Abstract:
An electronic device for the ignition system of an engine, which may incorporate circuitry for voltage amplification via transformer action, while also containing circuitry for sensing operational parameters, circuitry for calculation of derived values from the sensed data or operational parameters, circuitry for storage of the data and derived values, circuitry for engine system control, and circuitry for the wireless communication of data and derived values.
Abstract:
An Apparatus, method and system that blocks vehicle engine starting and reduces engine power when a driver's blood alcohol content is above a pre-set limit. The invention receives an electronic signal from at least one electronically controlled engine sensor and modifies the at least one signal such that the electronically controlled engine is not allowed to start or engine power is reduced, as relating to driver intoxication.
Abstract:
A slave controller for a remote vehicle starting system. The slave controller is mounted in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine started by a starter motor. The slave controller has an antenna circuit input for connection to an antenna circuit suitable for picking up an RF signal and an output. The slave controller also has a control module, coupled to the antenna circuit input. The control module is responsive to a signal transmitted through the antenna circuit input and originating from the antenna circuit to generate a command signal at the output for directing the starter motor to crank the internal combustion engine. The control module is operative to establish a data communication with an external entity through the antenna circuit input to perform a maintenance procedure.
Abstract:
An outboard motor position responsive system is disclosed that warns and/or prevents a powerboat operator from engaging the ignition system of an outboard motor when the outboard motor is tilted up beyond a maximum safe tilt position. The system comprises an outboard motor position sensor that is in communication with an ignition switch, wherein the sensor activates an alarm and/or an ignition disabling switch when an operator attempts to engage the ignition system when the outboard motor is tilted up beyond the maximum safe tilt position. 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 outboard 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 tachometer apparatus of a remote vehicle starting system for providing tachometric information. The apparatus includes an antenna disposed proximate to the engine compartment of the vehicle and adapted to pick up an RF signal generated by the firing of the spark plugs in the engine compartment. The apparatus also includes an RF detector having the antenna coupled to the input thereof and providing at its output a tachometer signal for coupling to a controller and providing a signal indicative of the running status of the vehicle engine and of the tach speed of the engine.
Abstract:
A selective call module (102), installed in a land vehicle having an engine with an ignition system (118), has a selective call receiver (104), a microprocessor (106) and a non-volatile memory (108). The selective call module is connected to an engine control module (116) of the land vehicle. The microprocessor decodes received selective call signals and causes the selective call module to enter into a shutdown state upon decoding of a shutdown page. In the shutdown state, the selective call module measures the engine speed and immediately shuts down the engine by completely turning off the ignition system if the engine speed is less than a pre-set value. The selective call module gradually shuts down the engine by interrupting the ignition system for gradually increasing durations if the engine speed is greater than the pre-set value.
Abstract:
An engine security system includes a security device adapted to receive a sequence of timing pulses which is generated in dependence on the rotation of the engine. The device generates an ignition pulse sequence synchronous with rotation of the engine from the sequence of timing pulses on receipt of an enabling code. The ignition pulse sequence is supplied to the ignition system of the engine for the generation of ignition sparks. The pulses in the timing pulse sequence occur at different times from pulses in the ignition pulse sequence. In preferred embodiments, the sequence of timing pulses includes an identity code encoded therein.
Abstract:
An improved engine shut-off system is provided in which the likelihood of a safe failure is maximized and the likehood of an unsafe failure is minimized. Both terminals of the engine's first safety stop switch are connected in the ignition circuit so that if either wire leading to a stop switch terminal is grounded or breaks, a fail-safe condition exists. A first terminal of the first stop switch is connected in circuit to the main coil's primary winding, and the second terminal is connected in circuit to either the control switch means or the trigger coil. An optional second stop switch may be used in conjection with the first stop switch. The optional second stop switch may be a seat switch.
Abstract:
Two embodiments of starting systems for internal combustion engines that prevent backfiring by precluding starting when the kill switch is energized. In one embodiment, the kill switch includes two pair of contacts, one for the kill circuit and one for the starting circuit, with the starting circuit contacts being normally closed and the kill circuit contacts being normally open. In the other embodiment, energization of the kill circuit also energizes a relay that opens the starting circuit.
Abstract:
An ignition system for vehicle includes switching means which is turned on in response to a given code input. The switching means may be connected in a supply line which provides a connection between a primary coil of an ignition circuit and a storage battery mounted on a vehicle, in a ground line which provides a connection between the primary coil and the electrical ground of a vehicle, or in an energization control line which provides a connection between the base of a switching transistor, acting to pass or interrupt the primary current flow, and its associated base driver, each line being disposed in an ignition circuit. The code may be entered through numerical keys, a combination of a key code emitter and a key code receiver, or a combination of a key card and a card reader. The ignition circuit is completed by allowing the switching means to be turned on only when a code entered matches a specific code which is previously stored.