Abstract:
Ignition pulses derived from an engine ignition coil primary are fed to the input of an ignition interruption circuit that employs an integrated circuit timer. The state of the output terminal of the timer is governed by an RC time constant circuit and by trigger signals supplied by a trigger circuit in response to occurrence of each ignition pulse. The timer output is coupled to the gate of an SCR which when it receives gate current as a result of the timer output being in a high state becomes conductive and bypasses ignition pulses to ground to thereby lower engine rpm to a preset minimum in which case gate current is removed and at least enough ignition pulses are allowed to be unbypassed for keeping the engine running above stalling speed. The timer, in effect, compares the interval between pulses with its time constant. When the intervals are longer than the time constant period the timer output remains low and provides no gate current, but when the opposite condition exists gate current is supplied until the intervals between ignition pulses equal or exceed the time constant period.
Abstract:
An ignition energy control method and system such that a high ignition energy is supplied to the spark plugs only while the engine is operating under an unstable condition. The unstable engine operating condition is determined by detecting the difference in the maximum engine speed within a predetermined crankshaft revolution angle or by detecting the low-frequency vibration generated by the engine. The ignition energy is controlled by calculating an appropriate pulse-width of an ignition signal or by changing a high voltage generating plasma within the cylinders. The ignition energy control system according to the present invention comprises a crankshaft angle sensor or a low-frequency vibration sensor, a calculating and storing means, and an ignition system including a plasma generating power supply where necessary.
Abstract:
A safety system for limiting the speed of a fuel powered engine, particularly an internal combustion engine of a vehicle or machine, preferably by controlling the engine ignition. The system is especially useful for vehicles such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, power boats, and the like. An alternating or pulsed electrical output directly proportional to engine rpm is detected and the rpm is limited to one of two or more different levels, depending upon the condition of a programming switch or switches, in this embodiment a throttle switch. An upper level limits engine speed to a safe rpm in the event of load removal, such as when a drive belt breaks or a gear change is missed. Engine speed is limited to a lower level if the throttle switch indicates idle rpm is desired and if the engine does not begin to decelerate from a higher rpm within a predetermined time, regardless of the actual throttle condition. In drives utilizing automatic drive clutches, the lower level of rpm is below the engine speed necessary to engage the clutch.
Abstract:
Gear shifting in an automotive vehicle with internal combustion engine, particularly a motorcycle, is facilitated by a mechanism which automatically inactivates the ignition circuit in response to operation of a speed or gear shifting member, and again activates the ignition circuit with a predetermined delay after inactivating.
Abstract:
A device for slowing an internal combustion engine in the event of oil pressure failure at an engine speed above idle, includes an SCR with the gate thereof connected through a resistor to the field winding of the engine generator. The SCR is connected between an oil pressure sensing switch typically provided for the engine, and the ignition distributor points. Should the oil pressure switch close, indicating low oil pressure, and the engine is turning at sufficient speed so that the generator field provides enough voltage to the SCR gate, the SCR will fire and short the ignition.
Abstract:
An ignition system for a small internal combustion engine is energized by an alternator which is rotatably driven in association with the engine, and ignition pulses are supplied to the engine in timed relation with the movement of a plurality of different pistons in response to trigger signals generated by a trigger mechanism. The ignition pulses are produced by a capacitive discharge ignition circuit having a pulse transformer associated with each of the different pistons, and the energization of each pulse transformer is controlled by a corresponding switch which is actuated by a trigger signal generated in an associated trigger coil by the rotational movement of a magnetic trigger rotor driven in association with the engine. The trigger rotor carries magnetic means in association with an outer member of magnetically conductive material and having an eccentric configuration defining an intervening air gap with the trigger coil which varies with the movement of the trigger rotor. A radial slot is formed in the periphery of the outer member at a location furthest from the axis of rotation, and the magnetic means provide magnetic poles of opposite polarity on opposite sides of the radial slot to establish a magnetic field with flux reversal for generating a trigger signal of maximum magnitude at low engine speeds. To advance the timing of the ignition pulses a notch is formed in the periphery of the trigger rotor adjacent the radial slot to provide a variation in the flux density for generating a trigger signal which becomes sufficient to actuate the switches upon acceleration of the engine to a predetermined speed.
Abstract:
A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes first and second sets of charging and trigger coils, two capacitive discharge ignition circuit arrangements each including a charging capacitor and a silicon rectifier switch for discharging the charging capacitor and two ignition coils. The two charging coils provide a split power supply which charges the capacitor of the first ignition circuit arrangement to a predetermined voltage of a first polarity and a capacitor of the second ignition circuit arrangement to approximately the same voltage at an opposite polarity. The capacitors are charged in steps rather than all at once. Delay circuits coupled to the trigger coils of the first and second sets of coils shunt the third of a series of three pulses induced in the corresponding trigger coils to prevent the operation of a corresponding silicon controlled rectifier switch thereby avoiding premature discharge of the charging capacitors as well as the operation of the engine in reverse.
Abstract:
A truck, coupled to one or more trailers, has a differential pump driven by the truck''s power plant, the pump including an output shaft mechanically coupled to a truck driving wheel, fluid outlet and inlet ports, mechanical reacting means for driving the output shaft at a speed which varies inversely with the quantity of fluid flowing through the pump, (preferably the pump having a by-pass valve for replacing a mechanical clutch), and one or more hydraulic motors on the trailer connected by conduits through coupling means to the truck and pump. The motors may be of variable, positive displacement, controlled from the truck, so that when the displacements are zero no torque is applied to the trailer; or they may be fixed displacement and connected to valves which alter the flow route to vary the effective motor displacement. Thereby the trailer can be started on poor ground, can drive the truck engine in compression, and can maintain tension on the mechanical coupling. A truck towing several trailers is disclosed.
Abstract:
An ignition system of the fly wheel magneto type including a pulser rotor which develops an output in the associated coil sufficient to provide an energizing spark to the associated spark plug when a rotor is rotating in the desired direction of the rotor and minimal output when the rotor is rotating in the opposite direction to inhibit energization of the spark plug.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a safety circuit for an engine ignition system which includes a semiconductor switch which is in the form of two transistors and which is connectable to the engine alternator, the battery and the high-voltage power supply. The semiconductor switch is responsive to increases in current output from the alternator. When the engine starter rotates the alternator at speeds exceeding 50 revolutions per minute, the switch closes and provides a circuit path connecting the battery to the high-voltage power source to cause ignition voltages to start the engine.