Abstract: A control method for a percussive hand-held power tool (1) includes the steps: detecting a switching state of an operating button (12), detecting a temperature T using a temperature sensor (22), activating an electropneumatic striking mechanism (5) in response to an actuation of the operating button (12), an exciter (13) of the electropneumatic striking mechanism (5) being moved forward and backward along a working axis (3) at a repetition rate R, whereby a striker (14) coupled to the exciter (13) via a pneumatic chamber (16) is also moved. If the temperature T is greater than a limiting temperature Tc, the repetition rate R is continuously increased from idle up to a setpoint value (21). A duration until reaching the setpoint value (21) is less than 10 cycles. If the temperature T is less than the limiting temperature Tc, a duration until reaching the setpoint value (21) is greater than 200 cycles.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selectively disabling a stop-start function of a vehicle based on a predicted anxiety of a driver of the vehicle upon merging into transverse traffic. In one example, selectively disabling the stop-start function of a vehicle based on a predicted anxiety of the driver of the vehicle includes, when approaching an intersection having a first traffic pattern, disabling a stop-start function responsive to an estimated merging acceleration for the intersection exceeding a threshold acceleration rate of the vehicle.

Abstract: A photovoltaic air conditioning system startup method, a controller, and a photovoltaic air conditioning system. The photovoltaic air conditioning system starting method includes: when a photovoltaic device meets a preset power generation condition, controlling a bidirectional converter to enter an operating state; and when the bidirectional converter enters the operating state, controlling a direct current-direct current converter connected to the photovoltaic device to enter an operating state, so that the photovoltaic device provides electric energy to an air-conditioning device by means of the direct current-direct current converter.

Abstract: In some implementations, a controller may determine whether a machine is operating in an autonomous mode or a manual mode. The controller may cause, based on a determination that the machine has been in an idle state for a first timer period, shutdown of an engine of the machine. The controller may monitor, based on a determination that the machine is operating in the autonomous mode, whether a condition for starting the engine is satisfied. The controller may cause, based on a determination that the engine has been shut down for a second timer period and that the condition is not satisfied, the machine to transition to a low power mode. The controller may cause, when the condition is satisfied, starting of the engine.

Abstract: An engine-driven generator may comprise an engine, a generator, a motor, a battery, a power supply circuit, and a processor. The processor may be configured to detect that the battery has a sufficient power supply capability that enables a piston of the engine to pass over a compression top dead center, at the start of the engine. The processor may permit ignition of the engine in a case where the processor has detected that the battery has the sufficient power supply capability. The processor may avoid the ignition of the engine in a case where the processor has not detected that the battery has the sufficient power supply capability.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a controller (104) and method (400) for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine (101). The controller (104) is configured to: receive a first request signal indicative of a request to stop fuel being supplied to the engine (101), and cause an intake valve (301) of a cylinder (103) of the internal combustion engine (101) to remain closed during the current revolution of the internal combustion engine (101) and revolutions of the internal combustion engine (101) immediately following the current revolution of the internal combustion engine (101) in dependence on at least one of: the intake valve (301) being closed at the time of receiving the first request signal; or a next opening of the intake valve having not been scheduled.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing fault protection on direct current (DC) feeds to various engine or generator set components are provided. In some embodiments, generator set includes a ground fault device arranged between a DC power distribution circuit and a subsystem of the generator set. The ground fault device is configured to detect a fault condition based on a comparison of a first current in a first wire with a second current in a second wire between the DC power distribution circuit and the subsystem. In response to detecting the fault condition, the ground fault device is configured to disconnect the subsystem.

Abstract: An idling-stop control apparatus includes an idling-stop controller and an auxiliary-machine controller. The idling-stop controller is configured to automatically stop an engine to cause the engine to be in a state in which idling is stopped in a case where a predetermined condition for stopping idling is satisfied and configured to automatically restart the engine in a case where a predetermined condition for restarting the engine is satisfied. The auxiliary-machine controller is configured to control a drive state of an auxiliary machine that is to be driven by the engine. The auxiliary-machine controller is configured to control the drive state of the auxiliary machine that is driven by the engine such that, in a case where the engine is automatically restarted from the state in which idling is stopped by the idling-stop controller, a time differential value of an engine speed of the engine is constant.

Abstract: A system and method includes a paving machine, a vehicle, and one or more controllers. The paving machine includes an engine for powering the paving machine and the vehicle is associated with the paving machine. The one or more controllers are configured to determine an estimated time of arrival for the vehicle at the paving machine based on a location of the vehicle; identify a startup time for the paving machine, wherein the startup time comprises a time period between starting the engine of the paving machine and an operational parameter of the paving machine reaching a threshold value; and generate an indication to shut down the engine of the paving machine if the startup time for the paving machine is less than the estimated time of arrival of the vehicle associated with the paving machine.

Abstract: A self-contained, stand-alone power generator system comprising: an electric motor for applying torque to a shaft of a rotating mass, wherein the electric motor is powered by a dedicated power source; a battery for supplying additional power to the electric motor upon start up; at least one of a torque converter and a starter motor, for overcoming resting inertia of the rotating mass; a generator head coupled to the rotating mass, wherein the power generator is constructed such that when the generator head reaches operational speed, the generator head provides the additional power to the electric motor and recharges the battery.

Abstract: A predictive driver intention to stop (DITS) system for a vehicle having an engine includes one or more sensors configured to measure a set of operating parameters of the vehicle including at least (i) vehicle speed and (ii) vehicle deceleration rate. A controller is configured to identify no-stop braking events and complete stop braking events, and reference a generated baseline probability table indicating a probability of a driver braking to bring the vehicle to a stop, based on at least the vehicle speed and vehicle deceleration rate measured during at least one of the identified no-stop braking events and complete stop braking events. The controller is further configured to predict a DITS event based on the generated baseline probability table, and control operation of the engine based on the predicted DITS event to facilitate reducing vehicle fuel consumption and/or tailpipe emissions.

Abstract: A method of starting an integrated starter generator drives a starter generator without using a rotor position sensor to start an engine. The method includes the following steps of: (a) applying a first drive current with a first frequency and a first amplitude to drive the starter generator to reversely rotate in a speed open-loop control mode, and acquiring a first load information according to a drive voltage and the first drive current of the starter generator, (b) confirming whether the first load information meets a heavy load condition, (c) stopping reversely rotating the starter generator when the first load information meets the heavy load condition, and (d) forwardly rotating the starter generator to drive the engine to start.

Abstract: A control device prevents damage due to backward rotation of a rotary engine and prevents misjudgment of backward rotation of the rotary engine. The control device for a rotary engine includes a motor mechanically connected to the shaft of the rotary engine, a controller (a motor ECU) that performs energization control of the motor to start the rotary engine by driving the motor, and a sensor (such as a motor rotation sensor). When starting the rotary engine, the controller stops energization to the motor based on an electric signal from the sensor when the shaft of the rotary engine rotates backward a predetermined angle or more, and then the shaft of the rotary engine continues to rotate backward for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes: an engine; a motor; a drive system battery connected to a drive system power line; an auxiliary system battery connected to an auxiliary system power line; a bidirectional power converter configured to step down power on the drive system power line to supply the stepped-down power to the auxiliary system power line, and configured to boost power on the auxiliary system power line to supply the boosted power to the drive system power line; and a control device. The control device is configured to, upon a cold start in which the engine is started, control the engine, the motor, and the bidirectional power converter to cause the motor to crank the engine while causing the bidirectional power converter to boost the power on the auxiliary system power line to supply the boosted power to the drive system power line.

Abstract: A permanently engaged starter system for use in a vehicle, with the vehicle including a crankshaft and an engine block, includes a dual-mass flywheel and a permanently engaged starter assembly. The dual-mass flywheel extends along an axis and has an inner diameter portion disposed about and adjacent the axis and an outer diameter portion disposed about the axis such that the inner diameter portion is disposed between the outer diameter portion and the axis. The permanently engaged starter assembly includes a one-way clutch and a ring gear. The one-way clutch extends along the axis and includes an inner member disposed about the axis and an outer member disposed about the inner member. The ring gear is rotatably coupled to the one-way clutch and is adapted to be rotatably coupled to the outer diameter portion of the dual-mass flywheel through the one-way clutch.

Abstract: A starting apparatus for internal combustion engines, having a drive pinion for engagement into a ring gear of the internal combustion engine, an electrical rotary actuator and an electrical linear actuator, the rotary actuator to rotate the drive pinion and the linear actuator to slide a pinion, and the electrical linear actuator having a linear-stroke magnet that has a sliding armature is moved by a retraction winding, within the retraction winding, along a sliding armature axis, having a holding winding by which the sliding armature can be held in a retracted state. The linear actuator also actuates a switching apparatus to activate the electrical rotary actuator into a second actuation stage. A second retraction winding is connected in parallel with the first retraction winding, such that the first retraction winding can be shut off by a normally closed switch while a current path through a second retraction winding is closed.

Abstract: A disclosed method of automatically stopping and restarting a vehicle engine determines if one or more stop/start enablement condition has been met. If the stop/start enablement condition or conditions have been met, the method initiates an engine shutdown. If a restart request is made before the engine reaches a predetermined threshold speed, then a first restart sequence is initiated. If a restart request is made when the engine speed is less than the predetermined threshold speed but still greater than 0, then a second restart sequence is initiated.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for increasing a catalyst temperature prior to entering a vehicle mode where combustion is temporarily discontinued. In one example, a method for increasing a temperature of an emission control device before a transient fuel shut-off (TFSO) event of an engine via a spark timing adjustment and an exhaust valve opening timing adjustments. Adjustments of the spark timing and the exhaust valve opening timing may change depending on whether a transient fuel shut off event of an auto-stop event occurs.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a stop rotation position of an engine is described. In one example, the system includes an integrated starter/generator that may be selectively coupled to the engine. The integrated starter/generator may rotate the engine in a first direction (e.g., reverse direction) or a second direction (e.g., a forward direction) in response to a position at which the engine stops rotating following cessation of combustion in the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stopping rotation of an engine of a vehicle in a requested or desired crankshaft window are described. In one example, spark timing of one or more engine cylinders is adjusted responsive to an actual total number of cylinder events occurring after an engine stop request is generated.

Abstract: A permanently engaged starter system for use in a vehicle includes a flex plate. The vehicle includes a crankshaft and an engine block. The flex plate extends along and is rotatable about an axis. The flex plate is adapted to be rotatably coupled to the crankshaft. The permanently engaged starter system also includes a one-way clutch including an outer and inner race. The permanently engaged starter system additionally includes a ring gear rotatably coupled to one of the inner race and the outer race of the one-way clutch. The permanently engaged starter system further includes a starter support plate, and a pilot support plate coupled to the ring gear. The pilot support plate is fixedly coupled to the starter support plate and is configured to axially and radially align and retain the ring gear and one of the inner race and the outer race with respect to the axis.

Abstract: An energy storage system (ESS) for a vehicle propulsion system includes a first battery electrically coupled to a first voltage bus, a second battery electrically coupled to a second voltage bus, and a bidirectional DC/DC power converter electrically coupled to the voltage buses. A starter for cranking an engine is electrically coupled to the first voltage bus. A controller executes computer code stored in memory. The computer code is configured to operate the converter in a boost mode to transfer power from the second voltage bus to the first voltage bus, in response to the controller determining that: a power capability of the first battery is below a power demand on the first voltage bus; a state of charge of the first battery is below a state of charge threshold; or a temperature of the first battery is below a temperature threshold.

Abstract: An electrical system includes a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a controller. The RESS includes first and second battery packs connected to a voltage bus, each pack having a respective plurality of battery cells and a corresponding cell balancing circuit. The RESS further includes switches that selectively connect or disconnect the packs to or from each other to achieve series and parallel modes. The controller executes a method by detecting a requested series to parallel mode transition. Responsive to a threshold imbalance being present in a state of charge or pack voltage of the packs relative to each other, the controller balances the state of charge/voltage using open/closed state control of the cell balancing circuits, and possibly a switching block having PWM-controlled switches and a circuit element. The controller may execute the requested mode transition upon balancing.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a snowmobile is disclosed. The method comprises actuating a start switch of the snowmobile; in response to the start switch being actuated, sensing a temperature; in response to the sensed temperature being above a predetermined temperature, starting the engine using a motor-generator; and in response to the sensed temperature being below the predetermined temperature, starting the engine using a recoil starter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine following an engine idle-stop. In one example, a method may include, following a first unsuccessful engine restart attempt, prompting a driver, via a human machine interface (HMI) to apply a brake pedal and upon application of the brake pedal, carrying out one or more restart attempts. If the driver does not apply the brake pedal within the threshold duration, the driver may be prompted to manually restart the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (ICE) includes a crankshaft, a cylinder head defining in part a variable combustion chamber of the ICE, a direct fuel injector mounted on the cylinder head, a power source, an electric turning machine (ETM) rotating the crankshaft, an absolute position sensor providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM, and an engine control unit (ECU) operatively connected to the absolute position sensor. The ECU controls a delivery of electric power from the power source to the ETM based on the angular position of the rotor of the ETM and causes the direct fuel injector to inject fuel directly in the combustion chamber at a time selected based on the angular position reached by the rotor of the ETM.

Abstract: An engine drive system comprises a processor and a control module coupled to the processor. The control module receives a signal from a crank sensor system, the signal being indicative of at least one of a speed and load of a crankshaft. Based on the signal received from the crank sensor system, the control module determines whether a load on the crankshaft is greater than a threshold value. Based on the determination, the control module controls an electrical machine coupled to the crankshaft to rotate the electrical machine in one of a forward direction and a reverse direction.

Abstract: A filter monitoring system and method are described. The filter monitoring system includes a remote telematics system, and a data link between the remote telematics system and an onboard telematics system. The remote telematics system is configured to receive, via the data link, an indication of a pressure drop across a filter cartridge of the filtration system from the onboard telematics system, determine a first value indicative of a remaining filter life of the filter cartridge of the filtration system, determine a second value indicative of a remaining filter life of the filter cartridge that is determined in a different manner than the first value, compare the first value to the second value to determine which value indicates a least amount of life remaining for the filter cartridge, and transmit an indication of the least amount of life remaining for the filter cartridge based on the comparison.

Abstract: A hydraulic engine system includes a first hydraulic pump-motor coupled to an engine and a second hydraulic pump-motor coupled to an electric machine. A hydraulic link fluidly connects the first and the second hydraulic pump-motors. During a cranking operation mode, the electric machine operates as a motor and transfers power via the second hydraulic pump-motor, the hydraulic link and the first hydraulic pump-motor to provide cranking torque to the engine. During a generator operation mode, the power generated by the engine is transferred via the first hydraulic pump-motor, the hydraulic link, and the second hydraulic pump-motor to the electric machine, operating as a generator, to generate electricity.

Abstract: An engine starter apparatus includes a starter motor, a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the starter motor, a light source integrated with the starter motor, and a controller operatively connected to the temperature sensor and the light source. The controller is configured to illuminate the light source in a first color in response to the temperature of the starter motor exceeding a first temperature threshold. The controller is configured to illuminate the light source further in a second color in response to the temperature of the starter motor exceeding a second temperature threshold. The second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold. The first and second color are different. The second temperature threshold corresponds to a life limit of the starter motor. Illumination of the light source indicates an overheated starter motor, which may warrant a replacement of the starter motor.

Abstract: A hydraulic start system and methods for operating an engine starter with the same is disclosed. The hydraulic start system may include an accumulator and at least two pumps fluidly coupled with and disposed upstream of the accumulator. The hydraulic start system may also include a first directional valve fluidly coupled with and disposed downstream of the accumulator and upstream of the engine starter. The hydraulic start system may further include a second directional valve fluidly coupled with and disposed downstream of the accumulator and upstream of the engine starter and the first directional valve. The second directional valve may be configured to direct at least a portion of the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the accumulator to the first directional valve to actuate the first directional valve to an open position.

Abstract: The invention provides an operation system for a vehicle, comprising an internal combustion engine (1) comprising a cylinder (301, 302), and an exhaust guide (500, 501, 502) being arranged to guide a gas flow from the cylinder (301, 302) to the atmosphere, wherein the vehicle operation system further comprises a pneumatic system (660), and an air conduit (661) connecting the pneumatic system (660) with the exhaust guide (500, 501, 502) for allowing a flow of compressed air from the pneumatic system into the exhaust guide (500, 501, 502).

Abstract: An engine start control device is provided with: a starter relay that is provided between a battery and a starter motor; a start abnormality determining means that determines the occurrence of start abnormality of an engine; and a start control means, which turns on the starter relay, and starts supplying power from the battery to the starter motor in the cases where a start instruction signal is inputted from a start switch, and which turns off the starter relay in the cases where the start abnormality determining means determined the occurrence of start abnormality of the engine.

Abstract: A controller for a hybrid vehicle restarts an engine in a start mode selected from multiple start modes. The multiple start modes include a first start mode of starting combustion in the engine when a clutch starts transmitting torque and a second start mode of starting combustion in the engine after the clutch starts transmitting torque. The controller is configured to, in a case in which the engine is restarted in the second start mode, measure a cranking start time from when engagement of the clutch is commanded to when transmission of the torque through the clutch is started, and only when measurement of the cranking start time has been completed after the vehicle is activated, restart the engine in the first start mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain or driveline that includes an engine and an integrated starter/generator are described. In one example, rotation of an automatically stopped engine may be inhibited when engine braking is requested so that the engine may not be rotated without providing a desired outcome.

Abstract: A vehicle controller is applied to a vehicle having an engine, a transmission, a clutch connecting and disconnecting a crankshaft of the engine and an input shaft of the transmission to each other, a vehicle wheel connected to a drive axle of the transmission, and an electric motor disposed to be capable of transmitting torque to the crankshaft The vehicle controller controls driving of the electric motor such that a rotation speed of the engine is reduced when an operation state of the engine shifts from operation to stop. The vehicle controller controls rotation of the crankshaft so as to avoid coincidence between a crank angle and a top dead center angle of the engine in a vibration amplification region amplifying an amplitude of vibration generated when the operation state of the engine shifts to the stop.

Abstract: A method actuates a starter of an internal combustion engine by way of a starter relay. The starter relay is configured to supply the starter optionally with current via an on-board electrical system. The method has the following steps: determining an error status of the internal combustion engine; commencing repeated actuations of the starter relay; determining a current status of the internal combustion engine, wherein the current status of the internal combustion engine displays at least one error status or at least one operating status; and, if the current status displays at least one operating status, ending the repeated actuation of the starter relay, otherwise once again determining the current status.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that may be automatically stopped and started is described. In one example, the method includes supply electrical current to a starter motor independently from supplying electrical current to a starter solenoid. In addition, the method includes adjusting and amount of electrical current that is delivered to the starter motor in response to a level of urgency of an automatic engine start.

Abstract: A method of vehicular control includes providing a camera and a control at a vehicle. Image data captured by the camera is processed at the control to determine presence of a stopping area ahead of the vehicle and being approached by the vehicle as the vehicle is maneuvered along the road. Responsive to determination of presence of the stopping area, and responsive to determination that the driver releases the accelerator pedal of the vehicle, the operating capacity of the vehicle engine is reduced so that the engine operates at reduced capacity as the vehicle moves toward and stops, via the driver applying the brake pedal of the vehicle, at the determined stopping area. After stopping the vehicle, the control determines if a hazard is present in the field of view of the camera and restores the operating capacity of the engine its normal operating capacity if no hazard is present.

Abstract: An operating method for a hybrid vehicle having at least two drive engines, of which the first drive engine is a combustion engine with internal combustion and can be supplied with fuel from a first energy storage device, and a second drive engine, which can be supplied with energy from a second energy storage device. In order to determine a control command with which the first drive engine can be shut off the method includes determining a state value for the filling degree of the first energy storage device. The method also includes detecting a filling degree of the second energy storage device, and comparing said state value for the filling degree to a target state value. Depending on said comparison, the method also includes determining a control command for the first drive engine.

Abstract: An operating method for a hybrid vehicle having at least two drive engines, of which the first drive engine is a combustion engine with internal combustion and can be supplied with fuel from a first energy storage device, and a second drive engine, which can be supplied with energy from a second energy storage device. In order to determine a control command with which the first drive engine can be shut off the method includes determining a state value for the filling degree of the first energy storage device. The method also includes detecting a filling degree of the second energy storage device, and comparing said state value for the filling degree to a target state value. Depending on said comparison, the method also includes determining a control command for the first drive engine.

Abstract: An engine start control device that is capable of winding back a crankshaft more quickly at the time of an idling stop includes a swingback controller for performing a swingback control process for reversing a crankshaft when an engine is started by operating a starter switch, a windback reverse controller for performing a windback control process for reversing the crankshaft immediately after the engine is stopped by the idling stop control process, and a motor brake controller for performing a motor brake control process for braking the crankshaft reversed by the windback control process by rotating the crankshaft in the normal direction after the windback control process performed by the windback reverse controller. The value of a motor current supplied at the time the crankshaft is reversed by the windback reverse controller is set as a value equal to or larger than the value of a motor current supplied at the time the crankshaft is reversed by the swingback controller.

Abstract: Methods and systems for starting an aircraft propulsion engine are described herein. Operation of the engine is controlled by an engine controller having a first channel and a second channel. An engine start request is received on the second channel while the first channel is inactive. It is determined which one of the first channel and the second channel was used to conduct a last successful engine start. Responsive to determining that the last successful engine start was conducted on the second channel, a predetermined time period is waited to elapse and for the first channel to reinitialize before commanding, via the first channel, an engine start based on the engine start request.

Abstract: A braking system of an industrial vehicle includes an accumulator accumulating hydraulic oil, a hydraulic oil cooler cooling the hydraulic oil, an electromagnetic switch valve switching between an oil channel for the accumulator that allows supplying the hydraulic oil from a hydraulic pump to the accumulator and an oil channel for the hydraulic cooler that allows supplying the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic oil cooler, and a controller controlling the electromagnetic switch valve to switch from the oil channel for the hydraulic cooler to the oil channel for the accumulator with timing of an increase after a drop in an engine speed when a cargo-handling operation is detected while an oil is at a setting pressure value or less and while the engine speed is at a setting engine speed or less.

Abstract: A controller (125) for controlling an engine (102) of a vehicle (103) is disclosed, along with a control system (101) comprising a controller (125), a vehicle (103) and a method (200, 500). The controller (125) comprises control means configured to cause stopping of power generation of the engine (102) during movement of the vehicle (103) in dependence on at least one criterion being met and to cause restarting of power generation by the engine (102), in dependence of at least one input signal indicating a requirement for the engine (102) to restart to provide a required power output.

Abstract: A control apparatus sets an upper limit guard value to a base value when the MG provides torque assist to thereby limit the command value for the MG. Then, the control apparatus limits the command value for the MG using the upper limit guard value to limit the output of the MG. If an accelerator opening or the change rate thereof is not less than a predetermined value, the control apparatus corrects the upper limit guard value. The correction is made such that the larger accelerator opening or a larger change rate thereof causes the upper limit guard value to be larger to accomplish higher output. Similarly, if the SOC of the battery is not less than a predetermined value, the control apparatus corrects the upper limit guard value. If the engine speed is not less than a predetermined value, the control apparatus corrects the upper limit guard value.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a mild hybrid vehicle are provided. The method includes determining whether a first battery that supplies an electric power to a starter-generator of the mild hybrid vehicle is degraded. The starter-generator and a starter that receives an electric power from the second battery that stores a voltage less than a voltage of the first battery is operated to start an engine within the vehicle when the first battery is degraded and the ambient air temperature of the engine exceeds a temperature reference value.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for removing moisture from engine intake manifold and exhaust manifold. In one example, a method may include, during an engine non-combusting condition, while the ambient humidity is higher than a threshold humidity, operating an intake electric booster to route pressurized air via each of the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold, thereby removing accumulated moisture from the engine components. The electric booster may also be operated immediately prior to an anticipated vehicle key-on event to remove condensate from engine components prior to an actual engine start.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls the operation of a starter such that, after an idling stop is executed and before a request for starting an engine is subsequently issued, the control apparatus executes a preset which causes a pinion to engage a ring gear. A control apparatus controls the operation of a starter such that, after an idling stop is executed and before a request for starting an engine is subsequently issued, the control apparatus executes a preset which causes a pinion to engage a ring gear. It is determined that the preset condition has been cancelled, and the preset is again executed. In that case, the pinion is already engaged with the ring gear at the time point when a request for starting the engine is issued. In that way it is unnecessary for the control apparatus to push out the pinion after a start request is issued.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining, based on actual crank conditions, an ability of a battery connected to an electric starter motor, to start an internal combustion engine, wherein the battery is a single monobloc or a plurality of monoblocs that are electrically connected in series or parallel. The method may include: receiving battery temperature data, representing a temperature of the battery at a time of cranking the internal combustion engine; receiving voltage data monitored from the battery, determining an instantaneous minimum voltage of the battery during the time of cranking the internal combustion engine; and determining a capability of the battery to crank the internal combustion engine based on the battery temperature data and the instantaneous minimum voltage of the battery.