Abstract: A two stage positive shift starter drive system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A pair of electrical switches are sequentially actuated by an actuator solenoid engaging the starter drive's pinion gear with the engine's ring gear. The first switch actuated after a predetermined displacement of the solenoid's armature applies electrical power to the cranking motor through a resistance connected in series with the cranking motor and connected in parallel with the solenoid's pull in coil. The resistance reduces the electrical power applied to the cranking motor and the potential across the solenoid pull-in coil thereby reducing the rotational speed and the engagement force applied to the pinion gear. The end of the armature travel closes the second switch applying full power to the cranking motor permitting normal cranking of the engine with the pinion gear fully engaged with the ring gear.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, an electric motor comprising a system of locking employing balls disposed between at least on ramp and a cage, wherein the displacement of the cage which retains the balls is directly controlled by the member actuating the translation of the actuator. Means are provided so that, when the actuator is in rest position, the locking system comprising balls provides connection of this actuator and the shaft.

Abstract: In an engine automatic control system for a vehicle for automatically connecting an electric source in the form of a battery with an engine starter and an ignition circuit in response to disengaging operation of a clutch device of the vehicle, for maintaining the ignition circuit conductive while the vehicle runs, and for automatically making the ignition circuit non-conductive when the vehicle is arrested, the engine control system comprises a setting circuit interposed between an ignition switch and the ignition circuit for selectively setting the engine control system to its operative condition and a cancelling circuit coupled with the setting circuit for automatically cancelling the operative condition of the engine control system when the stored voltage of the battery is lowered to or below a predetermined low value.