Microprocessor-based diesel engine cold start controller
First Claim
1. A reconfigurable diesel engine cold start control apparatus comprising:
- a programmable controller having stored therein configuration data defining first and second types of cold start assist apparatus;
a cold start assist apparatus for the engine, said cold start assist apparatus being one of said first and second types;
an ignition switch;
a cold start switch;
said controller being responsive to actuation of said cold start switch for generating a signal having a first duration when said configuration data defines said first type of cold start assist apparatus and a second duration when said configuration data defines said second type of cold start assist apparatus; and
,means responsive to said signal and said ignition switch for energizing said cold start assist apparatus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A cold start control apparatus for diesel engines includes a cold start switch, engine temperature and speed sensors and a transistor all connected to a programmable controller. The transistor is connected in a series circuit with a cold start relay and the series circuit is connected to the run/crank positions of an ignition switch. The relay has a pair of contacts through which a battery voltage may be applied to a cold start assist apparatus provided for the engine. The cold start assist apparatus may be a thermostart element such as a glow plug ignitor, or a solenoid controlled ether injection system. A permanent memory in the controller stores an indication of the type of cold start assist apparatus provided for the engine. The controller senses for actuation of the cold start switch and applies a signal to the transistor thus turning it on if (1) the ignition key is in the run or crank position, (2) the engine is cold and (3) the cold start assist apparatus is a thermostart element. On the other hand if the cold start assist apparatus is an ether injection system, the controller responds to actuation of the cold start switch to apply a signal to the transistor only if (1) the engine is cold, (2) the ignition switch is in the crank position and (3) the engine speed is at least as great as a predetermined speed. While the transistor is on, voltage is applied to the cold start assist apparatus.
18 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A reconfigurable diesel engine cold start control apparatus comprising:
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a programmable controller having stored therein configuration data defining first and second types of cold start assist apparatus; a cold start assist apparatus for the engine, said cold start assist apparatus being one of said first and second types; an ignition switch; a cold start switch; said controller being responsive to actuation of said cold start switch for generating a signal having a first duration when said configuration data defines said first type of cold start assist apparatus and a second duration when said configuration data defines said second type of cold start assist apparatus; and
,means responsive to said signal and said ignition switch for energizing said cold start assist apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification