Abstract: A pair of marker signals are generated with respect to a predetermined crankshaft position; the leading edge of the marker signal is used as a control edge to generate, by digital calculation, a digital control signal calculated in accordance with engine operating characteristics, as related to speed, loading, and the like, and providing a numerical output value used as a control value to control the timing of a pulse which may, depending on use, control: ignition timing; fuel injection timing; transmission gear shifting, the data relating engine performance, with respect to loading, speed, and other parameters such as temperature, starting conditions, and the like, being stored in a data memory. Calculation of the digital control signals and determination, by timed sequential counting out, are carried out independently from each other and during time overlap.

Abstract: A throttle closing mechanism for an internal combustion engine makes use of a throttle closer which is moveable into and out of a position wherein the closer engages the throttle linkage. An electromagnet is arranged to retain the throttle closer in the linkage engaging position when the ignition switch is on. When the ignition is disconnected, the closing mechanism moves out of the linkage engaging position, thereby facilitating complete closing of the throttle flap and preventing engine run-on.

Abstract: An automatic control for continuing idle operation of an internal combustion engine, particularly a diesel motor, to provide proper engine conditioning before the engine is shut down. Automatic control circuitry is added by connection to the contacts of a conventional manual control switch for the engine. Normally open contacts of a relay are pre-set during engine use to bypass the manual control switch for a predetermined time following subsequent opening of the switch. A first electronic detector monitors the closing of the switch, while a second electronic detector monitors its opening. The two detectors operate both the relay and an electronic timing mechanism. The timing mechanism opens the relay contacts following a predetermined period after the opening of the manual control switch. In this way shutdown of the engine is accomplished electronically as an automatic function following the manual opening of the usual key switch.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve is positioned in the idle fuel mixture passage of the carburetor of an internal combustion engine of an automobile. When the automobile has reached a certain speed, if the driver releases the accelerator, a throttle linkage switch will close. Also, a vacuum sensing device will cause another switch to close thereby activating the solenoid valve to interrupt fuel flow through the idle fuel mixture passage. Thereafter, the solenoid valve will remain closed until the speed of the engine has decreased to a predetermined speed as measured by the amount of vacuum created by the engine. When the speed of the engine has decreased to the predetermined speed, or upon pushing the accelerator pedal, the solenoid valve will open again following fuel to flow through the idle fuel mixture passage. Upon turning the ignition switch OFF, the solenoid valve in the idle fuel mixture passage is closed to prevent dieselizing of the engine.

Abstract: A control device for the engine of an engine driven saw having a carburetor with a normally closed fuel control or throttle valve and a normally open starting or choke valve. The device includes a selector member which has a "stop" position in which the engine ignition is disabled and an "operating" position in which the throttle valve is freely adjustable. The selector member also has a "warm start" position and a "cold start" position with the throttle valve being held in a position of minimum opening thereby in each position while the starting valve is held closed by the selector member only in the "cold start" position of the selector member.

Abstract: A safety cut-off for a two-cycle gasoline engine in which a common actuating arm both causes an interruption of the ignition circuit and operates a valve to release pressure from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention includes circuitry adapted to be interconnected with the ignition system of spark-fired internal combustion engines. The circuit created is adapted to shut off the engine by preventing induction coil voltage buildup by grounding the secondary circuit of the coil when the engine overheating switch closes or, in the alternative, when an antitheft switch similarly positioned in the circuit is closed. The engine shutoff provided is in addition to the signal light which when energized indicates that the engine is overheating.A method of preventing voltage buildup in the induction coil by grounding the secondary circuit of the coil in an ignition system when the heat sensing switch, or a normally open antitheft switch, is closed.

Abstract: A shut-off device for use with an internal combustion engine having an electric ignition comprises a switch having first and second states, connected to the engine ignition in such a way that the ignition current is not inhibited when the switch is in its first state but is inhibited when the switch is in its second state. The device further has means for changing the switch from its first state to its second state and means for automatically maintaining the switch in its second state for a predetermined interval of time sufficient to allow the engine to die.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motor vehicle includes a starter-connected ignition switch which has a first accessible terminal, and a second substantially non-accessible terminal connected to a third substantially non-accessible terminal of a voltage dropping means, such as a resistor. A relay has a coil and at least a pair contacts closable by operating the ignition switch, and is connected in series with a circuit breaker, the voltage dropping means, the ignition switch and a voltage source. The circuit breaker trips at a predetermined current setting, and the coil is designed to burn out at a current just exceeding the predetermined current. Periodically openable contact-means actuate the motor vehicle's engine and are energizable by the pair of contacts. The circuit breaker trips upon a thief shorting the accessible terminals, and the relay coil burns out upon the thief shorting the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A safety switch system for use on snowmobiles that eliminates the hazards of previous systems by providing series connected normally closed switches, one connected directly into the throttle control lever which the operator must press for increasing engine speed from idle, and the other mounted directly on the carburetor and controlled by the throttle control arm which is directly connected to the butterfly valve of the carburetor. The two switches are connected to an engine kill system, such as a ground circuit for the ignition. One of the switches must be open for the engine to be running. This means that when the throttle is open (the carburetor control arm is away from idle position) and the operator's hand is off the throttle control lever the engine is dead. However, with the throttle arm in idle position the engine will run whether the operator has his hand on the manual throttle control lever or not.

Abstract: An emission control circuit for an internal combustion engine having a voltage generating circuit connected to a source of direct current energy at a first potential for generating an output voltage of a substantially higher potential, the voltage generating circuit including energy storage means coupled to the output of the voltage generating means for storing an electrical charge. A triggerable switching means is provided for coupling the energy storage means in series with the primary winding of an induction coil, and triggering means responsive to the opening and closing of ignition breaker points is provided for applying triggering signals to the triggerable switching means. The triggering signals accommodate discharging of the energy storage means through the primary winding for a certain predetermined time period. A comparator circuit is provided which includes two semiconductor amplifier circuits, each having a pair of output electrodes and a control electrode.

Abstract: A shut-down system for an internal combustion engine having a magneto circuit which when grounded causes the engine to shut down. A normally open sensor switch responsive to some malfunction of the engine grounds the magneto circuit through an "indicator" circuit when the sensor switch closes. To avoid arcing with sufficient energy release to ignite flammable mixtures of gases or dust which might occur when ordinary switch contacts are operated, non-arcing solid state switches are used in those parts of the system which handle ignition levels of electrical energy and means are provided for reducing to non-ignition levels the electrical energy that is handled by ordinary switch contacts in the system. In addition, means may be provided to remove magneto primary voltage from the system for a short period of time while the engine is being started up so that the magneto circuit is not grounded by operation of the sensor switch before the engine reaches running conditions.

Abstract: An ignition grounding switch for low-horsepower internal combustion engines in which a wire terminal electrically connected to the engine magneto is fixedly disposed within a cored insulator block, and is engaged by and spring biased over a grounded throttle control lever as the latter is moved to the engine-off position, such that the magneto is connected to electrical ground through the terminal and the control level.

Abstract: The invention comprises a plurality of fluid actuated members for interrupting the ignition circuit and stopping the operation of an internal combustion engine in the event of a malfunction of the engine or components driven thereby. A tank containing air under pressure is connected with an electrical current conducting master switch interposed in the engine ignition circuit and comprising a hollow housing divided by a diaphragm which, by the tank air pressure, normally maintains the master switch closed. Loss of the air pressure opens the master switch. Other similar diaphragm type fluid pressure operated members respectively connected with and responsive to radiator coolant level and temperature, engine oil pressure and sprinkler system water pressure vents the pressurized air from the tank in the event of a malfunction.

Abstract: A gasoline powered machine, shown in the form of a lawn mower, having a gasoline engine, and a mower deck for a housing, and a mower handle, and ground engaging wheels. The engine has the usual electric circuitry connected thereto, and two electric switches are connected with the circuitry for grounding the circuit and thereby stopping operation of the engine when the switches are not being operated, and that is when they are then in a normally-closed position. Therefore, the operator must be in physical contact with either of the two switches to maintain either one in an open position in order to have the gasoline engine operating.

Abstract: An additional diode is provided in series with the charging diode through which the storage capacitor of a magneto ignition system is charged and the shutdown switch for the engine is connected between the common connection of the two diodes and the common connection of the magneto generator, and the capacitor diodes, because of their high back resistance, prevent any high positive or negative voltages from appearing across an open shutdown switch.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition circuit in which charging, trigger and shutoff coils are wound as a single coil and disposed on one leg of a two-legged magnetic core.

Abstract: The safety ignition switch and brake actuator for motorized, handle-bar operated, apparatus comprises a housing fastened to a handle bar and a brake handle lever pivotally mounted to the housing about the grip operable to be disengaged when the lever is depressed adjacently about the handle bar grip and engaging the brake when the lever is released and pivoted away from the grip.

Abstract: A capacitor-discharge ignition system for a two-stroke internal combustion engine has a trigger coil which during forward rotation of the crankshaft discharges a capacitor through the primary coil of an ignition transformer to produce an appropriately timed ignition spark. The discharge and spark occur when a magnet mounted on the flywheel of the engine intercepts the trigger coil at a crankshaft or piston position in the vicinity of top dead center. The trigger coil discharges the capacitor by supplying a trigger signal to the control gate of a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) located in the discharging path between the capacitor and the primary coil of the ignition transformer. The primary coil, which is connected to the cathode of the SCR, is mounted on a stator core intercepted by the magnet on the flywheel no less than 60.degree. after top dead center.

Abstract: A safety control system for use in mobile vehicles driven by a throttle controlled engine. The safety control system, upon actuation of the vehicle brakes, automatically brings the engine throttle into its idling position, irrespective of the setting of the engine throttle control and maintains it in this position as long as the vehicle brakes are being applied. The safety control system also brings the engine throttle into its idling position upon return of the throttle control lever to its idling position, irrespective of the position of the throttle control cable connecting engine throttle and throttle control lever.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a safety stopping device for marine engines and employs a cord connected at one end to the pilot of the boat and at its other end to the safety device for the grounding of the ignition circuit of the engine either by operating a pushbutton, or by ripping off said cord held between said pushbutton and a retaining head traversing said button and connected by a stem to a metallic head capable by its axial movement to connect two fixed contact terminals interposed in said ignition circuit.