AU654747B2 - Internal combustion engine controller - Google Patents

Description

41248AU HKS:SJC:PFB 7 4 P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicants: KEITH ROBERT HOCKLEY AND RAYMOND JOHN HOCKLEY Actual Inventors: *KEITH ROBERT HOCKLEY AND RAYMOND JOHN HOCKLEY AUSKEITH ROBERT HOCKLEY AND RAYMOND JOHN HOCKLEYmber 1991 Address for Service: COLLISON CO.,117 King William Street, Adelaide, S.A. 5000 Invention Title: INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONTROLLER Details of Assoiated Provisional Applications: AUSTRALIAN Patent Application No. PK9228 Dated 1st November 1991 AUSTRALIAN Patent Application No. PK9230 Dated 1st November 1991 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: This invention relates to the remote starting and stopping of internal combustion engines for pumping water from a storage to a desired area for fire protection purposes.

It is known to provide for protective water distribution in the vicinity of a property during a bushfire.

However, in areas where such precautionary dousing of a property is appropriate, water storage is conventionally limited and will quite simply run out over a period of time if pumped continuously.

1 0 The problem with most bushfires however is that it is very difficult to anticipate where the location of the fire front itself is.

On bad fire days, the smoke preceding the fire can extend huge distances and a person located at the location to be protected is simply in no position usually to be able to estimate where the fire is and when it will arrive.

15 Further, it can often be the problem that one does simply not know where the S:-fire will approach from.

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A slight wind shift, smoke swirling in the vicinity, and secondary smaller fires which do not presage the main fire front, can all give false indications resulting in a person commencing dousing of the property from the limited water storage only to find the water storage has run out before the fire front arrives.

What has been discovered is that the location of a fire front, its speed and direction can be much better estimated by being quite distal from the ir,7inediate vicinity and being located for insance in a helicopter or a spotter aeroplane or from a high observation point.

With the assistance either of infrared sensitive viewing or even simply visual indications, such a remote observer is in a much better position to make judgements.

While it might be possible for a remote observer to be able to communicate with an individual located in the immediate vicinity of a pump, this in many cases is both dangerous and generally inconvenient.

A next problem is to ensure that there are reasonable means by which a starting signal can be effected but needs to be relatively secure means by which false signalling will not occur.

Obviously, if a false signal starts the motor, then both fuel for the internal combustion engine, and the water supply can be depleted before there is any 1 0 need for the water dousing.

According to one form of this invention there is provided A fire protection arrangement comprising a pump to effect pumping of water from a water storage into water distribution means to effect water distribution over at least some of a selected location to be protected during a fire, and arranged 1 5 whereby water distribution for the pump can be independently started by a remote signal provided through a radio link from a remotely located controller to a remote controller signal receiving means located in the close vicinity of an internal combustion engine located in the close vicinity of the to be protected location 2 0 a speed monitoring means adapted to detect at least a no rotational drive speed status and one other rotational drive speed status of the internal S"combustion engine, the pump being connected to both said water storage and water distribution means and coupled to be driven by the internal combustion 25 engine so as to effect a pumping of water from the water storage to the water distribution means upon there being effected a rotational drive from the internal combustion engine, o said remote controller signal receiving means providing an invoking signal only upon receiving said remote signal which is comprised of two 3 0 signals with a first signal received from a first identifiable source and a second signal which is received only within a selected period of time afte- the receipt of the first signal, a starter means including a battery and a starter motor arranged to attempt to start the internal combustion engine by activating its ignition and rotating the internal combustion engine when receiving the invoking signal, and means to disengage the starter motor from a driving connection with the internal combustion engine upon the speed monitoring means detecting said other rotational speed status of the engine.In preference, the said other rotational speed is the running speed of the internal combustion engine.

1 0 As a result of this arrangement, there thus can be provided, in the hands of a remote observer, means to directly start and stop from time to time water distribution means so that the remote observer can select within minutes the appropriate water distribution means to be switched on.

For a better understanding of this invention, it will now be described with the 1 5 assistance of diagrams illustrating a preferred embodiment in which: :o*.FIG. 1 illustrates processing circuit for decoding an invoking signal o:.i from a pager or mobile telephone, ~FIG. 2 illustrates the invoking signal from the pager, FIG. 3 illustrates a four channel radio receiver output, FIG. 4 illustrates the decoder and timer circuit for processing the outputs of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, FIG. 5 illustrates a single channel radio receiver, pager or mobile telephone interface adapted to be connected to FIG. 4, plus online and test buttons, FIG. 6 illustrates an internal combustion engine ignition activation circuitry adapted to be controlled by the circuits of the above FIGS, FIG. 7 illustrates a status transmitter activation circuit, and FIG. 8. is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention for driving a pump.

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e o*o* *oo *•eo Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, there is illustrated processing circuit for decoding an invoking signal from a pager or mobile telephone. Once the pager or mobile telephone is accessed by an allocated dialling number it will a generate a pulsed signal that is transformed into an audio frequency signal.

This tone is of fixed frequency and is pulsed at different rates depending upon which of the pre-programmed telephone numbers are used to activate the pager. In contrast the mobile telephone only has one fixed audio frequency.

The signal from the pager or mobile telephone can be applied directly to input 1 0 A of FIG. 1, whereas if an audible tone is used it must first pass through a microphone before being applied to input A.

i Referring in detail to the embodiment described in FIG. 1, there are two power sources supplied, by input D+ and from a re-chargeable b1attery. The two power supplies are derived from IC1 and IC2 along with their associated 1 5 resistors and capacitors. The output from IC1 provides a 1.5 volt output across the outputs B and C to feed the pager, whereas the output from C102 provides power to the circuit of FIG. 1. Note if a mobile telephone is to be used then IC1 and its associated circuitry can be modified to provide the desired power supply.

:i e.goS S aS Considering the pager only, the paper signal at input A is processed by the asv'"o amplifier configuration consisting of transistors Q1, Q2 and their associated circuitry. The collector of Q2 is connected to the CLOCK of the counter IC3 and input A of the monostable device IC4:A. The Q-bar output of IC4:A is connected to input A of the monostable device IC4:B, input B of IC4:A and the ENABLE input of the counter IC3. The Q-bar output of IC4:B is connected to the RESET input of IC3 via the 0.1 micro-farad capacitor. This Qbar output is also connected to the CLEAR of monostable IC4:A and the Q 1 0 output of IC4:B is connected to one input of the NAND gates IC5:A, and IC5:D. The output of these NAND gates E, F, G and H(A) are then supplied to the decoder and safety time circuit of FIG. 4.

The above described embodiment uses the monostable IC4:A and its associated resistors and capacitors to function as a 1 second timer; and 1 5 monostable IC4:B and its associated resistors and capacitors are used to function as a 7 second timer (both timers can be modified, if required, to be of a different time duration).

Upon an audio frequency signal, from the pager being applied to input A the output from the audio signal amplifier is simultaneously applied to the clock of 2 0 counter IC3 and input A of monostable IC4:A. This initiates the 1 second timer. The output of this timer (the Q-bar of monostable IC4:A) changes state to a logic 1 which is applied to the enable of the counter IC3 and clocks the counter once. After 1 second, the Q bar of monostable IC4:A will change state and disable counter IC3. Consequently, any pulses appearing at the output of 2 5 the audio signal amplifier during this 1 second time slot will have been applied to the clock of counter IC3 and the resulting count is the decoded pager signal.

When the Q bar of monostable IC4:A changes state the 7 second timer associated with monostable IC4:B is initiated. The Q bar output of 3 0 monostable IC4:B applies a signal to the CLEAR input of monostable IC4:A so that the 1 second timing sequence is disabled for the next 7 seconds. The 8 Q output of monostable IC4:B enables the NAND gates IC5:A, IC5:B, and IC5:D and therefore the decoded output from counter IC3 appears at either E, F, G or H(A).

The Q output from monostable IC4:B remains at a logic 1 for 7 seconds, after which it changes state and disables NAND gates IC5:A, IC5:B, IC5:C and At the same time, the Q bar of monostable IC4:B changes state. This removes the clear signal to monostable IC4:A and also clears the count stored in counter IC3. Hence, the circuit is in its initial state awaiting a signal from the pager.

When considering a mobile telephone only one frequency is provided and therefore, depending upon the frequency, only one of the outputs E, F, G or H(A) can be used in this embodiment. However, there are a number of frequencies available at the output of the pager as shown in FIG. 2, therefore 1 5 the input to the audio signal amplifier can be one of a number of pulsed signals or tones.

To reduce the possibility of a random number being decoded a false alarm safety mechanism can be incorporated as illustrated in FIG. 4. This safety mechanism is configured such that two pre-defined pager numbers (or radio 20 receiver signals) must be dialled in succession, and within a limited time frame, before a selected unit activation circuit can be invoked.

RefGrring to FIG. 2 there is illustrated the invoking signal from the pager. This shows typical outputs which can be applied to input A of FIG 1. These output signals are dependent upon the transmitted signal, or addressing, of the 2 5 pager by a transmitted signal which can be dependent upon more than one telephone number.

Referring to FIG. 3 there is illustrated the output of a four channel radio receiver (an ELSEMA FMR 204). The outputs of the radio channel receiver E, F, G and H are adapted to be connected to one or more of the inputs of FIG. 4.

3 0 Hence, these outputs E, F, G and H are compatible with the outputs E, F, G and H(A) of FIG. 1.

1' 9 Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 4, the inputs E, F, G, H and H(A) correspond to the outputs E, F, G, H and H(A) of FIGS. 1 and 3. The outputs from the decoder circuit or radio receiver are propagated to the inputs of either IC7:A, IC7:B and IC7:C via the NOT gates IC6:~, IC6:B or IC6:C.

The function of the 555 counter C10 and its associated circuitry is to provide a safety feature to reduce the possibility of random decoding and activation. If required IC10 can be removed and the 10K OHM resistor across the R and Q inputs of IC10 provides a logic 1 to the inputs of IC7:A, IC7:B and IC7:C. rhis 1 0 logic 1 allows the outputs of the AND gates to be sensitive to inputs E, F and G. However, if the false alarm safety mechanism is required the 555 counter must be inserted and one of the outputs from FIG. 1 must be connected to H(A) or one of the outputs of FIG. 2 must ,e connected to the input H. The following sequence is required to provide a signal at the output INIT or to 1 5 switch on transistors Q3, Q4, If one of the outputs from FIG. 1 is connected to H(A) then the pager must S. send a first signal which is decoded and applied to H(A).

Upon receipt of the signal at the input H(A) the output Q of the 555 counter IC10 supplies a logic 1 to one of the inputs of each of the AND gates IC7:A, 20 IC7:B and IC7:C thus sensitising these three AND gates such that the output of IC7:A is the inverse of input E, the output of IC7:B is the inverse of input F and the output of IC7:C is the inverse of input G.

The outputs of IC7:A, IC7:B, IC7:C are connected to the clock inputs of the flipflops IC8:A, IC8:B and IC9:A respectively. These flip-flops are configured 2 5 such that they are in the toggle mode.

The output Q of the 555 counter iC10 will stay at a logic 1 for a time duration dependent upon the associated circuitry of the 555 counter Consequently, during the period when the Q output of the 555 counter IC10 is at a logic 1 one of the inputs E, F or G must be addressed, which therefore 3 0 clocks either IC8:A, IC8:B or IC9:A. As a result the outputs of one of these flipflops will go high and light one of the light emitting diodes connected to one of the outputs of each flip-flop.

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i I After a pre-determined time period the output Q of the 555 counter IC10 will return to a logic 0. If none of the inputs E, F or G are addressed during the period when the Q output of the 555 counter IC10 is at a logic 1 then none of the outputs of the flip-flops IC8:A, IC8:B or IC9:A will be clocked to a logic 1. If none of the outputs of thvse flip-flops are clocked to a logic 1 there will be no activation signal. This therefore provides a safety mechanism in which either input H or H(A) has to be addressed after which there is a short time duration in which input E, F or G have to be addressed.

1 0 The input H and H(A) can also be used to clock the flip-flop IC9:B to provide a logic 1 to its output Q (activation signal). This will therefore light the light emitting diode connectea to its output.

The outputs of IC8:A, IC8:B, (C9:A and IC9:B can be connected in a number of S. ways to provide an activation ,ignal. For instance, each of the respective 1 5 outputs can be connected by suitable links to the INIT output or alternatively one or more outputs from the respective flip-flops can be connected to the transistors Q3, Q4, Q5 and Q6. Hence, one or more devices can be remotely activated.

The test input can be used to manually clock the flip-flops IC8:A, IC8:B, IC9:A 2 0 and IC9:B to determine whether or not the flip-flops and associated output circuitry is functioning correctly.

Once any one of the flip-flops IC8:A, IC8:B, IC9:A and IC9:B have been clocked such that th'ir output Q is at a logic 1, the same sequence as described above is used to clock the required flip-flop and deactivate a device 2 5 which was activated by that flip-flop. Note, the false alarm safety mechanism has the effect, if used, of reducing the probability of erroneous de-activation.

Referring to FIC there is illustrated a single channel radio receiver and pager/mobile te.aphone interface plus the ONLINE and TEST buttons. Upon initially applying power to this circuit the top two pins of IC'12:B are 3 0 momentarily at a logic 0 due to the RC time constant of the 10 micro-Farad capacir.'" and 100K Ohm resistor. Thus, the feedback between the output of 11 IC12:B and bottom two inputs of IC12:B forces the output of IC12:B to a logic 0. This AND gate IC12:B is then primed to follow the logic state of its bottom two inputs. Upon pressing the ON-LINE switch a high is fed to the bottom two inputs of IC12:B via the diode which therefore latches the output of IC12:B to a logic 1. The inverter IC11:A inverts the logic value of the output of IC12:B which therefore turns the OFF-LINE light emitting diode off. In this condition the ON-LINE output is at a logic 1.

The TEST button, when pressed, is adapted to provide a signal to both the 1 0 TEST input of FIG. 4 and the RESET input of FIG. 4 via the inverter IC11 :B and AND gate IC12:A. Another feature as illustrated in FIG. 5 is to provide a compatibility between the single channel output from the radio receiver board (ELSEMA FMR 212) and the inputs E, F, G and H of FIG. 4. If this feature is required the output relay of the ELSEMA FMR 212 must be removed and the 1 5 collector output which was connected to the ELSEMA relay coil must be connected to the relay contacts common terminal. Furthermore, the normally open contact of the relay terminal must be connected to one side of the test button on the ELSEMA circuit (refer to ELSEMA data sheets for further information).

20 Referring to FIG. 6 there is illustrated the internal combustion engine ignition activation circuit. In the standby mode the output of IC16:A is low therefore the transistor Q9 is switched off. The relay RL2/1 is therefore de-energised and its contacts effectively short out the internal combustion engine's ignition coil.

Upon the online input being a logic 1 and the INIT input going from a logic 0 to 2 5 1 transition, then the output of the AND gate IC16:A is dependent upon the outputs from SW1SW and the output Q of IC15 (REVS logic 0 when the internal combustion engine is stationary). Thus, due to the INIT logic 0 to 1 transition, then IC14 will be enabled with all its outputs at a logic 0. The CLOCK to IC14 is provided by the 0 output of the 555 timer IC1, the 3 0 frequency of which is determined by the timer's associated circuitry. This CLOCK is also applied to IC16:A and due to each clock cycle a logic 1 will appear at the output of IC14.

The number of switches closed on SW1SW determines the number of times a logic 1 is provided at the output of IC16:A. Note a logic 1 will only appear when in conjunction with the other 3 inputs to IC16:A the output Q of IC15 is at a logic 1. This has the effect of providing a sequence of logic is for a period of time (typically 20 seconds) to the output of IC16:A. When a logic 1 appears at the output of IC16:A the transistors Q8 and Q9 are switched on. This therefore provides a signal ST/MTR to start the starter motor (and lights the light emitting diode L6) and energises RL2/1 which removes the short across the internal 1 0 combustion engine's ignition coil (IGN/A) (and lights the light emitting diode When the Q output of C15 returns to a logic 0 the output of IC16:A goes to a logic 0 which therefore results in the ignition coil being shorted out and power removed from the starter motor. When the Q output of IC15 returns to a logic 1 5 1 the output of IC16:A goes to a logic 1 which therefore results in the removal of the ignition coil short and power is applied to the starter motor. This sequence continues until a logic 0 appears at the output of SW1SW, upon which a signal is sent via. IC13:C to apply a reset condition to IC15: and a o: reset and disable condition to IC14.

If the internal combustion engine fires and runs (during the typically 20 second period of time). When the internal combustion engine reaches a threshold speed (typically its running speed) an alternator or generator provides an output voltage which is processed and therefore provides the REVS input with a logic 1 value. The inverter IC13:D supplies a logic 0 to IC16:B which in turn switches off the transistor Q8 and power to the starter motor is terminated.

Hence, this provides the advantage of removing power from the starter motor without the intervention of a human, furthermore, using this starter motor control less strain will occur upon the starter motor. Hence, when the internal combustion engine is started power to the starter motor is automatically 3 0 removed due to the REVS input providing a signal indicative of the successful starting of the internal combustion engine. In addition, REVS resets IC15 such that the output of IC16:A is at a logic 0 whilst REVS remains at a logic 1.

REVS is also fed to one "f the inputs of IC16:A to maintain th e utput of IC16:A high. When INIT goes to a logic 0 the output of IC16:A goes to a logic 0 which 13 switches off Q9 and therefore RL2/1 is de-energised and the ignition coil is shorted out.

Referring to FIG. 7, a 7 volt supply is provided at the output of IC20. The inputs to the OR gate IC17:A are STATUS, W/ALM, LOWBAT and a SPARE.

Using the circuits illustrated in the above FIGS applied to an application such as water pumping or fire protection and control, then the logic condition at the STATUS input is derived from a continuous monitoring of water flow due to a pump driven by an internal combustion engine. In this application the internal 1 0 combustion engine is controlled by the outputs from FIG. 4. Assuming that all inputs to IC17:A are at a logic 0, then upon activation of the pump water will flow. This condition can be detected, by electronic measurement means, from which logic values can be derived and therefore the STATUS input becomes a logic 1. This produces a logic 0 to 1 transition at the output of IC17:A. The 0 to 1 transition at the output of IC17:A activates the timer flip-flop IC18:A (IC18:B is activated by a 1 to 0 transition). Upon activating the timer flip-flop IC18:A its output Q is applied to the OR gate IC17:B which turns transistor i or and therefore energises the relay RELTX. This relay switches a coded radio transmitter and receiver from a receiving mode to a transmitting mode.

.00. 2 0 The output of IC17:A is also connected to one of the inputs of IC20:A, IC20:C and IC20:D. Thus depending upon which input to IC17:A is at a logic 1, one or more outputs of IC20:A, IC20:B, IC20:C or IC20:D will be at a logic 1 which therefore will select and switch one of the outputs CH1, CH2, CH3 or CH4 of IC19 to ground. The selected channel is thus transmitted by the coded to 25 radio transmitter and receiver. Hence, depending upon which channel is being transmitted it is possible to determine the status and certain fault conditions applicable to the system.

Upon the timer flip-flop IC18:A timing-out its Q output of will return to a logic 0, CH1 will no longer be grounded, the relay RELTX will de-energise and 3 0 therefore the coded radio transmitter and receiver will return to the receive mode. Upon de-activation of the system the STATUS input will go from a logic 1 to a logic 0 which activates the timer flip-flop IC18:B. Upon activating the timer flip-flop 1018:B its output Q is applied to the OR gate IC17:B which turns 14 transistor Q10 on and again energises the relay RELTX. This relay switches the coded radio transmitter and receiver from a receiving mode to a transmitting mode. As above the coded radio transmitter and receiver transmits a message, the message in this case is a de-activation message.

If a system fault condition occurs whilst the STATUS input is at a logic 1, the water flow (in most circumstances) will cease to flow and therefore the STATUS input will go from a logic 1 to a logic 0. Providing there is a sufficient sequencing and time delay circuitry controlling the signals applied to the 1 0 inputs STATUS, W/ALM, LOWBAT and SPARE (if used), the STATUS input will return to a logic 0, the coded radio transmitter and receiver will cease transmitting and then if appropriate one of the other inputs to IC17:A will go from a logic 1 to a logic 0. This therefore will transmit the fault condition at one of the outputs CH1, CH2, CH3, or CH4.

1 5 Referring to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8, in which it is assumed that the three pole double throw switch consisting of switches 5, 6 and 7, are in the automatic mode in this mode the ignition coil 9 is shorted to earth by the normally closed contacts of a relay located within the controller 28.

Upon receiving one or possibly more of a signals from a pager 22, coded radio transmitter 24, mobile telephone 25 or simply a pulse from manually operated test switch 27 an activation signal is supplied to the controller 28.

The activation signal may be decoded by the one of the decoders 23 or 24 if the signals are from pager or mobile telephone. The controller then opens the normally closed contacts across the ignition coil which is therefore no longer shorted to earth. At the same time as the said contacts are opened, the starter motor's solenoid timer circuit 30 and alternator or generator output voltage monitor circuit are activated by the controller 28. The starter motor solenoid timer circuit 30 immediately applies power to starter motor solenoid 1 and electrically operated choke solenoid 2 (if fitted). This in turn applies the power to the starter motor (not shown). The starter motor solenoid timer circuit then begins its timing sequence, which is pre-set for about 12 to 20 seconds, after which power to the starter motor solenoid 1 is removed to prevent the starter motor from burning out.

The starter motor solenoid timing sequence is for back-up safety purposes only. The main method of turning off the starter motor is by the alternator or generator output voltage monitor circuit 29, which monitors the output voltage developed by the alternator or generator, 10 of the internal combustion engine (not shown). This output voltage is regulated by the regulator 13 to provide recharging of the battery 12. When the voltage from the alternator or generator output voltage monitor 29 circuit exceeds a pre-defined level (usually within 2 to 5 seconds of start up), a pulse is applied to the starter 1 0 motor solenoid timer circuit 30. This prematurely aborts the timer circuit and removes power to the starter motor solenoid 1 which in turn shuts down the starter motor. Hence, this provides a mechanism for detecting when the starter motor should be ideally switched off, therefore this reduces the possibility of damage or excessive strain to the starter motor or its associated mechanism.

0:* At the same time as the starter motor solenoid is activated, a signal is sent to the fuel and water solenoid valve circuit 31 (or irlay contacts 11), therefore activating the fuel valve 3 and water valve 4. Power is also appliEd '1o this circuit by the alternator or generator voitage monitor circuit 29. This voltage S. 20 not only ensures that power is always available to t'he fuel and water solenoid valve circuit 31 whilst the internal combustion engine is operating, it also ensures that the valves are closed when the internal combustion motor engine has been shut down.

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o o The utilisation of the starter motor solenoid timer circuit's output and the alternator or generator output voltage monitor circuit 29 enables both the fuel and water valves to be automatically operated even when the pump driven by the internal combustion engine is manually started, either by cord pull or key 8. The same is also true for the automatic choke solenoid (if fitted), however, this will be du-energised as soon as power is removed from the starter motor solenoid 1.

16 If the pump driven internal combustion motor engine is turning and the source of water (or other liquids) is about to be depleted, the lower water level detector 18 recognises this situation by the closing of the float switch 16.

Upon detection, the lower water level detector 18 supplies a signal to the controller 18. This in turn causes the pump and internal combustion motor to shut down before permanent damage can be sustained. In addition, the low water level detector circuit will emit a visual indication of the alarm state. The alarm indication will remain activated until the water level is again above a 1 0 preset minimum and, if necessary, the audible alarm can be muted by switching the three pole double throw switches 5, 6 and 7 to the manual (M) position. This is a design feature intended to ensure that some action, if possible, is taken at the earliest opportunity.

If, during the initial start up period or during normal run conditions, the water 1 5 (or liquid) does not flow or ceases to flow, this abnormality is detected by the liquid flow monitor 17. This causes both a system shut down and generates a visual and audible indication of the alarm state. This procedure ensures that .i permanent physical damage (due to the effects of back pressure) is not sustained.

When the pump and internal combustion engine are running under normal conditions shut down occurs upon receipt of a pulse from the remote source that activated the unit in the first instance (assuming that no other source is continuing to activate the unit). This provides a signal to the controller 28 Swhich sends appropriate signals to short out the ignition coil, thus the pump and internal combustion motor cannot be sustained in the operating mode. In addition, the alternator or generator runs down which in turn removes power from the fuel and water solenoid valve circuit 32, therefore the fuel valve 3 and water valve 4 are closed and the system Is in standby mode.

Note the battery 12 is charged by either the solar panel 15 regulated by the regulator unit 13, or the generator

Claims (11)

1. A fire protection arrangement comprising a pump to effect pumping of water from a water storage into water distribution means to effect water distribution over at least some of a selected location to be protected during a fire, and arranged whereby water distribution for the pump can be independently started by a remote signal provided through a radio link from a remotely located controller to a remote controller signal receiving means forming a part of the fire protection arrangement and located in the close 1 0 vicinity of an internal combustion engine located in the close vicinity of the to be protected location, a speed monitoring means adapted to detect at least a no rotational drive speed status and one other rotational drive speed status of the internal combustion engine, the pump being connected to both said water storage and water distribution means and coupled to be driven by the internal combustion engine so as to effect a pumping of water from the water storage to the water distribution means upon there being effected a rotational drive from the S" internal combustion engine, S' 20 said remote controller signal receiving means providing an invoking "i *signal only upon receiving said remote signal which is comprised of two signals with a first signal and a second signal which is received only within a selected period of time after the receipt of the first signal, .oo. a starter means including a battery and a starter motor arranged to 25 attempt to start the internal combustion engine by activating its ignition and rotating the internal combustion engine when receiving the invoking signal, •o and means to disengage the starter motor from a driving connection with the internal combustion engine upon the speed monitoring means detecting said rota,,ional speed sus of the engine. 1'iI CML UU LL U U.

2. An arrangement as in the preceding claim wherein the said other rotational speed is the running speed of the internal combustion engine. I'r" 8 1 .0 18

3. An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims in which the radio link is provided by any one of a pager system, a mobile telephone system, or coded radio transmitter.

4. An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims wherein each identifable source is activated by a different access signal to the pager system, mobile system or coded radio transmitter.

An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims in which the remote controller receiving signal means is adapted to provide a signal for 1 0 stopping the internal combustion engine.

6. An arrangement as in any one of the previous claims in which tho speed monitoring means is an alternator or generator.

7. An arrangement as in an); one of the preceding claims in which the invoking signal is adapted to be de-activated by the remote controller signal 1 5 receiving means providing an invoking signal upon receiving a further remote signal.

An arrangement as in any one of the previous claims in which there is a timing means adapted to stop powor being supplied to the starter motor.

9. An arrangement as in any one of the previous claims in which the timing means is adapted to allow power to be re-supplied, at least once, to the starter motor after a pre-determined time duration.

An arrangement as in any one of the previous claims in which there is a detection means to detect the status of the internal combustion engine or pump, the detection means being adapted to invoke a transmitting means for transmitting a status signal. 7 ~~~natm ~i~ g, 19

11. A fire protection arrangement as described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. Dated this 16th September 1994 KEITH ROBERT HOCKLEY AND RAYMOND JOHN HOCKLEY 4:4* By their Patent Attorneys, COLLISON CO. 4 *fee too:* 0 41 4 ABSTRACT An apparatus for starting and stopping an internal combustion engine. In one preferred form the internal combustion engine drives a pump. The invention can be remotely controlled by a pager, mobile telephone or coded radio receiver. The controlling means is adapted to remove power from the starter motor when the internal combustion engine reaches a threshold speed. *S 6 SO 0 4 655 0 *o 58 OS I