APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A LOAD CONNECTED TO AN ENGINE

摘要

Apparatus for controlling a load connected to an internal combustion engine during operation is disclosed and claimed. The apparatus comprises a suction switch (12) which is sensitive to a decrease in vacuum in the manifold (16) of the vehicle when more motive power is required. The switch (16) causes a controller (30), at terminal (44) thereof, to provide a voltage higher than a predetermined set voltage at the D<+> terminal of a conventional regulator (46), thereby to interrupt current flow in the excitation circuit of a conventional alternator (48). The alternator is consequently switched off to reduce the load connected to the engine, thereby to make more engine power available to the drive wheels of the vehicle. The apparatus thus also serves as a fuel saving device.