Abstract:
A capacitive-discharge ignition system having a step advance is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the ignition thyristor is gated on at low engine speeds by a first control means in response to a primary winding output signal, and is gated on at higher engine speeds by a second control means in response to a charge winding output signal. In alternate embodiments, the first control means is responsive to a primary winding signal having a first polarity, and the second control means is responsive to a primary winding signal of the opposite polarity. The charge winding is located on a leading pole of a stator, with the primary winding disposed on a distinct, trailing pole. This arrangement enables the charge capacitor to fully charge before the ignition thyristor is gated on.
Abstract:
A continuously advancing capacitive discharge ignition system for small internal combustion engines is disclosed in which both the negative and the positive half-cycles of the control winding output signal may be used for the continuous timing advance. Gating of the ignition SCR is controlled by applying a voltage divided first control signal to the SCR gate and a phase shifted second control signal to the SCR cathode. The predetermined voltage differential between the first control signal and the second control signal, which is reached progressively earlier with increased engine speed, is used to gate on the SCR earlier as speed increases to achieve continuous timing advance.
Abstract:
An engine speed limiter is disclosed in which the ignition primary winding is shorted to limit engine speed whenever an ignition pulse is received by a switch at the same time that a switch is gated on by a positive output pulse from a timing circuit. A signal conditioning circuit receives a positive-going pulse from the ignition primary winding and outputs a conditioned signal to the timer to begin the timer's positive output signal. The speed limiter is suitable to be retrofit onto existing ignition systems.
Abstract:
An automatic choke for a small internal combustion engine uses an air vane responsive to an air flow created by a radial fan to position the choke valve during engine starting. A return spring or gravity may be used to reset the automatic choke after the engine has been stopped. The automatic choke includes a thermally-responsive device that keeps the choke at least partially open during hot restarts of the engine.
Abstract:
An electronic governor is disclosed for power producing and power absorbing devices having a minimum number of component parts. Power for all of the electronic governor components is supplied by a small coil, thereby avoiding the need for an additional coil frame or other power source. In a preferred embodiment, power supply circuitry converts the alternating signal from the coil to a direct current signal to power the governor. A signal conditioner also provides a low state signal to a 555 timer to start the timing cycle. The length of the timing cycle, and thus the high state control signal output of the timer, is a function of the desired device speed. When the timer output is at a high state while at the same time the alternating signal from the coil is at its first polarity, one or more switches conduct to adjust an electromagnetic actuator. In one embodiment, the switches control a motor connected to an engine throttle and operated in a stepper mode. In another embodiment, the switch shunts a portion of the alternating signal from a capacitor connected across an electromagnetic throttle positioner, thereby partially closing the engine throttle.
Abstract:
Each time throttle actuator current changes, a control voltage input to a control timer also temporarily changes. As a result, the desired set speed is temporarily changed during changes in engine throttle position so that system stability is maintained without the use of any permanent speed droop. System gain can be varied by changing the frequency of the gated oscillator while system stability can be controlled by varying the RC time constant in the differentiator network.
Abstract:
A magneto ignition system includes a rotating magnet driven past a primary winding for firing the engine. The magneto generates a speed dependent signal having a following current pulse and a leading current pulse of a smaller amplitude than the following pulse. A Darlington power transistor has a collector connected in series with a voltage dropping resistor or diode to the winding. A resistor bias circuit connects the primary winding to the input of the power transistor. A cut-off transistor is connected to by-pass the bias circuit of the Darlington power transistor and thereby generate a pulse in the primary winding. A timing capacitor is connected to the primary winding in series with a diode and charging resistor. A control transistor has its input circuit connected between the timing capacitor and the resistors of the bias circuit. The control transistor responds to the differential of the bias circuit voltage and the capacitor voltage, whereby the control transistor drives the cut-off transistor to turn off the power transistor during the decreasing side of the winding circuit after it peaks at starting and low speeds and progressively increases with a gradual advance during the starting speed range, and includes a maximum advance established prior to the peak current value.
Abstract:
An automatic choke for a small internal combustion engine uses an air vane responsive to an air flow created by a radial fan to position the choke valve during engine starting. A return spring or gravity may be used to reset the automatic choke after the engine has been stopped. The automatic choke includes a thermally-responsive device that keeps the choke at least partially open during hot restarts of the engine.
Abstract:
The improved battery-powered lawnmower includes a safety key that is automatically removed when the removable battery is removed, while at the same time blocking the battery recharger receptacle. The lawnmower also includes a control circuit that shuts off the lawnmower upon the occurrence of one or more of several predetermined conditions, including low battery voltage, the encountering of heavy grass for a period of 3 seconds or more, and high motor current that may occur when the cutting blade is jammed. The cutting blade is designed to move through any debris accumulated between the blade ends and the housing sidewall without sacrificing the lift for needed cutting and mulching. The invention also includes a unique height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the chassis, a handle attachment that allows the handle to be positively tightened to the lawnmower chassis, and a telescoping groove for the battery's quick connect/disconnect terminals.
Abstract:
A stabilizer system creates a temporary droop to stabilize a governor for an internal combustion engine and reduce permanent droop and hunting of the engine. The governor adjusts the position of a throttle in response to engine speed to achieve a desired engine speed. The stabilizer system temporarily applies a force on the governor that initially resists sudden movement of the governor arm, and causes a temporary speed droop. The initial resistance of the stabilizer system helps prevent the governor from overshooting the desired speed and hunting. The temporary droop is then removed to permit the governor to achieve the desired speed to help prevent permanent droop.