Abstract: A system is provided for automatically shutting down an engine in response to the engine operating while in an enclosed space to prevent dangers associated with carbon monoxide accumulating in the enclosed space. The engine has an oxygen sensor in its exhaust that is configured to detect oxygen in the exhaust or ambient. A controller can be programmed to shut down the engine based on a determination that the engine is operating in a confined or enclosed space by analyzing a rate of change of the oxygen content in the exhaust or ambient, and compares the rate to a threshold. The shutdown may be commanded if the rate exceeds the threshold. In some embodiments, the shutdown may additionally be in response to a temperature of the ambient air or intake air increasing, which furthers the confidence of the determination that the engine is operating in a confined or enclosed space.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically shutting down an engine in response to the engine operating while in an enclosed space to prevent dangers associated with carbon monoxide accumulating in the enclosed space. The engine has an oxygen sensor in its exhaust that is configured to detect oxygen in the exhaust or ambient. A controller can be programmed to shut down the engine based on a determination that the engine is operating in a confined or enclosed space by analyzing a rate of change of the oxygen content in the exhaust or ambient, and compares the rate to a threshold. The shutdown may be commanded if the rate exceeds the threshold. In some embodiments, the shutdown may additionally be in response to a temperature of the ambient air or intake air increasing, which furthers the confidence of the determination that the engine is operating in a confined or enclosed space.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically shutting down an engine of a portable or handheld device in response to the engine operating while in an enclosed space, such as a garage, shed, room, etc. to prevent dangers associated with carbon monoxide accumulating in the enclosed space. The engine has an oxygen sensor in its exhaust that is configured to detect the presence or absence of oxygen in the exhaust. Fuel can be removed from the air/fuel mixture (e.g., less fuel being injected) based on the output of the oxygen sensor to maintain a given desired air/fuel ratio. If the amount of fuel provided continues to decrease over time in order to maintain the air/fuel ratio, the controller can assume the engine is operating in confined spaces and can shut down the engine.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically shutting down an engine of a portable or handheld device in response to the engine operating while in an enclosed space, such as a garage, shed, room, etc. to prevent dangers associated with carbon monoxide accumulating in the enclosed space. The engine has an oxygen sensor in its exhaust that is configured to detect the presence or absence of oxygen in the exhaust. A fuel injector injects fuel for combustion within the combustion chamber. The oxygen sensor may be a switch producing an associated frequency indicating the presence or absence of oxygen. This frequency can control the fuel injection duration such that as the frequency of switching decreases, the injector injects less fuel. If the frequency continues to decrease even while injection is reduced, the controller can assume the engine is operating in confined spaces and can shut down the engine.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically shutting down an engine of a portable or handheld device in response to the engine operating while in an enclosed space, such as a garage, shed, room, etc. to prevent dangers associated with carbon monoxide accumulating in the enclosed space. The engine has an oxygen sensor in its exhaust that is configured to detect the presence or absence of oxygen in the exhaust. Fuel can be removed from the air/fuel mixture (e.g., less fuel being injected) based on the output of the oxygen sensor to maintain a given desired air/fuel ratio. If the amount of fuel provided continues to decrease over time in order to maintain the air/fuel ratio, the controller can assume the engine is operating in confined spaces and can shut down the engine.

Abstract: A throttle body assembly, and method of manufacturing such, is disclosed having a unitary shaft and blade component injection molded in situ within a throttle body housing to mechanically entrap the shaft and blade component, yet still allowing for it to partially rotate, within the throttle body housing. The throttle body housing defines an interior passage, a shaft through-hole, and a shaft socket opposite the shaft through-hole, both aligned along a transverse axis to the interior passage. The shaft and blade component is a single unitary piece injection molded in situ within the throttle body housing, such that it has a blade section disposed within the interior passage, first and second shaft sections extending from the blade section opposite each other partially disposed within the shaft socket and shaft through-hole, respectively, and a pivotable axis generally coaxial with the transverse axis.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus partially overmolded with a overmold sealing material that seals the circuit board, protects the electrical components on the circuit board and provides seals between the circuit board and mating devices is disclosed. The electronic apparatus may be an engine controller. The electrical components may be an electrical edge connector, a sensor, and a heat sink. The sensor may be a pressure sensor. The controller may be connected to a throttle body such that the overmold sealing material provides a first seal between the controller and the throttle body allowing the pressure sensor to be in fluid communication with the interior of the throttle body. A wire harness may be connected to the controller such that the overmold sealing material provides a second seal between the wire harness and the controller protecting the electrical connection. The overmold sealing material may also be translucent.

Abstract: A system for forming frozen liquids is disclosed in which a device with first and second dies cooperate to form a frozen liquid preform into a frozen shape with indicia marked into the frozen shape. The device forms the frozen shape such that it maintains the indicia portion facing substantially upwards when the frozen shape floats in a liquid. The device may have warming fins, heat transfer passages, air and liquid passages, or temperature controlled electric heaters to aid on the forming of the frozen shape. The system may also include a frozen shape remover, a drip tray, or a frozen liquid preform tray.

Abstract: A throttle body assembly, and method of manufacturing such, is disclosed having a unitary shaft and blade component injection molded in situ within a throttle body housing to mechanically entrap the shaft and blade component, yet still allowing for it to partially rotate, within the throttle body housing. The throttle body housing defines an interior passage, a shaft through-hole, and a shaft socket opposite the shaft through-hole, both aligned along a transverse axis to the interior passage. The shaft and blade component is a single unitary piece injection molded in situ within the throttle body housing, such that it has a blade section disposed within the interior passage, first and second shaft sections extending from the blade section opposite each other partially disposed within the shaft socket and shaft through-hole, respectively, and a pivotable axis generally coaxial with the transverse axis.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus partially overmolded with a overmold sealing material that seals the circuit board, protects the electrical components on the circuit board and provides seals between the circuit board and mating devices is disclosed. The electronic apparatus may be an engine controller. The electrical components may be an electrical edge connector, a sensor, and a heat sink. The sensor may be a pressure sensor. The controller may be connected to a throttle body such that the overmold sealing material provides a first seal between the controller and the throttle body allowing the pressure sensor to be in fluid communication with the interior of the throttle body. A wire harness may be connected to the controller such that the overmold sealing material provides a second seal between the wire harness and the controller protecting the electrical connection. The overmold sealing material may also be translucent.

Abstract: A twist-grip controller includes a cylindrical housing adapted to be nonrotatably received within a tubular end of a handlebar, and an elongate support member having a cylindrical internal cavity and a longitudinal guide surface, the support member being supported within the housing for relative rotation about a longitudinal axis. The controller is adaptable to actuate a first cam portion axially constrained within the support member cavity, the first cam portion thereby actuating a vehicle control via fluid power through a first range of motion. Rotating the tubular sleeve through a second range actuates a second follower mounted to a second cam portion axially toward the distal end of the handlebar, thereby generating an output throttle signal.

Abstract: A twist-grip controller includes a cylindrical housing adapted to be nonrotatably received within a tubular end of a handlebar, and an elongate support member having a cylindrical internal cavity and a longitudinal guide surface, the support member being supported within the housing for relative rotation about a longitudinal axis. The controller is adaptable to actuate a first cam portion axially constrained within the support member cavity, the first cam portion thereby actuating a vehicle control via fluid power through a first range of motion. Rotating the tubular sleeve through a second range actuates a second follower mounted to a second cam portion axially toward the distal end of the handlebar, thereby generating an output throttle signal.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus is disclosed for determining crankshaft position and engine phase of an internal combustion engine through monitoring intake air pressure fluctuations. The opening of the intake valve is mechanically linked to the crankshaft position of an engine. When the intake valve opens it creates air pressure fluctuations in the air induction system of the engine. The control apparatus is configured to determine intake air pressure fluctuations indicative of an intake air event and thus a particular crankshaft position, and their corresponding period of the engine cycle. The controller then uses this information to determine crankshaft speed and position for the purpose of fuel injection and ignition timing of the internal combustion engine. Engine phase is also determined on four-stroke engines. The engine may also include a crankshaft position sensor in combination with monitoring intake air pressure fluctuations to increase resolution in determination of crankshaft position.