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Starter thermal overload protection system

  • US 4,494,162 A
  • Filed: 10/30/1981
  • Issued: 01/15/1985
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1981
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In an internal combustion engine starting system of the type including a power source, an electric starter including motor windings within a housing, and a manually operable starter switch for selectively energizing the starter from the power source, a device for protecting the electric starter from overheating during extended cranking periods, said device comprising:

  • override circuitry electrically interposed between the starter switch and the starter, said override circuitry arranged to limit energization of the starter and consequent engine cranking to a predetermined timing sequence of alternating ON intervals and OFF intervals even though the operator continuously operates the starter switch, the predetermined timing sequence being selected so as to allow sufficient time for motor winding heat to dissipate into the starter housing to prevent excessive winding temperatures, and current sensing circuitry for sensing current drawn by the electric starter and for modifying the ON to OFF time ratio of said override circuitry as an inverse function of sensed starter current.

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