Abstract: A starter for an engine equipped with a motor generator achieves lower cost and reduced sizes and capacities of circuit elements by reducing the assist load on the motor generator: it is provided with a motor generator (2) and a starting motor (10) connected to an engine (1); a startup state determining circuit (20) which determines the startup state from operating condition and selectively issues ON signals M1 and M2 to the motor generator and the starting motor; a key switch (6) which generates a start signal (Qe) at the time of starting the engine; and a temperature sensor 12 which generates a temperature signal (Te) corresponding to the temperature of the engine.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system including an engine and an electric motor at least one of which is operated as drive power source to drive a motor vehicle in a selected one of different operation modes. The system is adapted to prevent concurrent operations to change the operation mode and the speed ratio of a power transmitting device or the ratio of torque distribution to front and rear drive wheels, or concurrent operations to change the operation mode and switch the power transmitting device from a non-drive state to a drive state, for avoiding a shock due to a torque variation which would arise from the concurrent operations. The system is alternatively adapted to cut a power transfer from the drive power source to the power transmitting device, or hold the output of the drive power source substantially constant, when the power transmitting device is switched from the non-drive state to the drive state.

Abstract: A cut-off device for engine starting systems is disclosed. The cut-off device has a cut-off relay unit and prevents electric current of a storage battery from being applied to the magnetic switch of an activated starter motor, thus positively preventing the activated starter motor from being restarted carelessly. The device has a movable terminal, which normally connects the keybox assembly to an ST-terminal of the magnetic switch thereby closing a circuit for the starter motor but selectively separates the keybox assembly from the ST-terminal thereby opening the circuit for the starter motor after the motor is activated. In addition, an alarm means is provided on the cut-off relay unit. The cut-off device allows both the engine and the starter motor to be effectively used without being damaged within their expected life spans.

Abstract: A protective control box is disclosed for providing protection for a starter system and other components of equipment, such as vehicles, incorporating internal combustion engines. Improved starter protection apparatus and circuitry using frequency to voltage conversion disables a starter motor from starting the internal combustion engine when engine speed exceeds a pre-determined level. The starter cannot be re-actuated until and unless engine speed has fallen below a second lower pre-determined speed level. The protection box includes a lockout solenoid which in turn selectively locks out the main starter solenoid in accordance with the foregoing conditions. A wait-to-start lamp and associated comparator and latching circuitry is provided for actuating the wait lamp in response to initiation of glow plug controller pre-glow operation, and for subsequently extinguishing the lamp. Once extinguished, the lamp cannot be re-actuated until and unless the ignition has been toggled.

Abstract: A foot controlling engine start, stop and brake system, characterized by a control circuit arranged among an ignition switch, a starter motor, a brake, an accelerator and a generator for controlling automatic stop of the starter motor by feeding back the output voltage of the generator or a frequency (engine speed) enable one to control the engines start, stop and brake by one's foot.

Abstract: An engine starting cycle cranking and rest period timing circuit and an overcrank shut down circuit includes a 24 stage frequency divider connected to starting motor relays, and an engine starter disconnect circuit and a start signal circuit functioning to provide a predetermined number of engine starter motor cranking periods followed by rest periods. The frequency divider circuit is connected to provide coordination of the starter motor cranking cycle with an overcrank signal generated by the frequency divider. An overcrank signal will activate only when all three output terminals of the frequency divider circuit are simultaneously of the same signal amplitude which will always occur at the predetermined maximum number of crank periods.

Abstract: An engine starter protecting device which prevents engagement of the starter's pinion with the ring gear of the engine, even when the engine is rotating. Sensors detect when the gear shift lever is in the neutral position, when the frequency of the ignition pulses for the engine is above a predetermined value, when the vacuum pressure of the intake air to the engine is at or below a predetermined value, when the vacuum pressure of the intake air to the engine is at or below a predetermined value, and when the output voltage from the altenator of the invention exceeds a predetermined voltage. The electromagnetic switch which controls the starter motor is prevented from operating unless the outputs from the detectors are in predetermined states.

Abstract: A D.C. charging and starter circuit for a vehicle includes a microcomputer which monitors the state of battery switch units, a pair of charging generators and a starter switch, and operates to control various switching elements and the like to prevent accidental discharge of the batteries, and to prevent damage to either the electrical load or the generator rectifier circuits.

Abstract: An engine starter protecting device which prevents engagement of the starter's pinion with the ring gear of the engine, even when the engine is rotating. Sensors detect when the gear shift lever is in the neutral position, when the frequency of the ignition pulses for the engine is above a predetermined value, when the vacuum pressure of the intake air to the engine is at or below a predetermined value, when the vacuum pressure of the intake air to the engine is at or below a predetermined value, and when the output voltage from the alternator of the invention exceeds a predetermined voltage. The electromagnetic switch which controls the starter motor is prevented from operating unless the outputs from the detectors are in predetermined states.

Abstract: An engine starter protective and control module (PCM) and system having a 1/2 second start speed delay timer (DT) and a 30-second crank timer (CT) that are started when a start switch (SS) is closed to control a logic circuit (L) that operates a coil driver (CD) to energize the engine starter motor (ES). An engine speed signal from an engine-driven alternator (ALT) shaped in a wave shaping circuit (WSC) is detected by a crank frequency sensor (CFS) which by-passes the delay timer (DT) to continue the cranking if the engine attains an initial speed adequate for starting, otherwise, if the battery is too low, the delay timer (DT) terminates cranking. A run frequency sensor (RFS) receives the speed signal and provides a lockout signal to the logic circuit (L) when the engine speed reaches run RPM. A crank timer (CT) started by the start switch (SS) times a 30-second cranking cycle and a 2-minute cool-off lockout interval to prevent overheating of the starter motor (ES).

Abstract: A protective control for the starter and electrical systems of a motor vehicle, including a main relay for controlling the electrical system, and a starter relay for controlling the starter system. Electronic logic is provided for the electrical system which: (1) prevents energization of the main relay if the battery polarity is reversed; (2) if the battery polarity is correct, turns on the main relay when a master switch is closed; and (3) maintains the main relay in an ON condition when an AC signal from the alternator is sensed even if the masterswitch is subsequently opened. The latter prevents disconnection of the battery from the electrical system while the engine is running.

Abstract: When the starter motor which can be coupled to an internal combustion engine, typically an automotive engine, has accomplished its function and the automotive engine started, it is disconnected by a switch which is controlled from a sensing circuit connected to the energization circuit of the starter and responsive to a-c components. The system operates on the basis that, before the engine has started, the sequential compression and decompression in the cylinders of the internal combustion engine will result in alternating components which are superimposed or modulated on the energy flow to the starter motor. When the internal combustion (IC) engine has started, the undulations and variations in energy supplied to the motor will terminate. The system is sensitive to such termination and disconnects the starter motor at that time.

Abstract: A starter motor control circuit for an engine includes an input circuit which is controlled by the ignition contact breaker of the engine, the capacitor charging each time the contact breaker opens and discharging relatively slowly when it is closed. The capacitor is connected by a complementary emitter follower transistor pair to a level detector circuit which produces an output when the voltage on the capacitor is between predetermined limits. At below a predetermined speed this output is a train of constant length pulses which control charging and discharging of a further capacitor. When the voltage on the capacitor is less than a predetermined minimum a regenerative switching circuit is operated to cut out the starter circuit. A feedback transistor maintains the capacitor discharged until the engine stops.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for enabling a user to start an engine from a remote location, utilizing a receiver for receiving a command signal from a remote transmitter operated by the user, the receiver generating signals to control operation of the starting system. The system enables the user, from the remote location, to effect selective momentary pumping of fuel into the engine prior to activation of the starting operation, and then to start the engine. The system may include apparatus for maintaining the throttle of the engine substantially open until the engine is started and then closing the throttle to an idling position, with automatic momentary pumping of additional fuel into the engine at predetermined intervals during the running of the engine in accordance with the starting operation. Protective apparatus may be included with the system to prevent activation of the starting operation at any time a manually controlled starting switch has been activated prior to activation of the starting system.

Abstract: An electronic lockout system for the starter motor of an internal combustion engine includes means for operating the starter motor only if the engine flywheel is stationary. The system also includes means for automatically deenergizing the starter motor when the engine achieves a predetermined rotational speed and independently of the continued operation of the starter switch.

Abstract: The output signal produced by a two input electrical circuit element of the type which produces opposite polarity output signals upon the application of the same polarity input signal to respective ones of the input terminals is applied to the control electrode of a switching transistor which, when conductive, is effective to complete the energizing circuit of an internal combustion engine cranking motor. An electrical bias signal of a selected polarity is applied to the one of the input terminals of this circuit element which will result in an output signal of the polarity which will trigger the switching transistor conductive through the current carrying electrodes thereof.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for enabling a user to start an engine from a remote location, utilizing a receiver for receiving a command signal from a remote transmitter operated by the user, the receiver generating signals to control operation of the starting system. The system enables the user, from the remote location, to effect selective momentary pumping of fuel into the engine prior to activation of the starting operation, and then to start the engine. The system may include apparatus for maintaining the throttle of the engine substantially open until the engine is started and then closing the throttle to an idling position, with automatic momentary pumping of additional fuel into the engine at predetermined intervals during the running of the engine in accordance with the starting operation. Protective apparatus may be included with the system to prevent activation of the starting operation at any time a manually controlled starting switch has been activated prior to activation of the starting system.