Patent ID: 6871625
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
Classification: F02N

Abstract:
1. An engine cranking system comprising: an engine operably moveable between a running condition and an off condition; a cranking motor coupled to said engine; a battery comprising first and second battery terminals, said first battery terminal electrically coupled to said cranking motor and said second battery terminal electrically coupled to a system ground; a capacitor comprising first and second capacitor terminals; first and second electrical paths interconnecting said first and second capacitor terminals, respectively, with said cranking motor and said system ground; first and second switches comprising first and second sets of switch terminals respectively, wherein said first set of switch terminals is coupled between said first battery terminal and said cranking motor; and a relay included in one of said first and second electrical paths and having a first control terminal and a second control terminal, wherein said second set of switch terminals is coupled between one of said first and second capacitor terminals and said second control terminal, and wherein the other of said first and second capacitor terminals is electrically coupled with said first control terminal, and wherein said relay is moveable between at least a closed-circuit position, in which the relay completes said one of said first and second electrical paths, and an open-circuit condition, in which the relay interrupts said one of said first and second electrical paths.