Importance

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Abstract

A safety system for limiting the speed of a fuel powered engine, particularly an internal combustion engine of a vehicle or machine, preferably by controlling the engine ignition. The system is especially useful for vehicles such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, power boats, and the like. An alternating or pulsed electrical output directly proportional to engine rpm is detected and the rpm is limited to one of two or more different levels, depending upon the condition of a programming switch or switches, in this embodiment a throttle switch. An upper level limits engine speed to a safe rpm in the event of load removal, such as when a drive belt breaks or a gear change is missed. Engine speed is limited to a lower level if the throttle switch indicates idle rpm is desired and if the engine does not begin to decelerate from a higher rpm within a predetermined time, regardless of the actual throttle condition. In drives utilizing automatic drive clutches, the lower level of rpm is below the engine speed necessary to engage the clutch.

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First Claim