Throttle Positioning Patents (Class 123/376)
  • Patent number: 7340337
    Abstract: A control system includes a device having a position between minimum and maximum positions. First and second sensor modules sense the position of the device and generate first and second position values. A control module receives the position values and computes first and second normalized position values that represent a fraction of a range between minimum and maximum values of the first position value and between minimum and maximum values of the second position value. The control module suspends a control procedure that is based on at least one of the first normalized position value and/or the second normalized position value while a difference between the first and second normalized position values is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value and while at least one of the first normalized position value and/or the second normalized position value is less than or equal to a second predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Kerfegar K. Katrak
  • Patent number: 7331326
    Abstract: A carburetor automatic control system in an engine includes, a temperature-sensitive operating device for operating a choke valve so that the choke valve is opened with a temperature increase of the engine and a governor for opening and closing a throttle valve to maintain a preset rotational speed of the engine. The governor device includes, a stepping motor opening and closing the throttle valve over a range from an idling opening degree to a fully opening degree, and an electronic control unit driving the stepping motor so that the rotational speed of the engine is maintained the preset speed. A relief mechanism is interposed between the choke valve and the temperature-sensitive operating device, the relief mechanism opening the choke valve in response to an intake vacuum pressure within the intake passage when the engine is in a cold state and the choke valve is in a fully closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Arai, Hiroshi Moriyama, Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7318407
    Abstract: A governor for an engine including a speed sensor, a throttle member, a linkage, a primary spring, and a secondary spring. The speed sensor moves in response to changes in a speed of the engine. The linkage is coupled between the speed sensor and the throttle member to move the throttle member between a first position and a second position in response to the speed of the engine. The primary spring directly couples the throttle member to the engine to bias the throttle member in a first direction, and the secondary spring directly couples the throttle member to the engine to bias the throttle member in a second direction at least partially opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: George P. Klonis, James J. Dehn
  • Patent number: 7303036
    Abstract: A governor system for limiting the ground speed of a vehicle and maintaining an idle speed of the engine. The governor system includes a first feedback shaft operably coupled with a transmission of the vehicle to provide a first feedback torque in response to a ground speed of the vehicle. A second feedback shaft is operably coupled with the engine to provide a second feedback torque in response to a revolutionary speed (RPM) of the engine. A ground speed governor system is coupled between the first feedback shaft and the throttle system of the engine for limiting operation of the throttle system in response to the first feedback torque, thereby limiting ground speed. An idle speed governor system is coupled between the second feedback shaft and the throttle system of the engine for actuating the throttle system in response to the second feedback torque, thereby maintaining a desired idle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. MacConney, Matthew D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20070273152
    Abstract: A self-propelled working machine, which performs work by using power of an internal combustion engine 10 and travels by using power of an electric motor 30, includes a mechanical governor 75 for maintaining the engine at a designated engine rotational speed Nf. A load control mechanism for the working machine has a maximum working output calculator that calculates a maximum working output Qf from the designated engine rotational speed, an actual working load calculator that calculates an actual working load Qr from the designated engine rotational speed Nf and a detected actual engine rotational speed Nr, and a limit speed calculator that calculates a limit speed Vc from the maximum working output Qf and the actual working load Qr. A travel controller operates and controls the electric motor 30 by setting a travel speed V to the limit speed Vc when the actual engine rotational speed Nr is decreased to be lower than the designated engine rotational speed Nf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kawakami, Hiroshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7284535
    Abstract: An throttle valve is controlled by using an electric actuator. A cover for covering one end side of the throttle valve shaft is attached to a side wall of a throttle body. A throttle position sensor unit and an electronic control module for controlling the throttle valve is attached to an inner face of the cover. The throttle position sensor and the electronic control module are contiguous to each other and connected at a position contiguous thereto. The cover is provided with a connector portion for external connection of the electronic control module. A group of lead frames constituting terminals of the connector portion are embedded in the cover. Power source is supplied to a motor via the connector portion for external connection, the electronic control module and intermediary connectors provided at the cover. Thereby, by simplifying the cover for protecting the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Irihune, Yasushi Sasaki, Sadayuki Aoki, Kazuo Nagayama, Yuuichi Ebata
  • Patent number: 7270111
    Abstract: A common engine speed control mechanism for small internal combustion engines, which may be configured to allow for actuation of the speed control mechanism between stop, idle, and various engine running speed positions by actuation of one of a selected plurality of speed control levers. Each of the plurality of speed control levers is oriented so that it is movable in a direction which is substantially non-parallel to the direction of movement of the other speed control levers. In one embodiment, the actuation of the common speed control mechanism can be accomplished by movement of a first speed control lever in a substantially horizontal, side-to-side direction or by movement of a second speed control lever in a substantially vertical, up-and-down direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Anthony F. Grybush, James G. Leu, Stephen T. Davis, William H. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 7267100
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine controller, is used with a fuel-based torque-on-demand control type, multi-cylinder, direct-injection internal combustion engine, to provide an air flow rate control that excels in response and convergence. The internal combustion engine controller includes a section for computing a target throttle opening from operating conditions, which in turn includes a first computing section for determining a target throttle opening by feedback control in accordance with operating conditions including an intake air flow rate; a second computing section for determining a target throttle opening by feed-forward control in accordance with operating conditions; and a third computing means for determining a target throttle opening based on the target throttle opening value determined by the first computing means and the second computing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Nakagawa, Minoru Oosuga, Masami Nagano, Mamoru Nemoto, Toshio Hori
  • Publication number: 20070169743
    Abstract: An engine-driven work machine having a target engine speed selection unit and a control unit. The target engine speed selection unit selects and specifies an arbitrary target engine speed from among a plurality of target engine speeds that is set in stepwise fashion. The control unit electrically controls the opening and closing of a throttle valve so that the actual engine speed conforms to the specified target engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kobayashi, Masayuki Sasaoka, Toshio Inoue, Kenzo Shimada, Yoshinori Maekawa
  • Patent number: 7246794
    Abstract: A carburetor valve control system for stabilizing engine warm-up operating conditions by automatically controlling the degree of opening of a throttle valve so as to be larger than a normal degree of opening for idling, without carrying out a special operation of appropriately strengthening the spring force of a governor spring. The carburetor throttle valve control system includes a throttle lever and a governor system coupled to the throttle lever. A choke return spring is connected to a choke lever, the choke return spring urging the choke lever to a choke valve closing side. An automatic choke system is disposed so as to face the choke lever. A throttle valve closure restricting member is provided between the throttle lever and the choke lever. During engine warming-up, when the spring force of a governor spring is adjusted to zero or a minimum, the choke lever restricts closing of the throttle valve via the throttle lever by means of the spring force of the choke return spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Hiroshi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 7216006
    Abstract: A control system for a plant is provided. This control system can control the plant more stably, when the model parameters of the controlled object model which are obtained by modeling the plant, which is a controlled object, are identified and the sliding mode control is performed using the identified model parameters. The model parameter identifier (22) calculates a model parameter vector (?) by adding an updating vector (d?) to a reference vector (?base) of the model parameter. The updating vector (d?) is corrected by multiplying a past value of at least one element of the updating vector by a predetermined value which is greater than “0” and less than “1”. The model parameter vector (?) is calculated by adding the corrected updating vector (d?) to the reference vector (?base).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Yasui, Yoshihisa Iwaki, Jun Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7165532
    Abstract: A secondary engine speed control mechanism for small internal combustion engines, including an operator control which is manually operable to override an engine running speed which is set by the engine's primary speed control mechanism and governed by the governor. The secondary speed control mechanism may be selectively actuated by the operator in anticipation of an increased engine load to provide a temporary increase or “boost” to engine speed above the set, governed engine running speed. The secondary speed control mechanism may include an operator actuated, trigger-type mechanism located on the handle of an implement with which the engine is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Kevin D. Steffes, Timothy D. Taylor, Daniel L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7162999
    Abstract: A governor system is provided for limiting a degree of throttle travel of a throttle as a function of rotational speed of a drive axle. The governor system includes a governor shaft rotatably supported by the drive axle and operably interconnected to internal components of the drive axle for varying a feedback torque, a governor arm fixed for rotation with the governor shaft, a throttle cable interconnected with the governor arm for applying a first pulling force to the throttle and an accelerator cable resiliently interconnected with the governor arm to apply a second pulling force to the governor arm. The second pulling force induces rotation of the governor arm for applying a torque on the governor shaft. The torque balances with the feedback torque of the governor shaft for limiting the second pulling force as a function of the rotational speed of the drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Houston
  • Patent number: 7152580
    Abstract: A secondary engine speed control mechanism for small internal combustion engines, including an operator control which is manually operable to override an engine running speed which is set by the engine's primary speed control mechanism and governed by the governor. The secondary speed control mechanism may be selectively actuated by the operator in anticipation of an increased engine load to provide a temporary increase or “boost” to engine speed above the set, governed engine running speed. The secondary speed control mechanism may be either mechanically or electrically actuated, and may include an operator actuated, trigger-type mechanism or an electrical switch located on the handle of an implement with which the engine is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Clyde R. Wetor, Thomas D. Stout, Gary L. Stenz, Daniel L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7150264
    Abstract: Deterioration of emission is restrained even if the actual control condition including the required torque is different from the set control condition. An ECU establishes a control amount of an EGR valve in such a manner that a condition amount, which is a control parameter controlling the EGR valve, is established as a target value. The ECU selects the condition amount as the control parameter among a fresh-air amount, an exhaust oxygen concentration, and an intake oxygen concentration, in which an operation amount of the EGR valve is minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Kobayashi, Hiroshi Haraguchi
  • Patent number: 7111699
    Abstract: A governor system for limiting the ground speed of a vehicle and maintaining an idle speed of the engine. The governor system includes a first feedback shaft operably coupled with a transmission of the vehicle to provide a first feedback torque in response to a ground speed of the vehicle. A second feedback shaft is operably coupled with the engine to provide a second feedback torque in response to a revolutionary speed (RPM) of the engine. A ground speed governor system is coupled between the first feedback shaft and the throttle system of the engine for limiting operation of the throttle system in response to the first feedback torque, thereby limiting ground speed. An idle speed governor system is coupled between the second feedback shaft and the throttle system of the engine for actuating the throttle system in response to the second feedback torque, thereby maintaining a desired idle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. MacConney, Matthew D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7104254
    Abstract: A throttle body of an electrically controlled throttle apparatus is constructed with a bore wall part, a motor housing part receiving a heavy component such as a motor and a connecting member that connects the bore wall part and the motor housing part with each other. The bore wall part has a cylindrical inner periphery for rotatably receiving a circular-shaped throttle valve. The connecting member is constructed with plural plate-shaped ribs. Thus, the connecting member can be rigid without becoming a thick member. Therefore, the connecting member can be restricted from contracting in its molding process, so that circularity of the cylindrical inner periphery of the bore wall part can be maintained. Thus, the cylindrical inner periphery of the bore wall part can rotatably receive the circular-shaped throttle valve without arising interference against each other, and airtightness of the throttle valve can be maintained, when the throttle valve is in the full close position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Arai, Naoki Hiraiwa, Hiroki Shimada
  • Patent number: 7103466
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for predicting intake manifold pressure are presented, to compensate for a large lag or a large time delay without producing an overshot or discontinuous behaviors of a predicted value. The method comprises the step of obtaining a difference of values of a variable to be predicted and a difference of values of another variable ahead of the variable to be predicted. The method further comprises the step of filtering the differences with adaptive filters. The method further comprises the step of obtaining a predicted difference of values of the variable to be predicted, through algorithm of estimation with fuzzy reasoning. The method further comprises the step of adding the predicted difference of values of the variable to be predicted, to a current value of the variable to be predicted, to obtain a predicted value of the variable to be predicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Yasui, Akihiro Shinjo, Michihiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7093580
    Abstract: An actuator is for a vehicle engine including a carburetor having a throttle plate moveable between a minimum open position and a maximum open position. The actuator includes an input member movably coupled with the vehicle so as to be displaceable between an initial position and a maximum displaced position. A flexible connector has a first end connected with the input member and a second end connected with the throttle plate such that movement of the input member displaces the connector to move the throttle plate between the minimum and maximum positions. A guide is configured to direct movement of the connector such that a rate of displacement of the throttle plate is varied as the input member moves between the initial and maximum positions. Preferably, the guide includes two curved guide members engageable with the connector to take up a portion thereof at an intermediate input member position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Warren McLeod
  • Patent number: 7051708
    Abstract: To provide an accelerator opening degree detecting apparatus for a two-wheeled vehicle, which is not damaged even if the two-wheeled vehicle takes a fall, and is excellent in waterproofness and weather resistance, a rotating shaft (11) is rotatably supported to a fixed member (10), an accelerator opening degree sensor (13) is arranged in one end (11b) of the rotating shaft (11), a rotating drum (12) is arranged in the other end (11a), the rotating drum (12) and an accelerator grip (16) are coupled by a coupling member (17), and the accelerator grip (16) and the rotating drum (12) are synchronously rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Yanagii
  • Patent number: 7050864
    Abstract: A control system for a plant is provided. This control system can control the plant more stably, when the model parameters of the controlled object model which are obtained by modeling the plant, which is a controlled object, are identified and the sliding mode control is performed using the identified model parameters. The model parameter identifier (22) calculates a model parameter vector (?) by adding an updating vector (d ?) to a reference vector (? base) of the model parameter. The updating vector (d ?) is corrected by multiplying a past value of at least one element of the updating vector by a predetermined value which is greater than “0” and less than “1”. The model parameter vector (?) is calculated by adding the corrected updating vector (d ?) to the reference vector (? base).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Yasui, Yoshihisa Iwaki, Jun Takahasi
  • Patent number: 7007665
    Abstract: An outboard engine has an internal combustion engine as a prime mover, a throttle valve device including a valve element and a valve shaft supporting the valve element, and combined with the internal combustion engine, a driven unit combined with the throttle valve device, and a drive unit for driving the driven unit. The drive unit is capable of smoothly transmitting an external throttle-operating force to the driven unit regardless of its position. A throttle valve operating mechanism connects an operating lever included in the driven unit, and a throttle-operating Bowden cable included in the drive unit. The throttle valve operating mechanism is a linkage including plural links. Joints joining the adjacent joining parts of those links are ball-and-socket joints, respectively. The valve shaft has one end connected to the operating lever and the other end connected to a throttle position sensor. The valve shaft is inclined to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Yazaki, Tomonori Ikuma
  • Patent number: 7000591
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting a throttle plate of a throttle assembly of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A throttle linkage mechanically connects a throttle actuator to the throttle assembly with a deadband therebetween. The deadband allows the throttle plate to remain in a closed position during initial movement of the throttle actuator and initial acceleration, thereby reducing overall engine noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: BRP US Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Raetzman, Patrick C. Tetzlaff, Peter E. Lucier, Todd P. Craft
  • Patent number: 6983736
    Abstract: A stabilizer system creates a temporary droop to stabilize a governor for an internal combustion engine and reduce permanent droop and hunting of the engine. The governor adjusts the position of a throttle in response to engine speed to achieve a desired engine speed. The stabilizer system temporarily applies a force on the governor that initially resists sudden movement of the governor arm, and causes a temporary speed droop. The initial resistance of the stabilizer system helps prevent the governor from overshooting the desired speed and hunting. The temporary droop is then removed to permit the governor to achieve the desired speed to help prevent permanent droop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Mitchell, Richard A. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 6971369
    Abstract: A governor for an internal combustion engine having an intake passageway and an engine throttle valve movable between an open position and a closed position, a throttle arm connected to the engine throttle valve to control movement of the engine throttle valve. A pressure assist adjusts the position of the throttle arm when a load is applied to the engine. The pressure assist includes a pressure responsive actuator having a pressure chamber in fluid flow communication with the intake passageway. The pressure responsive actuator is movable in a first direction in response to a pressure or a vacuum in the intake passageway. The throttle arm is movable in response to movement of the pressure responsive actuator. A conduit connects the pressure chamber and the intake passageway in fluid flow communication. A one-way valve is disposed in the conduit between the pressure chamber and the intake passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Mitchell, Richard W. Seilenbinder
  • Patent number: 6874468
    Abstract: An ECU 2 performs ON/OFF judgments on an ignition switch. When the ignition switch is OFF, a judgment is made whether or not voltage learning for a fully opened position of a throttle valve 34 is complete. If complete, an electric power for a DC motor 31 is cutoff. A TPS output voltage value is read in, and a judgment is made whether or not a given period of time has elapsed. If the given period of time has elapsed, and if a throttle position sensor output voltage value VTPS is equal to or greater than a given value, then a judgment is made that there is a return spring 35 breakage failure. Breakage to the return spring 35 can thus be reliably detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20040112333
    Abstract: A stabilizer system creates a temporary droop to stabilize a governor for an internal combustion engine and reduce permanent droop and hunting of the engine. The governor adjusts the position of a throttle in response to engine speed to achieve a desired engine speed. The stabilizer system temporarily applies a force on the governor that initially resists sudden movement of the governor arm, and causes a temporary speed droop. The initial resistance of the stabilizer system helps prevent the governor from overshooting the desired speed and hunting. The temporary droop is then removed to permit the governor to achieve the desired speed to help prevent permanent droop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Mitchell, Richard A. Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20040007206
    Abstract: A governor system is provided for limiting a degree of throttle travel of a throttle as a function of rotational speed of a drive axle. The governor system includes a governor shaft rotatably supported by the drive axle and operably interconnected to internal components of the drive axle for varying a feedback torque, a governor arm fixed for rotation with the governor shaft, a throttle cable interconnected with the governor arm for applying a first pulling force to the throttle and an accelerator cable resiliently interconnected with the governor arm to apply a second pulling force to the governor arm. The second pulling force induces rotation of the governor arm for applying a torque on the governor shaft. The torque balances with the feedback torque of the governor shaft for limiting the second pulling force as a function of the rotational speed of the drive axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Steven W. Houston
  • Patent number: 6612286
    Abstract: A governor system is provided for limiting a degree of throttle travel of a throttle as a function of rotational speed of a drive axle. The governor system includes a governor shaft rotatably supported by the drive axle and operably interconnected to internal components of the drive axle for varying a feedback torque, a governor arm fixed for rotation with the governor shaft, a throttle cable interconnected with the governor arm for applying a first pulling force to the throttle and an accelerator cable resiliently interconnected with the governor arm to apply a second pulling force to the governor arm. The second pulling force induces rotation of the governor arm for applying a torque on the governor shaft. The torque balances with the feedback torque of the governor shaft for limiting the second pulling force as a function of the rotational speed of the drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Houston
  • Patent number: 6598586
    Abstract: A choke and throttle control arrangement for a small engine includes a base plate to which a pair of levers are pivotally joined. One includes a governor spring arm connected to the engine's speed governor, and the other is provided with an arm which serves as a choke actuator. A spring interconnects the two levers to permit them to rotate in unison at low engine speed in response to operator actuation of a throttle control handle. An adjustable stop member is positioned to interrupt the rotation of the governor spring arm when a selected less-than-maximum engine speed is reached. Further throttle control handle advancement permits the choke actuating arm to move to the closed choke position. As the throttle control handle is moved towards a low speed setting, the lever containing the choke actuating arm returns to the position at which the selected less-than-maximum speed was reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Murray, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Deschamps, Doyle S. Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20030037749
    Abstract: A small engine for outdoor power equipment wherein fuel is pumped to the engine's combustion chamber by a reciprocating piston. A desired rate of reciprocation is determined with the engine under load, e.g., with a grass trimmer cutting grass. Avoidance of undesired engine racing is accomplished by restricting airflow to the carburetor which prevents significant increased reciprocation over that desired when cutting. A choke mechanism is provided with a pair of end portions, one of which closes air to the carburetor for starting and the other provides a spaced barrier for inhibiting blow-back. The one end portion includes an inset that seats in the opening through which air enters the carburetor for providing rigidity and to insure closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Kenji Imafuku, Hisau Kodama, Hidenori Hiraki
  • Publication number: 20030029418
    Abstract: A choke and throttle control arrangement for a small engine includes a base plate to which a pair of levers are pivotally joined. One includes a governor spring arm connected to the engine's speed governor, and the other is provided with an arm which serves as a choke actuator. A spring interconnects the two levers to permit them to rotate in unison at low engine speed in response to operator actuation of a throttle control handle. An adjustable stop member is positioned to interrupt the rotation of the governor spring arm when a selected less-than-maximum engine speed is reached. Further throttle control handle advancement permits the choke actuating arm to move to the closed choke position. As the throttle control handle is moved towards a low speed setting, the lever containing the choke actuating arm returns to the position at which the selected less-than-maximum speed was reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph P. Deschamps, Doyle S. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 6274993
    Abstract: A microcomputer produces to a drive circuit drive command signals for starting to drive and braking a motor so that the position of a throttle valve is controlled to a target position. A current supplied to the motor is limited not to exceed a first current limitation value at the time of motor drive start and braking. When the current limitation continues for a predetermined time period, the current is further limited not to exceed a second current limitation value. The microcomputer detects switching of motor current supply direction. When the current supply direction is switched, a reset command signal is produced to reset a timer operation for a current limitation continuation determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Itabashi, Kazunari Shirai
  • Patent number: 6058894
    Abstract: A general purpose air-cooled, four-cycle engine in which a first ball bearing supporting the output shaft of the crankshaft is larger than the second ball supporting the other end of the crankshaft, and the first bearing has an external diameter which is approximately equal to or greater than the distance from the crankshaft to the camshaft. The camshaft driven by the crankshaft is supported by sliding bearings. The governor which controls the rotation of the engine and which is driven by the rotation of the crankshaft is enclosed in the crankcase on the same end as the cooling fan, which is the end opposite the output end of the crankshaft. This invention fulfills the demand for a smaller crankcase; does not make use of special bearings; and achieves a greater bearing capacity through the use of large-diameter standard-precision ball bearings. In addition, it simplifies the required processing and allows the assembly process to be automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Kobayashi, Hiroyoshi Kouchi, Shogo Nakamura, Yuji Nagase
  • Patent number: 5957099
    Abstract: The objective of this invention is to solve two sorts of problems in an engine using a chain transmission scheme with the camshaft as the output shaft. One set of problems results from the stretching of the chain. The other concerns lining up the crankshaft and camshaft during assembly. With this invention, power is transmitted from the crankshaft to the camshaft by means of a silent chain. The silent chain is tensioned before use to suppress its initial tendency to stretch. The chain is installed so that the slack in the chain is 1 to 2% looser than its theoretically calculated distance value between the crankshaft and the camshaft. (A chain tensioner is not used.) One or several marks are provided on the opposed surfaces of the aforesaid silent chain and the two sprockets to help match the positions of the crankshaft and camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Kobayashi, Hiroyoshi Kouchi, Shogo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5755200
    Abstract: A control assembly and method for operating the throttle of an internal combustion engine, in particular, but not exclusively, a diesel engine of a heavy duty vehicle, is provided whereby fuel can be saved by controlling the throttle operation and a driver can be trained to exhibit better driving skills. Detector means detect certain undesirable throttle conditions or movements such as full throttle for an excessive period of time; the number of times a throttle is pumped; and the speed with which the throttle mechanism is moved, and the assembly acts to reduce the fuel supply to the engine to an extent whereat the engine does not lose engine speed to any appreciable extent at constant load, but full throttle is temporarily unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Henning M. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5642711
    Abstract: A controlling system is provided for use with a motor vehicle which includes auxiliary equipment usually being pneumatically powered and designed to be operated by a power take-off switch wherein throttle control by the accelerator pedal of the motor vehicle is blocked during operation of the power take-off equipment and wherein control of vehicle motor operating speed is controllable through a throttle control system accessible within the vehicle driving compartment or externally. The apparatus is preferably all pneumatically controlled and is connected to receive pressurized air from the vehicle air tank which itself is also used to operate other equipment such as air brakes and the power take-off equipment itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Automated Waste Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William Boner, Warren Kimble
  • Patent number: 5638272
    Abstract: A vehicle control unit comprises an interface software memory for storing an interface software program for connecting an application software program with an operating system in an internal ROM, a central processing unit for performing computation of the application software program and the interface software program, an erasable memory for storing data such as the result of computation, an I/O unit for extending the control unit, and extending means for communicating memory data through a bus or a LAN. A single-chip micro-computer is used in vehicle control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimichi Minowa, Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Junichi Ishii, Shigeki Morinaga, Hiroshi Katayama, Mitsuo Kayano, Kenichiro Kurata
  • Patent number: 5602732
    Abstract: Resolution of redundant displacement sensor information to form a displacement value in an automotive electronic throttle control system provides for a varying contribution by each of a plurality of redundant sensors to the formation of the displacement value in accord with diagnosed variations in the fault status of the sensors. The number and type of fault conditions attributed to a specific sensor of the plurality over an analysis period are used to determine the relative degree by which that sensor will contribute to the displacement value formation. As an increasing number of fault conditions are attributed to a sensor, the relative degree of contribution of that sensor will gradually decrease. When severe fault conditions are attributed to a sensor, the relative degree of contribution of that sensor will rapidly decrease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Nichols, James D. Yegerlehner
  • Patent number: 5444369
    Abstract: A rotary shaft position sensor includes a stator and a rotor and produces a linear output signal in accordance with the rotational position of a shaft coupled to the rotor. The rotor rotates about an axis of rotation. The stator includes stationary pole pieces having stationary pole faces situated perpendicular to the axis of rotation and spaced a predetermined distance apart to define an air gap therebetween. A Hall effect device is situated-in the air gap. The Hall device produces an output signal corresponding to the level of magnetic flux in the air gap. One or more magnets are attached to the rotating pole piece. The magnetic poles of the magnets are situated parallel with and spaced a predetermined distance from the stationary pole faces. Lines of magnetic flux originating from the magnets are situated in a direction perpendicular to the stationary pole face. The rotating pole piece rotates in close proximity to the stationary pole pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Kearney-National, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Luetzow
  • Patent number: 5270645
    Abstract: A non-contacting type sensor and method for sensing angular position are provided for sensing the angular position of a body such as a throttle valve. The sensor includes a stator assembly and a rotor assembly adapted to be coupled to the body for rotation relative to the stator assembly. The rotor assembly includes a closed-loop magnetic flux concentrator which defines a controlled electromagnetic cavity and generating means for generating a first magnetic field within the cavity. The stator assembly includes a semiconductor device disposed within the cavity and having an electrical property which is a function of the orientation and strength of a resultant magnetic field. The stator assembly further includes a coil wound about the device for producing a second magnetic field which substantially cancels the effects of the first magnetic field on the device so as to obtain the resultant magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Wheeler, Anne Gebauer, David Bull, Daniel Wilheim, Stephen Cooper, Ronald Ingraham
  • Patent number: 5259354
    Abstract: A device for the temporary storage and the pre-measured input of the volatile fuel components located in the free space of a tank into the intake tube of an internal combustion engine. The device includes a ventilator line that connects the free space with the atmosphere, into which line a storage chamber with an absorption element is placed, and a connecting line, which connects the storage chamber with the intake tube. The line may be closed by means of a valve, so that it operates in synchronicity with the butterfly valve of the intake tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Andreas Sausner, Sebastian Zabeck
  • Patent number: 5235943
    Abstract: The starting system allows small engines having electronic governors to be powered by an alternator, thereby eliminating the need for a battery or a manually-operated start lever. The starting system causes the throttle to be in the Wide Open Throttle position at engine starting speeds. The starting system disengages at engine running speeds above about 1200 RPM. The starting system includes a pivotable lever arm, a spring that biases the lever arm in a first direction, and a centrifugally-responsive flyweight assembly that moves the lever arm in the opposite direction. At engine starting speeds, the spring force is greater than the opposing force applied by the flyweight assembly, causing the lever arm to engage a governor arm and to open the throttle to the Wide Open Throttle position. At engine running speeds, the opposing force increases and overcomes the spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Fiorenza, II
  • Patent number: 5203302
    Abstract: An overload warning apparatus for an internal combustion engine, wherein a switch is mounted adjacent the throttle control plate of the carburetor such that an outwardly extending leg of the plate engages and depresses a switch upon movement of the plate into its wide open position. Once depressed, the switch closes an electrical circuit to energize an indicator to alert an operator of the wide open throttle condition. Alternatively, the switch is located adjacent the governor lever of the engine such that the governor lever depresses the switch upon movement of the lever to a position causing the throttle plate to be moved into its wide open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: William A. Parnitzke
  • Patent number: 5165376
    Abstract: An apparatus for use as a governor arm/governor shaft joint in a governor system (10) and a method for zeroing out the tolerances in a governor system (10) used in reciprocating internal combustion engines. The apparatus is comprised of a governor shaft (12) with first and second ends having a tapered portion (21) located near said first end; a governor arm (13) with first and second ends having a tapered aperture (29) generally located near said first end that is arranged and configured to match the tapered portion (21) of the governor shaft (12); and a securing element (31) that forces the tapered portion (21) into engagement with the tapered aperture (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Onan Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony T. Klejeski, Curtis D. Leaf
  • Patent number: 5163401
    Abstract: An override speed control mechanism for an internal combustion engine. The override speed control system comprises a speed control lever that is movable by an operator within an actuation range having a lower control limit and an upper control limit. A throttle control mechanism is connectable to the carburetor to actuate the throttle plate of the carburetor. A coupling lever is detachably coupled to the speed control lever and the throttle control mechanism. The throttle control mechanism is caused to move through its entire operating range in response to movement of the speed control lever through a predetermined partial portion of its actuation range. The effective range of the speed control lever corresponds to the operating range of the throttle control mechanism, and movement of the speed control lever between the lower override limit and the lower control limit, and between the upper override limit and the upper control limit is ineffective to further move the throttle control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Paul T. Reese
  • Patent number: 5146889
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a primary governor device (20) on an engine at certain load conditions or during transient loading is disclosed. The primary governor device has a control arm (12) which is moved by a primary governor spring (15) via a primary governor arm (14). The control arm (12) governs opening and closing of the throttle plate (10) on the carburetor (11). Four embodiments (47, 54, 30 and 78) of the governor assist mechanism are disclosed. The governor assist apparatus has an assist spring (48, 55, 32, 76) operatively connected to the control arm (12). A vacuum capsule (41) actuates the assist spring (48, 55, 32, 76) from the primary governor device (20) according to the vacuum in the intake manifold and load on the engine. The first embodiment or linear mechanism (47) has an assist spring (48), an intermediate link (49), and the diaphragm plunger (40) in linear alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Onan Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Swanson, John C. Fanner, Nick V. Halstead
  • Patent number: 5143033
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an integral cylinder head, a one-piece connecting rod, and a crankshaft disposed at the interface between the first engine housing and the second engine housing. In an overhead cam shaft embodiment, the cam shaft drive means includes first and second gearsets of cross-helical gears. Also directly mounted to the cam drive shaft are the oil slinger, the centrifugally-responsive speed governor components, and the auxiliary power take-off shaft. This arrangement eliminates the need for additional shafts and subassemblies. In another embodiment, both the crankshaft and the cam shaft are disposed at the interface between the two engine housings to decrease manufacturing and assembly costs. The crankshaft and/or cam shaft bearings are formed integral with the engine housings to eliminate the need for separate bearing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corp.
    Inventors: Robert K. Catterson, Norbert M. Vogl, Michael E. Kendziora
  • Patent number: 5069180
    Abstract: An automatic choke apparatus is provided having a choke plate mounted for variable rotation in a carburetor between a closed position and an open position wherein a flow of air entering the carburetor is substantially obstructed in the closed position compared to the open position whereby the flow of fuel entering the engine is increased when in the closed position. The choke plate has a choke shaft arm for rotatably moving the choke plate. The automatic choke apparatus has a throttle plate downstream from the choke plate mounted for variable rotation in the carburetor between an open position wherein a flow of air and fuel mixture exiting the carburetor is at a maximum and a closed position wherein the flow of air and fuel mixture exiting the carburetor is at a minimum. The throttle plate has a throttle lever for rotatably miving the throttle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Onan Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Schmidt, David A. Overland, Paul F. Huffman, Paige R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5035212
    Abstract: The design and construction of present engines have generally not compensated for white smoke during start up and cold operating conditions where incomplete combustion occurs. The present invention overcomes these problems by using a control system adapted to be used with the engine and positioned between a restrictor valve and a throttle. The restrictor valve restricts the flow of one of the intake air and the exhaust. A mechanical linkage is connected between the throttle and the valve. The linkage moves a shaft and a plate relative to the throttle high idle position and low idle position respectively. A first lever has a slot therein and is rotatably attached to the shaft and a second lever is fixedly attached to the shaft and has a pin being generally positioned in the center of the slot. The slot allows the first lever to move slightly in either direction relative to the position of the second lever without varying the position of the plate between the generally closed position and the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Hudson, Khaled M. Issa, Randall R. Richards, William L. Sprick