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A fluid condition indicating system and method using visual and audible devices. The system includes a circuit having visual and audible indicators, a power supply, and a plurality of switches or sensors. A start switch is coupled to the power supply, the visual indicator, and the audible indicator,

A fluid condition indicating system and method using visual and audible devices. The system includes a circuit having visual and audible indicators, a power supply, and a plurality of switches or sensors. A start switch is coupled to the power supply, the visual indicator, and the audible indicator, and an enable switch is responsive to an ignition signal. During engine starting, the circuit enables the visual indicator in response to a condition of the start switch and a low fluid sensor, and disables the audible indicator. The audible indicator is enabled in response to the condition of the enable switch after engine starting, and may include a transistor or an output of a controller such as a microprocessor. The system may be integrated into a single wiring harness that can be easily replaced or retrofit onto existing outdoor power equipment.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system that indicates a low fluid condition during starting of an engine, the engine having an ignition coil, the system comprising:a visual indicator; an audible indicator; a start switch; and a low fluid sensor responsive to a low fluid condition; wherein the visual indicator, audible indicat

1. A system that indicates a low fluid condition during starting of an engine, the engine having an ignition coil, the system comprising:a visual indicator; an audible indicator; a start switch; and a low fluid sensor responsive to a low fluid condition; wherein the visual indicator, audible indicator, start switch, and low fluid sensor are connected in a circuit that both enables the visual indicator and disables the audible indicator when the low fluid sensor indicates that a low fluid condition exists during engine starting. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuit further comprises a controller.3. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller includes one or more inputs to receive information based on the condition of the start switch, the low fluid sensor, and the engine.4. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is operable to enable the audible indicator in response to a signal received from the low fluid sensor after the engine has started.5. The system of claim 2, wherein the audible indicator and controller are integrated into a wiring harness, the wiring harness being electrically connectable with the engine.6. The system of claim 5, wherein the wiring harness is adapted to be serially connected between an engine electrical wiring harness and a wiring harness that provides power to an electrical device of outdoor power equipment.7. The system of claim 5, wherein the wiring harness includes an input connector comprising a 6-pin plug, and an output connector comprising a 6-pin plug.8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a power supply.9. The system of claim 8, wherein the power supply includes a battery that powers at least one of the visual indicator and audible indicator.10. The system of claim 8, wherein the power supply includes a capacitor.11. The system of claim 8, wherein the power supply is operable to provide power to the audible indicator and visual indicator.12. The system of claim 8, wherein the power supply includes a magnet moving past a coil.13. The system of claim 12, wherein the magnet moving past the coil provides power to at least one of the visual indicator and the audible indicator.14. The system of claim 1, further comprising:a battery that powers the visual indicator; a magnet moving past a coil to provide an ignition signal; a signal conditioner that conditions the ignition signal to generate a conditioned signal; and an enable switch that receives the conditioned signal and that enables the audible indicator. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator includes at least one of a light emitting diode and an incandescent light.16. The system of claim 1, wherein the low fluid sensor includes at least one of a low fluid level sensor and a low fluid pressure sensor.17. The system of claim 1, further comprising a capacitor and a diode that filters a signal from the ignition coil.18. The system of claim 1, further comprising an emergency switch.19. The system of claim 18, wherein the emergency switch is operable to shut off the engine and to enable the audible indicator.20. The system of claim 18, wherein the emergency switch enables a transmitter.21. A method of indicating a low fluid condition in an engine, the engine having an ignition coil, the method comprising:changing a condition of a low fluid sensor in response to a low fluid condition; enabling a visual indicator during engine starting in response to a start switch and the condition of the low fluid sensor; disabling an audible indicator during engine starting in response to the start switch and the condition of the low fluid sensor; and activating the audible indicator in response to the condition of the low fluid sensor after the engine has started. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein enabling the visual indicator includes powering the visual indicator with a battery.23. The method of claim 21, wherein disabling the audible indicator includes delaying the activation of an enable switch.24. The method of claim 22, wherein the enable switch includes at least one of a transistor and an output of a controller.25. The method of claim 21, wherein activating the audible indicator includes at least one of switching the state of a transistor and an output of a controller.26. The method of claim 21, wherein said low fluid sensor changes its condition in response to a low oil pressure.