Abstract: A sensor can selectively detect quantum signatures in charge transfer processes via a tunneling current. In one aspect, the sensor can include a metal electrode having a first surface and a second surface. The sensor can also include an insulator film having a first thickness, a first surface area and a first surface chemistry. The insulator film can be coupled to the metal electrode via the first surface. The sensor can also include a functionalization film having a second thickness, a second surface area and a second surface chemistry. The functionalization film can be coupled to the metal electrode via the second surface. The insulator film and the functionalization film are configured to separate the metal electrode from an electrochemical solution comprising the analyte.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carburetor assembly (7) comprising a control unit (17), an air channel (8), a throttle valve (9), a choke valve (10), a pulsed fuel valve (11), and a fuel supply line (12). The control unit (17) is adapted to control the fuel valve (11) to supply fuel in accordance with a certain start setting, where the choke valve (10) can be open or closed. The carburetor assembly (7) comprises a rotation angle detector assembly (20) with a choke detector part (29) that is mounted to a choke shaft (30) that is connected to the choke valve (10) such that the choke detector part (29) is arranged to rotate together with the choke valve (10). The rotation angle detector assembly (20) further comprises a choke sensor device (23, 33) that is connected to the control unit (17) and can be affected by the choke detector part (29) such that the choke sensor device (23, 33) provides different output signals to the control unit (17) in dependence of whether the choke valve (10) is open or closed.

Abstract: A device for an internal combustion engine for the combustion of a gasoline-based liquid fuel, having a tank, which is gas-conductively connected to the internal combustion engine with the aid of an exhaust gas line and a first shutoff valve, a hydrocarbon storage unit, which is gas-conductively disposed between the tank and the internal combustion engine with the aid of the exhaust gas line, for temporarily storing gaseous hydrocarbon contained in an exhaust gas escaping from the tank, and a hydrocarbon sensor, which is gas-conductively disposed between the tank and the internal combustion engine with the aid of the exhaust gas line, for measuring the hydrocarbon content in a purging air supplied to the internal combustion engine, the hydrocarbon storage unit being connectable to the free surroundings with the aid of a connecting line and a second shutoff valve.

Abstract: A fuel injection device comprising electricity-generating means generating electricity by rotation of an engine and outputting a predetermined signal, and a solenoid valve injecting fuel; the valve being opened as a result of a drive current applied to a coil, and the fuel being injected into an intake passage of the engine at a predetermined timing during the rotation of the engine; to ensure that the flow rate required during high-speed operation ca be adequately provided in a fuel injection device for injecting/supplying fuel to an engine. The electricity-generating means is an alternating current generation means attached to the engine in a crank angle position at which an output is generated in synchronization with the intake timing of the engine; the signal is an injection command signal applied to the solenoid valve as an alternating-current drive current; and the applied voltage increases with increased engine speed.

Abstract: A sensor for exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine includes a sensing element enclosed in a sensor housing. The sensor housing includes a protective cap having a plurality of openings formed therein for allowing flow of exhaust gases through the protective cap towards the sensing element. The sensor further includes at least one heating element for burning exhaust gas deposits on the sensor.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1) having a regulating device (C) wherein an air-fuel mixture with a combustion air ratio (?) which is adjustable by the regulating device is burnt in the internal combustion engine, wherein the regulating device (C) has a power output regulating circuit adapted to adapt an actual output (Pg) of the internal combustion engine (1) to a reference power output (Pdg) of the internal combustion engine (1) by way of an adjustment of the combustion air ratio (?), and a NOx emission regulating circuit adapted by way of a functional relationship (2) to actuate actuators influencing a charge pressure as an alternative parameter for the NOx emission by the charge pressure such that a charge pressure reference value (pdim) can be set for each reference power output (Pdg) of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel-metering arrangement for the mixture-forming unit (2) of an internal combustion engine (10) in a portable handheld work apparatus. The mixture-forming unit comprises a fuel store (30), a switchable valve (40) and a fuel channel (20) which opens into an intake region of the engine (10). The valve (40) has an inflow port (41) which is connected to the fuel store (30) and an outflow port (42) which is connected to the fuel channel (20). A fuel column is mechanically moved by the switching of the valve. In order to compensate for this fuel column, the outflow port (42) is connected via a bypass channel (45) to the inflow port (41) and a flow valve (46) is mounted in the bypass channel (45). The flow valve (46) opens in flow direction (49) from the outflow port (42) to the inflow port (41) and blocks in the direction opposite thereto.

Abstract: A fuel system includes an air and fuel mixer configured to mix air and fuel provided to a combustion engine and a fuel path coupled to the air and fuel mixer. The fuel path includes an electronically controlled fuel control valve configured to regulate an air to fuel ratio of an air/fuel mixture provided to the engine, a gas pressure regulator disposed upstream of the fuel control valve and configured to control a pressure of the fuel in relation to an air pressure of the air and fuel mixer, and a manual adjust valve disposed downstream of the gas pressure regulator and configured to mechanically tune a performance of the fuel path to minimize an adjustment by the electronically controlled fuel control valve to regulate the air to fuel ratio. The fuel system is configured to operate with different fuels that differ in physical and chemical properties.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device has an internal combustion engine; an intake manifold that delivers intake air from an upstream inlet to a downstream outlet for combustion in a plurality of piston-cylinders in the internal combustion engine; and a flame arrestor located in the intake manifold at the upstream inlet.

Abstract: A method for improved handling of a blended fuel includes obtaining a sample of the blended fuel from a storage tank; cooling the same until the sample separates into phases; and determining a risk that the fuel in the storage tank will separate based on the cooling step. An apparatus for assessing the risk of phase separation of a blended fuel includes a test cavity for holding a sample of the blended fuel from a storage tank; a heat transfer device for cooling the sample in the test cavity; and at least one sensor for indicating when the sample in the test cavity has separated into phases.

Abstract: System for controlling the carburetion of an internal combustion engine comprising the following activities: a) starting the engine; b) determining the factor ?o using any known method; c) measuring the ionization current cio; d) modifying—from outside—the factor ? by a predefined amount equivalent to ?? bringing it to the value ?1=?o+??; e) repeating the measurement of the ionization current ci1; f) calculating the value of the difference of the ionization current A?ci1 equivalent to cio?Ci1; g) repeating operations d. and e. until the difference between the last value of the ionization current o,? and the second last value cin-1 is smaller than ?ci; where ?ci is a predefined value which is assumed to have no influence with respect to the carburetion.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine speed module and a valve control module. The engine speed module determines a speed of an engine based on a position of a crankshaft. The valve control module selectively adjusts an operating frequency of a purge valve based on the engine speed.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for reducing the size of fuel particles injected into a combustion chamber is disclosed. The apparatus includes fuel line (110), a first metallic mesh (114) disposed within the fuel line (110), and a second metallic mesh (112) disposed within the fuel line (110), upstream of the first metallic mesh (114). An electrical supply (130) is electrically coupled to the first metallic mesh (114) and the second metallic mesh (112). Operation of the electrical supply (130) generates an electrical field between the first metallic mesh (114) and the second metallic mesh (112). A fuel injector (120) is disposed at an end of the fuel line (110), downstream from the first metallic mesh (114). Methods of reducing the size of fuel particles, improving gas mileage in a vehicle, increasing power output from a combustion engine, and improving emissions for a combustion engine are also provided.

Abstract: A device for ventilating a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine in particular of a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes an activated carbon filter and at least one valve which is controllable by a control unit. To prevent leakage of hydrocarbons into the environment without enlargement of the activated carbon filter the control unit controls the valve in dependence on a load factor of the activated carbon filter and/or in dependence on an operating cycle duration of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for improving purging of fuel vapors from a fuel vapor storage canister to an engine is presented. In one example, the method adjusts engine operation to provide sonic flow between a canister and the engine. In this way, it may be possible to lower an amount of fuel vapors stored in a canister while the engine continues to operate efficiently.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for efficiently changing controlled engine speed of a marine internal combustion engine in a marine propulsion system for propelling a marine vessel. The system responds to the operator changing the operator-selected engine speed, from a first-selected engine speed to a second-selected engine speed, by predicting throttle position needed to provide the second-selected engine speed, and providing a feed forward signal moving the throttle to the predicted throttle position, without waiting for a slower responding PID controller and/or overshoot thereof, and concomitant instability or oscillation, and then uses the engine speed control system including any PID controller to maintain engine speed at the second-selected engine speed.

Abstract: A fuel combustion enhancement apparatus of an internal combustion engine, which is capable of greatly reducing fuel and improving combustion efficiency and torque and reducing exhaust gas, includes a power source terminal, a conductor plate 10 for gas activation, an amplifier 30, and a gas activation enhancement device 20 which includes a frequency resonance coil power source 22, a local oscillation power source, a detection circuit 23, a power amplification circuit 24, a power amplification IC 27, and an amplifier power source 28 connected between the power source terminal and the conductor plate. The conductor plate 10 includes a coil unit 12, and copper plates 14 are electrically connected between both ends of the coil unit 12, and auxiliary plates 16 made of materials having a different standard electrode potential value from materials of the copper plates are disposed at bottoms of the copper plates 14.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an electronic fuel control system including a carburettor having a throttle bore, a fuel chamber, and at least one fuel circuit extending between the fuel chamber and the throttle bore and controlled by an adjustment member such as a needle, the control system further including an actuator operable to automatically adjust the adjustment member in response to one or more engine operating parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically controlling the fuel-to-air ratio of a fuel mixture supplied to an internal combustion engines are disclosed. In one aspect, electronic control systems and methods are provided that determine and automatically move a choke valve in accordance with a first ramp having a first characteristic that is dependent on engine temperature and ambient air temperature. In another aspect, an integrated ignition and electronic auto-choke module is provided. In yet another aspect, electronic control systems and methods are provided that dynamically control a movement characteristic of a choke valve using a feedback loop.

Abstract: A fuel injection device comprising electricity-generating means generating electricity by rotation of an engine and outputting a predetermined signal, and a solenoid valve injecting fuel; the valve being opened as a result of a drive current applied to a coil, and the fuel being injected into an intake passage of the engine at a predetermined timing during the rotation of the engine; to ensure that the flow rate required during high-speed operation can be adequately provided in a fuel injection device for injecting/supplying fuel to an engine. The electricity-generating means is an alternating current generation means attached to the engine in a crank angle position at which an output is generated in synchronization with the intake timing of the engine; the signal is an injection command signal applied to the solenoid valve as an alternating-current drive current; and the applied voltage increases with increased engine speed.

Abstract: A main nozzle (38) of a carburetor (10) communicates with a metering chamber (26) through a first fuel feeding passage (44) originally included in the carburetor and a first additional fuel feeding passage (46). The first additional fuel feeding passage (46) includes a flow rate adjusting valve (48). The flow rate adjusting valve (48) is driven by a solenoid actuator (50). The solenoid actuator (50) is controlled on the basis of engine speed.

Abstract: An automatic choke apparatus for a carburetor includes an electric actuator, a choke valve opening/closing mechanism configured to open and close a choke valve by being driven by a power exerted by the electric actuator, and a controller configured to control operation of the electric actuator. The controller, to which a battery supplies electric power, operates the electric actuator and the choke valve opening/closing mechanism in order that, when the engine is stopped, the choke valve is set in a semi-opened position and, when the engine starts to be cranked, the choke valve is set in a fully-closed position. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the choke valve from freezing up in the fully-closed state in a case where the engine is stopped under an extremely low temperature environment.

Abstract: A pulse generator used for a one-step starting carburetor includes a pulse chamber, a lower cover, a support and a solenoid valve. Two types of pulse are produced in the pulse chamber: the normal pulse and the crowding pulse. The normal pulse provides the normal pulse force for the carburetor. When the engine starts in cold, the crowding pulse goes into the carburetor to concentrate the gas mixture in a mixing chamber of the carburetor. The pulse generator described herein solves the problem that the pulse force is insufficient in the four-stroke engine. The original suction pulse is modified to two directions of a suction pulse and a blowing pulse. The fuel pumping capacity of the oil pumping unit which is connected with the carburetor is greatly increased to improve working stability of the engine.

Abstract: Supply of supplementary fuel is controlled through a supplementary fuel supply passage in a carburetor to an engine according to a variety of methods and devices.

Abstract: A control system for a turbo charged natural gas engine. A butterfly valve used for fuel control upstream of a carburetor provides non-linear flow response during opening and closing and a flow compensator compensates for the non-linear response. A throttle valve position sensor acts in association with a controller which compares the throttle valve position signal with a predetermined set point and thereby opens or closes the waste gate of the turbo charger which affects oxygen content in the exhaust. A compensator for a throttle valve used with electronic engine controllers is also provided.

Abstract: Carburetor features, which can include but are not limited to varying slope angles in different sections of a multi-sectioned carburetor needle, can provide combustion mixtures to an engine that include a fuel-air ratio that is variable independent of the rate of air flow through the carburetor. Related methods, systems, articles of manufacture, etc. are described.

Abstract: Supply of supplementary fuel is controlled by activation of a valve in response to certain engine operating conditions or parameters. For example, the supplementary fuel may be supplied to facilitate starting and warming up a cold engine, or to cool and/or slow down an engine operating above a threshold speed.

Abstract: It is determined whether a first condition that a temperature of an internal combustion engine is lower than or equal to a predetermined value and an alcohol concentration of fuel is higher than or equal to a predetermined value is satisfied and whether a second condition that indicates that a probability that the internal combustion engine stalls is lower than or equal to a predetermined level is satisfied. When both the first and second conditions are satisfied, control over an intake air amount is limited; whereas, when at least one of the first and second conditions is not satisfied, control over the intake air amount is not limited.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling the fuel supply to an internal combustion engine at start-up, the engine having a fuel supply system. The invention also concerns a carburetor having a fuel supply system including a main fuel path connecting a diaphragm controlled regulating chamber to a main outlet in the region of the venturi section, the main fuel path including an actively controlled fuel valve, and an idling fuel path branching off from the main fuel path downstream of the valve and ending in at least one idling outlet in the region of a throttle valve, the fuel supply system further including a start fuel line starting upstream or downstream of the fuel valve and ending in at least one start fuel outlet to the intake channel.

Abstract: A diaphragm carburettor is connected via a suction port with the clean air side of an air filter. A regulating chamber with a fuel chamber is connected with the suction port, in which the fuel chamber is acted upon with underpressure from the suction port and is separated from a compensation chamber by a regulating diaphragm formed to control the fuel supply to the fuel chamber. The compensation chamber is connected via a compensation path with the clean air side of the air filter and/or with the suction port so that pressure vibrations are reduced in the compensation chamber. A control and/or regulating element associated with the compensation path alters the length and/or the diameter of the compensation path.

Abstract: A method for controlling a valve of a crank case scavenged internal combustion engine includes determining a valve control sequence, wherein the valve is controlled in consecutive periods of revolutions each having a period length of at least ten revolutions, and controlling the valve according to the valve control sequence to adjust the ratio of fuel to air in a combustible mixture delivered to an engine combustion chamber. Determining the valve control sequence for each period includes providing a number of valve shut-off positions, wherein the number of valve shut-off positions corresponds to an amount of fuel or air to be supplied to the engine during the corresponding period, and determining which revolutions of the period that the valve is to be closed.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an electronic fuel control system including a carburettor having a throttle bore, a fuel chamber, and at least one fuel circuit extending between the fuel chamber and the throttle bore and controlled by an adjustment member such as a needle, the control system further including an actuator operable to automatically adjust the adjustment member in response to one or more engine operating parameters.

Abstract: An electronic control system for a carburetor, includes: a transmission device linked to a valve; an electric actuator for driving the valve; and an electronic control unit for controlling operation of the electric actuator, the electric actuator being disposed between the transmission device and the electronic control unit, The transmission device, the electric actuator and the electronic control unit are housed and held in a casing mounted on the carburetor. A ventilation apparatus which places an interior of the casing in communication with an outside atmosphere relative to the carburetor is connected to the casing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting an anomaly in fuel demand data and fuel supply data generated by a fuel metering system for an engine, The method comprises collecting the fuel demand data and the fuel supply data during operation of the fuel metering system, generating expected fuel supply data based on the collected fuel demand data and a nominal response model describing the expected behavior of the fuel metering system, and detecting the anomaly if a difference between the expected fuel supply data and the collected fuel supply data exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Supply of supplementary fuel is controlled by activation of a valve in response to certain engine operating conditions or parameters. For example, the supplementary fuel may be supplied to facilitate starting and warming up a cold engine, or to cool and/or slow down an engine operating above a threshold speed.

Abstract: A control system for a turbo charged natural gas engine. A butterfly valve used for fuel control upstream of a carburetor provides non-linear flow response during opening and closing and a flow compensator compensates for the non-linear response. A throttle valve position sensor acts in association with a controller which compares the throttle valve position signal with a predetermined set point and thereby opens or closes the waste gate of the turbo charger which affects oxygen content in the exhaust. A compensator for a throttle valve used with electronic engine controllers is also provided.

Abstract: Method for driving an electromagnetic actuator in a diaphragm carburettor for control of air/fuel ratio foresees at least the following steps: associating an electromagnetic actuator in a diaphragm carburettor for control of air/fuel ratio with the current generation device in an internal combustion engine; driving the aforementioned electromagnetic actuator with pulses suitable for generating the force necessary to actuate the actuator; generating said drive pulses of the actuator in the moments when the current pulses of the aforementioned current generator are such that the maximum current is available during the cycle of the motor.

Abstract: A piston aircraft engine assembly includes a piston aircraft engine, a fuel source, and a control system adapted to deliver fuel from the fuel source to the piston aircraft engine. The control system includes a mass airflow sensing apparatus adapted provide a pressure signal, an electronic engine controller coupled to the mass airflow sensing apparatus, and a set of fuel injectors. The electronic engine controller is adapted to (i) receive the pressure signal from the mass airflow sensing apparatus and (ii) generate a set of fuel injector signals based on the pressure signal received from the mass airflow sensing apparatus. The set of fuel injectors is adapted to meter the fuel in response to the set of fuel injector signals generated by the electronic engine controller.

Abstract: A fuel injection control apparatus includes a computing unit that calculates a pulse width for a pulse signal which drives the valve of a fuel injector, based on the operational state of the internal combustion engine and fuel pressure detected by a fuel pressure sensor. After a valve-opening command has turned on and a high valve-opening current has been supplied to open the fuel injector valve, a fuel injector driving signal waveform command unit discharges the current and supplies a small hold current Ih2 to maintain the injector's valve-open state. After the elapse of a predetermined rapid-discharge starting time from the turn-on of the valve-opening command, the fuel injector driving signal waveform command unit rapidly discharges the current until the hold current Ih2 has been reached.

Abstract: To prevent back bleed in a carburetor including a slow fuel passage branched from a main fuel passage, in a carburetor for an engine in which a slow air intake port to introduce air into a slow air bleed passage opens on the side of a suction passage; a slow fuel passage is connected in the middle of a main fuel passage on the upstream side, joins the slow air bleed passage on the downstream side, and has an open end on the side of the suction passage; and the main fuel passage opens in a state where a main nozzle projects in a venturi part of the suction passage, wherein the slow air intake port is opened at a predetermined position of the venturi part having an inner diameter equal to or less than that of the suction passage at a position where the main fuel passage opens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel-metering arrangement for the mixture-forming unit (2) of an internal combustion engine (10) in a portable handheld work apparatus. The mixture-forming unit comprises a fuel store (30), a switchable valve (40) and a fuel channel (20) which opens into an intake region of the engine (10). The valve (40) has an inflow port (41) which is connected to the fuel store (30) and an outflow port (42) which is connected to the fuel channel (20). A fuel column is mechanically moved by the switching of the valve. In order to compensate for this fuel column, the outflow port (42) is connected via a bypass channel (45) to the inflow port (41) and a flow valve (46) is mounted in the bypass channel (45). The flow valve (46) opens in flow direction (48) from the outflow port (42) to the inflow port (41) and blocks in the direction opposite thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a control system of the reciprocating object comprising a microprocessor (01), a reciprocating mode control circuit (02), a reciprocating travel control circuit (03), a power supply circuit (04) and a motor driving circuit (05), with the microprocessor (01) provided with matrix type on-off signal input-outputs. The reciprocating mode control circuit (02) consists of matrix column branches and matrix row branches, allowing the limited number of the on-off signal ports of the microprocessor (01) to be connected to a plurality of on-off controlling elements thereby realizing a multiple of control modes and diversifying the control modes. The circuit construction according to the present invention is relatively simple, which is helpful to a tidy wiring and layout of the elements and therefore the circuit is easy for manufacturing, assembling, trouble shooting and maintenance.

Abstract: A carburetor (1, 51) has an intake channel (2) wherein a throttle element and a choke element are arranged with the choke element being upstream of the throttle element. The choke element is displaceable between an operating position (8) and at least one starting position (9). A first fuel path is provided which supplies fuel to the intake channel section (2) in dependence upon the underpressure present therein. A first controllable valve (20) for controlling the supplied fuel quantity is mounted in the first fuel path. In order to achieve an adapted fuel supply in different operating states, a second fuel path is provided which defines a bypass line to the first valve (20). A second valve (44, 54) is mounted in the second fuel path. A method for operating the carburetor (1, 51) provides that the second valve (44, 54) is actuated in dependence upon at least one operating parameter of the carburetor (1, 51).

Abstract: An intake air control system of a V-type internal combustion engine having cylinder axes formed in a V-shape with a crankshaft provided therebetween is provided. An operation input shaft driven by an operator's input and an operation input shaft turning angle sensor that detects a turning angle of the operation input shaft are also provided. A throttle body having a throttle valve is formed with an intake passage for each of the cylinders. The operation input shaft is located between valve shafts of an opposing pair of throttle valves that are located on opposing bank portions of the V-type internal combustion engine, when viewed from the direction of the crankshaft. The operation input shaft is disposed separately from the throttle valve shafts and the operation input shaft turning angle sensor is provided at a shaft end of the operation input shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with a carbureted internal combustion engine that accurately controls the amount of fuel that passes through the carburetor into the combustion chamber of the engine. A controlled triggering system controls the activation and deactivation of a solenoid. The solenoid, in turn, operates a plunger that varies the flow of fuel during the fuel intake cycle of the engine depending on the amount of fuel needed by the engine under any operating load. Thus, an engine can run leaner under partial load and run richer during periods of load and acceleration. By controlling the air-to-fuel ratio lower engine emissions and fuel consumption can be achieved.

Abstract: A carburetor (1, 51) has an intake channel (2) wherein a throttle element and a choke element are arranged with the choke element being upstream of the throttle element. The choke element is displaceable between an operating position (8) and at least one starting position (9). A first fuel path is provided which supplies fuel to the intake channel section (2) in dependence upon the underpressure present therein. A first controllable valve (20) for controlling the supplied fuel quantity is mounted in the first fuel path. In order to achieve an adapted fuel supply in different operating states, a second fuel path is provided which defines a bypass line to the first valve (20). A second valve (44, 54) is mounted in the second fuel path. A method for operating the carburetor (1, 51) provides that the second valve (44, 54) is actuated in dependence upon at least one operating parameter of the carburetor (1, 51).

Abstract: An auto choke device for an engine includes a choke valve for varying the opening of an intake passage of the engine, and a starter motor for starting the engine. Upon activation of the starter motor, the choke valve starts valve opening motion from a fully closed position. The choke valve continues the valve opening motion at a certain valve opening speed until it achieves a start opening set based on the temperature of the engine.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for regulating the air-fuel mixture provided to an engine of a stand-by electrical generator during the exercise thereof. The engine is exercised at a predetermined speed less than the normal operating speed of the engine and each cylinder receives an air-fuel mixture having an air component and a fuel component. To exercise the engine, the air component and the fuel component in the air-fuel mixture provided to the engine is reduced. In addition, the volume of the air-fuel mixture provided to each cylinder of the engine is balanced.

Abstract: A method for operating a converter for the energy conversion of fuel from at least one main fuel supply, and from at least one auxiliary fuel supply for operating the converter directly and/or by operating an auxiliary unit, comprises: detecting the amount of fuel in the main fuel supply; detecting the amount of fuel in the auxiliary fuel supply, at least with respect to a predetermined minimum amount; in response to the minimum amount being reached, generating a signal that blocks at least one of a) filling of the main fuel supply, and b) startup of the converter via a control unit; and deactivating the blocking in response to the auxiliary fuel supply being replenished.

Abstract: An electrically-operated automatic choke system of a carburetor includes a choke valve connected to a choke valve closure spring that urges the choke valve in a direction to close it. A wax-type temperature sensitive actuating device is coupled to the carburetor to receive heat generated by an engine. A piston member of the device faces a pivoting member coupled to the choke valve and makes contact with, or moves away from, the pivoting member on a pivoting path to the closed side of the choke valve. While the engine has stopped running, closure of the choke valve by the choke valve closure spring is restricted according to the amount the piston member protrudes.