Abstract: A clutch actuator for an electromechanical clutch having a solenoid actuating coil initially provides power to the solenoid at a high rate by using a high duty cycle pulse with a modulated controller. When the initial engagement of the clutch elements is sensed by a decrease in current, the duty cycle of the pulse with modulator is reduced and thereafter increased in a control fashion to accomplish a soft start.

Abstract: A clutch actuator for an electromechanical clutch having a solenoid actuating coil initially provides power to the solenoid at a high rate by using a high duty cycle pulse with a modulated controller. When the initial engagement of the clutch elements is sensed by a decrease in current, the duty cycle of the pulse with modulator is reduced and thereafter increased in a control fashion to accomplish a soft start.

Abstract: An engine monitor includes, in a self-contained preferably sealed unit, a spark sensor, inductively and capacitively coupled through the case to a spark pick up wire, a timer, and a running time detector, responsive to inputs from the spark pick up to provide total running time, job time, and service time metering. Preferably, storage means are included for storing maximum RPM and spark mode data, that is, data indicating the number of firings per RPM for the particular engine, as well as a preset service interval and one or more auxiliary timers.