US4372261A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pre-start engine heat system
Assignee: Old Carco LLC
•
Filing: 1980-10-14
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Granted: 1983-02-08
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Expires: 2000-10-14
Abstract
Abstract In an automobile having a self-starting motor and a source of an electrical energy, a heating grid for vaporizing fuel and therefore promoting easier starting. The heating grid is selectively energized by the electrical energy source and controlled by an engine start anticipated system including switch means responsive to vehicle operator initiated actions so that the heating grid is energized prior to engine starting attempts.
Inventors
- 👤 Jorma O. Sarto
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 09:56
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02N; F02N19/00; F02N19/02; F02N19/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
In a vehicle with an engine having self-starting means activated by manual efforts of an operator while in a normal driving position, an engine fluid inlet preheating system adapted to be initiated prior to said manual starting efforts, comprising: an electrically powered heating grid across the engine fluid inlet; a battery in circuit with the heating grid for energizing same; control circuit means between the battery and heating grid for initiating energization prior to said manual starting efforts of the vehicle operator, the control circuit including switch means operated in response to and incidental with an anticipatory action of the vehicle operator in entering the vehicle whereas the heating grid is preheated by electrical power from the battery during the interval between closing the switch by the operator's incidental anticipatory action and the manual engine starting efforts by the operator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
In a vehicle with an engine having self-starting means activated by manual efforts of an operator while in a normal driving position, an engine fluid inlet preheating system adapted to be initiated prior to said manual starting efforts, comprising: an electrically powered heating grid across the engine fluid inlet; a battery in circuit with the heating grid for energizing same; control circuit means between the battery and heating grid for initiating energization prior to said manual starting efforts of the vehicle operator, the control circuit including switch means operated in response to and incidental with an anticipatory action of the vehicle operator in entering the vehicle whereas the heating grid is preheated by electrical power from the battery during the interval between closing the switch by the operator's incidental anticipatory action and the manual engine starting efforts by the operator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The subject matter as set forth in claim 1 in which the control switch is so placed with respect to a vehicle entry for the operator and a door means therefore that the incidental anticipatory action occurs as the operator prepares to enter the vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The subject matter as set forth in claim 1 in which the control switch is so placed with respect to seat means for the vehicle operator that the incidental anticipatory action occurs when the operator places his weight on the seat means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-02-07 | 1986-08-09 | 1987-02-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-02-07 | 1990-08-09 | 1991-02-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-02-07 | 1994-08-09 | 1995-02-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |