Automatic air inlet control system for an engine

An automatic choke apparatus that increases the startability of an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• a device that creates an air flow as a function of the speed of the engine;
• a vane that is movable in response to said air flow;
• a choke valve disposed in a carburetor throat;
• a linkage interconnected between said vane and said choke valve and responsive to the movement of said vane;
• an abutment surface interconnected with one of the engine and the vane;
• a thermally-responsive device that engages said abutment surface during engine starting when the temperature near said thermally-responsive device is above a predetermined level, to thereby retain said choke valve in a partially open position during engine starting, wherein said thermally-responsive device includes:
• a housing interconnected with the other of said engine and said vane, said housing having a chamber therein;
• a thermally-responsive member having at least one of a high coefficient of thermal expansion and of thermal contraction, that is disposed in said chamber and that at least one of expands and contracts along its length when the temperature near said thermally-responsive member reaches said predetermined level;
• and
• a reciprocable member having a first end disposed within said housing that engages said thermally-responsive member, and having a second end substantially outside of said housing that engages said abutment surface.