Abstract: A crank trigger distributor assembly and method for sealing the crankcase from leaking vacuum through the distributor installation hole. A crank trigger distributor assembly and method for minimizing and/or preventing crankcase leakage, while being adjustable and adaptable to engine blocks or intake manifolds of various manufacturers. A crank trigger having a distributor stem, a collar located on the distributor stem, and at least one sealing element, the at least one sealing element incorporated within the collar. A crank trigger distributor assembly and method for adjusting rotor tip phasing without touching the distributor hold-down, as the cap itself can be adjusted.

Abstract: Distributor caps, for example high energy ignition (HEI) distributor caps, may be configured to eliminate spark plug wire overlap via implementation of internal rewiring, for example rewiring corresponding to a firing order of a particular V-style engine. Individual tower terminals may be coupled to internal segments such that consecutive internal segments are coupled to consecutive tower terminals in the firing order, all tower terminals associated with cylinders on one side of the V-style engine are located on one side of the distributor cap, and all tower terminals associated with cylinders on the other side of the V-style engine are located on the other side of the distributor cap.

Abstract: A distributor is configured with an outer housing that has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are adjustable in angular orientation relative to each other. Movement of the second portion relative to the first portion changes ignition timing in the distributor. The movement can be caused by rotation of a thumbwheel such that ignition timing can be changed without mechanical tools. The first and second portions also can comprise visual or tactile markings such that ignition timing can be changed without a timing light. The outer housing can be used in multiple applications simply by changing a length of a shaft housing member that houses a distributor shaft and a gear that is mounted to the distributor shaft.

Abstract: A thrust-producing engine includes an engine structure, a rotor that is electrically isolated from the engine structure, and an electrical conductor connected to the engine structure. The electrical conductor is in electrical contact with the engine structure and the rotor as the rotor rotates relative to the electrical conductor and the engine structure to reduce electrical arcing between the engine structure and the rotor.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine's ignition system controls the spark that ignites the fuel in a cylinder. The ignitition system routes high-voltage pulses to individual cylinders of a motorcycle engine in the correct sequence and with precise timing. A timing structure is provided that allows timing adjustment to be made externally without the invasive procedures used in a motorcycle shop.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder four-stroke internal combustion engine enabling a method for on-the-fly switching between two or more firing orders. Switching to the new firing order is done without requiring any tear-down of the engine such as to swap camshafts. Switching can be triggered by the rider, or it can be triggered automatically per conditions such as selected gear, RPM range, track location, velocity, and the like.

Abstract: A spark prevention apparatus during the exhaust stroke of a four-stroke-cycle internal combustion engine is claimed. A valve operating assembly operates an intake or an exhaust valve. A switch is electrically connected to a primary winding of the engine and actuated by the valve operating assembly such that either the primary winding is electrically connected to ground during the exhaust stroke or the primary winding is electrically connected to an energy storage device during the exhaust stroke.