Abstract: A system for managing ignition of a light-duty internal combustion engine during starting includes a charge winding used to create an ignition pulse; a first signal generated by the charge winding that indicates the speed of an engine; a second signal generated by the charge winding that indicates a piston position of the engine; a switch coupled to the charge winding for controlling the ignition pulse; and a processing device that receives the first signal and the second signal, wherein the processing device activates the switch when a comparison of the received first signal and second signal indicates that a piston is positioned at approximately top dead center (TDC).

Abstract: A method of operating an engine is disclosed, which includes determining a peak power condition for the engine, measuring a temperature associated with the engine at said peak power condition, comparing the temperature measured with a previously determined temperature associated with a known peak power condition of the engine, determining an offset value based on the comparison made in step, controlling at least one of an air-fuel mixture delivered to the engine or ignition spark timing based on said offset value. Various engine fuel delivery systems, carburetors, fuel injection and control systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a light-duty combustion engine and, more particularly, a method and system that use an engine speed governor to limit the engine speed to a level that is less than a clutch-in speed of a centrifugal clutch. If it is determined that an operator is attempting to throttle or accelerate the engine, the engine speed governor is disengaged so that normal operation can commence.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a light-duty combustion engine and, more particularly, a method and system that use an engine speed governor to limit the engine speed to a level that is less than a clutch-in speed of a centrifugal clutch. If it is determined that an operator is attempting to throttle or accelerate the engine, the engine speed governor is disengaged so that normal operation can commence.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) system that can be used with a variety of light-duty internal combustion engines, including those typically employed by lawn, garden, and other outdoor equipment. According to one embodiment, the CDI system includes an ignition module having a first switching device that shorts a charge coil during an initial portion of a charge cycle. Subsequently, the first switching device is turned ‘off’ so that a flyback charging technique charges an ignition capacitor. A second switching device is then used to discharge the ignition capacitor and initiate the combustion process.

Abstract: A control system for a low cost, light duty combustion engine, where the control system generally utilizes an engine speed input signal and independent operating sequences to determine a desired ignition timing. There are several independent operating sequences, each one of which is designed to optimally control the engine under certain conditions. These operating sequences include a Cranking sequence, a Warm Up sequence, a Normal Mode sequence, an Acceleration sequence, a Come Down sequence, a Recovery Bump sequence, and a Part Throttle sequence. During idling conditions, the Normal Mode sequence uses rapid changes in the ignition timing to maintain the engine speed in a small, idle engine speed range. By utilizing these operational sequences, the control system improves the performance of a low cost, light duty engine across a wide array of conditions.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) system that can be used with a variety of light-duty internal combustion engines, including those typically employed by lawn, garden, and other outdoor equipment. According to one embodiment, the CDI system includes an ignition module having a first switching device that shorts a charge coil during an initial portion of a charge cycle. Subsequently, the first switching device is turned ‘off’ so that a flyback charging technique charges an ignition capacitor. A second switching device is then used to discharge the ignition capacitor and initiate the combustion process.

Abstract: A controlled slow down apparatus and method for use in the event that a light-duty combustion engine has entered a state of excessive speeds or auto-ignition. The controlled slow down method is preferably initiated when the engine speed exceeds an activation speed for a predetermined number of engine revolutions. Once initiated, the controlled slow down method uses a combination of ignition timing and spark ratio manipulations in order to disrupt the auto-ignition conditions and slow down the engine in a controlled manner. Preferably, the controlled slow down method is only one part of an overall ignition control method, and can be incorporated within or utilized by one of a number of different ignition timing methods known in the art.

Abstract: A control system for a low cost, light duty combustion engine, where the control system generally utilizes an engine speed input signal and independent operating sequences to determine a desired ignition timing. There are several independent operating sequences, each one of which is designed to optimally control the engine under certain conditions. These operating sequences include a Cranking sequence, a Warm Up sequence, a Normal Mode sequence, an Acceleration sequence, a Come Down sequence, a Recovery Bump sequence, and a Part Throttle sequence. During idling conditions, the Normal Mode sequence uses rapid changes in the ignition timing to maintain the engine speed in a small, idle engine speed range. By utilizing these operational sequences, the control system improves the performance of a low cost, light duty engine across a wide array of conditions.

Abstract: A kill-switch control circuit for use with a light-duty combustion engine determines whether to execute a controlled shut down method or an immediate shut down method in response to kill-switch activation. The selection of a shut down method is made, at least in part, by using engine speed readings and by counting engine revolutions. The controlled shut down method utilizes ignition timing delay and/or spark ratio techniques to quickly bring the engine to a stop, yet does so in a controlled manner that avoids backfiring and other undesirable effects. Conversely, the immediate shut down method abruptly stops sending a current to the spark plug.

Abstract: A method and system for operating an engine wherein ignition of the engine is activated according to a predetermined timing schedule that references engine speed, and the ignition is suppressed above a predetermined engine speed threshold to allow engine speed to fall below the predetermined engine speed threshold. Thereafter, ignition is reactivated according to timing that is retarded relative to the predetermined timing schedule for a predetermined number of engine revolutions substantially when the engine speed has fallen below the predetermined engine speed threshold, thereby mitigating undesirable spikes in combustion chamber maximum pressure.

Abstract: A control system for a low cost, light duty combustion engine, where the control system generally utilizes engine speed and/or temperature input signals and independent operating sequences to determine a desired ignition timing and air-to-fuel ratio for a combustible mixture. There are several independent operating sequences, each one of which is designed to optimally control the engine under certain conditions. These operating sequences include a Cranking sequence that commences after the engine is initially turned on, a Warm Up sequence which follows the Cranking sequence, a Normal Mode sequence for typical operating conditions, an Acceleration sequence for certain increases in engine speed, a Come Down sequence for when a sufficient engine speed is followed by a certain decrease in speed, and a Recovery Bump sequence for when the engine speed dips below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A control system for a low cost, light duty combustion engine, where the control system generally utilizes engine speed or engine speed and temperature input signals and independent operating sequences to determine a desired ignition timing and air-to-fuel ratio for a combustible mixture. There are several independent operating sequences, each one of which is designed to optimally control the engine under certain conditions.

Abstract: A control system for a low cost, light duty combustion engine, where the control system generally utilizes an engine speed input signal and independent operating sequences to determine a desired ignition timing and air-to-fuel ratio for a combustible mixture. There are several independent operating sequences, each one of which is designed to optimally control the engine under certain conditions.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge engine ignition system that includes an ignition coil having a primary winding and a secondary winding for coupling to an engine ignition spark plug. A first electronic switch has primary current conducting electrodes in circuit with an ignition charge storage capacitor and the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a control electrode responsive to trigger signals for operatively connecting the ignition charge storage capacitor to discharge through the primary winding of the ignition coil. A charge/trigger coil arrangement generates periodic signals in synchronism with operation of the engine. The charge coil generates a charge signal to charge the ignition charge storage capacitor, while the trigger coil generates a trigger signal for triggering discharge of the capacitor through the ignition coil.

Abstract: A positive off and automatic on ignition stop switch and electronic circuit for use in an internal combustion engine. The circuit that allows for normal operation of the engine in an unbiased state. When it is desired to turn the engine off, a stop switch is triggered which provides a single mechanism for shutting off the engine. After the switch is activated, the circuit holds the ignition circuit in an off state for a sufficient amount of time to allow the engine to completely stop operation. The circuit holds the engine in the off state for a period of time even after the switch is deactivated. As a result, the operator of a piece of equipment in which the present invention is utilized can activate a switch one time, which results in the engine coming to a complete stop, without the requirement of further activity.

Abstract: A magneto generator for an engine having a flywheel, in which the flywheel comprises a rotor mounted for axial rotation and has a rim of magnetically permeable material. A magnetically permeable core has first and second ends located adjacent to the rim at circumferentially spaced points. At least two wire coils are wrapped on the core. The rim defines a permeability path between the ends of the core. A fixed magnet is placed on one end of the core. The rim is interrupted at circumferentially spaced points to provide walls and windows alternately making and breaking the permeability path when the rotor is rotated to produce voltage pulses in sinusoidal form in the coils. The positive half cycles in one of the coils is used to charge an ignition storage capacitor for energizing a spark plug. The negative half cycles in the other winding are used to charge a battery.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge engine ignition system that includes a charge coil responsive to a flywheel magnet for charging an ignition capacitor, and a trigger coil responsive to the flywheel magnet for triggering an SCR rapidly to discharge the capacitor through the primary of the ignition coil. Circuitry for automatically electronically limiting overspeed operation of the engine includes a capacitor connected to the trigger coil, and a voltage divider connected between the capacitor and the gate of the SCR. This capacitor is charged upon occurrence of each trigger signal, and during normal operation has sufficient time to discharge through the voltage divider before generation of the charge signal. However, when the engine is operating at excessive speed, there is sufficient charge on the trigger capacitor to gate operation of the SCR, short circuiting the ignition charge capacitor and preventing operation of the ignition.