Remote control engine starter

Claim 2

In a combination of an automotive vehicle and a starter system therefor, wherein the vehicle has an engine, a usual engine operating circuit including a voltage source and an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, and the engine has an intake manifold and a throttle linkage, and wherein the automatic starter system includes a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the vehicle in parallel with the usual operating circuit to operate said starter and to operate the engine, and the starter system includes means operable at the remote station to close the auxiliary circuit, the improvement comprising: means normally advancing the throttle linkage when the engine is not operating, said advancing means being operative by a vacuum in the intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started; and means operatively connected to said advancing means for operation by retraction of the advancing means to de-energize the starter when the engine starts.

Claim 3

In a system for starting an engine which includes engine starting means at the engine, a radio receiver at the engine to activate the engine starting means and a radio transmitter at a remote station to send command signals to the receiver, the improvement comprising means incorporated in the transmitter to limit the duration of the command signals to momentary time periods and to prevent repetition of a command signal for a substantial longer time period thereby to minimize interference with signals from other transmitters as well as to extend battery operating life.

Claim 4

In a system for starting an engine which includes engine starting means at the engine, a radio receiver at the engine to activate the engine starting means and a radio transmitter at a remote station to send command signals to the receiver, the improvement comprising means incorporated in the transmitter to limit the duration of the command signals to momentary time periods and to prevent repetition of a command signal for a substantial longer time period thereby to minimize interference with signals from other transmitters as well as to extend battery operating life.

Claim 5

An improvement as set forth in claim 2 in which the transmitter incorporates capacitor means to store a charge of sufficient magnitude to actuate the transmitter for the shorter time period; and in which the transmitter incorporates means to generate a current of sufficient magnitude to charge the capacitor means over the longer time period but not of sufficient magnitude to actuate the transmitter in response to a command signal during the longer time period.

Claim 6

The combination of an engine of an automobile and a system operable from a remote station for starting the engine, the automobile having the usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source and a starter for energization by the operating circuit, said remotely controlled starting system including: a transmitter at the remote station; a receiver at the automobile to respond to command signals from the transmitter; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the automobile including said starter for energization by the voltage source in parallel with said usual normally open engine operating circuit, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to the receiver to close when the receiver responds to the transmitter; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; means responsive to the engine to de-energize the starter and the short interval timer when the engine starts; and cut-off means to de-energize the auxiliary operating circuit, said cut-off means including an ''''OR'''' gate having a plurality to input connections, the output of the ''''OR'''' gate being effective to de-energize the auxiliary operating circuit, one input connection of the ''''OR'''' gate communicating with said short interval timer to de-energize the auxiliary circuit and the starter motor if the engine is not started within the time setting of the short interval timer, a second input connection of the ''''OR'''' gate being connected to said long interval timer to de-energize the auxiliary circuit and thereby stop the engine at the end of the time setting of the long interval timer.

Claim 7

The combination of an engine of an automobile and a system operable from a remote station for starting the engine, the automobile having the usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source and a starter for energization by the operating circuit, said remotely controlled starting system including: a transmitter at the remote station; a receiver at the automobile to respond to command signals from the transmitter; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the automobile including said starter for energization by the voltage source in parallel with said usual normally open engine operating circuit, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to the receiver to close when the receiver responds to the transmitter; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; means responsive to the engine to de-energize the starter and the short interval timer when the engine starts; and cut-off means to de-energize the auxiliary operating circuit, said cut-off means including an ''''OR'''' gate having a plurality to input connections, the output of the ''''OR'''' gate being effective to de-energize the auxiliary operating circuit, one input connection of the ''''OR'''' gate communicating with said short interval timer to de-energize the auxiliary circuit and the starter motor if the engine is not started within the time setting of the short interval timer, a second input connection of the ''''OR'''' gate being connected to said long interval timer to de-energize the auxiliary circuit and thereby stop the engine at the end of the time setting of the long interval timer.

Claim 8

A combination as set forth in claim 4 in which the usual operating circuit of the automobile includes a switch energized by the battery which closes whenever the gear shift lever of the automobile is moved out of neutral or park and in which another of the input connections of the gate is in series with said switch to de-energize the auxiliary circuit and thereby stop the engine if an unauthorized person attempts to drive the automobile within the time period set by the long interval timer.

Claim 9

A combination as set forth in claim 4 in which a switch energized by the battery is responsive to the brake pedal of the automobile to close when the brake pedal is depressed; and in which another input connection of the ''''OR'''' gate is in series with said brake pedal switch.

Claim 10

In a combination of an internal combustion engine and a system for starting the engine in the absence of an operator, wherein the engine has a starter motor and a throttle movable from a retracted engine-idling position to advanced positions, and wherein said system energizes the starter motor temporarily to initiate autonomous operation of the engine, the improvement comprising: means to advance the throttle when the engine is not operating thereby to facilitate subsequent starting of the engine by the starter motor; and means to retract the throttle to said retracted position in response to a vacuum in the intake manifold of the engine.

Claim 11

In a combination of an internal combustion engine and a system for starting the engine in the absence of an operator, wherein the engine has a starter motor and a throttle movable from a retracted engine-idling position to advanced positions, and wherein said system energizes the starter motor temporarily to initiate autonomous operation of the engine, the improvement comprising: means to advance the throttle when the engine is not operating thereby to facilitate subsequent starting of the engine by the starter motor; and means to retract the throttle to said retracted position in response to a vacuum in the intake manifold of the engine.

Claim 12

An improvement as set forth in claim 7 in which said retracting means retracts the throttle relatively slowly over a short time period so that if the engine starts to die during said time period, said advancing means responds to advance the throttle to keep the engine running.

Claim 13

An improvement as set forth in claim 7 in which said advancing means includes spring means to urge advance of the throttle and said retracting means includes a diaphragm operable by fluid pressure to overcome the spring means.

Claim 14

An improvement as set forth in claim 9, which includes switch means to de-energize the starter motor when autonomous operation of the engine is initiated; and in which the switch means is operatively connected to the diaphragm.

Claim 15

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit repsonsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out oF gear, said engine having an intake manifold and a throttle linkage; said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time, retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to keep said throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not operating, said retainer means being responsive to the vacuum created in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started, said normally closed switch being responsive to said retainer means to be opened by the retraction of the retainer means.

Claim 16

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit repsonsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out oF gear, said engine having an intake manifold and a throttle linkage; said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time, retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to keep said throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not operating, said retainer means being responsive to the vacuum created in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started, said normally closed switch being responsive to said retainer means to be opened by the retraction of the retainer means.

Claim 17

The combination of the power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine being equipped with an intake manifold and a throttle linkage, said engine driving a vehicle, said vehicle being equipped with accessory means to influence the ambient temperature inside the vehicle, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; a normally open switch for energization of the accessory means by the voltage source, said normally open switch being responsive to the engine to close when the engine starts; and retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to keep the throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not operating, said retainer means being operative by a vacuum in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started, said normally open switch being operatively connected to said retainer means to be closed by the retraction of the retainer means.

Claim 18

The combination of the power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine being equipped with an intake manifold and a throttle linkage, said engine driving a vehicle, said vehicle being equipped with accessory means to influence the ambient temperature inside the vehicle, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; a normally open switch for energization of the accessory means by the voltage source, said normally open switch being responsive to the engine to close when the engine starts; and retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to keep the throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not operating, said retainer means being operative by a vacuum in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started, said normally open switch being operatively connected to said retainer means to be closed by the retraction of the retainer means.

Claim 19

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for Power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold, said engine driving a vehicle that is equipped with emergency lights, said vehicle having a throttle linkage, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; switch means for energization of the emergency lights; and retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to keep the throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not in operation, said retainer means being operated by a vacuum in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started, said switch means being operatively connected to said retainer means to be opened by the retraction of the retainer means.

Claim 20

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for Power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold, said engine driving a vehicle that is equipped with emergency lights, said vehicle having a throttle linkage, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; switch means for energization of the emergency lights; and retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to keep the throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not in operation, said retainer means being operated by a vacuum in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started, said switch means being operatively connected to said retainer means to be opened by the retraction of the retainer means.

Claim 21

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold, said engine driving a vehicle that is equipped with a horn, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energizaiton of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; means operable by the vacuum in said intake manifold when the engine is started; and switch means to energize the horn, said switch means for the horn being responsive to said operable means to close briefly when the operable means is operated.

Claim 22

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold, said engine driving a vehicle that is equipped with a horn, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energizaiton of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; means operable by the vacuum in said intake manifold when the engine is started; and switch means to energize the horn, said switch means for the horn being responsive to said operable means to close briefly when the operable means is operated.

Claim 23

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold, saId engine driving a vehicle equipped with a horn, said vehicle having a throttle linkage, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; normally open switch means controlling the energization of the horn; and retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to retain the linkage advanced when the engine is not operative, said retainer means being operated by the vacuum in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started, said normally open switch being operatively connected to said retainer means to be closed briefly by retraction of the retainer means to energize the horn to indicated to the remote station when the engine when the engine is started.

Claim 24

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold, saId engine driving a vehicle equipped with a horn, said vehicle having a throttle linkage, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; normally open switch means controlling the energization of the horn; and retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to retain the linkage advanced when the engine is not operative, said retainer means being operated by the vacuum in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started, said normally open switch being operatively connected to said retainer means to be closed briefly by retraction of the retainer means to energize the horn to indicated to the remote station when the engine when the engine is started.

Claim 25

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold, said engine driving a vehicle that is equipped with a radio transmitter, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; a receiver at a remote station to receive signals from the transmitter at the vehicle; a normally open switch on the vehicle to energize the transmitter at the vehicle; and means operable by a vacuum in the intake manifold when the engine is started, said normally open switch for the transmitter at the vehicle being responsive to said operable means to close briefly when the operable means is operated.

Claim 26

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold, said engine driving a vehicle that is equipped with a radio transmitter, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; a receiver at a remote station to receive signals from the transmitter at the vehicle; a normally open switch on the vehicle to energize the transmitter at the vehicle; and means operable by a vacuum in the intake manifold when the engine is started, said normally open switch for the transmitter at the vehicle being responsive to said operable means to close briefly when the operable means is operated.

Claim 27

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold and a throttle linkage, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; a radio transmitter associated with the engine; a receiver at a remote station to receive signals from the transmitter at the engine; a normally open switch controlling the transmitter that is associated with the engine; and retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to retain the throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not operating, said retainer means being operated by a vacuum in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retrace when the engine is started, said normally open switch being operatively connected to said retainer means to be closed momentarily by retraction of the retainer means to cause the transmitter associated with the engine to send a brief signal to the receiver at the remote station to indicate when the engine is started.

Claim 28

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold and a throttle linkage, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; a radio transmitter associated with the engine; a receiver at a remote station to receive signals from the transmitter at the engine; a normally open switch controlling the transmitter that is associated with the engine; and retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to retain the throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not operating, said retainer means being operated by a vacuum in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retrace when the engine is started, said normally open switch being operatively connected to said retainer means to be closed momentarily by retraction of the retainer means to cause the transmitter associated with the engine to send a brief signal to the receiver at the remote station to indicate when the engine is started.

Claim 29

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incoporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold and a throttle linkage, said engine driving a vehicle, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to keep the throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not operating, said retainer means being responsive to the vacuum created in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started; and a horn on the vehicle responsive to the engine to indicate to a remote station when the engine has been started, said normally closed switch being responsive to said retainer means to be opened by retraction of the retainer means.

Claim 30

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incoporating a voltage source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold and a throttle linkage, said engine driving a vehicle, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; a normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to keep the throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not operating, said retainer means being responsive to the vacuum created in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started; and a horn on the vehicle responsive to the engine to indicate to a remote station when the engine has been started, said normally closed switch being responsive to said retainer means to be opened by retraction of the retainer means.

Claim 31

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltagE source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold and a throttle linkage, said engine driving a vehicle, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to keep the throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not operating, said retainer means being responsive to the vacuum created in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter, said normally closed switch being responsive to said retainer means to be opened by retraction of the retainer means; and emergency light means on the vehicle responsive to the engine to indicate to a remote station when the engine has been started.

Claim 32

The combination of a power plant and a system for starting the power plant in the absence of an operator, which power plant includes an engine, a usual normally open engine operating circuit incorporating a voltagE source, an engine starter for energization by the operating circuit, a transmission for power flow from the engine to a load, and a safety switch in said circuit responsive to the transmission to close when the transmission is out of gear, said engine having an intake manifold and a throttle linkage, said engine driving a vehicle, said starting system comprising: means to create a command signal; normally open auxiliary engine operating circuit at the power plant for energization by the voltage source, said auxiliary circuit being responsive to said command signal to close when a command signal is received; a long interval timer for energization by the auxiliary circuit; a short interval timer; means responsive to the engine to open said normally closed switch to de-energize the short interval timer and the starter when the engine starts; means responsive to the short interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit if the engine does not start within the time setting of the short interval timer; means responsive to the long interval timer to open the auxiliary circuit at the end of the long interval of time; retainer means, said retainer means being normally advanced to keep the throttle linkage advanced when the engine is not operating, said retainer means being responsive to the vacuum created in the engine intake manifold to retract to permit the throttle linkage to retract when the engine is started; a normally closed switch in series with said safety switch for energization of both the short interval timer and the starter, said normally closed switch being responsive to said retainer means to be opened by retraction of the retainer means; and emergency light means on the vehicle responsive to the engine to indicate to a remote station when the engine has been started.