Abstract:
To dispense with a key cylinder and permit or stop operation of an engine with ease, an engine starting system of the present invention comprises a power source activation unit, an engine control unit, a propelled-object-side equipment, a steering wheel locking unit, a switch, and a portable equipment. The portable equipment includes a transmitter-receiver, a memory circuit, and a control circuit. The propelled-object-side equipment includes a transmitter-receiver, a memory circuit, and a control circuit. The propelled-object-side equipment transmits an inquiry signal to the portable equipment in response to an actuation signal of the switch, and the portable equipment transmits an answer signal corresponding to the inquiry signal. If the answer signal corresponds to the inquiry signal, the control circuit unlocks the steering wheel locking unit, permits the engine to be started, and performs various operations depending on how many times and how long the switch is actuated.
Abstract:
A trolling motor position responsive system is disclosed that warns and/or prevents a powerboat operator from engaging an outboard motor while the trolling motor remains deployed in the water. The system comprises a trolling motor position sensor that is in communication with an ignition switch, wherein the sensor activates an alarm and/or a ignition disabling switch when an operator attempts to engage the outboard motor when the trolling motor remains deployed in the water. An interval-on relay is also provided that limits the amount of time that the alarm and/or the ignition disabling switch are activated. The interval-on relay further prevents against wave-induced alarms with certain types of trolling motor position sensors in accordance with the present invention. A device is also provided that is easily retrofittable with the existing ignition system of a powerboat.
Abstract:
A programmable interface which connects to an engine control device and allows convenient entry of engine performance limitation data such as maximum allowable vehicle speed and engine RPM's. Such entered data is stored and processed so as to interface with existing and/or modified engine controllers to produce the desired vehicle performance limitations. Programmable data entry devices include an alphanumeric keypad, a wireless remote keypad, a keychain unit, and an encoded ignition key. Wireless transfer of data can be achieved through RF or light transmitters/receivers, or active and passive transponders/interrogators. Once processed, the data can be used, for instance, to alter or generate pulse trains which control ignition spark, fuel injection, or carburetion.
Abstract:
A programmable interface which connects to an engine control device and allows convenient entry of engine performance limitation data such as maximum allowable vehicle speed and engine RPM's. Such entered data is stored and processed so as to interface with existing and/or modified engine controllers to produce the desired vehicle performance limitations. Programmable data entry devices include an alphanumeric keypad, a wireless remote keypad, a keychain unit, and an encoded ignition key. Wireless transfer of data can be achieved through RF or light transmitters/receivers, or active and passive transponders/interrogators. Once processed, the data can be used, for instance, to alter or generate pulse trains which control ignition spark, fuel injection, or carburetion.
Abstract:
An enabling device for a motor vehicle having an electronic ignition system including an engine control circuit for controlling the electronic ignition system of the motor vehicle, a hardware limited operating system for controlling the electronic ignition system, a latch electrically connected to the control circuit to enable the electronic ignition system, and an override circuit electrically connected to the latch and the hardware limited operating system to enable the hardware limited operating system.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an operating-mode position selector arrangement for an internal combustion engine in a portable handheld tool such as a motor-driven chain saw. The engine includes an electrical ignition system and is supplied with a fuel mixture by a carburetor. In a start position of the operating-mode position selector, the position selector holds the choke flap and the throttle flap of the carburetor in pregiven start positions. In an operating position of the operating-mode position selector, the throttle flap is released for actuation via a throttle lever and the choke flap is fully opened. In a stop position of the operating-mode position selector, an electric contact is closed between a terminal of the electric ignition system and ground. The different positions of the operating-mode position selector are detected electrically. This is achieved in that for the operating position of the operating-mode position selector, the terminal of the electric ignition system is connected to ground via a further electric contact and a resistor. In this way, the operating position of the operating-mode position selector can be distinguished from the stop position and the start position because of the different voltages which adjust in each position.
Abstract:
A safety circuit coupled to an ignition circuit and a magneto coil for disabling an engine that powers a riding lawn mower. The circuit includes a triac which is rendered conductive in response to a sensed unsafe condition. The triac turns on to short the magneto coil and prevent generation of a spark plug energization voltage. A capacitor coupled to the triac gate electrode charges in the event an unsafe condition is sensed and is prevented from charging when operating conditions are safe.
Abstract:
An efficient, portable, easy to operate tool employing a linear motor is disclosed that is powered by the gases produced from the internal combustion of a fuel and air mixture. A supply of liquified gas stored under pressure in a cylinder provides the source of power. The linear motor is slidably mounted within a cylinder to move reciprocally downwardly and upwardly through a driving and return stroke. A combustion chamber is formed at the upper end of the cylinder. A spark plug powered by a piezo-electric firing device is located within the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber features a turbulence generator, such as a fan, driven by an electric motor which is continuously in operation when the tool is in use. A main valve mechanism actuated by a set of lifting rods that are moved upwardly and downwardly when the tool is moved towards and away from the workpiece, is used to control the opening and closing of the combustion chamber and to control the flow of fresh air through the combustion chamber. When the combustion chamber is isolated from the atmosphere and the fuel and air are thoroughly mixed, the spark plug is fired to explode the fuel and air mixture and force the linear motor through its driving stroke. The linear motor is returned to its driving position by a spring or air acting against the underside of the linear motor. The unique use of the electric fan improves the overall operational efficiency of the tool and the utilization of the liquified combustible gas.
Abstract:
A portable gas-fired fastener driving tool in which the tool cannot be operated until the combustion chamber is closed and the combustion chamber cannot be reopened after ignition until the trigger is released. The operation of the trigger is permitted by the actuation of a bottom trip mechanism which controls the movement of a sleeve mechanism that regulates the opening and closing of the combustion chamber. During the driving action, the combustion gases above the piston are evacuated through valved openings in the cylinder adjacent the bottom thereof. The piston contacts a bumper at the bottom of its travel and the difference between the vacuum in the combustion chamber and atmospheric air acts to return the piston to its driving position.
Abstract:
An encoded electrical control systems for motor vehicle employs an encoder/transmitter that provides an encoded signal and a receiver/decoder which effectuates control of an associated device only upon receipt of a signal containing the code unique to that specific receiver/decoder.For motor vehicle applications, a secure ignition system is acheived by enclosing the encoder/transmitter in a tamperproof housing associated with the ignition switch assembly. The encoded signal is transmitted when the ignition switch is closed. The receiver/decoder is contained in another tamperproof housing adjacent an ignition system component essential to engine operation, and, only upon receipt of the unique, encoded signal from the transmitter, effectuates a necessary electrical connection to this ignition system component. Operation also may be initiated by an electronic lock in place of the conventional ignition switch.