Abstract: A starter cutoff control apparatus and method for a starter/generator used on an engine includes a circuit for detecting starter/generator armature current during an engine start operation, comparing the armature current to an armature current setpoint to produce an error signal; using the error signal to produce a field weakening control signal; and a circuit for producing a starter cutoff signal as a function of the field weakening control signal.

Abstract: An improved remote vehicle starting apparatus with timer which allows for the remote starting of a motor vehicle to allow for the preheating or pre-cooking of the passenger compartment of said motor vehicle under extreme temperature conditions is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a transmitting unit, located with the driver, and a receiver unit that is located in the driver's vehicle. The transmitting unit allows the user to set predetermined times at which to start the vehicle, before work for example, and includes an LCD display that indicates both the time of day and the time(s) at which the vehicle will be started. The transmitter also includes a manual switch, by which the user may start the vehicle, regardless of the time settings. The receiver installs in the vehicle and is wired into the vehicle ignition circuitry, allowing the engine to be started by key in a conventional manner, or by the remote transmitter.

Abstract: A starter assembly for starting an engine is provided incorporating a mechanical diode in the drive train between the starter motor and the engine, including two coaxial plates with facing surfaces that are linked by pivoting members. The pivoting members are recessed into a facing surface of the first plate. They pivot outward under spring force from the facing surface of the first plate to engage slots in the facing surface of the second plate. This allows the first plate to drive the second plate, but also allows the second plate to overrun the first plate.

Abstract: A device for controlling an automobile vehicle starter motor contactor including a power contact controlling the supply of power to the electric motor of the starter motor and at least one coil controlling the movement of said contact, said device including a unit for controlling the starter motor and a transistor controlled by said unit that controls the energizing of the coil(s) of the contactor, wherein the control unit includes means for turning off the transistor if, between two successive times following closing of the starter switch, the voltage drop at a point connected to receive the battery voltage is smaller than a given threshold.

Abstract: A remote control system for starting and stopping an engine with a magneto ignition. A radio frequency transmitter transmits alternating start and stop signals to a receiver/controller. When a start signal is received, the receiver/controller autonomously provides two outputs, one of which actuates a latching relay and the other of which is a timed pulse having a set duration. The pulse activates another relay which applies power to the start solenoid for starting the engine. A third relay cooperates with the other two relays to maintain the proper conditions and sequences of the operational systems of an engine with a magneto ignition to start the engine, thereafter allow it to run, and stop it when a subsequent signal is transmitted to the receiver/controller.

Abstract: The apparatus for controlling an output voltage of a generator of an internal combustion engine having a starter device, includes a charge control signaling device, an excitation coil for the generator and a voltage regulator controlling an excitation current in the excitation coil and an excitation current limiting device for limiting the excitation current during a predetermined starting phase (.DELTA.t1 ) connected to the voltage regulator. The excitation current limiting device detects whether the engine is in a starting phase. If the engine is in a starting phase, the excitation current limiting device reduces the excitation current so that a voltage is produce at generator terminal D+ which permits no load current and simultaneously guarantees that the charge control signalling device is shut off.

Abstract: Engine-driven equipment includes a stopped-engine detector and a mechanism for safely shutting down the engine, including battery operated auxiliary devices, after detection that the engine has stopped. The engine may be shut down simply by closing a gas cock in the fuel line, but whatever the cause of engine stoppage, auxiliary devices are permitted to run for a predetermined time after stoppage to, for example, cool the engine or maintain warm glow plugs for easier restarting. If the gas cock is used to stop the engine, the engine will continue to run until fuel remaining in the fuel line has been expended, and then safely and automatically shut-down.

Abstract: A circuit for disengaging an electrically actuated transmission brake of a racing car has a bank of transistors in series with the brake to hold the brake on at the beginning of a race. The bases of the transistors are connected through normally open contacts of a relay to the emitter of a transistor that can be turned on or off by an optoisolator and the brake is connected through diodes to the relay coil to isolate the transistor bases once the brake has been disengaged. The optoisolator is connected, through diodes, to the zero count terminals of two clocked, programmable counters either of which will turn the optoisolator off at the end of a count. Reset terminals of both counters are connected to the outputs of a flip-flop to disable one counter and toggling of the flip-flop is effected by closing normally open contacts of a second relay to complete a circuit between the flip-flop input and a voltage regulator output through a Schmitt trigger.

Abstract: A stationary spark ignition internal combustion engine which normally operates unattended continuously for long periods of time is modified to eliminate problems in electrical systems. The battery and voltage regulator of the engine is removed and the electrical generator replaced by a magnetic generator which produces low power levels which are sufficient only to operate the spark ignition system. A plastic bushing and "O" rings are used to mount a disc magnet to the magnetic generator shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for automatically starting and stopping an engine comprising a clutch switch for detecting that the depression of a clutch pedal of a vehicle is completely performed, a neutral switch for detecting the neutral position of a transmission, a vehicle speed sensor for generating a travel signal by detecting the travel of the vehicle, condition detecting means for detecting the operation maintaining condition of the engine, and control means for automatically stopping the engine by interrupting the energization of an ignition circuit when receiving a detection signal of the neutral switch and not receiving the detection signals of the vehicle speed sensor and the condition detecting means and automatically starting the engine by energizing the ignition circuit and a starter when receiving a detection signal of the clutch switch and not receiving the detection signals of the neutral switch, said vehicle speed sensor and the condition detecting means.

Abstract: An engine automatic control system for vehicles is adapted to automatically stop the engine when the vehicle motion is arrested, to automatically start the engine in response to operation of a starting mechanism for effecting start of the vehicle, and to maintain the engine rotation after start of the vehicle in dependence upon change of the level of speed pulses from a speed sensor assembly. The control system is arranged to be ineffective in its function for automatic stop of the engine when the speed sensor assembly is inoperative to maintain the engine rotation under the operative condition of the control system.

Abstract: Manually actuated switches mounted externally at spaced monitoring locations on a vehicle are actuated in sequence by a vehicle driver during inspection at each of such locations. Actuation of such switches triggers operation of timers having overlapping timing cycles for enabling the engine starting circuit of the vehicle during a period of sufficient duration to permit the driver to enter the vehicle and initiate the starting operation by actuation of the ignition switch.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus and method for remotely starting an internal combustion engine, the apparatus being simplified and having transmitting circuitry issuing a predetermined set of coded signals, selectively enabling receiving circuitry and receiver control circuitry by which the engine is remotely started and accessories remotely actuated.

Abstract: In an auxiliary apparatus for starting a diesel engine having a quick preheating circuit operable by the switching of a key-switch from its OFF to ON position and an afterglow circuit operated by the return of the key-switch from the ST position to ON position, there is provided a heat maintenance preheating circuit to maintain the temperature of the glow plugs for a predetermined time after the quick preheating operation is finished. The heat maintenance preheating circuit for maintaining the temperature begins its operation just after the immediate heating operation by the quick preheating circuit is finished, and continues its operation for a predetermined period while the key-switch is at its ON position. As a result, even when the engine is not started to operate immediately after the initial preheating, the temperature of the glow plugs is kept at the predetermined temperature, thus assuring smooth starting of the engine.

Abstract: A remotely controlled engine starter and protective system, particularly for engine driven vehicles, in which a remotely located radio transmitter is utilized to initiate energization of the starter motor; a first timer opens the starter circuit if the engine does not start in approximately ten seconds, and if the engine starts, a second timer is operative to stop the engine after approximately ten minutes.

Abstract: A programmable electronic 24 hours/7 days timer is operatively connected to various circuits which, in one mode, start or attempt to start the engine at any pre-determined intervals, let it run for a pre-determined time and then switch it off. A thermoswitch arrangement can be incorporated with the timer so that this function may be controlled by temperature rather than timed intervals and can eliminate any day or days, if desired. Further circuitry is provided which enables equipment such as engines, block heaters, interior car warmers, and the like, connected to main voltage, to be switched on and off at pre-determined intervals, if desired.

Abstract: An automatic engine control system in which all solid state circuitry is isolated by open switches, open relay contacts and reversed biased diodes from either ground or the power supply during the standby state of the system. All solid state circuitry except that contained in the alarm circuitry is isolated during an alarm condition after shutdown of the engine has been effected. Novel circuitry is used for allowing the latching of a fault response relay while at the same time removing ground from other solid state circuitry. Further, the automatic engine starter and controller of the present invention utilizes unique and novel means for controlling the battery charger of the controlled engine and for initiating and resetting solid state timing circuitry.

Abstract: Automatic starters for an internal combustion engine and to a circuit for automatically starting the engine of an automotive vehicle at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A switching circuit for automatically restarting a vehicle engine upon stalling including a normally open vacuum relay connected to the intake manifold of the engine which closes in response to stalling of the engine to electrically connect the vehicle battery to the cranking solenoid of the engine and to simultaneously cause actuation of a solenoid-operated fuel valve element to admit fuel to the engine to prime it. An auxiliary circuit is provided to maintain the valve closed after the engine restarts to prevent a discontinuity in the fuel supply.

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 when the engine flywheel is stationary. If the starter switch is released and quickly closed again, the system also includes circuit means by which the starter motor is reoperated immediately provided that the release time is only a few milliseconds.

Abstract: A road vehicle electrical system has an alternator which provides power through a rectifier to a battery, and also supplies a third supply line used for feeding an ignition warning lamp. Control means for the starting system of the vehicle is associated with the supply lines in such a way that once the engine has started and the third supply line is energized, a further attempt cannot be made to start the engine until the engine has stopped.

Abstract: A start timer circuit for a diesel engine is responsive to the operator actuated start switch. The timer circuit energizes the engine start motor circuit for at least a minimum time, sufficient to avoid sustained firing of the engine at a low speed. Safety circuits prevent false energization of the start motor circuit in the event of malfunction or failure of various circuit components.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control system is disclosed wherein a switch is provided for stopping the engine when the ignition switch is closed and another switch is provided for re-starting the engine without operation of the ignition switch. The control system also includes a starter control which interrupts the engine starter circuit while the engine is running.

Abstract: An automatic monitoring and recharging system adapted to continuously monitor the terminal voltage of a D.C. storage battery and, whenever the terminal voltage falls below a first preselected value, to automatically initiate an engine-driven A.C. generator which is utilized to recharge the storage battery. The recharging interval is terminated when the recharging current attains a second preselected value whereupon the system is automatically returned to a voltage monitoring status.The monitoring and recharging system of the present invention finds particular utility with respect to storage batteries used in association with recreational vehicles.

Abstract: A starter drive for an internal combustion engine has a plunger pole starting motor drivably connected to a pinion adapted to engage the ring gear on the engine when cranking the engine. A shift fork is pivotally mounted on a lever arm connected to the plunger pole and a single spring urges the shift fork to position the pinion in cranking position when the motor is energized and returns the shift fork to position the pinion in non-cranking position when the motor is deenergized. Space is made available for a cushioning device between the motor and pinion to absorb starting torque.

Abstract: A mechanism and circuit is disclosed for starting an automobile engine automatically at a predetermined time. The mechanism includes a timer which can be set to operate starting at a certain time, for example, to operate from 7:45 A.M., thus the automobile will be warm and ready for a trip at, say 8:00 A.M. An operation timer is provided to shut off the engine after a predetermined time, for example, ten minutes and a thermostat is provided which will shut off the engine when the automobile has reached the desired temperature.

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: A vehicle battery jumper system can be manually activated to start a vehicle in the event the battery associated with that vehicle cannot operate the starter system of the vehicle.