Abstract: A system, apparatus and associated method for the catalyzation of a fossil fuel prior to combustion within an internal combustion engine. A voltage is inputted from a source to a relay and an ignition circuit in separate communication with the relay. The relay converts the input voltage to a negative output voltage applied to a fuel line in communication with a fuel injector of the engine, resulting in a negative charge imparted to the fuel prior to combustion and in order to increase oxidation/burn efficiency with resultant mileage/horsepower increase and concurrent decrease in pollutants resulting from discharge of partially combusted reactants.

Abstract: A handheld device for jump starting a vehicle engine includes a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack and a microcontroller. The lithium ion battery is coupled to a power output port of the device through a FET smart switch actuated by the microcontroller. A vehicle battery isolation sensor connected in circuit with positive and negative polarity outputs detects the presence of a vehicle battery connected between the positive and negative polarity outputs. A reverse polarity sensor connected in circuit with the positive and negative polarity outputs detects the polarity of a vehicle battery connected between the positive and negative polarity outputs, such that the microcontroller will enable power to be delivered from the lithium ion power pack to the output port only when a good battery is connected to the output port and only when the battery is connected with proper polarity of positive and negative terminals.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a corona discharge for igniting an air/fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine. An igniter is provided having a discharge tip that protrudes into a combustion zone. During a first stage of a combustion process, a first primary winding of a RF transformer is driven at a first predetermined voltage level and at a first resonant frequency that is based on a first impedance in the combustion zone prior to onset of combustion, for generating a corona discharge at the tip of the igniter. During a second stage subsequent to the first stage, a second primary winding of the RF transformer is driven at a second predetermined voltage level and at a second resonant frequency that is based on a second impedance in the combustion zone at a time that is subsequent to onset of the combustion process.

Abstract: A method of ion sensing in a CD ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises: a) closing the controllable switch in synchronism with the internal combustion engine for a period of time to transfer energy to the ignition coil primary to cause a spark breakdown across the spark plug; and b) observing the current in the secondary winding circuit indicative of ionization in the vicinity of the spark plug electrodes.

Abstract: An electronic ignition module for vintage automobiles that utilizes existing components and wiring to retain the look and operation of the original system but with superior performance. The ignition module replaces the original roller and contacts of a vintage automobile ignition timer with modern control electronics that actuate the original coils and original spark plugs using the original wiring in the original manor. Electronic ignition operation is user programmable to emulate the original roller/timer performance or provide automatic spark advance similar to modern automobile operation for optimum power and efficiency while freeing the operator from manual adjustment of spark timing. Ignition module programming is accomplished without any external switches, buttons, jumpers or modification to the vintage automobile by simply sensing the presence or absence of ignition coils connected to the system when power is applied.

Abstract: A single-fire motorcycle ignition comprising a rotatable shaft having a rotor with two magnets of opposite polarity spaced around the circumference thereof, wherein the shaft and rotor are rotated between latching Hall effect modules, and each module is electrically connected to an ignition coil. Each module is switched to a first position by passage of the first magnet causing the ignition coil to accumulate a charge and a second position by passage of the second magnet, causing the module to fire the ignition coil. The modules are preferably attached to a plate, which can be affixed to the top of a standard breaker base for a points-fired ignition after removal of the condenser and points. A kit to nondestructively convert a traditional points-style ignition to the ignition described herein is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for varying an engine's combustion spark timing for use of hybrid fuels, such as bio-fuel and gasoline. An operator selectable switch enables or disables an on-board computer selecting between gasoline and bio-fuel mixtures as the on-board fuel so that engine mounted sensors provide data used to determine optimum fuel-ignition spark discharge values from a computerized table.

Abstract: A distributorless ignition kit is provided for retrofitting an existing engine having a distributor mounted in a distributor opening. The distributorless ignition kit comprises a coil pack having a series of spark plug wire terminals. A mounting bracket is provided for mounting the coil pack to the engine or adjacent the engine. A modified crankshaft pulley having a series of circumferentially spaced timing notches is provided in the kit. Further, there is provided a VR sensor that is adapted to be mounted adjacent the modified crankshaft pulley. A bracket is provided for mounting the VR sensor adjacent the modified crankshaft pulley. In order to direct firing signals from the VR sensor to the coil pack, there is provided a VR sensor cord that connects the VR sensor and the coil pack.

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: The conventional spark plug (or plugs) of a spark-fired gasoline engine are removed and replaced with a high-power spark plug (or plugs) capable of delivering very high power (e.g., one megawatt) over a relatively-narrow time interval (e.g., 20 nanoseconds). Next, the gasoline is replaced with a readily-available non-volatile fuel (e.g., JP-8). The gasoline—and its transportation, storage, handling and/or use—is eliminated altogether, thereby removing a strategic and tactical threat from enemy and terrorist forces who otherwise would be targeting the gasoline tanks or transports. Additionally, or alternatively, the fuel in the line (or the fuel injector) may be heated to start a cold engine or under cold ambient temperatures. The invention is also applicable to consumer products (e.g., lawnmowers) where the extra expense of occasional use is a tradeoff for safety and convenience.

Abstract: An original coil having a single primary winding is replaced with a replacement ignition coil having a first primary winding and a second primary winding. The replacement coil is coupled to the existing controller of the ignition system and to a spark plug. The controller is operated within predefined operating limits so as to optimize at least one predetermined ignition spark characteristic of the spark plug.

Abstract: A first current is supplied to a first primary winding of an ignition coil and a second current is supplied to a second primary winding of the ignition coil. A voltage is generated across a secondary winding of the ignition coil and an ignition spark current is generated at a spark plug coupled to the secondary winding. The ignition spark current is based upon the generated voltage and the sum of the first current and the second current.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system for a vintage automobile includes an ignition coil and an electronic switching circuit disposed in a coil box of the vintage automobile. The coil and electronic switching circuit are mounted within a coil box module that replaces four original induction coils within the coil box. Once the coil box module is installed in the coil box, it is not detectible unless the cover on the coil box is removed. Wires from the original ignition system are utilized. A buzzer is also incorporated to simulate the sound of the vibrating switches on the original induction coils. A rotor and electronic sensor are installed within the original commutator cap, making them impossible to detect unless the commutator cap is removed.

Abstract: A motorcycle wiring harness for use with aftermarket motorcycle frames and one of several types of Harley Davidson® engines that permit the engine to be operated without one or more of the factory provided features or interlocks.

Abstract: An engine where first combustion where the amount of the EGR gas in the combustion chamber is larger than the amount of EGR where the amount of production of soot peaks and almost no soot is produced and a second combustion where the amount of EGR gas in the combustion chamber (5) is smaller than the amount of EGR gas where the amount of production of soot peaks are selectively switched between.

Abstract: A safety switch apparatus for use in a remote starter system of a vehicle, the apparatus having a magnetically actuated electrical switch for disabling the starter system when the switch is closed and a transmission of the vehicle is in-gear, and a magnet for urging the switch into a switched position when the magnet is adjacent thereto. The switch is securely mountable at a fixed mounting position on a frame of the vehicle, and the magnet is directly and securely mountable on a translatable portion of a user actuator for shifting the transmission. The translatable portion of the user actuator is operatively interposed between the transmission and a shifter handle portion of the user actuator. Both the fixed mounting position and the translatable portion are substantially concealed and substantially exterior relative to an interior seating compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method of providing multicharge ignition are provided. The method and system preferably are adapted to trigger at least some of the multicharge events of the system and method in a current-dependent manner. Preferably, existing power train control units (PTCUs) can be used with the system and method, without the need for signals other than the timing signal (e.g., EST pulse) from the PTCU.

Abstract: Bypass tubes connected to intake ports of each throttle body are connected to joint pipes of a starting control valve assembly. The starting control valve assembly includes valve bodies having communication paths formed therein. The communication paths communicate with an air cleaner. First and second flow paths connect the communication paths and the joint pipes. Tuning screws are provided for adjusting the opening amount of each of the first flow paths and a shaft valve is rotatably mounted in through holes which are orthogonal to the second flow paths for collectively adjusting the opening amount of the second flow paths. Furthermore, a plurality of idle connection holes are provided in the shaft valve which all face in the same direction.

Abstract: An engine includes an improved throttle control to enhance engine performance. The throttle valves within the engine are arranged to rotate about an axis with is generally parallel to a direction in which a distance between intake branch passages increases as the intake branch passages diverge apart. The uniformity of the amount of air delivered to each branch passage is thus improved to produce more complete and consistent combustion within the respective combustion chamber. In addition, the pitch between the throttle valves as arranged on the engine generally matches the pitch between the cylinders of the engine in order to standardize the length and shape of the induction paths from the throttle valves to the respective cylinder. Improved consistency between the cylinders of the amount of air charge delivered to each cylinder results from this arrangement.

Abstract: An ignition synchronization system and method of using the same are provided for the ignition systems of internal combustion engines. The system retains all of the parts of the vehicle's original ignition system. The system adds a new ignition device having a new spark energy generating coil. In addition, a spark energy signal converter is also provided. The spark energy signal converter and the new ignition device are connected in series, respectively, between the original coil and the vehicle's original elements for distributing the spark energy. The firing signal from the vehicle's electrical system triggers the original coil to generate a spark energy pulse. The spark energy signal converter absorbs the spark energy from the original coil and generates a signal indicating that the original coil pulsed. The converter, in turn, sends a firing signal to the new ignition system, which generates spark energy for the spark plug.

Abstract: A new combustion engine assembly adapter system for adapting ignition systems for use on engines not originally equipped with ignition systems. The inventive device includes an ignition assembly support for mounting an ignition distributor on a combustion engine and further including a drive assembly for transferring the rotational movement of the camshaft of the combustion engine to the ignition assembly. The ignition assembly support is mounted on the exterior of the combustion engine and has a sleeve member for receiving the cylindrical mounting portion of an ignition distributor so that the distributor is supported external to the engine.

Abstract: A breakerless ignition system for internal combustion aircraft engines which includes a pair of separately activated Hall effect and amplifier combinations for controlling the timing and the delivery of electrical energy to the spark plugs of the engine in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A direct ignition system includes a main high voltage coil electrically connected to a distributer which has a central pole electrically connected to the main high voltage coil for receiving a high voltage signal therefrom and rotating in concert with an engine, and a plurality of output poles spaced around the central pole and being alternately and repeatedly in electrical contact with the central pole for receiving the high voltage signal when the engine is in rotation, a control circuit comprising a plurality of identical control units each of which is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the output poles of the distributer, a plurality of high voltage coils each of which has a primary winding connected to an output terminal of one of the control units and a secondary winding connected to a corresponding spark plug.

Abstract: A kit and a method for minimizing combustion knock and improving fuel economy in an internal combustion engine which includes a cooling system having a first thermostat which blocks the flow of coolant until a first specified temperature is reached. The kit includes a second thermostat and a recalibrator. The first thermostat is removed and replaced with the second thermostat which allows coolant to flow at a second specified temperature at least fifteen degrees lower than the first specified temperature. Replacing the first thermostat with the second thermostat reduces the temperature of the engine by about fifteen degrees which helps to minimize combustion knock. A recalibrator is coupled in parallel with the thermistor to modify the control of the engine's fuel system and spark system by the engine's electronic control module. Adding the recalibrator results in a spark timing and fuel setting which further minimizes combustion knock and improves fuel economy.

Abstract: The ram tube of this invention basically consists of an intake bracket, inner tube, output bracket, outer tube, input port and output port. The intake and output brackets are attached to the ends of the inner tube for attaching the ram tube to the base of a carburetor and the intake to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The outer tube is installed over and surrounds the inner tube to create a passage between the inner and outer tubes. Exhaust is directed from the exhaust manifold of the engine to an input port on the outer tube. The exhaust passes through the passage and exits through the output port. The exhaust heats the inner tube to in turn heat the air/fuel mixture passing through the inner tube. The fuel is completely vaporized and placed in a dry vapor condition as it passes through the heated inner tube. The fuel entering the combustion chamber in a dry vapor condition burns more completely, at a higher temperature and at a faster rate to provide a higher efficiency engine.

Abstract: A method of installing spark plugs in a diesel internal combustion engine during conversion of the engine to a spark ignited internal combustion engine using gaseous fuel works with an engine originally having a cylinder block, a cylinder head cooperable with the cylinder block, a rocker box cooperable with the cylinder head and a diesel fuel injector for each cylinder of the cylinder block originally intended to inject diesel fuel into said cylinder. The method involves: removing each diesel fuel injector and replacing it with a spark plug adapter sleeve with a spark plug communicating with the cylinder from which the respective injector has been removed; fixing a plurality of extension sleeves to the rocker box, each extension sleeve being associated with one spark plug adapter sleeve; and providing a seal ring for sealing between the inner end of each extension sleeve and the outer end of the associated spark plug adapter sleeve when the rocker box is fixed on the cylinder head.

Abstract: A means for readily changing the ignition system of an existing internal combustion engine to a solid state capacitive discharge ignition system which comprises an auxiliary coil, a primarty ignition coil and a secondary ignition coil wound on a single leg of a stator. The stator is designed with one or more additional legs which complete a conductive path for the time varying flux, and adapt the stator for mounting on the existing structure of the engine. In addition, two legs of the stator which define a flux path may each be divided into two segments at their outer extremity, one of each pair being slightly longer than the other so as to create two different size air gaps for each leg. A washer-like element may be used in cooperation with the above structure to change the position of the rotor relative to the crankshaft so as to alter the timing of the ignition system.

Abstract: The distributor of the present invention includes a housing having condenser and points therein and having a rotor adapted to actuate the points for producing intermittent pulses of current at an outlet connector. A dielectric disk is attached to the rotor and is adapted to rotate in unison therewith. A gasket provides a physical barrier between the conductive sheet which is above the gasket and the rotor, condenser and points which are below the gasket. A cap is mounted over the distributor housing and includes a pair of contact points which are adapted to be electrically connected one at a time to the conductive sheet on the disk during rotation of the disk. The two contact points on the cap include leads which lead to the sparkplugs of the engine. A single discharge coil includes a discharge post which is connected to a brush within the distributor cap.

Abstract: The distributor of the present invention includes a housing having condenser and points therein and having a rotor adapted to actuate the points for producing intermittent pulses of current at an outlet connector. A dielectric disk is attached to the rotor and is adapted to rotate in unison therewith. The upper surface of the disk includes a conductive sheet which covers only a portion of the upper surface of the disk. A cap is mounted over the distributor housing and includes a pair of contact points which are adapted to be engaged by the conductive sheet on the disk during rotation of the disk. The two contact points include leads which lead to the spark plugs of the engine. A single discharge coil includes a discharge post which is connected to a brush within the distributor cap. The brush extends downwardly through the cap and is in electrical connection with the conductive sheet at all times during rotation of the conductive sheet.

Abstract: A ignition module for an ignition system originally fitted with mechanical breaker points. The module comprising a drive winding adapted to be circumferentially received about one of the legs of a core for generating a first induced voltage signal in response to engine rotation. The module further comprising a control circuit extending from the drive winding and positioned between a core leg and an ignition coil.

Abstract: An electronic auto ignition unit is converted to a non-electronic, conventional type ignition unit by substituting a modified slip fit timing cam for the timing rotor of the electronic unit, a conventional plate-point-condensor assembly and driving the modified cam off the same shaft used to drive the timing rotor of the electronic unit.

Abstract: An auxiliary cable having a plurality of wires and connecting terminals at each end provides electrical connections between an electronic ignition control unit and engine starting elements to permit starting a vehicle internal combustion engine despite a malfunctioning spark timing control unit. The cable includes five insulated wire conductor leads with a receptacle at one end which mates with an external plug on the electronic ignition control unit and a plug on the other end which engages a receptacle connected to the engine starting elements.

Abstract: An ignition system is provided for creating a continuous stream of high voltage pulses to each spark plug (8) over a predetermined period of time as controlled by the distributor (7). Below the transformer core (1) is positioned a switch (6) incorporating a plate (9) which is magnetically attracted to the transformer when a current flows through the windings. When the contacts of the contact breaker (5) open the supply from the battery (4) to the transformer core (1) is cut off so that the switch (6) closes under the bias of a spring due to the collapse of the magnetic field created in the core. Closure of the switch (6) restores the circuit from the battery (4) to the primary and secondary windings (2) (3) of the transformer and thus during the whole period that the contact breaker (5) is open the switch (6) will intermittently open and close, resulting in the application of a rapid series of high tension pulses to the respective spark plug (8 ).

Abstract: The ignition control box assembly is adapted to be retrofit onto an internal combustion engine and to maintain a hose for the engine against movement in all directions while providing electrical shielding for transformer assemblies mounted within the control box. A metallic chamber wall is formed integrally with back, top and bottom walls for an open sided housing, and extends from the backwall into the housing to form two separate compartments. The compartments are electrically shielded by two spaced metal walls formed by the chamber wall and the air gap provided by an open ended chamber defined by the chamber wall which extends angularly and vertically across the housing. The open side of the housing is closed and sealed by a removable closure assembly.

Abstract: Adapter plugs are proposed for electronic circuits in motor vehicles which normally receive plug-in units. The adapter plug is interposed between the circuits and the plug-in units and contains circuits which improve the operation of such units. Specifically, in ignition control circuits, the circuitry in the adapter plug can contain a thyristor which is normally blocked, but which shunts energy from the ignition capacitor when the ignition switch is open while the interrupter switch is closed. This prevents the generation of undesired sparks.

Abstract: A device for improving the ignition characteristic of an internal combustion engine and reducing the air pollutants discharged by such engine having electrical apparatus for applying an electrostatic charge into the combustion chambers of the engine including a pair of electrical energy conductors, and an induction block connected with the conductors for each of the spark plug wires of the engine each induction block having a longitudinal channel sized to receive a spark plug wire, a retainer for holding the block on the spark plug wire, first and second longitudinally spaced chambers partially encircling the spark plug wire channel in electrical insulated relationship from the channel, first and second electrically conductive plates positioned in the first and second chambers partially encircling the spark plug wire channel, conductive clamping means on each of the plates connecting each plate with one of the pair of conductors between the induction blocks, and removable cover means for holding the pair of e