US3172400A

US3172400A - Automatic starting system for engines

Info

Publication number: US3172400A
Application number: US175492A
Authority: US
Inventors: Francis D Hale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1962-02-26
Filing date: 1962-02-26
Publication date: 1965-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 1982-03-09

Description

, March 9, 1965 HALE 3,172,400

AUTOMATIC STARTING SYSTEM FOR ENGINES Filed Feb. 26, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 DIsTRIBuToR TERMINAL A TE R I SOLENOID o LBATTERY TERMINAL 7 IGNITION SYSTEM BAT L02 X CIIIQTED I IGNITION coIL SOLENOID AND REL III RELAY MAsTER swITcI-I 2 THERMOSTAT TIMER 24:

IGNITION oIL RELAY FIG. I

INVENTOR. FRANCIS o. HALE ATTORNEY March 9, 1965 F. D. HALE 3,172,400

AUTOMATIC STARTING SYSTEM FOR ENGINES Filed Feb. 26, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 mm I76 I92 so I50 FIG. 3

fill mm,

INVENTOR. FRANCIS D. HALE QVAMMJMWW ATTORNEY United States Patent O Filed Feb. 26, 19 2., s91. No. 175,492. sclaims. or. 123-179 This invention relates to engines and the starting thereof. In a more specific aspect, this invention relates to automatic starting means for internal combustion engines and the like. In a still more specific aspect, the invention relates to starting means. for an automobile or the like having an internal combustion engine power plant. In a still further specific aspect, the invention relates to automatic engine. starting means constructed and adapted to start and stop an engine in response to temperature conditions in the interior of a car, truck or the like.

Automatic starting means forv internal combustion engines or the like have been known to the art and such systems include time, control means and some of same employ manifold pressure to disconnect the electric starting motor. The starting systems known to the prior art have many disadvantages. They are not reliable in use and rely in functions primarily upon engine apparatus which is variable in operation, particularly under variable starting conditions. For example, engine manifold pressure used to stop some automatic starting means of the prior art varies according to engine speed and operating conditions as does the electric current commonly generated by the. usual generator with the engine. In addition, the systems of the prior art are, usually quite complicated structurally, such creating manufacturing and installation problems aswell as increasing costs thereof. In accordance with the present invention, starting means are, provided for a power plant having. an engine and including an electric current source, with a battery and a generator and an electric starting motor with a circuit for the starting motor including the battery. The starting means includes electric relay switch means operatively connected to control the energization of the starting motor. Means are provided for, controlling the encrgization of the relay switch means from the source of electric current and means are provided to control the relay switch means, to disconnect the starting motor from the battery, the latter comprising a solenoid operatively connected to the generator electrically and to the inlet, manifold of the engine mechanically. The solenoid has a plunger or core member therewith which is operatively mounted and connected to the relay switch means to be retracted upon energization of the solenoid by current from the generator and/ or by pressure as a result of vacuum on the manifold to thereby control the relay switches to disconnect the starting motor when the engine starts. Means are also provided within the solenoid to urge the plunger member into extended position to.

thereby return the switch means to the original position or starting. position when the engine stops.

In a preferred specific embodiment of the automatic starting and control means of the invention, same is used in connection with a power plant having an internal combustion engine with an electric current source including a storage battery and a generator of electricity operatively connected to the engine for generation of electricity upon operation of the engine. The engine has an electrically driven star-ting motor for cranking the engine and a circuit for the starting motor including the battery, an ignition circuit for the engine deriving its electric current from the source of electric current, and primary switch means which are manually operable to control the igni tion and starting motor circuits. The starting and control means for the power plant includes electric relay switch means to control the energization of the starting 3,172,400 Patented Mar. 9, 1965 ice motor and ignition circuits by the source of; electric current. Means are provided for controlling the energization of the relay switch means from the source of electric current which includes a presettable secondary time switch operable to energize the relay switch means when the primary switch means is in the closed position. Mechanical means are provided to control the relay switch means to disconnect the starting motor from the. battery, and control the ignition circuit, such preferably comprising a hollow tubular member having a solenoid mounted. therearound and constructed and operably connected to the power plant generator to be energized thereby upon the engine running. A magnetizable. core or. plungeris coaxially mounted in one end portion of. the tubular member and constructed and operably connected to the mechanical means to retract upon energization. of the solenoid to control the relay switch means to disconnect the starting motor. A conduit is operatively connected toand communicates between the manifold of the engine and the other end portion of the tubular member. with the tubular member being sealed to allow maintaining. a pressure there-in less that of the. atmosphere. The plunger is constructed and operable to retract upon av pressure less than atmospheric being established within the tubular member by exhaust of air to the manifold through'the conduit when connected and upon the engine running to thereby control the relay switch means and disconnect the starting motor, the retraction of the plunger being assisted by the solenoid operation when the motor is running and current is received from the generator. A helical spring is mounted in the. tubular member. and operatively connected to the plunger or core to urge same into the extended position and thus. control the relay switch means.

In another preferred specific embodiment of the invention, a starting and control means includes a master or primary switch having one end portion thereof connected to the storage. battery and a gear shift operated safety switch which is operatively connected to the other, end of the master switch with the safety switch being closed when the gear shift is in the neutral or park po sition and opened when the transmission is in gear. A dual acting thermostat operated switch is preferably provided and positioned within the cab of the automobile, or the like and is. connected to a timing switch .and in series therewith so that both conditions of time and tem perature must be met to close the circuit to the starting; means. A connector plug is desirably provided having. eight pins, said. pins, being electrically connected so that the first pin is grounded, the second pin is connected to the generator, the third pin is connected to the safety switch, the fourth pin is connected to the fan of-an air conditioner and/ or heater for the automobile or the like, thefifth of the pins is connected to the thermostat switch, the sixth of the pins is connected to the timing switch,'the seventh of the, plus is connected to the distributor coil of the automobile and the eighth pin. is'connected to the, starter solenoid. An accelerator solenoid is desirably, provided and connected to the carburetor or foot pedal of the automobile or to the connecting means therefor to in operation accelerate the engine during starting of same. The solenoid is electrically connected to the other side of the starter switch so that upon operation of the" starter solenoid the carburetor solenoid is also placed" in the circuit to the battery. A double throw triple pole switch having four electrical contacts is provided and the third and fourth of the contaots are in engagement when the motor is stopped and'means are provided to place the first and second of the contacts in contact when the motor is running. The latter means preferably includes a switch operator connected to the first and the fourth of the contacts of the switch and a solenoid havs.172,4.oo

ing an electrical conductor and a magnetizable core or plunger therein which is extendable from one end thereof. The core or plunger has the switch operator connected thereto in one end portion thereof and a vacuum hose is sealingly connected to the other end of the solenoid and operatively connected to the inlet manifold of the engine with the solenoid and/or vacuum from the engine manifold cooperating to operate the switch when the engine is running. A helical spring is provided with the solenoid and the core or plunger therein and positioned to urge the core or plunger into the extended position. Means are provided to limit outward movement of the core or plunger and permit engagement of the third and fourth contacts of the switch. Two plug-type relays of like construction are provided and are operatively connected to a socket which receives the plug previously described. An electron tube is also provided and is operatively connected to the socket, switch means and relays. The relays, tube and double throw triple pole switch are interconnected electrically so that when the master, timing and thermostat switches are closed and the gear shift is in the neutral or starting position, electric current is provided through the relays, tube and double throw triple pole switch to the starter solenoid switch to close same and thus place the starter motor and carburetor solenoid in the circuit to the battery causing operation of same to start the engine whereby the solenoid operating the switch in connection with the vacuum assist from the engine manifold causes dis connection of the circuit to the starter motor and the carburetor solenoid and connects the heater and/or air conditioning fan in the circuit so that the motor of the automobile or the like is running and the interior of the cab or the like is being cooled or heated. The tube in operation intermittently opens and closes one of the relays to prevent a continuous drain on the battery if the engine does not immediately start. When the thermostat operated switch is opened as a result of the temperature change within the cab of the vehicle the engine is stopped.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide new engine starting means.

Another object of the invention is to provide new starting means for an internal combustion engine or the like wherein predetermined conditions of time and tempera ture must be met in order for the starting system to operate.

Another object of the invention is to provide new automatic starting and control means for use with an automobile or the like operable to start the automobile at a predetermined time and obtain a predetermined temperature in the cab thereof and then stop the engine automatically.

Another object of the invention is to provide new starting and control means for an internal combustion engine or the like having switch means therewith operated by a vacuum assisted solenoid and operable to disengage the starting motor when the engine has started.

Another object of the invention is to provide new starting means for an engine or the like which is easily installed and removed from an automobile or other means containing the engine.

- Another object of the invention is to provide new automatic starting means for an engine constructed to intermittently interrupt operation of the starting motor and prevent excessive drain on the battery should the engine fail to immediately start.

Variously other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view partially in plan and partially schematically showing a preferred specific embodiment of the invention operatively connected to a typical automobile power plant and to a heater and/or air conditioning fan therein.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a preferred specific embodiment of the solenoid, relays and switches of the new system of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a view, partially in plan and partially schematically illustrating another preferred specific embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a View, partially in plan and partially schematically illustrating the connections to a typical automobile whereby the apparatus of FIG. 3 can be utilized in starting the engine thereof.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the new automatic starting system for engines and the like of the invention, such being made with reference to the drawings whereon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/ or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the automatic starting system of my invention is shown as applied to, a typical automobile power plant having an internal combustion engine. It has the usual manifold 6, ignition system 8, starting motor 10, storage battery 12, ignition switch 14, generator 16, voltage regulator and switch 17, and heater and/or air conditioning fan 18 which is normally located within the cab or body (not shown) of the automobile.

Discussed and described operatively, referring to structure, the ignition key switch 14 is turned off by the car operator when he leaves the automobile, for example, in the evening, and desiring to return to same in operating condition and at the right inside temperature in the morning. To do this he sets timer 20 at the desired time he wishes the engine to start in the morning, conveniently about 10 to minutes before he wants to use the car. Master switch 22 in the circuit is turned to starter system operating position. This switch 22 is preferably equipped to completely disconnect the auto matic starting system, when such is desired, resulting in going back to manual operation position. Switch 24 in the circuit is closed, preferably this switch is operated by the gear shift, being closed when the gear shift is in neutral or park position so that the engine will start when desired out of operating connection with the automobile gearing. Thermostat 26, which can conveniently be incorporated with timer and switch 22, if desired,

is closed, since usually the temperature in the car body will be below that desired in the winter and above the desired temperature in the summer. The timer 20 and thermostat switch 26 are preferably installed in the usual dash board of the automobile. With the

switches

24 and 26 closed, the new system of my invention is ready to automatically start the engine when the switch 22 closes due to the timer mechanism 20.

The master switch 22 is connected in the circuit to relay which is the ignition coil relay for ignition system 8, and it is the relay for the usual motor driven fan 18. Relay 25 acts to turn on the ignition coil for the engine, and also acts to partially close the circuit to the fan 18. As will be explained hereinafter, this fan does not run until the engine is running, so that the fan as well as all other accessories are off while full electrical power is used to crank motor 10. Vacuum actuated solenoid 27 operates a set of contacts 30 in the fan circuit.

When the master switch 22 and timer 20 are closed, the starting motor solenoid relay 33 is connected in the starting circuit through the contact points 36 on solenoid 27. The starter relay 33 when the starting circuit closes contacts 69 of the relay which connects the starter solenoid in the starting circuit and closes the switch associated with the plunger of the starter solenoid to thereby provide current directly from battery 12 to starting motor 10 to crank the engine.

When the engine has started a vacuum is created in manifold 6 which is in communication with solenoid 27- via preferably flexible connector 39, and thus a vacuum is created in chamber 41 of solenoid 27 behind plunger 43. Normally plunger 43 is held in extended position by spring 45 mounted in chamber 41, such spring being preferably strong enough just to extend plunger 43 when atmospheric pressure is on manifold 6 and chamber 41. When manifold 6 pressure reducesthe pressure in chamber 41 below atmospheric, plunger 43 retracts into solenoid 27 to close contacts Stland open contacts 36. Further, upon the engine starting, generator 16 operates to supply current to solenoid 27, also acting to retract plunger 43. This vacuum actuated solenoid 27 is an important feature of the new automatic starting system of the invention, and it gives dual protection and reliability. At high engine speed where low manifold 6 vacuum is encountered, high generator current exists to keep plunger 43 retracted. While at low engine speed and low generator 16- current, high manifold 6 vacuum results in keeping the plunger 43 retracted.

Upon energization of solenoid 27 by the engine starting, and plunger 43 retracting, contacts 30 close to connect fan 18 to result in warming or cooling of the interior of the car body. Also, contacts 36 open to de-energize starter relay 33 and open the starting motor circuit.

When the ignition switch 14 is turned off, the automatic starting system is connected from battery 12 through

switches

24, 26 and 22, and current for the system is furnished. The engine will operate until the desired temperature has been reached, for example heated by the heater and fan 18. When such temperature has been reached, thermostat switch 26 will open the circuit to disconnect the starting system. When the temperature changes the few degrees necessary, switch 26 closes and the automatic starting system again operates. This cycling continues until the driver uses the automobile.

My automatic system is thief proof with the ignition switch off and no ignition key. The engine will only run with the switch 24 closed, and this switch is closed only when the gear shift operating the switch 24 is in neutral or park. Thus, the engine quits when the gears are shifted.

Upon using the automobile, the driver places the ignition key in switch 14 and turns it on. Contact points 44 are closed by ignition system relay 51 and the ignition system 8 is connectedto battery 12. Upon this occurring, the gears can be shifted into any desired position and the automobile driven. Further, when the ignition key is on, the engine will not stop, but the heater fan 18 will cycle according to car body temperature, and the opening and closing of thermostat switch 26. Relay 51 provides for this when the ignition key is on and switch 14 closed.

The automatic starting system is preferably constructed as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the relays and contacts mounted on board member 55 in any suitable manner. Solenoid chamber 41 is made pressure tight, and adjusting screw 57 is desirably used to adjust the clearance for contact points 30 and 36, which are operated by arm members 59 riding in slot 61 in retractable plunger member 43.

FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings illustrate another preferred specific embodiment of the automobile engine starting means and control means of the invention, FIG. 3 illustrating apparatus which can be mounted on a board or the like as shown at 55 in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 illustrating electrical connections to portions of an automobile and to a plug or the like insertable into the socket of FIG. 3 when installing the apparatus of FIG. 3 in the automobile.

The starting and control system for automobiles and the like as shown in FIG. 4 includes the usual storage battery 80 and a generator 82 operatively connected to the battery 80 through a voltage regulator 84 and electric conductor 86. A starting motor 83 is provided and tact 95 with the sides of switch 90. A carburetor 92 for the engine has the usual operating lever arm 94 connected through the usual mechanical linkage (not shown) to the accelerator foot pedal with movement of same regulating engine speed in the usual and common manner. A distributor coil 96 and distributor 98 are provided with the automobile engine and a fan 1% is connected to the automobile and such can be a heater fan, an air conditioner fan or can function as a blower for both the heater and air conditioner systems. An ignition switch 102 is. provided in the common manner and is usually closed by inserting the ignition key and turning same to the on position. A starter switch 104 is also provided and can be operated by depressing a separate starter button orin some automobiles by turning the ignition key past the on position to a start position to close the switch 104, such providing electric current from battery to the stmer solenoid 91 to retract plunger or core 93 and cause contact to close switch 90 to provide current to the starter motor 88.

A master or primary switch is provided and such preferably consists of three ganged contacts 112, 1 14 and 116. which can be shifted in a vertical direction as shown in the drawings and the contacts are illustrated. in the up position. The master or primary switch 110 is shown in FIG. 4 as being in the automatic position or in position for the automobile to be automatically started when other conditions are met. As illustrated in FIG. 4 the switch 110 connects the electricalv conductor 118 with conductor,

120 through the contact 114 and a safety switch 122 is provided in conductor 120 with such preferably being. operatively connected to the gear shift of the automobile or the like so that the safety switch 122 is closed or shown when the gear shift is in the neutral or park position and opened when the gears are engaged by movingthe gear shift. The other side of switch 122 is connected through. contact 112 of switch 110 to a conductor 124 which is connected to the third electrical contact or pin of a common connector plug 126. I

A thermostat operated switch 128 is provided and is connected in series with a timer switch 130 so that the apparatus can be preset to the conditions of time and temperature to be met in order for the circuit tobe closed and the device operated. The, switches 128 and 130 are connected to pins five and six of the com nector plug 126 and the switches are desirably located on the interior or cab of the vehicle so that such can be manually easily adjustable when setting the device. for operation. If desired, the time and thermostat switches can be contained in a single unit such ascommonly used, in the home. Also, the thermostat canbe either single or dual acting, that is constructed to operate only the heater or air conditioner, or constructed to operate both.

The pin numbered one, of the connector plug 126 is desirably grounded and the second pin thereof is connected to the generator 82 of the. engine. The fourth pin of the plug 126 is connected to the heater and/or air conditioning fan 100 and the seventh pin thereof is connected electrically through the conductor 222, switch 110, contact 116, and conductor 223 to the distributor coil 96. The eighth contact or pin of the plug 126 is connected to the starter solenoid 91. The pins numbered 1-8 of the plug 126 project from the plug in the usual manner and in operation are matingly received by recessed pins or contacts of the like numbers on the socket 132, FIG. 3.

A double throw triple pole switch 134 is provided and can be mounted on a suitable board or the like (not '2' shown) in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 for the previous embodiment of the invention. The switch 134 has four

electrical contact members

136, 138, 140 and 142, the

members

138 and 140 normally being stationary and the members or

contacts

136 and 142 normally being movable to engage the adjacent ones of the contacts. Switch 134 is shown in FIG. 3 in the position it assumes when the engine is oil, that is with

contacts

140 and 142 In engagement.

, A switch operator 144 is provided and is operatively connected to the

contacts

136 and 142 to in operation move same and connect and disconnect adjacent ones of the contacts of the switch 134. Member 144 is desirably a non-conductor of electricity.

A solenoid is provided and is shown generally at 150 and includes an outer member 152 having associated therewith an electrical conductor 154 which is wrapped therearound and when current passes therethrough causes a magnet field to be set up in an around the member 152. A magnetizable plunger or core 156 is included with the solenoid 150 and when current passes through the conductor 154 such causes the core to be retracted into the outer member 152 in the usual and common manner for solenoid operation. One end portion of the core 156 extends from the outer member 152 as illustrated and the switch operator 144 is firmly attached thereto to move therewith in operation. When the core or plunger 156 is extended as shown in FIG. 3

conductors

140 and 142 of switch 134 are in engagement and when the core is retracted as a result of electricity flowing through conductor 154 the core 156 is retracted and the

contacts

136 and 138 of switch 134 are closed and the other two are open.

A bracket 158 is provided and supports the solenoid 150 and is secured to a board or other supporting surface by common wood screws or the like 160. The bracket 158 supports and is sealingly secured to a tubular member 162 which is positioned so as to be in communication with the interior or hollow of the outer member 152 of the solenoid 150. The other end portion of the tubular member 162 sealingly receives a hose or the like 164 which is operatively connected to the inlet manifold of the engine so that a vacuum or reduced pressure is obtained at the hollow of the solenoid 150 when the automobile engine is running. A helical spring 156 is provided and engages in its end portions the tubular member 162 and the inner end portion of the plunger or core 156 of the solenoid to urge the plunger outwardly relative to the outer body portion 152. An arm 168 or portion of the bracket 158 desirably is positioned so as to be engaged by a bolt or adjusting screw 170 on the switch operator means 144 to limit outward movement of the core or plunger 156 relative to the body portion 152 of the solenoid. Retraction of the core or plunger 156 is limited by engagement of the switch operator 144 and the bracket 158.

Two plug type relays 170 and 172 are provided and are desirably of like construction and have eight pins projecting therefrom which are connected to the interior construction of the relays.

Relays

170 and 172 are preferably the plug type to facilitate assembly and replacement. In relay 170, the first pin in connected to a movable contact 174 which is normally in the up position as shown to engage a contact 176 connected to pin four of the relay. Pins two and seven of relay 170 are connected to an armature 178 and pin three is connected to a contact 180 which is engageable by the contact 174 when current is passing through the armature 178. Pin five of the relay 170 is connceted to the contact 182 which is engaged by a movable contact 184 electrically connected to pin eight of the relay and movable contact 184 is engaged with a contact 186 connected to pin six of the relay when the armature 178 is in operation or receives current.

Relay 172 is of like construction to relay 170 and pin one is thus connected to a movable contact 196 which is engageable with a contact 192 connected to pin four of the relay and to a contact 194 connected to pin three of the relay. Pin two of the relay 172 is connected to the armature 196 as is pin seven. Pins five and six of relay 172 are connected to the contacts 198 and Ztlt), respectively, which are engageable by the contact 200 which is movable as a result of operation of the armature 196 and which is connected to pin eight of the relay 172.

A common electron tube 210 is provided and is preferably a tetrode of the type 12K5. The tube 210 contains seven pins or electrical contacts projecting therefrom and mountable in a socket or the like (not shown) with the seven pins being connected inside the tubes to the various elements of the tube. Pin one is connected to the cathode, pin two to the screen grid, pins three and four are connected to end portions of the filament, pins five and six are connected to the control grid of the tube and pin number seven is connected to the plate of the tube, the interior structural elements of the tube 210 being diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 3 in the common manner.

The

relays

170 and 172, the tube 210, the socket 132 and switch means 134 are interconnected so as to operatively connect the components to permit starting and operation of the automobile engine. 'Thus, when switch 110 is in the automatic position as illustrated in FIG. 4 current is provided from the battery through conductor 118 and contact 114 of the switch means to the switch means 122 which is closed when the gear shift lever is in the neutral or park position. Current flows from switch 122 when closed through the contact 112 of switch 116 and through conductor 124 to pins three of the plug 126 and the socket 132. Pin three of socket 132 is connected through the conductor 220 to pin six of the socket 132 and current is provided from pin six of the plug 126 through the switches 128 and to pin five of the plug 126 and of the socket 132. Current from pin five of socket 132 is provided to pin two of relay 172, causing operation of the armature 196 which moves movable switch contacts 190 and 202 to the down position as shown in FIG. 3, that is, in contact with the

contacts

194 and 200, respectively. At the same time current is provided from pin three of socket 132 to pins three and six of the relay 172 and thus through the relay 172 to pins one and eight thereof, the latter two pins being interconnected and connected to pin seven of the socket 132. Pin seven of plug 126 is connected through conductor 222, contact 116 of switch 110, and conductor 223 to the coil 96 and the distributor 98 to supply current to the distributor during operation of the automobile engine.

The switch 134 is in the position shown in FIG. 3 when the automobile engine is not running and pin five of socket 132 provides current to contact thereof and the current flows through contact 142 and to pin eight of relay 170, flowing through

contacts

182 and 184 therein and leaving relay through pin five. Simultaneously current is provided from contact 142 to pins two, five, six and seven of the tube 210 to thereby provide operating current to the screen grid, control grid and plate, respectively of the tube. Current from pin number five of the relay 170 is provided through conductor 224 to pin three of the tube 210 to heat the filament therein with the current from the filament leaving the tube 210 from pin four which is connected through conductor 226 to ground and also to pin seven and the armature 178 of relay 170.

When the tube 210 is cold current passing through the filament will pass through conductor 226 and to ground. When the tube 210 has reached the operating temperature, electrons will pass from the cathode to the plate of the tube, thus permitting current to fiow from pin four of the tube through conductor 226 to the armature 178 of relay 170 and then to pin one and the cathode 9 of the tube. When electric current flows through armature 178 of relay 170, such causes movement of the contacts 174 and 1M therein, moving same from the up position as illustrated in FIG. 3 to the down position and placing same in contact with the

electric contacts

180 and 186 thereof, stopping current flow from contact 142 of the switch 134 through the relay 170 and to the filament of the tube 21% and at the same time permitting flow of current from pin three of socket 132 through conductor 228 to pin number one of the relay 170 and from pin number three of relay 171) through conductor 230 to pin number eight of socket 132. Current flows from pin number eight of plug 126 to the starter solenoid 91, causing retraction of the plunger or core 93 thereof and thus moving contact 95 to close switch 91), thus providing electric current from the battery 80 and conductor 86 to the starter motor 88 to start the automobile engine. Simultaneously current is provided from switch M through conductor 232 to a solenoid 234 which has the plunger or core 236 thereof operatively connected to the arm 94 of the carburetor 92, to slightly accelerate the automobile during starting of same. If deisred, the core or plunger 236 can be connected to the foot pedal or accelerator in the automobile or the mechanical linkage connecting same to the carburetor 92.

Since current passing from the cathode of tube 210 through relay 1717 caused disconnection of

contacts

182 and 184, current will no longer be supplied to the filament of the tube 210 and gradual cooling of the tube 211) will result. When the tube cools, current will no longer flow from the cathode and the armature 178 will no longer receive current, such causing the

contacts

174 and 184 of relay 170 to be returned to their normal or up position and this disengages

contacts

180 and 174 of the relay to stop flow of current through conductor 23% and to the starter relay 91. Thus, if the engine does not immediately start the drain on the battery will be interrupted after a short period of cranking of the motor 88. By permitting the

contacts

174 and 184 to be returned to the up position or normal position current is again supplied to the filament of the tube 216 and when same becomes heated current will again flow from the cathode of the tube and complete the circuit through the armature 178 to operate the relay 170 to again provide starting current to the starting motor 88 in the manner previously described.

When the engine starts, generator 82, which is operatively connected to the engine, will begin to function and supplies current to pins two of the plug 126 and socket 132, and current from socket pin two is provided through conductor 2411 to the conductor 154 of the solenoid 150, causing a magnetic field to be set up to retract the plunger or core 156 which disengages

contacts

140 and 142 of switch means 134 and engages

contacts

136 and 138. Simultaneously a vacuum is created in the inlet manifold of the engine which causes a drop in pressure in the tube or conduit 164 and in the tubular member 162 which assists in the retraction of the plunger 156, the operation of the generator and the vacuum from the inlet manifold cooperating in the manner previously described and complementing each other so that when a reduction in force is obtained by operation of the solenoid or the inlet manifold the other is increased to thereby equalize the pull or force exerted on the core or plunger 156. This switch operator structure functions equally well at both high and low engine speeds and will also function even if there is generator trouble, a break or short in solenoid conductor, or a break in the tube to the manifold.

With

contacts

140 and 142 of switch 134 opened as a result of engine operation current to the starting motor 88 is immediately disconnected, thereby preventing damage to the starter motor. Contact 138 of switch 134 is connected through conductor 228 to pin three of the socket 132 and plug 126, thus providing electric current through contact 138 to contact 136 and from same through conductor 242 to pins four of the socket 132 is and of the plug 126 and thus to fan or blower 10th through conductor 244. Thus, as soon as the engine starts, the heater and/or air conditioner fan is activated and upon operation of same the interior of the car will be cooled or heated. When the interior of the car reaches a predetermined temperature, the thermostat switch 128 is opened and such stops flow of current from pin number six to pin number five of the plug 126, simultaneously stopping flow of current to the armature 196 of relay 172, causing movement of the contacts therein to the position illustrated in FIG. 3 and thus stopping flow of current to pins seven of the socket 132 and plug 126 to thereby stop flow of current to the distributor coil 96 and distributor 98 to stop the engine. When the thermostat switch 128 again closes, the functions and operations described hereinabove will again occur, causing starting of the engine.

With the preferred specific embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings periodic interruption of the starting motor 88 is provided to elim- I inate the constant drain on the battery 88 and fluctuations of temperature within the cab or interior of the car or the like will cause the engine to be stopped and started, thereby maintaining a desired temperature within the car. The preferred application of the invention is to automobiles or the like so that the owner or operator can set the timing switch 130 and thermostat operated switch 123 to the desired conditions and will arrive at a car having the body at the desired temperature. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the automatic starting system of the invention can also be used in other environments and can be made responsive to temperature changes in locations other than in the cab of the vehicle.

When manual operation or starting of the engine is desired, the switch 110 is moved from the automatic position as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings to the manual position by moving

contacts

112, 114 and 116 and the

contacts

112 and 114 will then connect starter switch 1% with one end of conductor 120 through conductor 250 and will connect the other end of connductor 120 with the starter solenoid through conductor 252. By movement of this single switch the ignition key is then used to close the ignition key switch 102 to provide current directly from the battery to the distributor coil 96 and by manually closing starter switch 164 the starter solenoid closes switch 9%) and provides current to the starting motor 88. This operation also provides current to carburetor solenoid 234 to operate arm 94, thus providing for proper acceleration during starting. When switch 110 is in the manual position, the fan is disconnected from the automatic circuitry and is operable through the usual switch means and conductors (not shown) connecting same to the fan 1110.

If the operator arrives at the vehicle while the engine is running, it is not necessary for him to move the switch from the automatic to the manual position. He need only insert the ignition key and turn same to the on position to close switch 102 and when thermostat switch 128 opens as a result of the change in temperature in the car, the current flowing from pin five of the plug and socket through the relay 172 and to the distributor coil 96 is not interrupted or effected since this current is then directly provided through switch 102 and conductor 223 to the distributor. In addition, the heater and/or air conditioner fan 100 will continue to operate since the solenoid 15th and vacuum assisting operation of same will maintain

contacts

136 and 138 of switch 134 in the engaged position and current will continue to be supplied to the fan.

While the invention has been described in connection with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

I claim:

1. Automatic engine starting means for an automobile gasoline engine 'having an electric current source including a storage battery, a generator of electricity operatively connected to said engine for generation of electricity upon operation of said engine, a starting motor for said engine having a starter solenoid operable to close a starter switch, one side of said starter switch being connected to said battery and the other side thereof being connected to said starter motor, a carburetor for said engine, a coil and a distributor for said engine, and fan for said automobile operable to vary the temperature inside the cab thereof, said starting means comprising, in combination, a master switch having one end portion thereof connected to said storage battery, a gear shift operated safety switch operatively connected to the other end of said master switch, said safety switch being closed when said gear shift is in neutral position, a dual acting thermostat operated switch, a timing switch operatively connected to said thermostat switch, a connector plug having eight pins, the first of said pin-s being electrically grounded, the second of said pins being connected to said generator to receive electric current therefrom, the third of said pin-s being connected to said safety switch, the fourth of said pins being connected to said fan, the fifth of said pins being connect-ed to said thermostat switch, the sixth of said pins being connected to said timing switch, the seventh of said pins being connected to said coil, the eighth of said pins being connected to said starter solenoid, an accelerator solenoid connected to said carburetor to in operation accelerate said engine, said solenoid being electrically connected to said other side of said starter switch, a double throw triple pole switch having four electrical contacts with the third and fourth of said contacts being in engagement when said motor is stopped, a switch operator connected to the first and said fourth of said contacts, a solenoid having an electric conductor with an outer portion thereof and a magnetizable core therein extendable from one end thereof, said core having said switch operator connected thereto on one end thereof, a vacuum hose sealingly connected to the other end of said lastnamed solenoid and operatively connected to the inlet .manifold of said engine, a helical spring between said other end of said last-named solenoid and the other end of said core to urge said core into the extended position, means limiting outward movement of said core, two plug type relays of like construction having eight pins, the first pin of each of said relays being connected to arnovable contact and engagablewith contacts connected to the third and fourth of said pins of said relays, the eighth pin of each of said relays being connected to a movable contact within said relays and engagable with contacts connected to the fifth and sixth pins of said relays, the second and seventh pins of each of said relays being connected to an armature within said relays to cause said movable contacts to be moved into electrical contact with saidthird andsixth pins in operation, an electron tube having seven pins, the first of said pins of said the control grid of said tube, the seventh of said pins of said tube being connected to the plate of said tube, a socket having eight contact pins and constructed and adapted to receive said plug with like ones of said pins of said socket being electrically in contact with like ones of said pins of said plug, the first of said pins of said socket being connected to ground, the second of said pins of said socket being connected to one end of said conductor of said last-named solenoid, the third and sixth pins of said socket being interconnected and connected to said first of said pins of one of said relays, said third and said sixth of said pins of said other of said relays, 1 and to said second of said contacts of said double throw triple pole switch, the fourth of said pins of said socket being connected to said first of said contacts of said double throw triple pole switch, the fifth of said pins of said socket being connected to said third of said contacts of said double throw triple pole switch and to said second of said pins of said other of said relays, the seventh of said pins of said socket being connected to said first and said eighth of said pins of said other of said relays, the eighth of said pins of said socket being connected to said third of said pins of said one of said relays, said first pin of said tube being connected to said second of said pins of said one of said relays, said fourth contact of said double throw triple pole switch being connected to said second, fifth, sixth and seventh of said pins of said tube and to said eighth pin of said one of said relays, said third of said pins of said tube being connected to said fifth of said pins of said one of said relays, said fourth of said pins of said tube being connected to ground and to said seventh of said pins of said one of said relays, said seventh of said pins of both of said relays being grounded, said starting means being constructed and adapted so that when said safety switch, said timing switch and said thermostat switches are closed electric current from said battery is provided to said third, fifth and sixth by said pins of said plug and said socket, causing said armature in said other of said relays to be operated and providing current to said first and eighth pins of said other of said relays and through said seventh of said pins of said socket and plug to said coil and distributor, and with current flowing in said third and out said fourth of said contacts of said double throw pole switch through said one of said relays and through said filament of said tube and to said plate, screen grid and control grid of said tube, so that when said tube becomes heated current will flow from said cathode of said tube to said plate therein permitting current flow from said filament of said tube to said armature of said one of said relays to move said contacts therein and provide current therefrom to said eighth of said pins of said socket and} plug and to said starter solenoid to close said starter switch and thus permit current to flow from said battery to said starter motor and said accelerator solenoid, and when said engine starts current from said generator is provided to said second of said pins of said plug and said socket to said last-named solenoid to operate same and vacuum from said manifold assists said last-named solenoid to retract said core and disengage said third and fourth of said 'contacts and engage said first and second of said contacts of said double throw triple pole switch, thereby stopping flow of current to said one of said relays, said tube and said starter solenoid to open said starter switch and stop said starter motor, and simultaneously providing current to said fan.

2. Automatic engine starting means for an automobile engine or the like having an electric current source including a storage battery, a generator of electricity operatively connected to said engine for generation of electricity upon operation thereof, a starting motor for said engine having a starter solenoid operable to close a starter switch, one side of said starter switch being connected to said battery and the other side thereof being connected to said starter motor, a coil and distributor for said engine and a fan for said automobile, said starting means comprising, in combination, two electric relays,

one of said relays being operatively connected to said distributor coil and the other of said relays being operatively connected to said starter solenoid of said engine, switch means electrically connected in a circuit to said battery and said relays with said switch means being operable to provide electric current from said battery to said relays, and a two position switch having two sets of contacts with one of said sets of contacts being connected to said circuit between said switch means and said other of said relays to when engaged permit current passage to said starter solenoid, the other of said sets of contacts of said two position switch being electrically connected to said switch means and said fan to When-engaged connect said fan in said circuit, a vacuum. assisted solenoid having an elongated hollow member and a plunger member slidable in the hollow thereof and projecting from one end thereof, the projecting portion of said plunger member of said vacuum assisted solenoid being operatively connected to said two position switch so that movement of said plunger member causes engagement and disengagement of said sets of contacts, means connecting the hollow of the other end of, said hollow member of said vacuum assisted solenoid to the inlet manifold of. said engine to thereby createa vacuum in said hollow member during operation of said engine and thereby urge said plunger member into a retracted position, said hollow member having an electrical conductor therewith operatively connected to said generator of electricity so that operation of said generator of electricity provides electricity to said conductor with said hollow member of said vacuum assisted solenoid to thereby urge said plunger into a retracted position, and resilient means in said hollow member of said vacuum assisted solenoid engaging said plunger member. therein and urging said plunger member into an extended. position.

3. The starting means as defined in claim 2 additionally comprising repeater meanselectrically connected to said other of said relays and said last-named switch means, said repeater means being constructed and operable to in operation periodically operate said other of said relays to thereby engage and disengage said starter solenoid when said last-named switch has said one set of contacts engaged.

4. Automatic engine starting means for an automobile gasoline engine or the like having an inlet manifold and an electric current source including a storage battery, a generator of electricity operatively connected to said engine for generation of electricity upon operation thereof, a starting motor for said engine having a starter solenoid therewith operable to close a starter switch to provide current to said startermotor. from said battery, a coil and distributor for said engine, and a fan for said automobile, said starting means comprising, in combination, two electric relays, one of said relays being operatively connected to said coil and distributor and to said battery to in operation provide electric current. to said coil upon operation of said one of said relays, solenoid operated switch means having a cylinder and a piston, said solenoid operated switch means being associated with the other of said relays with said switch means being operatively connected to said battery and to said generator and constructed and adapted to in operation connect said battery to said starter solenoid through said other of said relays when said switch means is in one position and to connect said generator to said fan when said switch means is in another position, and hose means connecting said inlet manifold of said engine with said cylinder of said solenoid of said solenoid operated switch means to assist in operation of said switch means when said engine is running.

5. Automatic engine starting and control means for a power plant having an internal combustion engine, an electric current source including a storage battery and a generator of electricity operatively connected to said engine for generation of electricity upon operation of said engine, an electrically driven starting motor for cranking said engine, a circuit for said starting motor including said battery, an ignition circuit for said engine deriving its electric current from said source of electric current, and primary switch means manually operable to control said ignition and starting motor circuits, comprising, in combination, electric relay switch means to control the energization of said starting motor and ignition circuits by said source of electric current, means for controlling the energization of said relay switch means from said source of electric current including a presettabl-e secondary time switch operable to energize said relay switch means when said primary switch means is in closed position, and mechanical means to control said relay switch means to disconnect said starting motor from said battery and control said ignition circuit, comprising, a hollow tubular member, a solenoid mounted therearound and constructed and operatively connected to said power plant generator to be energizedthereby upon said engine running, a magnetizable plunger co-axially mounted in one end'portion of said tubular member and constructed and operatively connected to said mechanical means to retract upon energization of said solenoid to control said relay switch means to disconnect said starting motor, a conduit operatively connected to and communicating between the manifold of said engine and the other end portion of said tubular member with said tubular member being sealed to allow maintaining a pressure therein less than atmospheric, said plunger being constructed and operable to retract upon a pressure less than atmospheric being established within said tubular member by exhaust of air to said manifold through said conduit when connected and upon said engine running to control said relay switch means to disconnect said starting motor, a helical spring mounted in said tubular member and operatively connected to said plunger to urge said plunger into extended position to control said relay switch means a fan, and fan switch means electrically connected to said fan and to said source of electric current, said fan switch means being mechanically connected to said plunger so that said fan switch means is open when said plunger is extended and closed when said plunger isyretracted.

6. Automatic engine starting and control means for a power plant having an internal combustion engine, an electric current source including a storage battery and a generator of electricity operatively connected to said engine for generation of electricity upon operation of said engine, an electrically driven starting motor for cranking said engine, a circuit for said starting motor includingv said battery, and primary switch means operable to control said ignition and starting motor circuits, comprising, in combination, electric relay switch means to control the energization of, said starting motor by said source of electric current, means for controlling the energization of said relay switch means for said source of electric current including a presettable secondary time switch operable to energize said relay switchmeans when said primary switch means is in closed position, and mechanical means to control said relay switch means to disconnect said starting motor from said battery and control saidignition circuit, comprising, a solenoid operatively connected electrically to said power plant generator, including a core of said solenoid sealed to the atmosphere, including a magnetizable plunger operatively mounted in one end portion of said core and constructed and operatively connected to said relay switch means to retract upon energization of said solenoid to control said relay switch means to disconnect said starting motor, the other end portion of said core being constructed and mounted in communication with the manifold of said engine, and said plunger being constructed and operable to retract upon a pressure less than atmospheric being established within said core when mounted in communication with said manifold to control said relay switch means to disconnect with starting motor, spring means mounted in said core and operatively connected to said plunger urging said plunger into extended position to control said relay switch means when connected thereto a fan, and fan switch means electrically connected to said fan and said source of electric current, said fan switch means being mechanically connected to said plunger so that said fan switch means is open when said plunger is extended and closed when said plunger is retracted.

7. Automatic engine starting means for an engine of an automobile or the like having an electric current source including a storage battery, a generator of electricity operatively connected to said engine for generation of electricity upon operation thereof, a starting motor for said engine having a starter solenoid operable to said battery and said relays with said switch means being operable to provide electric current from said battery to said relays, and a two position switch having two sets of contacts with one of said sets of contacts being connected in said circuit between said switch rneans and said other of said relays to when engaged permit current passage to said starter solenoid, the other of said sets of contacts of said two position switch being electrically connected to said switch means and said fan to when engaged connect said fan in said circuit, a vacuum assisted solenoid having an elongated hollow member and a plunger member slidable in the hollow thereof and projecting from one end thereof, the projecting portion of said plunger member of said vacuum assisted solenoid being operatively connected to said two position switch so that movement of said plunger member causes engagement and disengagement of said sets of contacts, means connecting the hollow of the other end of said hollow member of said vacuum assisted solenoid to the inlet manifold of said engine to thereby create a vacuum in said hollow member during operation of said engine and thereby urge said plunger member into a retracted position, said hollow member having an electrical conductor therewith operatively connected to said generator of electricity so that operation of said generator of electricity provides electricity to said conductor with said hollow member of said vacuum assisted solenoid to thereby urge said plunger into a retracted position, resilient means in said hollow member of said vacuum assisted solenoid engaging said plunger member therein to urge said plunger member into an extended position, and repeater circuit means including a vacuum tube which is electrically connected'in said circuit between said switch means and said startingmotor, said repeater circuit means being operable to control the energization of said starting motor intermittently.

8. Automatic starting means for an engine or the like having an inlet manifold constructed to operate at and maintain a pressure less than atmospheric pressure during operation of said engine, an electric current source,

a generator of electricity operatively connected to said engine for generation of electricity upon operation thereof, a starting motor for said engine having means therewith operable to close switch means to provide current to said starter motor from said electric current source, said starting means comprising, in combination, an electrical relay operatively connected to said electric current source and to said means to close said switch means to in operation provide electrical current to said means to close said switch means to close same and thereby provide current to said starter motor from said electric current source, solenoid operated switch means having switch means electrically connected to said electric current source and said switch means associated with said starter motor and construced and adapted to in operation connect said electric current source to said starter motor, said solenoid operated switch means including a solenoid having a cylinder, a piston movable therein, and a rod projecting therefrom, said solenoid operated switch means having the conductor means operatively connected'to said generator of electricity, unobstructed imperforate means connected to said inlet manifold of said engine and to the head end portion of said cylinder of said solenoid providing communication between the space in said cylinder between the piston and head thereof and the inside of said inlet manifold at all times, single resilient means operatively mounted in said cylinder in direct contact with the face portion of said piston and the head end portion of said cylinder urging said rod into extended position at all times, said automatic engine starting means being constructed and adapted so that in operation electric current can be provided by operation of said relay to said starter motor for operation of same when said switch means of said solenoid operated switch means is closed, operation of said generator of electricity providing electric current to said solenoid of said solenoid operated switch means to retract said piston and rod, retraction of said piston and rod being assisted at all times by the pressure differential created as a result of pressure less than atmospheric on said inlet manifold during operation of said engine.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,985,309 Boyd Dec. 25, 1934 1,967,657 Blake July 24, 1934 2,169,247 Hill et al. Aug. 15, 1939 2,757,295 Briggs July 31, 1956 2,949,104 Davis Aug. 16, 1960

Claims

1. AUTOMATIC ENGINE STARTING MEANS FOR AN AUTOMOBILE GASOLINE ENGINE HAVING AN ELECTRIC CURRENT SOURCE INCLUDING A STORAGE BATTERY, A GENERATOR OF ELECTRICITY OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID ENGINE FOR GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY UPON OPERATION OF SAID ENGINE, A STARTING MOTOR FOR SAID ENGINE HAVING A STARTER SOLENOID OPERABLE TO CLOSE A STARTER SWITCH, ONE SIDE OF SAID STARTER SWITCH BEING CONNECTED TO SAID BATTERY AND THE OTHER SIDE THEREOF BEING CONNECTED TO SAID STARTER MOTOR, A CARBURETOR FOR SAID ENGINE, A COIL AND A DISTRIBUTOR FOR SAID ENGINE, AND FAN FOR SAID AUTOMOBILE OPERABLE TO VARY THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE CAB THEREOF, SAID STARTING MEANS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A MASTER SWITCH HAVING ONE END PORTION THEREOF CONNECTED TO SAID STORAGE BATTERY, A GEAR SHIFT OPERATED SAFETY SWITCH OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO THE OTHER END OF SAID MASTER SWITCH SAID SAFETY SWITCH BEING CLOSED WHEN SAID GEAR SHIFT IS IN NEUTRAL POSITION, A DUAL ACTING THERMOSTAT OPERATED SWITCH, A TIMING SWITCH OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID THERMOSTAT SWITCH, A CONNECTOR PLUG HAVING EIGHT PINS, THE FIRST OF SAID PINS BEING ELECTRICALLY GROUNDED, THE SECOND OF SAID PINS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID GENERATOR TO RECEIVE ELECTRIC CURRENT THEREFROM, THE THIRD OF SAID PINS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID SAFETY SWITCH, THE FOURTH OF SAID PINS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID FAN, THE FIFTH OF SAID PINS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID THERMOSTAT SWITCH, THE SIXTH OF SAID PINS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID TIMING SWITCH, THE SEVENTH OF SAID PINS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID COIL, THE EIGHTH OF SAID PINS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID STARTER SOLENOID, AN ACCELERATOR SOLENOID CONNECTED TO SAID CARBURETOR TO IN OPERATION ACCELERATE SAID ENGINE, SAID SOLENOID BEING ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO SAID OTHER SIDE OF SAID STARTER SWITCH, A DOUBLE THROW TRIPLE POLE SWITCH HAVING FOUR ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WITH THE THIRD AND FOURTH OF SAID CONTACTS BEING IN ENGAGEMENT WHEN SAID MOTOR IS STOPPED, A SWITCH OPERATOR CONNECTED TO THE FIRST AND SAID FOURTH OF SAID CONTACTS, A SOLENOID HAVING AN ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR WITH AN OUTER PORTION THEREOF AND A MAGNETIZABLE CORE THEREIN EXTENDABLE FROM ONE END THEREOF, SAID CORE HAVING SAID SWITCH OPERATOR CONNECTED THERETO ON ONE END THEREOF, A VACUUM HOSE SEALINGLY CONNECTED TO THE OTHER END OF SAID LASTNAMED SOLENOID AND OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO THE INLET MANIFOLD OF SAID ENGINE, A HELICAL SPRING BETWEEN SAID OTHER END OF SAID LAST-NAMED SOLENOID AND THE OTHER END OF SAID CORE TO URGE SAID CORE INTO THE EXTENDED POSITION, MEANS LIMITING OUTWARD MOVEMENT OF SAID CORE, TWO PLUG TYPE RELAYS OF LIKE CONSTRUCTION HAVING EIGHT PINS, THE FIRST PIN OF EACH OF SAID RELAYS BEING CONNECTED TO A MOVABLE CONTACT AND ENGAGABLE WITH CONTACTS CONNECTED TO THE THIRD AND FOURTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID RELAYS, THE EIGHTH PIN OF EACH OF SAID RELAYS BEING CONNECTED TO A MOVABLE CONTACT WITHIN SAID REELAYS AND ENGAGABLE WITH CONTACTS CONNECTED TO THE FIFTH AND SIXTH PINS OF SAID RELAYS, THE SECOND AND SEVENTH PINS OF EACH OF SAID RELAYS BEING CONNECTED TO AN ARMATURE WITHIN SAID RELAYS TO CAUSE SAID MOVABLE CONTACTS TO BE MOVED IINTO ELECTRICAL CONTACT WITH SAID THIRD AND SIXTH PINS IN OPERATION, AN ELECTRON TUBE HAVING SEVEN PINS, THE FIRST OF SAID PINS OF SAID TUBE BEING CONNECTED TO THE FILAMENT OF SAID TUBE, THE FIFTH AND SIXTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID TUBE BEING CONNECTED TO THE CONTROL GRID OF SAID TUBE, THE SEVENTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID TUBE BEING CONNECTED TO THE PLATE OF SAID TUBE, A SOCKET HAVING EIGHT CONTACT PINS AND CONSTRUCTED AND ADAPTED TO RECEIVE SAID PLUG WITH LIKE ONES OF SAID PINS OF SAID SOCKET BEING ELECTRICALLY WITH LIKE ONES OF SAID PINS OF SAID PLUG, THE FIRST AND SAID PINS OF SAID SOCKET BEING CONNECTED TO GROUND, THE SECOND OF SAID PINS OF SAID SOCKET BEING CONNECTED TO ONE END OF SAID CONDUCTOR OF SAID LAST-NAMED SOLENOID, THE THIRD AND SIXTH PINS OF SAID SOCKET BEING INTERCONNECTED AND CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST OF SAID PINS OF SAID OTHER RELAYS, SAID THIRD AND SAID SIXTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID OTHER OF SAID RELAYS, AND TO SAID SECOND OF SAID CONTACTS OF SAID DOUBLE THROW TRIPLE POLE SWITCH, THE FOURTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID SOCKET BEING CONNECTEDK TO SAID FIRST OF SAID CONTACTS OF SAID DOUBLE THROW TRIPLE POLE SWITCH, THE FIFTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID SOCKET BEING CONNECTED TO SAID THIRD OF SAID CONTACTS OF SAID DOUBLE THROW TRIPLE POLE SWITCH AND TO SAID SECOND OF SAID PINS OF SAID OTHER OF SAID RELAYS, THE SEVENTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID SOCKET BEING CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST AND SAID EIGHTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID OTHER OF SAID RELAYS, THE EIGHTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID SOCKET BEING CONNECTED TO SAID THIRD OF SAID PINS OF SAID ONE OF SAID RELAYS, SAID FIRST PIN OF SAID TUBE BEING CONNECTED TO SAID SECOND OF SAID PINS OF SAID ONE OF SAID RELAYS, SAID FOURTH CONTACT OF SAID DOUBLE THROW TRIPLE POLE SWITCH BEING CONNECTED TO SAID SECOND, FIFTH, SIXTH AND SEVENTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID TUBE AND TO SAID EIGHTH PIN OF SAID ONE OF SAID RELAYS, SAID THIRD OF SAID PINS OF SAID TUBE BEING CONNECTED TO SAID FIFTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID ONE OF SAID RELAYS, SAID FOURTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID TUBE BEING CONNECTED TO GROUND AND TO SAID SEVENTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID ONE OF SAID RELAYS, SAID SEVENTH OF SAID PINS OF BOTH OF SAID RELAYS BEING GROUNDED, SAID STARTING MEANS BEING CONSTRUCTED AND ADAPTED SO THAT WHEN SAID SAFETY SWITCH, SAID TIMING SWITCH AND SAID THERMOSTAT SWITCHES ARE CLOSED ELECTRIC CURRENT FROM SAID BATTERY IS PROVIDED TO SAID THIRD, FIFTH AND SIXTH BY SAID PINS OF SAID PLUG AND SAID SOCKET, CAUSING SAID ARMATURE IN SAID OTHER OF SAID RELAYS TO BE OPERATED AND PROVIDING CURRENT TO SAID FIRST AND EIGHTH PINS OF SAID OTHER OF SAID RELAYS AND THROUGH SAID SEVENTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID SOCKET AND PLUG TO SAID COIL AND DISTRIBUTOR, AND WITH CURRENT FLOWING IN SAID THIRD AND OUT SAID FOURTH OF SAID CONTACTS OF SAID DOUBLE THROW POLE SWITCH THROUGH SAID ONE OF SAID RELAYS AND THROUGH SAID FILAMENT OF SAID TUBE AND TO SAID PLATE, SCREEN GRID AND CONTROL GRID OF SAID TUBE, SO THAT WHEN SAID TUBE BECOMES HEATED CURRENT WILL FLOW FROM SAID CATHODE OF SAID TUBE TO SAID PLATE THEREIN PERMITTING CURRENT FLOW FROM SAID FILAMENT OF SAID TUBE TO SAID ARMATURE OF SAID ONE OF SAID RELAYS TO MOVE SAID CONTACTS THEREIN AND PROVIDE CURRENT THEREFROM TO SAID EIGHTH OF SAID PINS OF SAID SOCKET AND PLUG AND TO SAID STARTER SOLENOID TO CLOSE SAID STARTER SWITCH AND THUS PERMIT CURRENT TO FLOW FROM SAID BATTERY TO SAID STARTER MOTOR AND SAID ACCELERATOR SOLENOID, AND WHEN SAID ENGINE STARTS CURRENT FROM SAID GENERATOR IS PROVIDED TO SAID SECOND OF SAID PINS OF SAID PLUG AND SAID SOCKET TO SAID LAST-NAMED SOLENOID TO OPERATE SAME AND VACUUM FROM SAID MANIFOLD ASSISTS SAID LAST-NAMED SOLENOID TO RETRACT SAID CORE AND DISENGAGE SAID THIRD AND FOURTH OF SAID CONTACTS AND ENGAGE SAID FIRST AND SECOND OF SAID CONTACTS OF SAID DOUBLE THROW TRIPLE POLE SWITCH, THEREBY STOPPING FLOW OF CURRENT TO SAID ONE OF SAID RELAYS, SAID TUBE AND SAID STARTER SOLENOID TO OPEN SAID STARTER SWITCH AND STOP SAID STARTER MOTOR, AND SIMULTANEOUSLY PROVIDING CURRENT TO SAID FAN.