Patents Assigned to Autotronic Controls Corporation
  • Patent number: 5983633
    Abstract: An exhaust system tuned during low RPM operation while the exhaust chamber retains its preset tuning for optimal high RPM operation. An exhaust controller according to an embodiment of the present invention receives an RPM signal from the engine and processes the signal to activate a solenoid which controls a valve that injects coolant water into the exhaust chamber. The injection of the water into the exhaust chamber has the effect of cooling the exhaust gases, thereby increasing the density of the exhaust charge in the chamber and slowing the exhaust pulse wave, thereby optimizing performance at relatively lower RPM levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Autotronic Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Woleslagle, Richard K. Bennett, Stephen Clay Masters
  • Patent number: 5526785
    Abstract: An electronic ignition system replacing corresponding stock circuitry but utilizing the stock magneto and ignition coil provided with the engine of a sport vehicle, such as a jet ski or snowmobile, to provide improved performance. A timing circuit is provided as part of the ignition circuitry to enable a trigger pulse of a predetermined duration to be delivered to the ignition coil and further, to inhibit subsequent trigger pulses limiting the engine speed below a determined rpm limit. The timing circuitry uses an over-temperature switch connecting a capacitance to lengthen the inhibit time period reducing the maximum rpm limit. A holeshot switch connected across the over-temperature switch lowers the rpm limit while the throttle is held in the full speed position. Compensated pickup circuitry, automatic battery connect/disconnect, low impedance kill switch circuitry and an impedance protected tachometer output is provided to enhance the performance and features of the ignition systems of sport vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Autotronic Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen C. Masters
  • Patent number: 4143633
    Abstract: An improved crankshaft trigger wheel for use in an ignition system for an internal combustion engine. The configuration of the trigger wheel provides a high degree of electrical noise immunity, provides a single piece construction which has the dual function of a trigger wheel as well as an engine harmonic balancer. The wheel is made into a configuration which is easily shaped during manufacture, and provides a wheel shape which produces a higher degree of timing accuracy. The wheel of the present invention has an outer, circumferentially extending surface interrupted by corners, with the corners being defined by two adjacent arcs, wherein each arc has a radius which is greater than the radius of a circle described by the rotating wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1979
    Assignee: Autotronic Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Gordon H. Peck
  • Patent number: 4122716
    Abstract: An electronic fuel injection system for maintaining absolute control over the air to fuel ratio flowing to the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine. The system includes means for measuring the air flow rate to the engine. The flow rate measurement is converted into a proportional electrical signal which flows to a signal summing unit.The fuel flow rate from a fuel pump is controlled by a signal received from the signal summing unit, and provides a controlled fuel flow to the engine which is proportional to the air flow. Means associated with the fuel pump measures the exact flow rate therefrom and converts the measurement into another proportional electrical signal which is fed back to the summing unit to thereby form a closed loop circuit. The summing unit compares the first signal with the second signal and changes the fuel flow rate the required amount to maintain the ratio thereof at a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Assignee: Autotronic Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Jack C. Priegel
  • Patent number: 4050878
    Abstract: An electronic fuel injection system for maintaining absolute control over the air to fuel ratio flowing to the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine. The system includes means for measuring the air flow rate to the engine. The flow rate measurement is converted into a proportional electrical signal which flows to a signal summing unit.The fuel flow rate from a fuel pump is controlled by a signal recieved from the signal summing unit, and provides a controlled fuel flow to the engine which is proportional to the air flow. Means associated with the fuel pump measures the exact flow rate therefrom and converts the measurement into another proportional electrical signal which is fed back to the summing unit to thereby form a closed loop circuit. The summing unit compares the first signal with the second signal and changes the fuel flow rate the required amount to maintain the ratio thereof at a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Assignee: Autotronic Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Jack C. Priegel
  • Patent number: 3955545
    Abstract: An ultrasonic fuel atomizer which is inserted between a standard carburetor and intake manifold of an internal combustion engine to cause a more uniform mixture of fuel and air to be attained, thereby promoting fuel economy and increasing the efficiency of combustion.The apparatus driver a vibrating plate assembly which is excited by a driven such as a piezo electrical crystal. Within the housing of the apparatus there is formed a cavity through which fuel and air must travel along a prescribed path which causes large droplets of fuel to impinge upon the vibrating plate, thereby drastically reducing the droplet size of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1976
    Assignee: Autotronic Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Jack C. Priegel