Patent ID: 7882816
Filing Date: 2011-02-08
Classification: F02N

Abstract:
1. An engine starter operable to initiate operation of an engine under the influence of motive fluid from a motive fluid source, the engine starter comprising: a motor operable in response to a flow of motive fluid; a drive train coupled to the motor for operation with the motor; a pinion coupled to the motor via the drive train for rotation about a pinion axis in response to operation of the motor; a first valve having a first spring and a first moveable portion, the first moveable portion coupled to the pinion and moveable with the pinion along a first valve axis between a retracted position in which the pinion is spaced from the engine and an extended position in which the pinion engages a portion of the engine, wherein the first spring biases the first moveable portion into the retracted position; and a second valve having a second spring and a second moveable portion, the second valve positioned between the motive fluid source and the motor, the second moveable portion moveable along a second valve axis between a closed position in which communication between the motive fluid source and the motor is inhibited, such that the motor is not operating, and an open position in which communication between the motive fluid source and the motor is permitted, such that the motive fluid is permitted to flow through the motor to initiate operation of the motor and therefore rotation of the pinion, wherein the second spring biases the second moveable portion to the closed position; wherein the first valve axis and the second valve axis are collinear; wherein the first moveable portion moves from the retracted position to the extended position prior to movement of the second moveable portion from the closed position to the open position, such that the pinion moves along the axis prior to rotating about the axis.