Methods for starting an internal combustion engine

• US 6,988,475 B2
• Filed: 03/10/2004
• Issued: 01/24/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: KOLD BAN International Limited
• Original Assignee: KOLD BAN International Limited
• Inventors: Burke, James O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dolinar, Andrew M.
• Application Number:
  US10/797,638
• Publication Number:
  US 20040261743A1
• Time in Patent Office: 685 Days
• Field of Search: 123/179.1, 123/179.3, 123/179.28, 123/198.R, 290/50, 290/38.R, 307/10.6, 320/104, 320/105
• US Class Current: 123/179.28
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/0866 comprising several power sources, e.g. battery and capacitor or two batteries
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/14 Starting of engines by means of electric starters with external current supply F02N11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 2011/0885 Capacitors, e.g. for additional power supply

Abstract

A method for starting an internal combustion engine coupled with a cranking motor, which is coupled with an electrical battery, includes connecting a capacitor with an electrical system of another engine or battery, wherein the capacitor is disconnected from the cranking motor coupled with the first engine, and charging the capacitor with the electrical system of the other engine or battery. The method further includes connecting the capacitor with the cranking motor coupled with the first engine, at a time when the first battery has insufficient charge to start the first engine, and starting the first engine with the cranking motor and the capacitor. A portable rapid-delivery power supply apparatus for providing a supplementary source of power to an electrical system includes a capacitor having connectors adapted to be connected to the electrical system and a charging device coupled to the capacitor, wherein the charger is powered by alternating current.

Claims

1. A method for starting one internal combustion engine, said one engine coupled with a cranking motor, said cranking motor coupled with an electrical battery, said method comprising:

(a) connecting a capacitor with an electrical system of another engine while said capacitor is disconnected from said cranking motor coupled with said one engine, wherein said capacitor is mounted on a cart;

then

(b) charging the capacitor with said electrical system of said another engine;

then

(c) at a time when said electrical battery has insufficient charge to start said one engine, disconnecting said capacitor from said electrical system of said another engine and connecting said capacitor with said cranking motor coupled with said one engine;

then

(d) starting said one engine with said cranking motor and said capacitor; and

(e) moving said cart with said capacitor.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said capacitor is characterized by a capacitance greater than 320 farads.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said capacitor is further characterized by an internal resistance at 1 kHz and 20°

C. that is less than about 0.008 ohms.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the capacitor is characterized by an internal resistance at 1 kHz and 20°

C. that is less than about 0.006 ohms.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the capacitor is characterized by an internal resistance at 1 kHz and 20°

C. that is less than about 0.003 ohms.

6. A method for starting an internal combustion engine, said engine coupled with a cranking motor, said cranking motor coupled with an electrical battery, said method comprising:

(a) charging a portable capacitor with a charging device powered by alternating current, wherein said capacitor and said charging device are supported on a cart;

then

(b) at a time when the battery has insufficient charge to start said engine, temporarily connecting said capacitor with said cranking motor coupled with said engine;

then

(d) starting said engine with said cranking motor and said capacitor;

then

(e) disconnecting said capacitor from said cranking motor; and

(f) moving said cart with said capacitor and said charging device.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said capacitor is characterized by a capacitance greater than 320 farads.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein said capacitor is further characterized by an internal resistance at 1 kHz and 20°

C. that is less than about 0.008 ohms.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the capacitor is characterized by an internal resistance at 1 kHz and 20°

C. that is less than about 0.006 ohms.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the capacitor is characterized by an internal resistance at 1 kHz and 20°

C. that is less than about 0.003 ohms.

11. A portable rapid-delivery power supply apparatus for providing a supplementary source of power to an electrical system coupled to an internal combustion engine comprising:

a capacitor having connectors adapted to be connected to the electrical system;

a charging device coupled to said capacitor, wherein said charging device is powered by alternating current; and

a cart, wherein said capacitor and said charging device are mounted on said cart.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said capacitor is characterized by a capacitance greater than 320 farads.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said capacitor is further characterized by an internal resistance at 1 kHz and 20°

C. that is less than about 0.008 ohms.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said connectors comprise a pair of cables.