Abstract: Energization abnormality of a switch element of an internal combustion engine ignition device is detected appropriately. To this end, in an internal combustion engine ignition device that includes an ignition coil and an ignition plug, the ignition coil includes a primary coil including a main primary coil and a sub primary coil and a secondary coil that generates secondary current in response to a voltage variation generated in the primary coil.

Abstract: A controller for a spark plug of an engine is provided. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of an operational parameter of the engine. The controller is configured to define a breakdown time duration for the spark plug. Further, the controller is configured to determine an optimum amount of energy required to generate a spark for the spark plug based on the defined breakdown time duration and the operational parameter. The controller is further configured to cause the optimum amount of energy to be supplied to the spark plug to cause the spark to be generated for the spark plug.

Abstract: An engine ignition control method and system for controlling ignition timing that computes a predicted crankshaft angular velocity based on prior computed and verified crankshaft angular velocity and acceleration and determines a capture window of the next crankshaft position sensor pickup signal for the verification of the predicted crankshaft angular velocity. The ignition control system also utilizes both crankshaft position pickup signals and the intake manifold air pressure measurements for determining the stroke of the combustion cycle in turn providing more accurately timed signals for the fuel injection and ignition systems. During engine starts, the engine ignition control system performs a series of continuous spark-triggering, determines if each spark-triggering being at the correct or incorrect point in the combustion cycle by detecting if there is any engine acceleration and adjusts the generation of the signal for the next spark-triggering accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ignition system (T) for a combustion engine, the internal combustion engine comprising a control system, the ignition system (T) further comprising a power source (30), at least one ignition coil (10, 11, 12) having at least one primary coil (L2, L4, L6) and one secondary coil (L3, L5, L7) for a spark plug (13, 14, 15) and a measurement device (50) for at least one of the parameters spark current, ion current, ignition voltage and primary voltage, said measurement device (50) being adapted to provide measurement signals to said control system for regulating the ignition system (T), the ignition system (T) also comprising means for transforming up voltage and storing energy, and a plurality of switches (S1-S7), said control system being adapted to control said switches (S1-S7), by means of said measuring signal(s), for the supply of adaptive spark energy and/or to control the polarity of the spark.

Abstract: An ignition coil includes a magnetically-permeable core, a primary winding disposed outward of the core, and a secondary winding disposed outward of the primary winding and inductively coupled to the primary winding. The secondary winding includes a left secondary winding section wound clockwise around the primary winding and a right winding section wound counterclockwise around the primary winding. The left secondary winding section has i) a first left winding end distal from the right winding section and ii) a second left winding end that is proximal to the right winding section. The right secondary winding section has i) a first right winding end distal from the left winding section and ii) a second right winding end that is proximal to the left winding section. The second left winding end and the second right winding end are connected to a terminal.

Abstract: An integrated exciter-igniter architecture is disclosed that integrates compact, direct-mounted exciter electronics with an aerospace designed igniter to reduce overall ignition system complexity. The integrated exciter-igniter unit hermetically seals exciter electronics within a stainless steel enclosure or housing. The stainless enclosure enables the exciter electronics to remain near atmospheric pressure while the unit is exposed to vacuum conditions. The exciter electronics include a DC-DC converter, timing circuitry, custom-designed PCBs, a custom-designed main power transformer, and a high voltage ignition coil. All of which are packaged together in the stainless steel enclosure. The integrated exciter-igniter unit allows for efficient energy delivery to the spark gap and eliminates the need for a high voltage cable to distribute the high voltage, high energy pulses.

Abstract: A small planing boat includes a multi-cylinder engine, and a propulsion unit driven by the engine for propelling a hull by drawing up and jetting out water. The engine can be configured to change the number of deactivated cylinders in a phased manner corresponding to an engine speed when the engine speed becomes a prescribed speed or more, and can include a memory for storing cylinder deactivation sequence schedules for determining sequences of cylinders that are deactivated and increasing the number of deactivated cylinders in a phased manner. An operation control device configured to deactivate the cylinders of the engine in a phased manner in accordance with the cylinder deactivation sequence schedules stored in the memory. The operation control device shifts the cylinder deactivation sequence schedules to be read out from the memory to another cylinder deactivation sequence schedule corresponding to an operational state of the engine.

Abstract: When a rectangular wave voltage control mode is selected, a control apparatus estimates the output torque of an alternating-current motor based on the outputs of a current sensor and a rotation angle sensor, and executes torque feedback control by adjusting the phase of rectangular wave voltage based on the difference between the torque estimated value and a torque command value. The control apparatus executes a switching interruption that outputs a control command to a switching element of an inverter every 60 degrees of electrical angle, and executes an angle interruption that samples the phase currents of the alternating-current motor based on the output of the current sensor and converts those phase currents into a d-axis current and a q-axis current every predetermined electrical angle that is set beforehand.

Abstract: A multiple coil distributor comprising a distributor, a distributor cap and a plurality of ignition coils. The plurality of ignition coils are disposed with the distributor cap and individually connect to an associated spark plug. The multiple coil distributor further comprises an electronic control unit and a sensor mechanism. The sensor mechanism comprises a trigger wheel and is in electrical communication with the electronic control unit. Each individual ignition coil is in electrical communication with the electronic control unit. The multiple coil distributor provides a spark for an internal combustion via obtaining the multiple coil distributor, installing the multiple coil distributor within the engine compartment of a car, rotating the trigger wheel, signaling the electronic control unit via the sensor mechanism when the trigger wheel is a selected position and sparking a selected ignition coil corresponding to a selected spark plug via the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A method of maintaining electronic medical records, comprising the steps of receiving a medical transaction record, encrypted with an encryption key relating to a patient association of the file, accessing the encrypted medical transaction record according to a patient association; and further encrypting the encrypted accessed medical transaction record with an encryption key associated with an intended recipient of the medical record. The system and method according to the present invention presents a new business model for the creation, maintenance, transmission, and use of medical records, allowing financial burdens to be reallocated, for example more optimally or equitably, to decrease overall societal cost, or simply to provide a successful business model for a database proprietor. Secure entrusted medical records are held in trust by an independent third party on behalf of the patient, serving the medical community at large.

Abstract: A system for actuating sequential engine function transducers such as fuel injector solenoids comprising a plurality of switch nodes equal in number to the number of cylinders of the engine. Each switch node includes a high current switch such as a transistor and an individually addressable driver circuit for causing the transistor to conduct when an address unique to the driver is received. The nodes are preferably disposed in close physical proximity to the injector solenoids. Low current address carrying lines are connected between the address generator and the individual switch drivers to activate them in sequence. Only a single high voltage high current supply line need be provided. The transducers may also be intake and/or exhaust valve actuators or spark ignition devices.

Abstract: A method for phase recognition of an internal combustion engine with a plurality of cylinders is preformed in an operating region of the engine having selected operating conditions. A crankshaft sensor serves to determine the angular position of the crankshaft. A control apparatus evaluates the signals of the crankshaft sensor and triggers injection and ignition impulses depending on the angular position of the crankshaft. The method includes the steps of adopting a phase relationship; changing a &lgr;-value for at least one of the cylinders; injecting at a selected time once or twice per working cycle in each cylinder; detecting speed changes of the internal combustion engine through at least one working cycle; and distinguishing whether the phase relationship of step B is correct or incorrect by the point in time of a rotational speed change or by an absence of rotational speed changes.

Abstract: The present invention is an ignition control system for an engine having at least one combustion chamber and an ignition element for initiating combustion in the chamber. As one aspect of the ignition control, a switching circuit is provided for controlling the firing of the ignition element based upon either a signal received from a mechanism which detects and outputs a first firing timing signal or a computing mechanism which outputs a second firing timing signal based upon the first firing timing signal. As a second aspect of the ignition control, ignition elements are paired and fired together. In this arrangement, the ignition control includes a mechanism for counting outputted firing signals and assigning them values. These values are used to control the firing of the pairs of ignition elements, permitting the pairs of elements to be fired such that combustion initiation in individual combustion chambers corresponding is controllable.

Abstract: The present invention is an ignition control system for an engine having at least one combustion chamber and an ignition element for initiating combustion in the chamber. As one aspect of the ignition control, a switching circuit is provided for controlling the firing of the ignition element based upon either a signal received from a mechanism which detects and outputs a first firing timing signal or a computing mechanism which outputs a second firing timing signal based upon the first firing timing signal. As a second aspect of the ignition control, ignition elements are paired and fired together. In this arrangement, the ignition control includes a mechanism for counting outputted firing signals and assigning them values. These values are used to control the firing of the pairs of ignition elements, permitting the pairs of elements to be fired such that combustion initiation in individual combustion chambers corresponding is controllable.

Abstract: A plurality of ignition coils having a combustion detection capability, such as an ion sense capability or cylinder pressure detection capability, are connected to a common communication line. The combustion signals for the plurality of ignition coils is multiplexed on the common communication line. The combustion signal for each ignition coil/cylinder is applied to the common line combined with a respective sync signal such as a current flag signal or a respective electronic spark timing (EST) signal. The sync signals allow each ignition coil to determine when it can transmit its combustion signal.

Abstract: A drive circuit for an ignition system includes an ignition coil and spark plug associated with each cylinder of an internal combustion engine. Each ignition coil has a primary winding with the first end connectable to a power source and a second end opposite the first end connected to a silicon-control rectifier (SCR). Each coil also has a secondary winding connectable to a respective spark plug. The SCR may be integrated with the coil. A main driver device is connected between the other end of the SCR and ground. The driver device is configured to conduct a primary current in response to a drive signal. The SCRs are controlled into conduction by a respective gating signal. A control circuit is configured to generate the gating signals and the drive signal in response to one or more ignition control signals. An SCR for each coil is used to select which coil is allowed to carry current when the main driver is turned on.

Abstract: In a multiple cylinder four-stroke engine with fuel injection, an interference oscillation is generated briefly on the flywheel on starting by varied fuel supply to different cylinders. After oscillation analysis of the resultant oscillation of the flywheel, phase positions of the superimposed interference oscillation and of the resultant oscillation are compared. If predetermined phase positions of the oscillations appear, the engine is considered to be operating in the correct cycle position, but otherwise a control unit is initiated to correct its cycle position so that the correct cycle position of the engine is obtained.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine is provided which is capable of satisfying the demand of reducing the size, weight and cost thereof, and at the same time fulfilling sufficient timing accuracy for ignition timing without using a high performance CPU.

Abstract: A rotary machine having a housing with rotary components disclosed within. The rotary machine is configurable as an internal combustion rotary engine, an external combustion rotary engine, a gas compressor, a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a drive turbine, or a drive turbine for expandable gases or pressurized liquids. The combustion engine employs a new thermal cycle—eliminating the Otto cycle's internal compression of the combustion products as part of the cycle. The new combustion thermal cycle is intake, expansion and exhaust.

Abstract: In a multiple cylinder four-stroke engine with fuel injection, an interference oscillation (C) is generated briefly on the flywheel on starting by varied fuel supply to different cylinders. After oscillation analysis of the resultant oscillation (A′) of the flywheel, phase positions of the superimposed interference oscillation (D) and of the interference oscillation (C) are compared. If predetermined phase positions of the oscillations appear, the engine is considered to be operating in the correct cycle position, but otherwise a control unit is initiated to correct its cycle position so that the correct cycle position of the engine is obtained.

Abstract: An AC ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a voltage source, an ignition coil coupled to the voltage source and at least one spark plug having a spark gap, the ignition coil has a primary winding and a secondary winding, the secondary winding has a high turn ratio with respect to the primary winding. The primary winding is electrically coupled to the voltage source and the secondary winding is electrically connected to the spark gap. A switch is connected in series with the primary winding and is configured for movement between an open position and a closed position the closed position electrically couples the voltage source to the primary winding. The ignition coil generates a make voltage after the primary winding is coupled to the voltage source. The make voltage is sufficient to ionize the spark gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synchronized ignition in an internal combustion engine with a crankshaft sensor and a device for detecting smooth running. The aim of the invention is to provide a method for synchronized ignition which does not require a camshaft sensor. After the engine has started, ignition takes place in all of the upper dead centers in at least one cylinder, the time of ignition being offset by a certain value each time that the crankshaft passes through 720°. The effect of offsetting the time of ignition is determined by the device for detecting the smoothness of running. Ignition is assumed to have occurred in the area of the upper dead center in which the ignition time is offset when the smoothness of running is modified above a predetermined limit value or is assumed to have occurred in the area of the upper dead center in which the ignition time is not offset when the smoothness of running is not modified above a predetermined limit value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for automatically shutting down a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle system for performing a vehicle function such as brakes for performing braking of the vehicle. A vehicle control system controls the vehicle system by controlling valve switches or actuators to manipulate the vehicle system. A portable handheld computing device includes a program defining a vehicle shutdown sequence. Preferably, the portable handheld computing device is what is known as a personal digital assistant (PDA), such as a Handspring® or Palmpilot®. A cradle removably receives the portable handheld computing device to connect the portable handheld computing device with the vehicle control system, such as through the vehicle databus. A switch enables the portable handheld computing device to command the vehicle control system to perform the vehicle shutdown sequence.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine is provided which is capable of satisfying the demand of reducing the size, weight and cost thereof, and at the same time fulfilling sufficient timing accuracy for ignition timing without using a high performance CPU.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling and regulating an internal combustion engine 6; via a transducer disk 16 on the crankshaft 12 and a pickup 15, the annular position of the crankshaft 12 is ascertained continuously, with gasoline direct injection valves, in which the fuel injection valves 5 receive the fuel 1 from a pressure-imposing electric fuel pump 9 via a fuel rail 7. A control unit 25 evaluates the output signals of the pickup 15 to determine the annular position and to ascertain the rpm; depending on the annular position, the control unit 25 trips injection and/or ignition pulses. According to the invention, to detect the phase relationship of the engine 6, the pressure course in the fuel rail sensor 8 is evaluated.

Abstract: A method for phase recognition of an internal combustion engine with a plurality of cylinders is preformed in an operating region of the engine having selected operating conditions. A crankshaft sensor serves to determine the angular position of the crankshaft. A control apparatus evaluates the signals of the crankshaft sensor and triggers injection and ignition impulses depending on the angular position of the crankshaft. The method includes the steps of adopting a phase relationship; changing a &lgr;-value for at least one of the cylinders; injecting at a selected time once or twice per working cycle in each cylinder; detecting speed changes of the internal combustion engine through at least one working cycle; and distinguishing whether the phase relationship of step B is correct or incorrect by the point in time of a rotational speed change or by an absence of rotational speed changes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling spark distribution for an internal combustion engine. The method incorporates the use of an electronic distributor that is capable of being used with a number of internal combustion engines. The electronic distributor receives signals from the crankshaft and the camshaft with respect to their respective locations to identify which of the cylinders is to have the fuel found therein ignited. The electronic distributor is versatile because it uses the crankshaft position sensor as a clock signal. This enables the electronic distributor to be timed with any engine control unit/internal combustion engine combination having the same required inputs as the electronic distributor has outputs. Further, an electronic distributor is disclosed having an engine selection device that matches a counter incorporated into the electronic distributor to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for identifying a cylinder in an engine comprising means for applying an electric current every time a first cylinder of a 3-cylinder, 4-stroke engine is at a top dead center; means for detecting engine rpm when the electric current is applied; and control means for determining an exhaust stroke when the engine rpm do not increase, and for determining a compression stroke when the engine rpm abruptly increase, and sequentially providing ignition for a second cylinder and a third cylinder to operate the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for a distributorless ignition system which responds to an ignition signal pulse train which is related to the compression and exhaust strokes of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes at least one ignition coil having a primary winding, a secondary winding, and a core, wherein the primary winding and the secondary winding are wrapped about the core, and the primary winding has a first end and a second end; a pair of spark plugs for each ignition coil, wherein the spark plugs are connected between opposite ends of the secondary winding and electrical ground; and a circuit connected to the first end and the second end of the primary winding for directing electrical current through the primary winding in an opposite direction during each successive ignition signal pulse such that the spark plugs simultaneously fire after each ignition signal pulse.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus generates a 30° CA signal which rises per 30° CA rotation based on a rotational signal from a crank angle sensor and counts up a value CNT of a crank counter by the 30° CA signal. It also reads the level of a cylinder identification signal from a cam angle sensor every time when a reference position signal within the rotation signal is detected. It initializes the count value to 20 when the read level is low and to 8 when the read level is high. Although the apparatus carries out the cylinder discrimination based on the count value, it is also arranged so as not to initialize the count value when the previously read level is the same with the read level of this time. Thus, the cylinders can be identified correctly even if an abnormality occurs in a sensor for outputting a cylinder identification signal or in its wire.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for identifying a cylinder in an engine comprising means for applying an electric current every time a first cylinder of a 3-cylinder, 4-stroke engine is at a top dead center; means for detecting engine rpm when the electric current is applied; and control means for determining an exhaust stroke when the engine rpm do not increase, and for determining a compression stroke when the engine rpm abruptly increase, and sequentially providing ignition for a second cylinder and a third cylinder to operate the engine.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device comprises a circuit board having a first side and a second side and having circuit traces formed only on the first side. The electronic device further includes a voltage regulator providing a regulated voltage via a regulated voltage output terminal and having a regulated voltage return terminal. Additionally, the electronic device includes a microcontroller mounted to the first side of the circuit board and having a plurality of regulated voltage input terminals and corresponding microcontroller voltage return terminals. The electronic device also comprises a bus comprising a first circuit trace coupled to the regulated voltage output terminal and a second circuit trace coupled to the regulated voltage return terminal, the first circuit trace and the second circuit trace running substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: A distributorless ignition system is provided which includes an ignition coil for firing a pair of first and second spark plugs at the same time. The ignition system includes a changeover switch which, when assuming one operating position, causes the first spark plug to produce negative polarity spark and the second spark plug to produce positive polarity spark and, when assuming another operating position, causes the first spark plug to produce positive polarity spark and the second spark plug to produce negative polarity spark. The operating position of changeover switch is changed every time the number of sparks produced by each of the first and second spark plugs becomes two. By this, the number of negative polarity sparks and the number of positive polarity sparks produced by each of the first and second spark plugs on compression stroke at its corresponding cylinder over a long period of time are the same.

Abstract: The present invention is an ignition control system for an engine having at least one combustion chamber and an ignition element for initiating combustion in the chamber. As one aspect of the ignition control, a switching circuit is provided for controlling the firing of the ignition element based upon either a signal received from a mechanism which detects and outputs a first firing timing signal or a computing mechanism which outputs a second firing timing signal based upon the first firing timing signal. As a second aspect of the ignition control, ignition elements are paired and fired together. In this arrangement, the ignition control includes a mechanism for counting outputted firing signals and assigning them values. These values are used to control the firing of the pairs of ignition elements, permitting the pairs of elements to be fired such that combustion initiation in individual combustion chambers corresponding is controllable.

Abstract: An arrangement and a process for communication between an ignition module (ICM) mounted on an engine and a control unit (ECM). The ignition module includes detection circuits and signal processing stages in order to determine at least one combustion related parameter from detected ionization currents in the combustion chamber (22). The control unit (ECM) communicates with the ignition module via at least one bi-directional communication wire (K.sub.CQ or K.sub.KI). Via the communication wire the control unit activates the detection in the ignition module, and the ignition module sends a signal corresponding to the magnitude of the detected parameter to the control unit on the same communication wire. Activation and transfer of parameter data is conducted sequentially over the communication wire.

Abstract: An engine ignition control system includes a device adapted to receive the ignition timing signal which is generated by the engine original ignition pulse generator. The device derives a pulse sequence synchronous with the rotation of the engine from the original ignition timing signal. The device then generates a precision ignition signal from the synchronous sequence pulse at the optimum ignition angle. The precision ignition signal is supplied back to the original ignition system of the engine for the generation of the ignition sparks. The synchronous pulse sequence represents the angular position of the rotation of the engine in higher accuracy then the original ignition timing signal. In preferred embodiments, the synchronous pulse sequence represents the angular position of the engine up to 1 degree making high accuracy ignition advance control for most old engines that can produce only the ignition timing signal from its original ignition pulse generator possible.

Abstract: The apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine, especially a V-motor with a camshaft for each cylinder bank, includes a signal transmitter with a transmitter wheel having an angle mark extending over 180.degree. for each camshaft. A signal transmitter including a transmitter wheel having a plurality of angle marks and at least one reference mark is attached to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The control device determines the operating configuration of the engine and/or performs a cylinder analysis from the produced transmitted signals. Also an emergency operation can be performed and a reverse rotation detected and, if necessary, a camshaft displacement can be determined.

Abstract: A device with components arranged on a p.c. board and attached by connector contact pads, fasteners for additionally fixing the components in place, and at least one connector strip positioned above the p.c. board surface and attached to the p.c. board, with the fasteners being structural elements molded on the connector strip, and at least one component being arranged and fixed in place between the structural elements and the p.c. board.

Abstract: A cylinder-discriminating device for an internal combustion engine is provided. A reference timing signal is generated whenever the engine rotates through a predetermined rotational angle. A secondary-side sparking current produced in a particular cylinder or a particular cylinder group in response to an ignition timing signal generated in synchronism with generation of the reference timing signal is detected. Cylinder discrimination is carried out to discriminate between cylinders or between cylinder groups, based on the secondary-side sparking current detected. In another form, secondary-side sparking currents produced in respective cylinders or respective cylinder groups in response to an ignition timing signal generated in synchronism with generation of the reference timing signal are detected. Cylinder discrimination is carried out to discriminate between the cylinders or between the cylinder groups, based on the secondary-side sparking currents detected.

Abstract: An automotive ignition control system includes a vehicle control computer operable to provide electronic spark timing (EST) signals, a control circuit having a number of coil drive circuits connected thereto, a corresponding number of coil driver devices connected to respective ones of the coil drive circuits and a corresponding number of ignition coils connected to respective ones of the coil driver devices. The control circuit is responsive to an active state of any one of the EST signals to activate a corresponding one of the coil driver devices while inhibiting activation of all others. If any EST signal remains in an active state for an excessive time period, the control circuit is operable to lock-out the corresponding coil driver device from operation until such a fault condition is cleared. The control circuit is preferably operable to accomplish the lock-out function by gradually decreasing the coil current associated with the faulty EST signal in a fashion that does not generate a spark event.

Abstract: An electric circuit device, such as an igniter for internal combustion engine ignition systems, has a metallic package which is floated from the electric ground, and an electric circuit which is formed by conductive patterns and circuit elements mounted on a ceramic substrate. Another conductive pattern is formed as a guard pattern along an outer periphery of the substrate and electrically grounded. The protective film is formed in a comb shape on the guard pattern, exposing the guard pattern only partly. The exposed guard pattern located close to the metallic package absorbs electric noises coming in through the metallic package.

Abstract: A circuit for providing a synchronizing signal based on detected ignition voltages in a coil-per-plug ignition system. In this type of ignition system, each spark plug has its own step-up transformer, typically packaged in close proximity to the spark plug itself. Normally, the plugs are fired individually to extend plug life, but according to this invention, at least two of the plugs are fired concurrently during engine cranking. During such operation, the circuit senses the voltages at the primary transformer windings of two different spark plugs to identify the respective spark plug firings, and the synchronizing signal is produced based on the sequence of the identified firings.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus for an internal combustion engine capable of rapidly and easily identifying engine cylinders with high accuracy, while ensuring a backup control upon occurrence of an abnormality. The control apparatus includes a first signal detector provided in association with a crank shaft for obtaining a first signal series, a second signal detector provided in association with a cam shaft for obtaining a second signal series, and a controller for controlling a parameter involved in engine operation on the basis of each signal series. The first signal series includes an angular position signal and level intervals corresponding to cylinder groups, while the second signal series includes cylinder identifying signal pulses. The pulse identifying a given cylinder has a form which differs from those for the other cylinders.

Abstract: A high voltage switch can be used in an internal combustion engine ignition system to switch a high voltage through to a spark plug upon illumination of a light-sensitive portion of the switch. The high voltage switch includes two sub-stacks of break-over diodes, with the diodes of the two sub-stacks having different properties. The break-over diodes of a first, illuminated sub-stack of the high voltage switch have a break-over voltage with a low dependence on temperature, whereas the break-over diodes of a second, unilluminated sub-stack have a low break-over current with tight tolerances.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for controlling the ignition of an internal combustion engine. The present invention employs a high voltage transistor, preferably a high voltage MOSFET, to switch DC voltages on the order of 1 kV to regulate the flow of current to an input tap of a primary ignition transformer or coil. The high voltage transistor is controllable by conventional logic-level voltages produced by an ignition control module.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a plasma discharge for ignition in an internal combustion engine. A digital electronic system controls ignition performance and can provide an ignition discharge throughout an entire power stroke of a piston in a cylinder. The discharge can be controlled by a signal from a conventional distributor, crank trigger or other source. Controllable discharge of a capacitor occurs through the primary winding of an ignition coil. In addition, the capacitor may be both discharged and recharged in an oscillatory manner through the primary of the ignition coil. Such oscillatory discharging and recharging of the capacitor results in energy being delivered to the spark plug during both discharge and recharge cycles, thereby resulting in the delivery of discharge energy to the spark plug on a substantially continuous basis.

Abstract: A distributor-less ignition system for an internal combustion engine, having a control unit and an ignition coil coupled to the control unit. The ignition coil has a primary coil switched by the control unit and a secondary coil that has a terminal. A plurality of spark plugs are electrically connected at one end of the secondary coil to the same terminal of the secondary coil. A controllable semiconductor switch is respectively electrically connected between the terminal and each of the spark plugs. The semiconductor switch for the spark plug to be triggered is switched at least approximately at the same time by the control unit as the primary coil.

Abstract: A reference angle signal which provides a reference for ignition control of each cylinder is output together with a cylinder discrimination signal for matching the reference angle signal with the respective cylinder, and ignition control carried out for separate cylinders on the basis of the cylinder discrimination results from the cylinder discrimination signal. When there is an abnormality in the cylinder discrimination signal and cylinder judgment becomes nonfunctional, the reference angle signal is matched with the respective cylinder in the ignition order under the normal conditions up until the occurrence of the abnormality, and ignition is carried out normally in the separate cylinders. As a result, even if cylinder discrimination by the cylinder discrimination signal becomes nonfunctional, ignition for separate cylinders can be continued, so that the engine can keep running.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying the power stroke of a particular cylinder in a multi-cylinder engine which utilizes a wasted spark electronic distributorless ignition system but lacks a camshaft driven cylinder identification sensor, wherein a single sensor can be placed in a coil pack adjacent to and substantially equidistant from the ignition coil towers. The sensor will produce a signal reflecting the difference in voltage drops between corresponding pairs of spark plugs who share the same coil and which utilizes this signal to determine the power stroke of individual cylinders to produce a resulting synthetic cylinder identification signal. This apparatus can further be used as a permanent on-board sensor, thereby negating the need for a separate camshaft driven sensor, to determine the cylinder identification.

Abstract: An energy-on-demand vehicular ignition system with a programmable re-striking and minimum single-strike energy output whereby at idle engine speed and lowest load, each coil will be re-struck or discharged the maximum number of times permitted by the coil design within a limited time interval representing the beginning of the combustion event and occurring within 0-2% MFB of the ignitable air fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. The system strategy also includes programmable re-striking whereby the system will default to a single-strike at conditions above a predetermined range of operating conditions, in particular, at a particular engine speed condition and a particular engine partial load condition. In between the conditions at (i) idle engine speed and lowest load on the one hand and, (ii) a predetermined engine speed and partial load condition.