Kohler Company

William T Volmary

Jonathan D Churchill

Jeffrey S Stueven

An ignition system for an engine includes a position detector that generates a signal pulse while a segment of a member driven by the engine rotates past a given angular position. A first circuit produces a speed indicative voltage having a magnitude that is proportional to a duration of the signal pulse from the position detector. Upon termination of the signal pulse, a second circuit produces a second voltage the magnitude of which varies exponentially and an offset voltage is added to the second voltage at a node if the signal pulse is absent. A comparator has inputs coupled to the node and to the first circuit and produces an ignition signal when the voltage at the node and the speed indicative voltage are substantially equal.

Apparatus and method for controlling ignition of an internal combustion

A throttle controller for an internal combustion engine employs a stepper motor to move the throttle valve and provides a controller to permit the use of the stepper motor. The stepper motor requires no return spring or position sensor and hence offer weight and cost advantages. The throttle position is deduced by means of an up-down counter tracking movement of the stepper motor during throttle control. The controller includes an integration means to accommodate the unknown starting throttle position. A fuel cutoff solenoid is activated in the event of over-speed or power loss. An engine speed signal for the controller is produced by a variable reluctance sensor providing a signal to a slope detector circuit to eliminate the influence of external magnetic fields.

Growing community of inventors

Sheboygan, WI, United States of America

William T Volmary