Abstract: A system is provided for calibrating a position sensor having a variable output corresponding to the variable position of a movable member. The system establishes, for the position sensor an original assumed output corresponding to a given position of the movable member, establishes for the position sensor a maximum output corresponding to the given position, the maximum output being greater than or equal to the assumed output, establishes for the position sensor a minimum output corresponding to the given position, the minimum output being less than or equal to the assumed output, determines an actual output of the position sensor and, if the actual output is between the maximum output and the minimum output, the system reestablishes the assumed output as being a function of the original assumed output and the actual output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and recording various conditions of engine performance and in particular provides a useful record of the speeds at which the engine has been operated over the life of the engine.

Abstract: A system for determining the direction of rotation of the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine includes a sensor assembly for generating a crank rotation direction signal. The sensor assembly includes a stator having a sprocket fixed to the crank and having a plurality of teeth. The rotation of the crank, and the sprocket with the crank, results in changes in the magnetic field, and such changes or flux create a current in a conductor. The rotor also includes, at one angular location about the sprocket, a first interruption that serves as a first reference point or marker. The interruption in the sprocket teeth creates an irregularity in the magnetic flux and, consequently in the generated current or signal. The rotor also includes a second interruption or marker at an angle other than 1800 from the first marker. The second interruption differs physically from the first interruption, so that a second irregularity which is distinguishable from the first irregularity occurs in the generated signal.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine assembly including an internal combustion engine, an electronic control unit for generating control signals for controlling the engine and a solenoid oil pump for supplying oil to the engine. The oil pump includes an armature and a solenoid winding encircling the armature and being connected to the electronic control unit so that the electronic control unit causes movement of the armature and so as to allow the electronic control unit to detect the flow of current in the solenoid winding.

Abstract: A visual and audible warning device has a piezoelectric element operable to cause vibrations which are transmitted through a light transmitting member, and a light emitting element which upon actuation causes a visual warning to be transmitted through the light transmitting member. The visual and audible warnings transmitted by the light transmitting member are intended to attract the attention of the operator of a vehicle, such as a boat, above the sound of the engine or other noise. The device has circuit means coupled with the piezoelectric element and the light emitting element for causing a predetermined electrical signal to be applied to the piezoelectric element and causing energization of the light emitting element upon actuation.

Abstract: A trigger system for spark-fired internal combustion engines includes a plurality of magnets mounted in a structure that rotates in a timed relationship with the engine. One magnet is provided for each cylinder in the engine. All of the magnets except one have the same pole face exposed to couple inductively with a sensing coil, while the remaining magnet has an exposed pole of opposite polarity. The sensing coil is doubly wound and the resulting two coils are connected in opposite senses. The outputs of the two coils are taken to a decoding unit which produces an output of one pulse per magnet. Those pulses are substantially identical, regardless of magnet polarity, and are used to fire the spark plugs at the appropriate times. The decoding unit also produces a unique pulse which identifies the magnet of opposite polarity. That pulse is used to identify a selected cylider in the engine, such as the No. 1 cylinder.