Control system for engine lubricant level sensor
First Claim
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1. A control system used with an engine lubricant level sensor, comprising:
- a switch that closes when the engine has a low lubricant level during engine starting;
a start prevention circuit that prevents starting of the engine if said switch is closed during an attempted engine starting;
a disabler that disables said start prevention circuit only after engine starting during substantially all of the remaining time that the engine is operated before the engine is shut off; and
a winding that provides power to said disabler;
whereby the disabling means prevents the shutting down of the engine due to a low lubricant level after the engine has started.
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Abstract
A control system for an engine low oil sensor prevents engine starting if the oil level is below a predetermined level, but thereafter enables the engine to run uninterrupted even if the oil level becomes low during engine operation. After the engine is shut off for any reason, the control system resets so that the low oil switch is operable during the next attempted restart of the engine. The control system also includes a visual or audible indicator that indicates when engine starting is prevented due to a low oil condition.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A control system used with an engine lubricant level sensor, comprising:
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a switch that closes when the engine has a low lubricant level during engine starting; a start prevention circuit that prevents starting of the engine if said switch is closed during an attempted engine starting; a disabler that disables said start prevention circuit only after engine starting during substantially all of the remaining time that the engine is operated before the engine is shut off; and a winding that provides power to said disabler; whereby the disabling means prevents the shutting down of the engine due to a low lubricant level after the engine has started. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A control system used with an engine lubrication sensor, comprising:
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means for sensing that the engine has a low lubricant level during engine starting; means for preventing starting of the engine if said sensing means senses a low lubricant level during an attempted engine starting; means for disabling said start preventing means after the engine has started during substantially all of the time that the engine is operated before the engine is shut off; and a winding that provides power to said disabler; whereby the disabling means prevents the shutting down of the engine due to a low lubricant level only after the engine has started. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of controlling engine operation, said engine having a low lubricant sensor, comprising:
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sensing, during starting of the engine, that the engine has a low lubricant level; preventing starting of the engine if a low lubricant level is sensed during engine starting;
preventing the shutting down of the engine, using a disabler, due to a low lubricant level only after the engine has started; andproviding power to the disabler using a winding. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification