabled if, after it is running, the seat becomes unoccupied while the transmission is engaged. However, the interlock allows the engine to be started with the seat occupied or not, as long as the transmission is disengaged. One or more safety switches associated with mechanisms driven by the engine can be connected in series with the transmission-operated safety switch to control operation in the same manner.

Abstract: A fail safe device for isolating the revolution limiter from the ignition system of an internal combustion engine, in which the output stage of the revolution limiter is continuously monitored to ascertain whether or not it is absorbing ignition pulses at a speed lower than the limiting speed. In the event that the absorption of ignition pulses is taking place at a speed lower than the limiting speed, the fail safe device becomes operative upon the engine revolutions falling below a given value and causes a fuse in series with the output stage of the revolution limiter to blow, thus isolating the revolution limiter from the ignition system to allow ignition to be instantly re-established in the event of a fault occuring in the revolution limiter.

Abstract: Gear shifting in an automotive vehicle with internal combustion engine, particularly a motorcycle, is facilitated by a mechanism which automatically inactivates the ignition circuit in response to operation of a speed or gear shifting member, and again activates the ignition circuit with a predetermined delay after inactivating.

Abstract: A shut-down and first-out annunciator device comprising sensor switches that change condition when a fault occurs. Logic and display circuits provide a digital readout indicative of a fault condition. Shut-down means are responsive to a shut-down signal produced by the logic circuit and produce a latching signal for the display. A first power supply powers all sections during normal operation and a second power supply powers the display and shut-down circuits after shut-down.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn mower comprising a grass bag and chute, and a grass discharge cover, and an internal combustion engine having operation regulated by an electronically controlled C.D. ignition and interlocking shut-off system. The system includes a charge capacitor, an ignition coil including a primary winding having a first terminal connected to the charge capacitor and having a second terminal, the ignition coil including a secondary winding which fires a spark plug to operate the engine when the charge capacitor discharges through the primary winding.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide detector and deactivating mechanism to monitor the level of carbon monoxide concentration within the passenger compartment of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, and to stop the operation of such internal combustion engine when the level of carbon monoxide concentration reaches a danger point for occupants of the passenger compartment. The detector includes plural detecting means to determine such dangerous concentration level, at least two of which detect carbon monoxide in the atmosphere by different methods and principles of operation. The detector is electrically connected to the vehicle's electrical system and when the critical pre-determined level of carbon monoxide is reached, it triggers a vacuum switch to interrupt the ignition circuit of the vehicle for a long enough time to insure that the internal combustion engine has been stopped.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine spark ignition system is provided which ensures that sparks are inhibited if the engine temperature exceeds a maximum safe level. The ignition circuit includes an input transistor which is switched on and off by an engine shaft transducer. The input transistor controls charging and discharging of a capacitor the voltage on which determines whether switching of the input transistor causes a spark to be produced via an output amplifier and ignition coil. A temperature sensing element determines both the rate at which the capacitor can charge and the final voltage to which it can be charged.

Abstract: A control system for the ignition circuit and carburetor of an internal combustion engine wherein a hand throttle lever is operatively connected to both a spring-urged carburetor lever and to switch means for the ignition circuit to provide normal operation of the engine but principally to provide for the safety of the operator in the operation of such circuit if the throttle lever becomes jammed or frozen or otherwise maintained in a speeding position and the operator loses control of such system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn mower comprising a rotatable cutter blade supported on a frame, an internal combustion engine supported on the frame and including an engine block, a cylinder, and a reciprocative piston which is drivingly connected to the cutter blade, a valving arrangement for stopping the engine including an outlet port opening into the cylinder combustion chamber, a discharge port, a valve which is interposed the outlet and discharge ports and is movable between open and closed positions to respectively permit and block communication between the outlet and discharge ports, and a valve member which, in response to the combustion chamber pressure, opens to vent gases from the combustion chamber during the compression stroke of the piston and closes to prevent entry of gases through the discharge port into the combustion chamber during the expansion stroke of the piston, and a spring for biasing the valve toward the open position.

Abstract: A lubricating oil detector for an internal combustion engine, the detector including a lubricating oil reservoir adapted to be disposed in a chamber of the engine wherein pressure pulsations are produced by reciprocating movement of a piston. An oil level detecting pipe extends to the exterior of a crank case of the engine, the pipe having an end opening at a lowest allowable oil level in the reservoir. A pressure detecting actuator is provided and is adapted to be mounted on the case and connected through a connecting tube to the detecting pipe. When the oil level is below the lowest allowable level, the pressure pulsations in the case are directed to the pressure detecting actuator, which is then actuated to stop the operation of the engine, or to operate an alarm.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn mower including a rotatable cutter blade, a reciprocating internal combustion engine drivingly connected to the cutter blade and a venting arrangement for venting the engine cylinder combustion chamber at engine shut down to decrease the engine coast-down time. The venting arrangement includes a flow passage having an inlet port which opens into the combustion chamber and a discharge port which either opens directly to the atmosphere, is connected in communication with the engine crankcase, or is connected in communication with the engine exhaust system. Venting of the combustion chamber through the flow passage is selectively controlled by a valve which is operably connected to the ignition switch and is opened in response to movement of the ignition switch from an engine operating position to an engine shutoff position.

Abstract: An engine stopping device for stopping an internal combustion engine provided with an ignition system energized by a generator driven by the engine. The stopping device comprises a switch for making ineffective at least one of the elements of the ignition system, an actuator for actuating the switch into the operated state and a retaining device for retaining the switch in the operated state until the engine is brought to a standstill. Although it takes time for the engine to be brought to a standstill, the operator just has to give the actuator one touch operation, such as pressing a button, and may release the actuator before the standstill. Subsequent starting of the engine requires no extra operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic arrest of the motor in a motor vehicle in conditions of standstill or near-standstill, for example when the motor reaches speeds at or below the stalling speed with an engaged drive line. In stop-and-go driving, the invention includes monitoring the vehicle speed, the motor speed and the state of actuation of the accelerator pedal and the clutch pedal. If a set of conditions is met, for example that the vehicle speed is below 3 kilometers per hour, and that neither the accelerator pedal nor the clutch pedal are depressed, and the engine temperature is sufficiently high, the apparatus of the invention automatically arrests the engine either by fuel shut-off or by ignition shut-off or both. A depression of the clutch pedal restarts the engine. The invention further provides for automatic fuel shut-off to the motor under the conditions of engine braking, i.e., operation with closed throttle and relatively high motor speed.

Abstract: A revolution limiter for internal combustion engines having a circuit for detecting when the engine revolutions exceed a given maximum permitted value, and a circuit for limiting the voltage on the primary winding of the coil comprising a semiconductor device which will breakdown above a given threshold voltage and a semiconductor switch connected in series between the terminal of the primary winding remote from the positive line connection and ground, the semiconductor switch being rendered conductive by the detection circuit in order to limit the voltage on the primary winding of the coil and thus prevent a spark occurring when said given limit is exceeded.

Abstract: A safety switch mechanism mounted on the handle of a power driven appliance such as a snow-thrower, lawn mower, garden tiller and the like having a motor or engine mounted thereon, the operator walking behind the appliance for holding a backwardly extending handle, the switch mechanism being adapted to short out or ground the electrical circuit of the motor or engine, or alternatively to open the contacts of a solenoid connected in series with the energizing circuit of an electric motor so as to stop the operation of the same upon the operator discontinuing to grasp the switch mechanism on the handle. This is an abstract only of the specific illustration of the invention given by way of example and is not to be used in the interpretation of the claims nor as a limitation on the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A three-terminal module contains a relay with normally closed switch contacts and a delay circuit for the coil which opens the switch. The module switch contacts are wired between the engine ignition switch and the ignition coil of the engine. Malfunction detectors energize the delay, which eventually energizes the switch-operating coil, thereby stopping the engine. Opening and reclosing of the ignition switch enables the engine to restart.

Abstract: A safety device to stop an engine when the throttle position and the throttle lever position are sufficienty out of synchronism to indicate malfunction. The device includes a pivot means, a throttle lever, and a throttle operating member rotatably supported on said pivot means. Lever bias means biases the throttle lever in a first rotational direction. Bias means effective on the throttle valve biases the throttle operating member in the same direction. Both bias means can be overcome by a sufficient force on the throttle lever. The throttle lever and throttle operating member are abuttable so that they can be rotated in a second direction. They are separable in order that the throttle lever may move away from the throttle operating member if the latter is restrained against movement in response to its bias force. A first and a second switch member are rotatably supported for concentric rotation, one switch member being connected to the throttle lever and the other to the throttle operating member.

Abstract: A device for slowing an internal combustion engine in the event of oil pressure failure at an engine speed above idle, includes an SCR with the gate thereof connected to an engine rpm sensor which provides a voltage analog of engine speed. The SCR is connected between an oil pressure sensing switch typically provided for the engine, and the ignition distributor points. Should the oil pressure switch close, indicating low oil pressure, and the engine is turning at sufficient speed so that the rpm sensor provides enough voltage to the SCR gate, the SCR will fire and short the ignition.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing afterburning in an internal combustion engine having an ignition circuit, an ignition switch and a battery, and including an engine rotation detecting circuit for detecting the rotational speed of the engine above a predetermined level, a switching circuit actuated in response to the engine rotation detecting circuit which continues to energize the ignition circuit from the battery even after the ignition switch is turned off as long as the engine rotates at a speed above the predetermined level, and a timer circuit which cuts off the ignition circuit from the battery regardless of the condition of the switching circuit a predetermined time after the ignition switch is turned off.

Abstract: A pressure ratio valve is installed in an internal combustion engine having a pressurized air supply and an air actuatable throttle control means for limiting the engine RPM in response to a pneumatic control signal. The pressure ratio valve continuously senses both the engine oil pressure and the pressure of the engine compressed air system and generates the pneumatic control signal in response thereto. When the oil pressure-air pressure ratio decreases below a predetermined magnitude, an unsafe engine oil pressure condition is indicated and the pressure ratio valve generates a pneumatic control signal which causes the throttle control means to limit the engine RPM to a safe level.