Warning device for internal combustion engine

• US 4,965,549 A
• Filed: 06/12/1989
• Issued: 10/23/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/1986
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Takashi Koike
• Original Assignee: Takashi Koike
• Inventors: Koike, Takashi
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US07/368,941
• Time in Patent Office: 498 Days
• Field of Search: 340/516, 340/525, 340/438, 340/441, 340/450-450.3, 340/455
• US Class Current: 340/516
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0232 for measuring vehicle parameters and indicating critical, abnormal or dangerous conditions
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 61/045 for marine engines

Abstract

A warning system for an internal combustion engine that is not provided with external source of electric power and which indicates a malfunction or abnormal condition in the engine. The warning system is operated from the engine ignition circuit upon initial starting to provide self checking.

Claims

1. A warning system for an internal combustion engine devoid of an external source of electric power, generating means driven by said engine, for generating the sole electric power upon the operation of said engine, an electrically powered warning device for indicating an abnormality in an engine condition, and means for operating said warning device upon the existence of both initial starting of said engine and running of said engine at a speed above a predetermined speed and in the absence of an abnormality in the engine condition for a time period only for self checking of said warning device.

2. A warning system for an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the warning device is powered by the generating means.

3. A warning system for an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for operating the warning device upon initial starting of the engine operates the warning device until the generating means provides full power output.

4. A warning system for an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 3 wherein the warning device is powered by the generating means.

5. A warning system for an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the generating means comprises a magneto generator for firing a spark plug of the engine.

6. A warning system for an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 5 wherein the means for operating the warning device upon initial starting of the engine operates the warning device until the generating means provides full power output.

7. A warning system for an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 6 wherein the warning device is powered by the generating means.

8. A warning system for an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 5 wherein the means for operating the warning device comprises timer means for operating the warning means before the generating voltage becomes a predetermined voltage.