Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil, electric power supply circuit, a switching transistor, engine condition detecting element or unit that detects a signal relating to flow speed of air-fuel-mixture gas in the engine, and ignition control unit that controls the switching transistor to provide multiple ignition sparks in a predetermined ignition period. The ignition control unit controls the switching transistor to maintain each of the ignition sparks according to the signal relating to the flow speed of air-fuel-mixture gas in the engine to maintain sufficient spark energy for igniting the air-fuel mixture gas.

Abstract: An ignition enhancement device for enhancing ignition efficiency of car engine is installed between a high voltage wire and a spark plug. The ignition enhancement device has a capacitor. Two sides of the capacitor are connected to two metal conductive rods. An insulating sleeve encloses the capacitor; and two sides of the insulating sleeve are formed with two insertion holes. An outer wall of each of the two sides of the insulting sleeve has an annular slot; and two ends of the capacitor being covered by waterproof rubbers. When the engine is actuated, the capacitor serves to store the current from the high voltage wire. When the capacitor saturates, electrons are charged to the spark plug simultaneously so as to enlarge the current to have the effect of enhancing the discharge of the current. Thus, the ignition can be enhanced and the fuel is burnt completely.

Abstract: Ignition systems of the kind used to ignite a difficult-to-ignite fuel oil by using energy stored in a capacitor at a breakdown for creating an ignition arc at the electrodes of a resistive arc probe, having a semiconductor resistive film across spark electrodes of the resistive arc probe, designed to preclude interference of contaminants with conduction of an ignition arc across an established current path between the electrodes of the resistive arc probe. An air gap and a resistive arc probe are connected in series. A first high voltage power supply develops a first direct current voltage across a capacitor, which is supplied as a voltage across the air gap and the resistive arc probe. A second high voltage power supply supplies a second pulsed voltage across the air gap and the resistive arc probe, wherein the second pulsed voltage is substantially higher than the first direct current voltage, and the second pulsed voltage jumps the gap of the air gap and thus initiates an ignition arc.

Abstract: A grounding electrode 20 is electrically grounds, and a center electrode 10 to which high voltage pulse is applied that an end of the grounding electrode 20 and an end of the center electrode 10 are disposed closely. The grounding electrode 20 is branched into a main grounding electrode 21 and an auxiliary grounding electrode 30. An end 25 of the main grounding electrode 21 and an end 36 of the auxiliary grounding electrode 30 are disposed close to an end 11 of the center electrode. An inductor section 32 that counterelectromotive force is generated according to a variation amount of flowing current is integrally provided between a portion of the auxiliary grounding electrode 30 branched from the grounding electrode 20 and the end 36 of the auxiliary grounding electrode 30.

Abstract: A grounding electrode 20 is electrically grounds, and a center electrode 10 to which high voltage pulse is applied that an end of the grounding electrode 20 and an end of the center electrode 10 are disposed closely. The grounding electrode 20 is branched into a main grounding electrode 21 and an auxiliary grounding electrode 30. An end 25 of the main grounding electrode 21 and an end 36 of the auxiliary grounding electrode 30 are disposed close to an end 11 of the center electrode. An inductor section 32 that counterelectromotive force is generated according to a variation amount of flowing current is integrally provided between a portion of the auxiliary grounding electrode 30 branched from the grounding electrode 20 and the end 36 of the auxiliary grounding electrode 30.

Abstract: Ignition systems of the kind used to ignite a difficult-to-ignite fuel oil by using energy stored in a capacitor at a breakdown for creating an ignition arc at the electrodes of a resistive arc probe, having a semiconductor resistive film across spark electrodes of the resistive arc probe, designed to preclude interference of contaminants with conduction of an ignition arc across an established current path between the electrodes of the resistive arc probe. An air gap and a resistive arc probe are connected in series. A first high voltage power supply develops a first direct current voltage across a capacitor, which is supplied as a voltage across the air gap and the resistive arc probe. A second high voltage power supply supplies a second pulsed voltage across the air gap and the resistive arc probe, wherein the second pulsed voltage is substantially higher than the first direct current voltage, and the second pulsed voltage jumps the gap of the air gap and thus initiates an ignition arc.

Abstract: A method of generating a sequence of high-voltage ignition sparks is described, wherein an ignition energy storage device is charged up to a specifiable charge state. By a discharge of the ignition energy storage device, a spark is generated on an ignition spark generating means connected to the ignition energy storage device. A recharging operation of the ignition energy storage device is started before the ignition energy storage device is completely discharged. By discharging the ignition energy storage device, an additional ignition spark is generated on the ignition spark generating means.

Abstract: Ignition systems of the kind used to ignite a difficult-to-ignite fuel oil by using energy stored in a capacitor at a breakdown for creating an ignition arc at the electrodes of a spark plug, designed to preclude interference of contaminants with conduction of an ignition arc across an established current path between the electrodes of the spark plug. An air gap and a sparkplug are connected in series, wherein the sparkplug produces an ignition arc in a fuel to be ignited. A first high voltage power supply develops a first direct current voltage across the capacitor, which is supplied as a voltage across the air gap and the spark plug.

Abstract: A misfire detecting device for an internal combustion engine having a double-ended or single-ended distributorless ignition system is provided. The device comprises a first capacitor connected to a secondary winding side of a spark plug and in parallel to the spark plug, the first capacitor being charged by a voltage produced at a secondary winding side of an ignition coil and thereafter applying a voltage to the spark plug when a voltage at the secondary winding side drops, a second capacitor connected in series with the first capacitor and having a capacitance larger than that of the first capacitor to divide a voltage across the first capacitor, and a misfire detecting unit connected to a junction between the first capacitor and the second capacitor to detect a misfire on the basis of a decay characteristic of a divided voltage produced at the second capacitor.

Abstract: A double ignition spark plug has a cavity which is evacuated of substantially all gasses. The insulation portion of the spark plug is formed in two steps at a temperature of 800.degree. to 1000.degree. C. where the first sintering step is when the cavity is open and a first conductor is in place, and a second sintering step is effective to close the cavity and fix a second conductor in place. At least the second sintering step is conducted in a vacuum. The completed double ignition spark plug has substantially all gasses removed from the spark gap within the insulator.

Abstract: Only one pre-gap is arranged between the ignition coil and the distributor so that it is connected in series with each of the ignition plugs in the engine. A relay device is connected in parallel with the pre-gap. The relay device is normally closed to supply a high voltage from the ignition coil to the distributor, bypassing the pre-gap. Only when sensor signals indicate that the air-fuel combustion state is bad, the relay device is opened to cause the high voltage from the ignition coil to be applied to the pre-gap before being supplied to the distributor. This construction permits the single pre-gap to serve all the cylinders in the engine and prolongs the working life of the pre-gap.

Abstract: A misfire detector for use in an internal combustion engine has an ignition coil including a primary coil and a secondary coil. An interrupter circuit is provided for on-off actuation of primary current flowing through a primary circuit of the ignition coil. A distributor has a series gap provided in a secondary circuit of the ignition coil, and a spark plug is adapted to be energized from the ignition coil through the series gap of the distributor. A voltage charging circuit works to electrically charge a stray capacity inherent in the spark plug immediately after an end of a spark action of the spark plug. A spark plug voltage detector circuit distinguishes the voltage waveform of more than a predetermined reference voltage level so as to deform the voltage waveform into output signals. On the basis of the width of the output signals, a distinction circuit determines whether or not the spark action ignites an air-fuel mixture in a cylinder of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In a misfire detector for use in an internal combustion engine having an ignition coil, an electrical interrupter circuit interrupts a primary current flowing through a primary circuit of the ignition coil by which a spark plug is energized. A voltage divider circuit detects a divided voltage of a spark plug voltage applied across the spark plug. A spark plug voltage detector circuit is provided to detect an attenuation characteristic of a spark plug voltage waveform presented subsequent to a time period predetermined either during a spark action of the spark plug or after an end of the spark action of the spark plug. A peak hold circuit is provided to hold a peak voltage of the spark plug voltage waveform presented after the end of the spark action of the spark plug, so that a distinction circuit determines a misfire on the basis of a peak voltage level or the attenuation characteristics of the spark plug voltage waveform.

Abstract: To improve the starting behavior of brand-new motor vehicles which, as export vehicles, have been stationary for considerable periods during a sea voyage it is proposed to insert a spark gap between the ignition coil and the distributor. When the spark jumps, a high voltage is suddenly delivered to the sparking plugs, thus preventing a shunt at that point.

Abstract: A voltage regulator tube for an ignition system of an internal combustion engine, comprising: a cylindrical enclosure made of electrical insulating material and formed with a hollow extending therethrough; a first metallic sealing member for sealing one opening of the hollow, which is electrically connected to a secondary winding of an ignition coil; a first main electrode mounted on the first metallic sealing member in the hollow; a second metallic sealing member for sealing the other opening of the hollow, which is electrically connected to a spark plug; and a second main electrode which is mounted on the second metallic sealing member in the hollow such that the first and second main electrodes confront each other; wherein inert gas is hermetically filled in the hollow; wherein the following equation is satisfied:-1.5.ltoreq.0.8L-0.72R+3.11H-5.81.ltoreq.1.

Abstract: A high tension cable device according to the present invention for use with an ignition system having a discharge tube for forming a series gap therein in an automobile engine or the like can eliminate a so-called creeping discharge which is likely to occur along the external peripheral surface of the discharge tube, and the above cable device comprises; a cylindrical casing having a connecting terminal therein in a firmly engaged formed at one end thereof, which connecting terminal being engageable with a terminal of an ignition plug of an engine side; an auxiliary functional section composed of one or a plurality of auxiliary functional parts such as the discharge tube which are fixedly inserted into said cylindrical casing, wherein the front end of the auxiliary section is connected to the rear end of the connecting terminal, and the rear end thereof is connected to a terminal of a high tension cable side, characterized in that the cylindrical casing is formed by an electrically insulating rigid material a

Abstract: A gas-filled discharge tube in which a cylindrical protection terminal is fitted to a gas-charging pipe passed through an electrode, and the electrode, the gas-charging pipe and the protection terminal are connected by electrical conductive binder filled in a clearance of these elements. A high-tension cable device in which at least one of a connector terminal or a power supplying terminal is formed with a concave part fitted, contacted with a connection part of an additional function parts such as a series-gap forming discharge tube. A high-tension cable device has a concave part covering an entire connection part of the additional function part and has a threaded part at an inner surface. An outer surface of the connection part of the function part corresponding to the concave part is formed with a threaded part.

Abstract: An ignition system has a series-gap discharge-bulb through which a high voltage is supplied to a center electrode of an ignition plug. A short-circuit element is made of a material that reversibly deforms when it is heated to a predetermined temperature when an engine is operated in a steady state. The short-circuit element is electrically connected to the plug such that two discharging electrodes are short-circuited by the short-circuit element when the short-circuit element is heated to thermally deform. The discharging electrodes may be made of a reversibly deformable material so that the electrodes deform into contact with each other when they are heated to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A discharge device of the present invention including a pair of electrodes opposingly disposed in a sealed tube is characterized by the provision of a conductive member surrounding one of the electrodes in the sealed tube. An ignition system with a series gap has a built-in discharge device provided with a series gap, with one end connected to the center electrode side of the spark plug and with the other end connected to the high-tension cable side extending from the high-voltage distribution side. In this ignition system, a discharge device has a conductive member which surrounds one of the electrodes of the sealed tube, and one of the electrodes enclosed with the conductive member of this discharge device works as a cathode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a highly conductive channel for the flow of plasma current between the electrodes of an ignitor gap device are disclosed. A high voltage transformer having a high turns ratio is used to produce a high voltage spark across an ignitor gap. Subsequently, a high voltage low turns ratio transformer is used to supply a pre-plasma current signal to the ignitor gap at a predetermined time following the high voltage spark thereby ensuring that the ionized channel is developed to a more conductive state prior to introduction of the pre-plasma signal into the ignitor gap. Once the sustaining voltage for sustaining plasma flow through the channel has stabilized to a sufficiently low voltage, a high current main plasma signal is supplied to the ignitor gap thereby expanding plasma flow in the area surrounding the ignitor gap and providing a high quality ignition source for use in internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A spark gap producing apparatus that introduces an auxiliary gap in the electrical path between the spark source and the spark plug of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The spark apparatus can be permanently installed such that it maintains a reliable auxiliary gap. Alternatively, it may be installed in a motorized form such that it can be computer controlled. the computer would control the gap size and, therefore, the capacitance of the spark gap apparatus. Thus, depending on the efficiency needs of the engine, the computer would compensate. In still another embodiment, the driver himself would have direct manual control over the gap size. Since spark "hotness" is controlled by the gap size, the driver would have complete control over the efficiency and power of the engine.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprising an ignition coil adapted to produce a secondary reversible voltage, two wires commonly branched from the one end of the ignition coil, and two spark plugs connected to the wires. In each of the two wires, there are provided a series gap forming device and a diode. The diodes are arranged in reverse directions relative to each other, so that the secondary high voltage generated in one direction can pass through one of the diodes and the secondary high voltage in the reverse direction can pass through the other diode, whereby a spark is realized at one end of the two spark plugs by a selective application of the primary current.

Abstract: In a spark plug connector for a high-voltage distributor-less high-voltage capacitor ignition system, comprising an ignition transformer and a storage capacitor connected on the secondary side to the ignition transformer, the spark plug connector is made rod-shaped with diameter dimensions corresponding to those of a spark plug and contains the storage capacitor and ignition transformer arranged one behind the other, the ignition transformer being disposed at the end of the spark plug connector remote from the spark plug connection.

Abstract: An ignition system having a low voltage source serving as a starting point for producing of an ignition voltage at least one ignition spark gap via at least one ignition branch, said branch including a said ignition spark gap, a high voltage capacitor, a high voltage transformer for producing a voltage at the high voltage capacitor of at least the same order of magnitude as said ignition voltage, an auxiliary spark gap having a breakdown threshold, and timing control means for controlling voltage delivery timing to said branch; wherein said auxiliary spark gap is disposed at an output side of said high voltage transformer and said high voltage capacitor is coupled to said auxiliary spark gap in a manner causing the high voltage capacitor to discharge to said ignition spark gap when the breakdown threshold of the auxiliary spark gap is exceeded; wherein the high voltage transformer has minimum inductances and minimum impedances; wherein a medium voltage transformer for producing a voltage between the low volta

Abstract: A photoactive ionization high-tension pulsator is provided between the distributor and the spark plug of a carburetor motor ignition system. The pulsator comprises tubular housing, electrodes disposed therein in spaced apart relationship, and a ring positioned on the inside wall of the tubular housing and being separated from the electrodes. The ring comprises a photoactive material responsive to break down between the electrodes for causing ionization of the gas, whereby to provide high-frequency current in the motor ignition system.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit is galvanically, directly connected across at least part of the secondary winding in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine. The input portion of the overvoltage protection circuit is a voltage divider preferably constituted by RC elements. The voltage at the tap of the voltage divider is applied to a Schmitt trigger. When the voltage across the secondary winding becomes excessively high, the Schmitt trigger output pulse triggers a monostable multivibrator whose output pulse in turn increases the conductivity of a transistor switch located in series with the primary. The increase in primary current tends to oppose further increases in primary and secondary voltages. Alternatively, the output from the multivibrator could be used to shorten the time of current flow in the primary winding in subsequent ignition time intervals or to completely block any subsequent ignition process.

Abstract: A spark circuit for heating equipment used on automobiles in which a switch interrupts current flow in the primary of an ignition coil. A comparator compares the actual value of current flowing in the primary against a predetermined nominal value, and current to the switch is interrupted when the values reach parity, so as to render the switch non-conductive during the interruption with resulting auto-induction in the secondary of the ignition coil.

Abstract: An improvement on conventional internal combustion ignition systems, which improvement comprises a capacitor connected parallel to the secondary winding of the ignition transformer, and a bypass circuit through which energy stored in the primary circuit is conveyed around the high impedance secondary winding of the circuit transformer to the spark plug after the high voltage at the secondary winding has fired an auxiliary gap to complete the by-pass circuit. The energy originally stored in the primary circuit is discharged at the plug to produce a plasma jet ignition plume.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing spark ignition of an internal combustion engine is disclosed including a spark generator which supplies spark generating pulses to spark plugs of the engine. The spark produced by each pulse is sustained after the pulse has died away by means of a generator which applies to the spark plugs a voltage capable of sustaining but not initiating sparks across the spark plugs. The generator is per se capable of developing a continuous output so as to maximize the spark energy and to allow the duration of the spark to be selected as desired. The output of the generator may be applied to the spark plugs continuously in which case the effect of increased impedance to the spark produced on combustion is used to terminate the spark. Alternatively, the output of the generator can be switched to terminate the spark.

Abstract: An ignition system for a multi-cylinder engine having a distributor shaft for timing the ignition, a plurality of spark plugs and a means of producing a high voltage signal for firing the spark plugs, including: a discharge device interconnected between the means for producing a high voltage signal and each spark plug and incapable of conducting in response only to a high voltage signal; and means, operated by the distributor shaft, for selectively, sequentially energizing each discharge device to enable it to conduct and deliver the high voltage signal to the associated spark plug in time with engine operation.