Abstract: Ignitability of a fuel by a spark plug is improved while an increase in the number of ignition coils is suppressed. A control device for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition control unit 83 which controls energization of an ignition coil 300a and an ignition coil 300b which each provide electric energy to a spark plug which discharges in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine to ignite a fuel, and a discharge amount detection unit which detects an inter-electrode voltage of the spark plug.

Abstract: System controller and method for a lighting system according to certain embodiments. For example, the system controller includes a first controller terminal configured to receive a first signal, and a second controller terminal coupled to a first transistor terminal of a transistor. The transistor further includes a second transistor terminal and a third transistor terminal. The second transistor terminal is coupled to a first winding terminal of a winding, and the winding further includes a second winding terminal coupled to a capacitor. Additionally, the system controller includes a third controller terminal coupled to the third transistor terminal of the transistor, and a fourth controller terminal coupled to a resistor and configured to receive a second signal. The second signal represents a magnitude of a current flowing through at least the winding, the third controller terminal, the fourth controller terminal, and the resistor.

Abstract: An ignition device ignites a mixture of air and fuel gas by plasma to generate an initial flame. The ignition device includes a spark plug having an inner conductor, a cylindrical outer conductor that holds the inner conductor inside, and a dielectric provided between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, and the spark plug configured to emit an electromagnetic wave to a plasma formation space between the inner conductor and the outer conductor to generate a plasma. The ignition device includes an electromagnetic wave power supply that generates the electromagnetic wave by inputting the electromagnetic wave power Ps to the spark plug and a power supply control unit that controls the electromagnetic wave power supply. The electromagnetic wave power supply is configured to generate high frequency power at a number of different frequencies.

Abstract: System controller and method for a lighting system according to certain embodiments. For example, the system controller includes a first controller terminal configured to receive a first signal, and a second controller terminal coupled to a first transistor terminal of a transistor. The transistor further includes a second transistor terminal and a third transistor terminal. The second transistor terminal is coupled to a first winding terminal of a winding, and the winding further includes a second winding terminal coupled to a capacitor. Additionally, the system controller includes a third controller terminal coupled to the third transistor terminal of the transistor, and a fourth controller terminal coupled to a resistor and configured to receive a second signal. The second signal represents a magnitude of a current flowing through at least the winding, the third controller terminal, the fourth controller terminal, and the resistor.

Abstract: An outboard motor power generation system includes an engine, a power generator, a converting device configured to convert alternating-current power into direct-current power, an engine cover configured to cover the engine, the power generator, and the converting device, a battery, and a transformer provided on an electric pathway between the converting device and the battery and configured to raise the voltage of the direct-current power output from the converting device relative to the charge voltage of the battery.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using an engine laser ignition system to perform a visual inspection of an engine and diagnose various cylinder components and conditions based on engine positional measurements. Laser pulses may be emitted at a lower power level during an intake and/or exhaust stroke to illuminate a cylinder interior while a photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior. Additionally, laser pulses may be emitted at a higher power level to initiate cylinder combustion while the photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior using the light generated during cylinder combustion.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil which is feedable on its primary side by a voltage supply unit, a secondary current measuring device for measuring the course of the secondary side current, a control device for at least temporary controlling of the primary side voltage or the primary side current in dependence on the measured course of the secondary side current. Subsequent to an interruption of the primary side voltage or current supply of the ignition coil during an ignition process or subsequent to the drop of the primary side voltage or the primary side current in the ignition coil below a predeterminable threshold during the ignition process, the control device energizes or regulates the primary side voltage or current supply of the ignition coil above the predeterminable threshold only when the secondary side current induced thereby acts in the direction of the predetermined course of the secondary side current.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capacitive discharge coil converter for an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes a digital inductive ignition system and a plurality of capacitive discharge ignition coils. The internal combustion engine includes a capacitive discharge coil converter for each capacitive discharge ignition coil. Each capacitive discharge coil converter is electrically connected between the digital inductive ignition system and a corresponding one of the capacitive discharge ignition coils.

Abstract: A power circuit, which supplies plasma energy to a spark plug, includes a DC/DC converter which charges a tank capacitor, a voltage limiting circuit which restricts an output voltage of the converter to a predetermined value, a PJ capacitor which is connected to the output side of the converter and is charged by the tank capacitor, and a high breakdown voltage switch which is connected between the PJ capacitor and the DC/DC converter and controls a charging time period of the PJ capacitor in response to operating conditions of an internal combustion engine; and the power circuit switches a voltage limiting value of the tank capacitor for charging the PJ capacitor in synchronization with a driving signal of the high breakdown voltage switch.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a combustion-based system having a combustion chamber. The system also includes an ignition control system. The ignition control system includes an ignition device coupled to the combustion chamber, control circuitry having an energy storage device configured to supply energy to the ignition device to produce an ignition event having a desired energy level, and a controller configured to obtain a target voltage across the energy storage device and to discharge an ignition energy from the energy storage device after obtaining the target voltage, wherein the ignition control system is configured to supply the ignition energy to the ignition device to produce the ignition event.

Abstract: A power circuit, which supplies plasma energy to a spark plug, includes a DC/DC converter which charges a tank capacitor, a voltage limiting circuit which restricts an output voltage of the converter to a predetermined value, a PJ capacitor which is connected to the output side of the converter and is charged by the tank capacitor, and a high breakdown voltage switch which is connected between the PJ capacitor and the DC/DC converter and controls a charging time period of the PJ capacitor in response to operating conditions of an internal combustion engine; and the power circuit switches a voltage limiting value of the tank capacitor for charging the PJ capacitor in synchronization with a driving signal of the high breakdown voltage switch.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a combustion-based system having a combustion chamber. The system also includes an ignition control system. The ignition control system includes an ignition device coupled to the combustion chamber, control circuitry having an energy storage device configured to supply energy to the ignition device to produce an ignition event having a desired energy level, and a controller configured to obtain a target voltage across the energy storage device and to discharge an ignition energy from the energy storage device after obtaining the target voltage, wherein the ignition control system is configured to supply the ignition energy to the ignition device to produce the ignition event.

Abstract: The Energy Storing Engine is the mechanization of a hot air engine cycle. Constant temperature compression is achieved by using a multi-stage-intercooled compressor. Energy is stored in a compressed air tank. Heat is added at constant pressure by an exhaust gas to compressed air heat exchanger. Heat is added at constant volume by injecting fuel and starting burning immediately above the power piston while the power piston is at the top of its stroke. Adiabatic expansion takes place and produces power output. Energy from storage produces power output. Adiabatic expansion again takes place, and this time produces power output all the way to complete expansion. The displacement of the resulting engine can be varied while the engine is running.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition device is provided with a capacitor for storing charge to produce ignition energy; ignition coils that receive charge released from the capacitor on the primary side and generate a high voltage on the secondary side; a switching element for causing the capacitor to release the charge stored therein to the ignition coils; ignition timing control means that receives a signal corresponding to a crank angle of an internal combustion engine and supplies an ignition signal to the switching element; and circuit abnormality detecting means that receives a signal from the ignition timing control means, sets a capacitor voltage measurement time, and judges for a circuit abnormality on the basis of a voltage of the capacitor measured at the capacitor voltage measurement time.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for generating a sustained arc at a spark-generating device. A power converter charges an energy storage device to a voltage that will ionize an air gap of a spark device such as an igniter plug. After the voltage is applied to the spark device, the air gap is ionized and the energy from the energy storage device has been exhausted, energy continues to be supplied to the gap by the converter for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: In a vehicle having an engine and an ignition system, a sensing circuit is provided for sensing the ignition voltage and providing this sensed signal to various operating modules of the vehicle. The sensing circuit includes a diode/resistor filter that provides a filtered voltage signal at a first output node. A compensation circuit is provided that compensates voltage errors introduced by the filter circuit. The compensation circuit includes a second diode that has substantially identical electrical performance characteristics as the first diode, and that is preferably mounted on a common substrate. A voltage signal at a second output node between the second diode and the filter circuit is indicative of the voltage drop across the second diode, which is further representative of the voltage error introduced by the filter circuit. In one embodiment, the operating module receiving the ignition voltage signal is configured to receive voltage signals at the first and second output nodes.

Abstract: An ignition system including an improved power circuit and a timing circuit. The timing circuit includes a microprocessor or microcontroller to provide for engine control. The microcontroller supervises, for example, multispark, revlimit and retard controls. The power circuit includes a variety of overvoltage protection circuitry and employs a reduced size toroid flyback transformer and employs an IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) ignition coil switch.

Abstract: An air bottoming powertrain, suitable for use in automobiles includes an internal combustion engine, a compressor which receives gaseous working fluid and compresses it to an elevated pressure, a cooler -For operating the compressor isothermally, an expander for deriving work from the compressed gas and a heat exchanger located in the compressed gas line for indirect heat exchange between the compressed working fluid and exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The expander may have a cylindrical barrel with a plurality of cylinders arranged in the circle and open at one end face of the cylinder barrel, which end face is sealed closed by a valve plate. The cylinder barrel and valve plate allow relative rotation therebetween to drive an output shaft, driven by compressed gas from the compressor. An alternative expander is a Scotch Yoke piston motor which includes plural paired and axially aligned cylinders on opposing sides of an output shaft.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system includes a converter for receiving DC power from a source of DC power such as a battery. The convertor converts the DC power at low voltage to a high frequency signal which is stepped up to provide a higher voltage to a charge storage device such as a capacitor. The higher voltage on the capacitor is then made available to an ignition coil under the control of a microprocessor or a microcontroller for providing high voltage electrical energy to one or more spark plugs of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine is provided wherein fuel supply compensation for low speed, low load or abnormal conditions is variable for a multi-cylinder configuration having one or more cylinders ceased or reduced in operation. Of particular utility in a vertical cylinder bank with compact space for exhaust gas collection and discharge, such as in an outboard motor, said fuel compensation relies upon engine parameters including engine speed and fuel-air ratio to improve engine performance.

Abstract: A multi cylinder two stroke cycle internal combustion engine of known construction having an individual crankcase compartment for each cylinder 11 formed in a crankcase 12, the crankcase 12 including a wall 25,25 separating two adjacent crankcase compartments. A crankshaft 13 extends through the wall 25,26 with a journal 29 thereof supported in a bearing assembly 30 has an outer bearing ring 32 non-rotatably mounted in the wall 25,26. The outer bearing ring 32 has an axial extent greater than the thickness of the wall 25,26 to provide an internal annular surface co-axial with a shoulder 36 on the crankshaft that presents an opposing external annular surface to the internal annular surface of the bearing ring 32. A fluid seal is provided between the internal and external annular surfaces to prevent the passage of gas between the crankcase cavities.

Abstract: An LCDI-type ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes first and second capacitors connected to an ignition coil and a voltage source for generating a charging voltage for the capacitors. The first capacitor is for producing an initial discharge of a spark plug, and the second capacitor is for lengthening the discharge of the spark plug after discharge has been initiated by the first capacitor. In one form of the invention, the second capacitor is charged only after the first capacitor has been charged by the voltage source to a prescribed voltage sufficient to produce a suitable discharge of the spark plug. As a result, even when the engine is operating at a high rotational speed and the time between consecutive firings of the engine is small, an adequate ignition voltage can be obtained. In another form of the invention, the charging voltage(s) of one or both of the capacitors is or are varied in accordance with the one or more engine operating conditions.

Abstract: For a combustion-powered tool, an ignition system is powered by a battery and is arranged so that a sudden discharge of a capacitor, as charged via an oscillator, produces a spark at a spark gap of a spark plug, so that the oscillator is enabled if a trigger switch is closed while a head switch is closed, but not if the trigger switch is closed while the head switch is opened, and if a battery voltage, as monitored, is not less than a reference voltage, and so that a silicon-controlled rectifier, which is arranged to produce a sudden discharge of the capacitor, is switched to a conductive state if the capacitor voltage, as monitored, and is not less than a reference voltage. The head and trigger switches, which are photoelectric, are polled intermittently to determine whether they are closed. Predominantly, solid-state components are used.

Abstract: A high power high energy distributorless ignition system for multicylinder internal combustion engines using a single energy storage capacitor (4), a single leakage resonating inductor (20) with a switch SS partially or entirely across it, and one or more coils Ti with bi-directional switches Si and with single or double hith voltage outputs, the system defining a compact coil assembly powered by a resonant converter power supply (12), the ignition power delivery controlled by means of circuitry based on a robust gate (17), an oscillator (19), and steering circuitry (21).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for controlling, in a multi-cylinder four-stroke internal combustion engine, the spark ignition in at least two cylinders, the pistons of which simultaneously assume a top dead center position. The method and system achieve a more reliable start with low supply voltage. For this purpose, the charging and discharging of an ignition capacitor is controlled by a control unit in such a way that, when the pistons in a pair of cylinders pass through the same crankshaft angle range close to the top dead center position, ignition is generated in first one and then the other of the pair of cylinders. Between the times for generating the ignition, the ignition capacitor is charged as a function of supply voltage so that a full charge is utilized for generating the ignition sparks in the cylinders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a voltage regulated magneto powered capacitive discharge ignition system including a charge capacitor, a magneto including a charge coil, and a circuit including a rectifier having input terminals respectively connected to the charge coil and having output terminals respectively connected to the charge capacitor for insuring unidirectional current flow from the charge coil to the charge capacitor. The system also includes a voltage regulator including a silicon bilateral voltage triggered switch having first and second anodes respectively connected to opposite end terminals of the charge coil. In response to a voltage developed on the charge coil exceeding a predetermined value, the silicon bilateral voltage triggered switch is rendered conductive so that the charge coil is shunted by the silicon bilateral voltage triggered switch so that further charging of the charge capacitor is prevented.

Abstract: An automotive ignition system including an ignition capacitor electrically connected to a primary winding of a ignition transformer for providing energy to a spark plug which is connected to a second winding of the ignition transformer is disclosed. A charge circuit charges the ignition capacitor from a DC-DC voltage converter and includes an inductor and a thyristor. A discharge circuit discharges the ignition capacitor to the primary winding, and a control circuit operates the charge circuit and the discharge circuit in proper timed sequence during a demanded firing duration.

Abstract: An ignition system for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine eliminates high-voltage cables and a mechanical distributor in order to reduce electrical power losses due to joule effect caused mainly by the high voltage circuit, comprises a plurality of ignition coils and plugs, one provided for each cylinder, a distribution unit for distributing advance-angle control signals into the respective cylinders, and a booster for boosting the supply voltage in order to reduce the size of the ignition coil, in addition to the conventional ignition system. Furthermore, the ignition coil can be built integrally with the ignition plug for eliminating high-voltage cables connected between coil and plug.

Abstract: The invention provides charging control circuitry (20) for a capacitor discharge ignition system (10) having power capacitors (21) connected to be discharged by main electronic switches such as SCR's (23) into ignition transformers (24) to sequentially fire the engine's spark plugs (16). The charging control circuits (20) each include a charging SCR (26) to limit charging current flow to the main capacitor (21), unless a discharge pulse into the ignition transformer (24) has occurred in the recent past. Thus if a short circuit in either the main capacitor (21) or main SCR (23) in one of the ignition circuits (19) prevents that ignition circuit from properly functioning, the charging SCR (26) will limit the flow of charging current to the defective circuit and allow the other ignition circuit (19) to receive charging current. The gate of the charging SCR (26) is controlled by an amplified signal from a memory capacitor (28) which is charged by the discharge pulse from the corresponding ignition circuit (19).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a capacitor discharge ignition system adapted for use with an internal combustion engine and comprising a charge capacitor, an ignition coil primary winding, an ignition SCR, and a spark retard circuit connected in series relationship with the charge capacitor, the primary winding, and the ignition SCR.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a voltage regulated magneto powered capacitive discharge ignition system including a charge capacitor having opposite plates, a magneto including a charge coil having opposite end terminals, and a circuit including a full-wave bridge rectifier having input terminals respectively connected to the end terminals of the charge coil, and having output terminals respectively connected to the plates of the charge capacitor for insuring unidirectional current flow from the charge coil to the charge capacitor. The system also includes a voltage regulator including a triac having a gate, and having first and second anodes respectively connected to the end terminals of the charge coil, and also including a varistor having one terminal connected to one of the end terminals of the charge coil, and having another terminal connected to the triac gate.