Combined tachometer and maximum speed limiting device

Claim 2

In a combined tachometer and maximum speed limiting device for an automotive engine having a transmission as well as an ignition coil and breaker points, the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter electrically connected to the breaker points and having means for producing a direct current output signal in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver in the form of a meter having a coil connected to the transmitter driving a needle which cooperates with a scale calibrated in terms of engine speed, meter contacts including a movable contact on the needle and an adjustable contact cooperating with the calibrated scale and adjustably interposable in the path of the movable contact for making contact when the speed reaches a predetermined level, an output relay having a coil and disabling contacts controlled thereby, means for disablingly connecting the disabling contacts to the ignition coil, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, a capacitor chargingly connected to the battery and connected in a loop circuit which includes the meter coil and meter contacts so that when the meter contacts close upon acHieving the predetermined speed the capacitor rush current through the meter coil urges the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure a reliable level of current flow to the relay coil so that the engine is fully powered up to the predetermined speed and completely depowered upon reaching the predetermined speed thereby to signal to the driver that the engine is in condition for shifting to the next speed of the transmission, and means for delaying drop-out of the relay for a predetermined time interval to permit shifting by the driver into the next higher speed of the transmission prior to the re-powering of the engine which accompanies drop-out of the relay.

Claim 3

In a combined tachometer and disabling device for an automotive engine having an ignition coil and ignition points, the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter coupled to the ignition coil and points and having means for producing a direct current output in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver in the form of a meter having a coil and a needle and calibrated in terms of engine speed, meter contacts including a movable contact coupled to the needle and a relatively fixed but adjustable contact in the path of movement thereof for making contact when the speed reaches a predetermined level, a relay having a coil and first and second sets of relay contacts, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, a capacitor connected in a loop circuit which includes the meter coil and meter contacts so that when the meter contacts close upon achieving the predetermined speed capacitor rush current through the meter coil urges the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure a reliable level of current flow to the relay, the first set of relay contacts being connected to the ignition coil for disabling the same when the relay closes, the second set of relay contacts being connected in a loop circuit which includes the capacitor, battery and relay coil so that when the second set of relay contacts closes capacitor rush current flows through the relay coil thereby to maintain the coil closed for a predetermined time interval with automatic resumption of the operation of the engine following such time interval.

Claim 4

In a combined tachometer and disabling device for an automotive engine having an ignition coil and ignition points, the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter coupled to the ignition coil and points and having means for producing a direct current output in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver in the form of a meter having a coil and a needle and calibrated in terms of engine speed, meter contacts including a movable contact coupled to the needle and a relatively fixed but adjustable contact in the path of movement thereof for making contact when the speed reaches a predetermined level, a relay having a coil and first and second sets of relay contacts, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, a capacitor connected in a loop circuit which includes the meter coil and meter contacts so that when the meter contacts close upon achieving the predetermined speed capacitor rush current through the meter coil urges the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure a reliable level of current flow to the relay, the first set of relay contacts being connected to the ignition coil for disabling the same when the relay closes, the second set of relay contacts being connected in a loop circuit which includes the capacitor, battery and relay coil so that when the second set of relay contacts closes capacitor rush current flows through the relay coil thereby to maintain the coil closed for a predetermined time interval with automatic resumption of the operation of the engine following such time interval.

Claim 5

The combination as claimed in claim 2 in which an adjustable resistor is interposed in series with the circuit of the capacitor so as to permit variation of the time interval during which the relay remains closed.

Claim 6

In a combination tachometer and disabling device for an automotive engine having ignition coil, the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter coupled to the engine and having means for producing a direct current output in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver including a meter having a coil and a needle, meter contacts including a movable contact coupled to the needle and a relatively fixed but adjustable contact in the path of movement thereof for making contact at a predetermined limiting speed, an output relay having a coil and relay contacts, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, a capacitor chargingly connected to the battery and connected in a loop circuit which includes the meter coil and meter contacts so that when the meter contacts close upon achieving the predetermined speed capacitor rush current through the meter coil urges the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure a reliable level of current flow to the relay, and means connected to the relay contacts for at least temporarily disabling the ignition coil and preventing any further increase in engine speed above the predetermined level.

Claim 7

In a combination tachometer and disabling device for an automotive engine having ignition coil, the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter coupled to the engine and having means for producing a direct current output in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver including a meter having a coil and a needle, meter contacts including a movable contact coupled to the needle and a relatively fixed but adjustable contact in the path of movement thereof for making contact at a predetermined limiting speed, an output relay having a coil and relay contacts, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, a capacitor chargingly connected to the battery and connected in a loop circuit which includes the meter coil and meter contacts so that when the meter contacts close upon achieving the predetermined speed capacitor rush current through the meter coil urges the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure a reliable level of current flow to the relay, and means connected to the relay contacts for at least temporarily disabling the ignition coil and preventing any further increase in engine speed above the predetermined level.

Claim 8

The combination as claimed in claim 4 in which the transmitter is coupled to the ignition coil so that when the ignition coil is disabled the meter contacts in the tachometer receiver are opened permitting the output relay to drop out thereby permitting the engine to resume functioning after brief disablement.

Claim 9

The combination as claimed in claim 4 in which means aRe provided for causing the output relay to hold in for a predetermined and adjustable time interval following the opening of the meter contacts so that the engine is disabled for a brief but predetermined time interval.

Claim 10

The combination as claimed in claim 4 in which one of the output relay contacts is connected in parallel with the meter contacts to maintain the relay in closed condition.

Claim 11

The combination as claimed in claim 4 in which one of the output relay contacts is effectively connected in parallel with the meter contacts and which a normally closed switch is provided connected in series with the relay coil for achieving drop-out upon momentary manual operation of the switch.

Claim 12

In a combined tachometer and maximum speed device or the like, the combination of a transmitter having means for producing a variable direct current signal, a receiver in the form of a meter having a coil and a pivoted needle cooperating with a calibrated scale, meter contacts including a movable contact on the needle and a relatively fixed contact adjustably interposed in the path of movement thereof, means including an electric circuit for responding to closure of the meter contacts, a capacitor, a battery for charging the capacitor, said capacitor being connected in a loop circuit including the coil and meter contacts with the charge on the capacitor having a polarity which is the same as the polarity of the signal current so that when the meter contacts close the rush current of the capacitor flows through the coil in a direction to urge the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure the making of positive contact for the responsive means.

Claim 13

In a combined tachometer and maximum speed device or the like, the combination of a transmitter having means for producing a variable direct current signal, a receiver in the form of a meter having a coil and a pivoted needle cooperating with a calibrated scale, meter contacts including a movable contact on the needle and a relatively fixed contact adjustably interposed in the path of movement thereof, means including an electric circuit for responding to closure of the meter contacts, a capacitor, a battery for charging the capacitor, said capacitor being connected in a loop circuit including the coil and meter contacts with the charge on the capacitor having a polarity which is the same as the polarity of the signal current so that when the meter contacts close the rush current of the capacitor flows through the coil in a direction to urge the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure the making of positive contact for the responsive means.

Claim 14

In a combined tachometer and maximum speed device or the like, the combination of a transmitter having means for producing a variable direct current signal, a receiver in the form of a meter having a coil and a pivoted needle cooperating with a calibrated scale, meter contacts including a movable contact on the needle and a relatively fixed contact adjustably interposed in the path of movement thereof, means including an electric circuit for responding to closure of the meter contacts, a capacitor, a battery and series resistor for charging the capacitor, said capacitor being connected in a loop circuit including the coil and meter contacts with the charge on the capacitor having a polarity which is the same as the polarity of the signal current so that when the meter contacts close the capacitor is discharged through the coil in a direction to urge the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure the making of positive contact for the responsive means.

Claim 15

In a combined tachometer and maximum speed device or the like, the combination of a transmitter having means for producing a variable direct current signal, a receiver in the form of a meter having a coil and a pivoted needle cooperating with a calibrated scale, meter contacts including a movable contact on the needle and a relatively fixed contact adjustably interposed in the path of movement thereof, means including an electric circuit for responding to closure of the meter contacts, a capacitor, a battery and series resistor for charging the capacitor, said capacitor being connected in a loop circuit including the coil and meter contacts with the charge on the capacitor having a polarity which is the same as the polarity of the signal current so that when the meter contacts close the capacitor is discharged through the coil in a direction to urge the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure the making of positive contact for the responsive means.

Claim 16

The combination as claimed in claim 9 in which the pivoted needle has an arm extending beyond the pivot and in which the movable contact is in the form of a counterweight slidably adjustable on the arm, the fixed contact being so arranged as to make contact with the movable contact in all of the adjusted positions of the latter.

Claim 17

The combination as claimed in claim 10 in which the capacitor is shunted by the battery with a high value charging resistor interposed for maintenance of charge on the capacitor following the opening of the relay.

Claim 18

In a combined tachometer and maximum speed limiting device for an automotive engine having an ignition coil and breaker points, the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter coupled to the engine and having means for producing a direct current output signal in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver in the form of a meter having a coil connected to the transmitter driving a needle and calibrated in terms of engine speed, meter contacts including a movable contact on the needle and a relatively fixed contact adjustably interposed in the path of movement thereof for making contact when the speed reaches a predetermined level, an output relay having a coil and ignition disabling contacts as well as capacitor switching contacts, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, A first capacitor connected in series with the meter contacts and meter coil so that when the meter contacts tentatively come together upon reaching the predetermined speed the capacitor is discharged through the meter coil to urge the meter contacts more forcibly together thereby to insure a reliable level of current flow to the relay coil and prompt closure of the relay contacts, a second capacitor connected in series with the meter contacts, battery, and capacitor switching contacts so that when the meter contacts and capacitor switching contacts close the second capacitor is charged, the second capacitor being connected in addition in a loop circuit which includes the capacitor switching contacts and relay coil so that when the meter contacts subsequently open the second capacitor is connected for discharge through the relay coil to hold in the relay for a predetermined short time interval and means connected to the ignition disabling contacts for temporarily disabling ignition.

Claim 19

In a combined tachometer and maximum speed limiting device for an automotive engine having an ignition coil and breaker points, the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter coupled to the engine and having means for producing a direct current output signal in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver in the form of a meter having a coil connected to the transmitter driving a needle and calibrated in terms of engine speed, meter contacts including a movable contact on the needle and a relatively fixed contact adjustably interposed in the path of movement thereof for making contact when the speed reaches a predetermined level, an output relay having a coil and ignition disabling contacts as well as capacitor switching contacts, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, A first capacitor connected in series with the meter contacts and meter coil so that when the meter contacts tentatively come together upon reaching the predetermined speed the capacitor is discharged through the meter coil to urge the meter contacts more forcibly together thereby to insure a reliable level of current flow to the relay coil and prompt closure of the relay contacts, a second capacitor connected in series with the meter contacts, battery, and capacitor switching contacts so that when the meter contacts and capacitor switching contacts close the second capacitor is charged, the second capacitor being connected in addition in a loop circuit which includes the capacitor switching contacts and relay coil so that when the meter contacts subsequently open the second capacitor is connected for discharge through the relay coil to hold in the relay for a predetermined short time interval and means connected to the ignition disabling contacts for temporarily disabling ignition.

Claim 20

In a combination tachometer and maximum speed limiting device for an automotive engine having an ignition coil and breaker points, the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter coupled to the breaker points and having means for producing a direct current output signal in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver in the form of a meter having a coil connected to the transmitter and driving a needle and calibrated in terms of engine speed, meter contacts including a movable contact on the pointer and a relatively fixed contact adjustably interposed in the path of movement thereof for making contact when the speed reaches a predetermined level, an output relay having a coil and ignition disabling contacts as well as capacitor switching contacts, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, a capacitor connected in series with the meter contacts and meter coil so that when the meter contacts tentatively come together upon reaching the predetermined speed the capacitor is discharged through the meter coil to urge the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure a reliable level of current flow to the relay coil and prompt closure of the relay contacts, the capacitor having a charging resistor and a charging circuit which includes the capacitor switching contact, charging resistor, battery and relay coil so that closure of the capacitor switching contact causes charging current to flow through the relay coil thereby to delay drop out of the relay when the meter contacts open, and means for coupling the ignition disabling contacts to the circuit of the ignition coil for disabling the latter.

Claim 21

In a combination tachometer and maximum speed limiting device for an automotive engine having an ignition coil and breaker points, the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter coupled to the breaker points and having means for producing a direct current output signal in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver in the form of a meter having a coil connected to the transmitter and driving a needle and calibrated in terms of engine speed, meter contacts including a movable contact on the pointer and a relatively fixed contact adjustably interposed in the path of movement thereof for making contact when the speed reaches a predetermined level, an output relay having a coil and ignition disabling contacts as well as capacitor switching contacts, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, a capacitor connected in series with the meter contacts and meter coil so that when the meter contacts tentatively come together upon reaching the predetermined speed the capacitor is discharged through the meter coil to urge the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure a reliable level of current flow to the relay coil and prompt closure of the relay contacts, the capacitor having a charging resistor and a charging circuit which includes the capacitor switching contact, charging resistor, battery and relay coil so that closure of the capacitor switching contact causes charging current to flow through the relay coil thereby to delay drop out of the relay when the meter contacts open, and means for coupling the ignition disabling contacts to the circuit of the ignition coil for disabling the latter.

Claim 22

In a combined tachometer and maximum speed limiting device for an automotive engine having an ignition coil and breaker points, the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter connected to the breaker points and having means for producing a direct current output signal in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver in the form of a meter having a coil connected to the transmitter driving a pivoted needle and calibrated in terms of engine speed, meter contacts including a movable contact on the pointer and a relatively fixed but adjustable contact interposed in the path of movement thereof for making contact when the speed reaches a predetermined level, an output relay having a coil and ignition disabling contacts as well as capacitor switching contacts, means connected to the disabling contacts for disabling the ignition coil, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, a first normally charged capacitor connected in a loop circuit which includes the meter contacts and meter coil so that when the meter contacts come together upon achieving the predetermined speed the first capacitor is discharged through the meter coil to urge the meter contacts forcibly together, a second capacitor having a loop circuit which includes the capacitor switching contacts, the battery, and the meter contacts for charging the second capaciTor, the first capacitor having a charging resistor and a charging circuit which includes the capacitor switching contacts, the battery and relay coil so that when the meter contacts open as a result of disabling of the ignition charging current passes through the relay coil to delay drop-out of the relay, the second capacitor having a discharge circuit which includes the capacitor switching contacts and relay coil so that when the meter contacts open the second capacitor is discharged through the relay coil for achieving additional delay in the drop-out of the relay.

Claim 23

In a combined tachometer and maximum speed limiting device for an automotive engine having an ignition coil and breaker points, the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter connected to the breaker points and having means for producing a direct current output signal in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver in the form of a meter having a coil connected to the transmitter driving a pivoted needle and calibrated in terms of engine speed, meter contacts including a movable contact on the pointer and a relatively fixed but adjustable contact interposed in the path of movement thereof for making contact when the speed reaches a predetermined level, an output relay having a coil and ignition disabling contacts as well as capacitor switching contacts, means connected to the disabling contacts for disabling the ignition coil, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, a first normally charged capacitor connected in a loop circuit which includes the meter contacts and meter coil so that when the meter contacts come together upon achieving the predetermined speed the first capacitor is discharged through the meter coil to urge the meter contacts forcibly together, a second capacitor having a loop circuit which includes the capacitor switching contacts, the battery, and the meter contacts for charging the second capaciTor, the first capacitor having a charging resistor and a charging circuit which includes the capacitor switching contacts, the battery and relay coil so that when the meter contacts open as a result of disabling of the ignition charging current passes through the relay coil to delay drop-out of the relay, the second capacitor having a discharge circuit which includes the capacitor switching contacts and relay coil so that when the meter contacts open the second capacitor is discharged through the relay coil for achieving additional delay in the drop-out of the relay.

Claim 24

In a combined tachometer and maximum speed limiting device for an automotive engine having an ignition coil and breaker points the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter electrically coupled to the ignition points and having means for producing a direct voltage output in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver in the form of a meter having a coil connected to the transmitter and driving a needle calibrated in terms of engine speed, meter contacts including a movable contact coupled to the needle and a relatively fixed contact adjustable interposed in the path of movement thereof for making contact when the speed reaches a predetermined level, an output relay having a coil and ignition disabling contacts as well as capacitor switching contacts, means for interconnecting the ignition disabling contacts and ignition coil for disabling the latter, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, a first capacitor connected in a loop circuit which includes the meter coil and meter contacts so that when the meter contacts close upon achieving the predetermined speed the first capacitor is discharged through the meter coil to urge the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure a reliable level of current flow to the relay coil, a second capacitor connected to the meter contacts and battery for charging when the meter contacts close, both of the capacitors being connected in loop circuits which include the capacitor switching contacts and the relay coil so that when the meter contacts open incident to disabling the ignition coil the first capacitor is charged through the relay coil and the second capacitor is discharged through the relay coil thereby to inhibit drop-out of the relay for a delay interval.

Claim 25

In a combined tachometer and maximum speed limiting device for an automotive engine having an ignition coil and breaker points the combination comprising a tachometer transmitter electrically coupled to the ignition points and having means for producing a direct voltage output in accordance with engine speed, a tachometer receiver in the form of a meter having a coil connected to the transmitter and driving a needle calibrated in terms of engine speed, meter contacts including a movable contact coupled to the needle and a relatively fixed contact adjustable interposed in the path of movement thereof for making contact when the speed reaches a predetermined level, an output relay having a coil and ignition disabling contacts as well as capacitor switching contacts, means for interconnecting the ignition disabling contacts and ignition coil for disabling the latter, a battery connected in series with the meter contacts and the relay coil, a first capacitor connected in a loop circuit which includes the meter coil and meter contacts so that when the meter contacts close upon achieving the predetermined speed the first capacitor is discharged through the meter coil to urge the meter contacts forcibly together thereby to insure a reliable level of current flow to the relay coil, a second capacitor connected to the meter contacts and battery for charging when the meter contacts close, both of the capacitors being connected in loop circuits which include the capacitor switching contacts and the relay coil so that when the meter contacts open incident to disabling the ignition coil the first capacitor is charged through the relay coil and the second capacitor is discharged through the relay coil thereby to inhibit drop-out of the relay for a delay interval.

Claim 26

The combination as claimed in claim 16 in which the capacitors each have a series resistor for determining the drop-out delay interval.