Patents Examined by Geprge M. Dombroske
  • Cylinder compression detection
    Patent number: 5668311
    Abstract: A compression detection apparatus for determining which one of a pair of phase-opposed cylinders is under compression has a capacitive probe coupled to both ends of the secondary winding of an ignition coil servicing both spark plugs of the pair of cylinders. Phase and magnitude of the voltage signal appearing on the capacitive probe line are processed by a single comparator for determining which on of the pair of cylinders is under compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald J. Kiess, Jeff Louis Courter, Mark Albert Paul