Abstract: An ignition system for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of igniters, an energy storage capacitance, a charging circuit for charging the capacitance, a plurality of gated switches, with at least one switch connected between each igniter and the capacitance, and control means for discharging respective amounts of energy from the capacitance to each respective igniter at respective spark rates.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided which is simple in the circuit arrangement and highly reliable in operation. An electromagnetic pickup coil generates an ignition signal having a magnitude proportional to the number of revolutions per minute of the engine in synchrony with the rotation thereof for controlling an ignition coil. A waveform shaper in the form of a comparator shapes the ignition signal from the pickup coil into a signal containing a pulse having a rising edge and a falling edge. An integrator integrates the ignition signal from the pickup coil to provide a rpm voltage representative of the number of revolutions per minute of the engine. A signal level controller controls the voltage level of the ignition signal based on the rpm voltage generated by the integrator. A current absorber absorbs from the ignition signal a current in accordance with the voltage of a power supply which powers the ignition coil.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprises an ignition signal generator whose output signal has a magnitude corresponding to the engine rpms and is in synchronism therewith, a d.c. bias circuit 3 having a predetermined construction and component parameter values for superimposing a d.c. bias voltage on the ignition signal, a threshold setting circuit for determining a threshold level voltage, a comparator 2b having a first input terminal for receiving a signal obtained by superimposing the ignition signal and the d.c. bias voltage and a second input terminal for receiving the threshold level voltage to thereby generate an output having an inverse level in response to the magnitude of the input voltages inputted to the input terminals, and a switching circuit 4 for controlling a primary current to an ignition coil in response to the output of the comparison circuit.

Abstract: An electronic ignition module for an internal-combustion engine that is supplied with sparking energy from a rotating magnet includes a switchable semiconductor device through which current in the primary of an ignition coil is to be conducted. A portion of a circuit in the module senses a time when voltage across the semiconductor device approaches a maximum value, and produces a signal at that time that switches the semiconductor device out of conduction. A positive-feedback circuit is connected to increase the switching speed of the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device is protected against AC voltages of a polarity opposite to that of the conducting direction of the semiconductor device, and is caused to advance switching time in response to increased voltages associated with high engine speed. A temperature-sensitive resistor performs temperature compensation on the module in response to the temperature of a hot engine to permit restart of the engine if it is stopped briefly.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for operating a combustion engine by controlling the spark ignition voltage to said engine. Said control is created by the application of two opposing currents to the input of an amplifying device which is used to selectively shunt a constant current source away from the control electrode of a second amplifying device connected to control the formation of said ignition voltage.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an engine reduces the duty cycle of a power transistor circuit for controlling the primary winding current of an ignition coil over the entire operating range of the engine including low and high speeds. In one embodiment, a signal generator generates an alternating output signal which is fed through a resistor to a wave form shaper for comparison with a threshold voltage. As long as the signal generator output is higher than the threshold voltage, the wave form shaper generates an output pulse for controlling a conduction time of the power transistor circuit. When the engine is operating at low speeds, the pulse width of the wave form shaper output is reduced by partially absorbing the signal generator output by a current absorbing circuit which is disabled at high engine speeds.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for operating a combustion engine by controlling the spark ignition voltage to said engine. Said control is created by the application of two opposing currents to the input of an amplifying device which is used to selectively shunt a constant current source away from the control electrode of a second amplifying device connected to control the formation of said ignition voltage.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes a detecting circuit for detecting a state of the engine in which reverse rotation is taking place, and an ignition blocking circuit for blocking the generation of ignition sparks when such reverse rotation is detected. The detecting circuit comprises circuitry for measuring the duration of an output from a sensor circuit which allows current to flow in a primary winding of an ignition coil, and circuitry for detecting whether the measured time duration is longer than a predetermined time.

Abstract: In an electronic ignition apparatus, there are provided an ignition signal generator, an ignition circuit, an ignition-noise masking signal generator, a switching transistor and an ignition coil. The ignition signal of the ignition signal generator is supplied to the ignition circuit to produce a first ignition pulse and a second ignition pulse which is electrically isolated from the first ignition pulse. The first ignition pulse is applied to the switching transistor so as to switch the collector voltage thereof, whereby high voltage ignition pulse is produced in the ignition coil. The second ignition pulse is applied to the ignition-noise masking signal generator to produce an ignition-noise masking signal. The ignition-noise masking signal is superimposed on the ignition signal so as to mask the ignition noise at least when the high voltage ignition pulse is produced in the ignition coil.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for operating a combustion engine by controlling the spark ignition voltage to said engine. Said control is created by the application of two opposing currents to the input of an amplifying device which is used to selectively shunt a constant current source away from the control electrode of a second amplifying device connected to control the formation of said ignition voltage.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for operating a combustion engine by controlling the spark ignition voltage to said engine. Said control is created by the application of two opposing currents to the input of an amplifying device which is used to selectively shunt a constant current source away from the control electrode of a second amplifying device connected to control the formation of said ignition voltage.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprises a generating coil, an ignition circuit including an ignition capacitor, a signalling coil connected to the ignition circuit, and a switching means which renders the ignition signal to become ineffective on the basis of the latter half cycle of the ignition signal generated from the signalling coil and renders the ignition signal to become effective by releasing the ineffective condition of the ignition signal on the basis of the former half cycle, whereby the ignition signal is supplied to the ignition circuit within an ignition signal ineffectual period.

Abstract: A versatile rapid pulsing multiple pulse ignition controller (17) used in conjunction with an converter power supply (13) with a voltage sensor/controller (16) and with an ignition coil (3) and energy capacitor (4) comprising an ignition system providing rapid firing multiple ignition sparks at high converter power supply efficiency; which ignition system is suitable for installation on existing automobile engines and other internal combustion engines including diesel engines. The ignition is powered by an converter (13) working as a gated oscillator driving a power amplifier which is turned off by voltage level sensor/controller (16) when the converter output (14a) reaches a preset value or ground potential, as when an ignition pulse is occurring, giving converter (13) the highest possible efficiency and minimum power dissipation. Controlled ignition firing and multiple pulsing is provided by a multiple pulse controller (17) connected to breaker points or other electronic trigger (18).

Abstract: This system includes hysteresis comparison means (6, 9) whose output goes from a first state to a second state when the voltage of the ignition signal (S.sub.A) passes a predetermined high threshold and returns from the second state to the first state when the voltage of the ignition signal drops below a predetermined low threshold, a flip-flop circuit (8) triggered by the means of comparison (6, 9), and whose output delivers the said synchronous signal (S.sub.S), and a duration discriminator circuit (7) which only authorizes the switching over the flip-flop circuit (8) in response to the change in the output of the comparison means (6, 9) from the second state to the first state when the said output remains in the first state for a duration at least equal to a predetermined value. This invention may be used for measurement of the speed of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, a signal generator generates a given ac signal in synchronism with the rotation of the engine and a waveform reshaping circuit reshapes the waveform of the ac signal from the signal generator thus generating a pulse signal. An ignition timing control circuit is responsive to the pulse signal from the waveform reshaping circuit to control the timing of ignition of an ignition coil in which a primary current is switched on and off in accordance with the pulse signal.

Abstract: Arithmetic operations of an ignition timing are carried out in an ignition timing operation circuit on the basis of an output signal from a signal generating means which generates signals for establishing the ignition timing to thereby obtain an advance angle characteristic in accordance with the number of revolution of the engine, and, at the same time, this increase or decrease in the number of revolution of the engine is converted to an increase or decrease in an electric potential, and then, by detecting a changing quantity per unit time of this electric potential and, when the changing quantity takes a value higher than a predetermined value, the ignition timing is further advanced or delayed to the ignition timing obtained from the result of the arithmetic operations in the abovementioned ignition timing operation circuit.

Abstract: In an engine load detecting apparatus and ignition control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, in accordance with the pulse signals from a reference position detector for detecting a plurality of reference positions of a crankshaft of the engine an interval average rotation speed for each of the intervals between the generation of the pulse signals is calculated and the interval average rotation speeds are utilized in such a manner that a speed pulsation value is obtained from the difference between the maximum and minimum ones thereof and an engine speed is obtained from the average value thereof thereby determining an engine load or ignition timing in accordance with the speed pulsation value and the engine speed.

Abstract: An high-energy ignition device having an igniter coil adapted to produce a high voltage for allowing an electric discharge between electrodes of a sparking plug in accordance with the output from an ignition circuit, and a DC-DC converter adapted to produce a voltage high enough to maintain the electric discharge in the sparking plug. The DC-DC converter is connected such that the output thereof is superposed to the discharge current produced by the igniter coil. The igniter coil and the transformer of the DC-DC converter are integrated with a forming resin. Consequently, the electrical insulation between the parts is improved and the mounting of the ignition device on vehicles is facilitated.

Abstract: A mechanically timed ignition system for an internal combustion engine has a variable reluctance transducer mechanically operated by the engine to produce an output waveform having zero crossings coinciding with the desired instants of sparks. A comparator means at the input of an integrated ignition control circuit is connected to a winding of the transducer. The i.c. output point, which controls a semiconductor switch connecting an ignition coil across a supply, is connected by a C-R feedback path to the input of the comparator means, to provide transient positive feedback, which is effective at cranking speed to provide improved rejection of low level audio frequency interference signals.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes means for generating signals indicating when the crankshaft and camshaft of the engine have respectively reached predetermined angular positions, a command circuit for initiating and terminating ignition operation in response to these position signals, and means for establishing a first operating condition, following each camshaft position pulse, in which the ignition operation is enabled and a second operating condition, following a subsequent crankshaft position pulse, in which ignition operation is inhibited, to thereby eliminate redundant ignition operation and the attendant power loss and heat generation. The apparatus also includes a timer circuit which act to enable resetting to the second operating condition by the crankshaft position pulses only during a fixed time interval following each cam shaft position pulse, in order to ensure stable operation when operating at very low engine speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the spark timing of an internal combustion engine comprises means for generating a reference position signal with reference to a predetermined engine crankshaft position; waveform shaping means for generating a reference pulse signal having a leading edge advanced with respect to the predetermined crankshaft position as a function of the engine speed, in accordance with the reference position signal; means for detecting the amount of engine load; means for detecting the rotational speed of engine; means for computing a period of time elapsed from the leading edge of the reference pulse in accordance with the detected engine load and engine speed in order to establish a spark timing; means for detecting the variation of period between the leading edge and trailing edge of the reference pulse in relation to each cylinder; and means for correcting the computed period of time in accordance with the detected variation and for generating an output signal causing ignition to occur after

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil having a plurality of primary coils corresponding respectively to individual cylinders of the internal combustion engine, a basic ignition signal detector for producing basic ignition signals in synchronism with the engine rotation, an ignition control circuit for receiving the basic ignition signals and producing an ignition control signal having a controlled predetermined pulse width, a basic cylinder discriminating signal detector for producing a basic cylinder discriminating signal having a period twice that of the basic ignition signals in synchronism with the engine rotation, a cylinder discriminating signal forming logic circuit for receiving the ignition control signal and the basic cylinder discriminating signal and forming a cylinder discriminating signal by changing-over the basic cylinder discriminating signal in accordance with a state thereof, at a transition point of a waveform of the ignition control signal which co

Abstract: An electronic circuit device for ignition pulses for an i.c. engine having a two- or three pole magnetic system generating positive and negative pulses. One of the pulses is used for ignition energy and the other for power supply of electronic equipment. As a reference point for ignition advance calculation is the peak of said power supplying pulses used. An oscillator (36) supplies a pulse frequency many times higher than the r.p.m. of the engine. A peak detector (14) and said oscillator are connected to a pulse counter (39) which after a predetermined number of pulses from the reference point releases a trigger pulse for the ignition energy. A logic unit (12) sets the counter on the predetermined number in dependence of the r.p.m. of the engine.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ignition device which can provide a good ignition timing characteristic over an engine speed range from low to high by using a first angular signal corresponding to a given crank position of an engine and a second angular signal corresponding to a crank position retarded by a given angle behind the generating position of the first angle signal.

Abstract: A rotational position detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises a first and a second signal generator each thereof having a signal rotor rotating in synchronism with the rotation of the engine, a first and a second waveform reshaping circuit and a signal processing circuit. Engine rotational angle signals produced by the first signal generator and engine cylinder reference angular position signals and a specified cylinder angular position signal produced by the second signal generator are reshaped through the first and second waveform reshaping circuits, respectively, and both output signals from the first and second waveform reshaping circuits are supplied to the signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit separates the reference signals and the cylinder discrimination signal from the output signals of the second waveform reshaping circuit and outputs the separated signals along with the angle signals produced by the first waveform reshaping circuit.

Abstract: A breakerless ignition system in which an electronic advance circuit (30) generates an electrical trigger signal (SPKE) and a mechanical advance circuit generates a mechanical trigger signal (PCP). The mechanical trigger signal (PCP) and electrical trigger signal (SPKE) are combined in a trigger circuit (28) to generate an activation signal to a power switching device (40) which causes an ignition circuit (32) to fire a spark plug (54). In operation the electrical trigger signal (SPKE) normally provides an accurate timing signal to ignite the plug (54) and the trigger circuit (28) masks the mechanical trigger signal (PCP) to prevent double firing. Upon failures or special conditions when the (SPKE) signal is absent the (PCP) signal will provide operation in a back-up mode to ignite plug (54).

Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for generating a signal train dependent on rotary speed from the periodic voltage of an inductive transducer arrangement, especially for controlling ignition systems in internal combustion engines. The transducer voltage is delivered to a threshold stage. In order to reduce an inherent systematic error, means are provided which shift the transducer voltage, before it is supplied to the threshold stage, in accordance with amplitude in such a manner that the switching point of the threshold stage is invariant for a given rotary angle.

Abstract: A contactless erroneous ignition prevention type ignition system for internal combustion engines, in which the energization of the ignition coil is held regardless of an input signal for a predetermined time period after starting the energization. At a first predetermined time after the output signal of a rotational signal generator corresponding to the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine exceeds a reference level, the energization of the ignition coil is started, and the energization of the ignition coil is maintained regardless of the output signal of the rotational signal generator until a second predetermined time. The charging timing of a capacitor of a frequency-voltage converter circuit for controlling the dwell angle of the ignition coil is controlled according to the first and second predetermined times.

Abstract: An ignition timing control system for an internal combustion engine comprising a circuit for generating a reference ignition signal in synchronism with the engine, a circuit for generating a retard ignition signal at a point shifted by a selected shaft angle of the engine from the reference ignition signal, and an ignition circuit for controlling the ignition timing of the engine according to the retard ignition signal; said retard ignition signal generator includes a capacitor circuit for charging and discharging, a first constant-current circuit for always supplying a first current to the capacitor circuit, a second constant-current circuit for supplying a second current larger than the first current to said capacitor circuit, a switching circuit which starts flowing the second current in synchronism with the reference ignition signal and cuts off the second current when the terminal voltage across said capacitor circuit reaches a reference level, and an output circuit for generating a retard ignition signa

Abstract: A timing wave generator 26 provides the same input to two threshold switches that switch on at approximately the same time but have different switching hysteresis. The switch with the smaller hysteresis can affect ignition timing only through a delay circuit while the other can do so directly. If the engine stalls the delay circuit will assure that the primary current is shut off in a short time. In normal operation the large hysteresis of one of the threshold switches is in control and provides insensitivity to disturbance, but during startup the characteristics of the delay circuit can provide the appropriate ignition timing.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system which is responsive to timing signals generated in timed relationship for providing a substantially constant percent excess dwell time. The timing signals are developed across a sensor coil that is floated between first and second inputs of the system. A capacitor is coupled through a buffer circuit to one of the inputs of the system wherein the timing signal is superimposed onto the voltage developed across the capacitor. A charge and discharge circuit comprising a pair of resistive current sources is utilized to charge and discharge the capacitor during operation. The ratio of the resistive components produces a constant percent excess dwell time that is substantially independent to temperature and process variations.

Abstract: The invention provides a circuit (100) that isolates the electrical signals or noise in an ignition system from a computer (60) which controls the timing of the ignition system. The circuit is characterized by an electro-optical coupling device (130) such as a photosensitive transistor (125) controlled by a light emitting diode (120) to provide a variable light output in response to a variable output signal from the computer analyzing the operation of the engine.

Abstract: This invention provides a circuit for automatically advancing the timing of an ignition system independent of engine speed. The invention is characterized by timing circuit (100) which initiates a timing change in reponse to a computer output signal (60) by operating a transistor (125) in its active region as a resistor.

Abstract: Electronic shut-off circuit is provided in a capacitor discharge ignition system for internal combustion engines to protect against excessive high-speed operation. The circuit includes an electronic switching component connected across the main capacitor of the ignition system. A trigger coil is connected in circuit with a control electrode of the electronic switching component. The trigger coil is selected to generate a sufficient voltage to bias the switching means to its conductive state, thereby providing a low impedance shunt path to short the capacitor and to prevent it from discharging its energy into the primary of the ignition coil. A resistance-capacitance network, in circuit with the switching component, serves to hold it "on" until the engine is shut off.

Abstract: An improvement for a combination with a fuel injection type internal combustion engine which employs AC type high tension spark that is initiated by the injection valve opening. The improvement includes a gating circuit, and it has means for opening the gate at the beginning of a predetermined crank shaft position. Also, it closes the gate whenever the injection valve has opened, or at the end of a predetermined number of degrees of crank shaft rotation whichever occurs first.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine contactless ignition system of the supply voltage variation compensation type in which the length of time an ignition coil is energized is controlled by an input transistor in response to an alternating current signal synchronized with the rotation of an engine and the operating level of the input transistor is automatically shifted in response to variation of the voltage of a power source, further comprises an inverting transistor having a base connected to the collector of the input transistor, an emitter connected to one end of the power source through a common emitter resistor and a collector connected to the other end of the power source through collector resistors and a Zener diode whereby an ignition coil energization controlling power transistor is controlled through the inverting transistor.

Abstract: A magnet ignition device is provided with an angular position detecting device for producing a first angular signal with one polarity corresponding to an angular position of a given crankshaft of an engine and a second angular signal with the other polarity corresponding to an angular position of the crankshaft retarded by a given angle relative to the angular position where the first angular signal is generated. An ignition timing operation circuit is driven by the first angular signal. A signal representing advance angle information of the result of the operation by the operation circuit and the second angular signal are both applied to a switching element. In the circuit arrangement, only the second angular signal is used as an ignition signal in low rotational frequencies suffering from a great variation of the rotational frequency of the engine and, in high rotational frequencies higher than a given rotational frequency, only the advance angle signal is used as the ignition signal.

Abstract: A supply-voltage-compensated contactless ignition system for internal combustion engines, which includes input transistor operable in response to an engine ignition signal so as to control the operation of a power transistor to control the energization of an ignition coil with the operating level of the input transistors being varied with variation in the supply voltage, further includes a current mirror circuit having first and second current shunt paths including first and second transistors which are connected in parallel with a voltage clamping device such that the each current path substantially the same amount of current when the supply voltage is normal and that one of the current paths shunts a current increased over that of the other in response to a rise of the supply voltage beyond a predetermined value, and includes a shunt device for shunting the increased current to the input transistors.

Abstract: A solid state inductive ignition system for igniting the mixture in the cylinders of an associated engine with a spark of up to 48 to 50 KV occurring at the most desirable position of the pistons for maximum mileage and power with a minimum of undesirable exhaust emissions. Exceptionally wide spark plug gaps are used to aid in igniting extra lean mixtures. The invention includes a novel high voltage spark distribution system utilizing, if desired, a conventional diameter distribution cap while providing sufficient clearance between adjacent spark plug cable outlets to prevent crossfire. Multiple sparks are provided while cranking to insure the ignition of overly rich or lean mixtures and a constant dwell of extremely short duration is used when running to saturate the core of the ignition coil.

Abstract: To provide sufficient ON-time to store adequate electromagnetic energy in an ignition coil (5, 6), even under high-speed engine operations, in which the ON time of an electronic ignition breaker switch (7, 8) and the OFF or ignition instant thereof is determined by a signal (U16) derived from an a-c type signal source, a signal processing stage (32) is interconnected between the signal source and the ignition signal triggering stage (9) which includes an integrator (27) which commences to integrate when, after an ignition event, the voltage from the signal source (16) has dropped to a predetermined level (Up), the integrated voltage being compared with a threshold level (Uc) to start the ON period of the switch (7, 8) even though the voltage from the signal source (16) may be below that reference level (Up), the output from the integrator and from the signal source being connected to an analog OR-gate (21, 30, 31, 33) which passes the higher one of the two signals, the integrator (27) thereupon being reset to

Abstract: A bipolar activated magnetic pulse timer (50, Q.sub.a, Q.sub.b) is shown for an ignition system (Q1, Q2, Qn, Qp, 80, 90, 40, 40a) of a fuel burning engine. Such system includes a pair of semiconductor switches (Q.sub.a, Q.sub.b) wherein the output circuits of such switches are serially connected. A magnetic pulse timer (50) having an output winding (53) is connected to the input circuits of such switches. Such switches and timer intermittently activate a variety of ignition circuits.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit for use with variable inductance type position sensors and others which provide modulated carrier outputs, whereby the circuit is conditioned by the cyclical modulation output from the sensor. The circuit condition sets a threshold level based upon the signal output from the sensor so that the signal from the circuit is a voltage replica of the input signal that is enhanced to have predetermined and constant high and low peak values without regard to peak value variations in the cyclical signal received from the sensor.

Abstract: A switching transistor (7, 9) is serially connected with the primary (5) of an ignition coil; current flow therethrough is controlled from an a-c signal generator (16) with respect to an ON threshold level (Ue) to store electromagnetic energy, and an OFF threshold level (Ua) to generate a spark; a variable conductivity circuit (26) controlled from a sensing resistor (8) modifies the response level of the threshold switch (13) with respect to the null or cross-over level of the applied signal. To prevent excessive current flow under idle-speed conditions, in accordance with the invention, the ON threshold level, at least, of the switch is shifted by introducing an auxiliary bias voltage derived from an auxiliary capacitor (36) and connected (37, 38) by the signal source through a diode (38) which prevents application of an auxiliary bias voltage to the threshold switch (13) under extremely low, e.g.

Abstract: An ignition timing controller for an internal combustion engine which is capable of automatically correcting the deviation of the ignition timing from the normal positions thereof in the cycle of the internal combustion engine is disclosed. Preliminary timing signals which are advanced by an angle in the cycle of the engine in proportion to the rotational speed of the engine are generated by a preliminary timing signal generator. The ignition timing signals are produced in said ignition timing controller by retarding said preliminary timing signals by a phase shifter in said controller. The advance angle by which the ignition timing signals are advanced with respect to reference timing signals which are generated for a reference purpose at fixed rotational angles in the cycle of the engine is detected, and the sum of said advance angle and the angle by which the preliminary timing signal is retarded by the phase shifter is memorized as a control signal by a memory during the idling state of the engine.

Abstract: A circuit suitable to be utilized in an electronic ignition system or the like which receives periodic signal information and which is caused to ignore this information during a portion of each period a predetermined time interval after initiation of each period. The circuit comprises a blanking circuit which is responsive to control signals generated from the input signal information at the predetermined time interval after initiation thereof to produce a blanking signal the duration of which last during the portion of the period and a coincidence gate that is inhibited by the blanking signal but enabled during the remaining portion of each period to pass the signal information between an input and output thereof.

Abstract: A spark ignited internal combustion engine includes a spark coil in which current is turned on and off to generate spark events. A triangular wave voltage generator and comparator combine to retard the spark events from spark timing signals, the voltage ramping in one direction toward a reference in response to a spark timing signal and ramping in the other direction when the comparator senses that the voltage equals the reference, at which time a spark event is initiated. An RF clamp clamps the input to the comparator to prevent initiation of a spark event from each spark event to the following spark timing event. A minimum burn timer may be initiated by the comparator to prevent current flow in the spark coil for a minimum predetermined time after the initiation of a spark event; and the RF clamp may include a timer to delay its initiation sufficiently to allow latching of the minimum burn timer.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine ignition system comprising the combination of an electronic data processor unit that is adapted to calculate an ignition spark event engine crankshaft angle, an associated electronic control unit, and a source of alternating current timing signals. The electronic control unit is responsive to the alternating current timing signals to produce an engine crankshaft position reference signal that is supplied as an input engine crankshaft position reference signal to the data processor unit and also is capable of effecting ignition spark in response to the alternating current timing signals during periods of engine crank and during periods of data processor unit malfunction.

Abstract: Electromechanical sensing means comprising first of a set of members all of them substantially identical, arranged on an element turning synchronously with the engine's rotation and, second, of a pair of fixed detectors, placed in a protective casing for the turning element; the set of members including regularly spaced main members, in a number proportional to the number of the engine's cylinders, and at least one auxiliary member displaced at an angle .phi..sub.D at least equal to the lead angle .phi..sub.A to be controlled; the pair of detectors being positioned with regard to the course of the members and the relative angular interval in the two detectors being equal to the angle .phi..sub.

Abstract: To improve an ignition system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,176,645, Jundt et al., in which a threshold switch is provided which controls current flow through the ignition coil, the turn-ON point of the current flow being determined, in part, by an integrator, and to prevent malfunction due to corroded terminals, improper installation and the like, a variable resistance branch, including a transistor 66, is connected across the integrator 31, 44, and so connected that, as the supply voltage drops, the effect of the integrator 31, 44 on the threshold switch 15, 16 is decreased, thus preventing modification of the inherent threshold level of the threshold switch by the action of the integrator.

Abstract: Breakerless capacitor discharge ignition system for internal combustion engines in which a charge coil and ignition coil are disposed on ferromagnetic core. A changing flux is established by rotation of permanent magnets past the core. The charge coil is connected to charge a capacitor in circuit with a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) for discharging the capacitor through the primary winding of an ignition transformer. The charge coil and transformer are wound on the core such that voltages of opposite polarity are simultaneously induced therein by the changing magnetic flux. A half way voltage of one polarity charges the capacitor and a voltage of opposite polarity induced in the secondary winding by the changing magnetic flux triggers the SCR to its conductive state discharging voltage stored on said capacitor through the primary winding of the ignition coil.