Electronic Ignition System Patents (Class 324/380)
  • Patent number: 11372030
    Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to electrical overstress protection devices, and more particularly to electrical overstress monitoring devices for detecting electrical overstress events in semiconductor devices. In one aspect, a device configured to monitor electrical overstress (EOS) events includes a pair of spaced conductive structures configured to electrically arc in response to an EOS event, wherein the spaced conductive structures are formed of a material and have a shape such that arcing causes a detectable change in shape of the spaced conductive structures, and wherein the device is configured such that the change in shape of the spaced conductive structures is detectable to serve as an EOS monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Analog Devices International Unlimited Company
    Inventors: David J. Clarke, Stephen Denis Heffernan, Alan J. O'Donnell, Patrick M. McGuinness
  • Patent number: 10983937
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for managing access to a bus shared by interfaces includes: when to the bus is granted to one of the interfaces, triggering a counting having a minimum counting period; and when at least one access request to the bus emanating from at least one other of the interfaces is received during the minimum counting period, releasing the access granted to the one of the interfaces, and creating an arbitration point at an end of the minimum counting period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignees: STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS, STMICROELECTRONICS SA
    Inventors: Olivier Ferrand, Daniel Olson, Anis Ben Said, Emmanuel Ardichvili
  • Patent number: 10808673
    Abstract: To provide a control device, of an internal combustion engine, that accurately identifies the combustion state through ion current detection in a wide operation range of the internal combustion engine, without impairing the reliability and the durability of the control device of the internal combustion engine. This internal combustion engine control device includes: an ignition plug having a center electrode and a ground electrode opposed to each other with a gap therebetween; a circulation device for short-circuiting a primary winding to cause a circulation route to enter a conduction state, thereby stopping spark discharge; and an ion-current-detection bias voltage control device for controlling bias voltage for ion current detection. The potential of the center electrode in an ion current detection period is controlled by adjusting the value of the bias voltage and the changing speed of the bias voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Nakamura, Takahiko Inada
  • Patent number: 10619616
    Abstract: A maximum value of a discharge current from a capacitor 13, detected by a primary-side current detection means 24 disposed at a grounded end of the capacitor 13, is controlled such as not to exceed a predetermined first control value Y1. The first control value Y1 is derived based on magnetic saturation of a primary winding 3, with the control being performed by controlling the on-off state of an energy injection switching means 20. As a result, magnetic saturation of the primary winding 3 can be prevented, and the reliability of an ignition apparatus which incorporates an energy injection circuit 6 can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Oono, Shunichi Takeda, Kanechiyo Terada, Yuuto Tamei
  • Patent number: 10473033
    Abstract: An energy generation system for generating energy to be supplied to a chip zapping unit of for example a gas turbine engine comprises an ignition system, e.g. that of the gas turbine engine, the ignition system having an energy output and configured to supply operational energy to the energy output, and the chip zapping unit having an energy input, the energy input coupled to the energy output of the ignition system to receive the operational energy therefrom. Such an energy generation system generates the operational energy needed for the chip zapping unit directly from the ignition system thus avoiding pulse generation circuitry inside an electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Jeff M. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10345355
    Abstract: There is described a method for communicating between distributed test units testing a wire harness. The method comprises connecting a first test unit and a second test unit to the wire harness to test, acting as a master and a slave, and either identifying a wire that is good to communicate or sending a test signal through a circuit comprising a wire of the wire harness from the first test unit to the second test unit to identify such a wire. Then the first test unit sends a communication signal through the circuit comprising the wire of the wire harness from any one of the first test unit and the second test unit to the other one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ziota Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Lussier, Patrick Parenteau, Marc-Antoine Allain
  • Patent number: 10232164
    Abstract: An electrical discharge irrigation device includes a power source to produce power of a first voltage, a circuit coupled to the power source to convert the power of the first voltage to power of a second voltage where the second voltage is higher than the first voltage, a trigger to activate the circuit, an igniter coupled to the circuit to produce a spike, an electrical charge storage component coupled to the igniter the electrical charge storage component becoming conductive and storing an electrical charge after receiving the spike, and an output tip. The output tip includes an electrode and insulating material as an outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: G & H TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gilbert Fregoso, Brad B. Heckerman
  • Patent number: 10221826
    Abstract: A method for operating an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, including a first voltage generator and a bypass, is described. The bypass may include, for example, a boost converter for maintaining a spark generated with the aid of the first voltage generator. A speed of an internal combustion engine used with the ignition system is ascertained and the operating mode of the bypass is modified in response to the speed change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Tim Skowronek, Thomas Pawlak, Wolfgang Sinz
  • Patent number: 10082125
    Abstract: In a control apparatus, a discharge control unit controls an igniter unit so that a flow of current from a primary coil towards a ground side is blocked, thereby generating a high voltage in a secondary coil, and controls a spark plug so that the spark plug generates electric discharge. An energy input control unit controls an energy input unit so as to input electrical energy to an ignition coil after the start of control of the spark plug by the discharge control unit. A control unit and an abnormality detecting unit detects an abnormality in the igniter unit or the ignition coil based on a first threshold and a first current value that is a value corresponding to a current detected by a current detection circuit at this time, when a first predetermined period elapses after the start of control of the spark plug by the discharge control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidekazu Fujimoto, Makoto Toriyama, Satoru Nakayama, Yasuomi Imanaka, Kanechiyo Terada, Shunichi Takeda, Kaori Doi, Junichi Wada, Hisaharu Morita, Naohisa Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10018358
    Abstract: Techniques for monitoring health of an igniter (202) in a gas turbine engine (201) include a sensor (270) mounted to detect signals in a combustor (260) and a processor (180) in electrical communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to receive (601) from the sensor first data that indicates signal changes in each of a plurality of time bins during operation of the igniter in the combustor. Information characteristics of the first data are determined (603). A value is determined (615) of a similarity measure that indicates similarity of the information characteristics to target information characteristics. Based on the value of the similarity measure, a condition of the igniter is determined (633) and a device is operated (635) based on the conditions, for example the condition is presented on a display (714).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Upul P DeSilva, Heiko Claussen
  • Patent number: 9900945
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a first group of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are in series with each other and that emit a first light having a first correlated color temperature (CCT). The lighting device further includes a second group of LEDs that are in series with each other and that emit a second light having a second CCT. The lighting device also includes an active electrical component in series with the second group of LEDs. The lighting device further includes a switch coupled in series with the second group of LEDs and the electrical component. The first group of LEDs is in a parallel configuration with the switch, the second group of LEDs, and the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Raymond Janik, Ninglian Wang, Russell Scott Trask, Kevin Mills
  • Patent number: 9371787
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for adjusting the operation of a gasoline-fueled engine based on monitored conditions within a combustion chamber of the engine. In some cases, the system monitors regions within the combustion chamber, identifies or determines a satisfactory condition, and applies an ionization voltage to a fuel injector to initiate a combustion event during the satisfactory condition. In some cases, the system monitors the conditions within the combustion chamber, determines a monitored condition is associated with an adjustment, and adjusts a parameters of a combustion event in order to adjust ionization levels within a combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20140117992
    Abstract: A control test device for testing a dual starter system has a first and a second starter. Each starter has a starter electrical interface including a starter start signal interface and a starter status signal interface. The control test device includes a first and a second communication interface for communicating a test signal to the first and second starter respectively. Each communication interface includes an electrical interface for interfacing with the first and second starter electrical interface. The test signal includes a start signal and a status signal. The start signal interfaces with one of the first and second starters start signal interface. The status signal sends a simulated status of the other one of the first and second starters to the one of the first and second starters start interface. A switch mechanism commands the start signal to one of the first and second starters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Tognum America Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Matlock
  • Patent number: 8387598
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for detecting an open secondary condition in a secondary coil of an ignition coil using a control signal received from a control input of a switch configured to control the flow of current to a primary coil of the ignition coil. In an example, the flow of current in the primary coil of the ignition coil can be controlled using an insulated gate bipolar junction transistor (IGBT), and the open secondary condition in the secondary coil of the ignition coil can be detected using a received gate voltage of the IGBT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: James Edward Gillberg, Jack Edward Wojslawowicz
  • Patent number: 8324905
    Abstract: An automatic variable gain amplifier is provided. The automatic variable gain amplifier automatically adjusts the amplification of a signal, and in one embodiment, an ion signal, based on the amplitude of the peaks of the signal. The automatic variable gain amplifier detects the peaks of the signal, compares them to a threshold value, and, based on this comparison, varies the amount by which the signal is amplified. The automatic variable gain amplifier produces a composite output waveform for an input waveform with an amplitude that may vary over a plurality of orders of magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Barrett
  • Publication number: 20120031382
    Abstract: A method includes determining the moment of extinction of an ignition spark of an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, wherein the ignition device has a high voltage transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, of which the primary side is connected to a high voltage source and the secondary side is connected to a spark path to provide the ignition spark. The time variation in the primary current flowing on the primary side is measured and subdivided at least into a spark burning phase and a subsequent free-running phase of the high voltage transformer, and the transition from the spark burning phase into the free-running phase is equated to the moment of extinction of the ignition spark. The time variation of the primary current in the spark burning phase is mapped by a first function and in the free-running phase by a second function, and the intersection point of the two functions is equated to the moment of extinction of the ignition spark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Arno GSCHIRR
  • Patent number: 8046128
    Abstract: A fault clearing system and method for an engine control system includes a plurality of processor modules to control and monitor the engine and set a plurality of faults. The plurality of processor modules includes an electronic throttle control (ETC) module to control and monitor a throttle of the engine, and a plurality of engine sensors and ETC sensors. An ETC diagnostic module monitors the ETC sensors and engine sensors, with the ETC diagnostic module setting a low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module will also enter one of a plurality of low voltage states in response to the low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module selectively controls the ETC module and selectively clears the faults in the ETC module and plurality of processor modules upon entry into one of the low voltage states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Sharon L. Storch, Joseph M. Stempnik, Richard B. Jess, James L. Worthing, Daniel G. Bolstrum
  • Patent number: 7750638
    Abstract: A measuring device (1) for detecting signals, particularly signals in an ignition system of an internal combustion engine, has a signal line (2); and a measuring electrode (3) connected to the signal line (2) for coupling a signal to be detected into the signal line (2), wherein the measuring electrode has a flexible tip (4) , wherein the tip (4) includes tubular segments (4?); wherein one end of a segment (4?) is pivotably inserted into another end of another segment (4?); and wherein the tip (4) including the tubular segments (4?) is lockable into position in a bent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Kark-Heinz Dittmann, Werner Bumen
  • Patent number: 7696759
    Abstract: An alternator and starter motor tester system having alternator cable check. The alternator cable connector is specific to an alternator type. The cable connector is monitored so that if it fails a certain alternator type for a predetermined number of times in a row, the cable will be locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt Raichle, Scott Krampitz, Weixing Xia
  • Patent number: 7688073
    Abstract: A diagnosis device of a capacitor discharge ignition device for an engine that detects, as a singularity, a leading edge or a trailing edge of a voltage between output terminals of an ignition power supply portion that generates a voltage for charging an ignition capacitor, counts the number of singularities detected while a crankshaft rotates through a measurement section, which is a section of a certain crank angle determined with reference to a pulse signal obtained by a signal generator that generates a pulse signal at a specific crank angle position of an engine, and diagnoses an abnormality of the ignition device and a cause of the abnormality by comparing the count value of singularity with the number of times of normal ignition of the engine performed while the crankshaft rotates through the measurement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Kokusan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Shimazaki, Jun Kawagoe
  • Publication number: 20090251301
    Abstract: When an insulation resistance value of an ignition plug is smaller than a prescribed value, an engine operation state is switched so as to raise a temperature of the ignition plug, thereby promoting deposit cleaning. Such a measures-against-deposit carrying-out state is counted. When a count value exceeds a certain value, that is, when the measures against deposit have sufficiently been performed but the insulation resistance value of the ignition plug is smaller than the prescribed value, it is determined that conductive deposit has adhered to the ignition plug, and for example, an alarm light is turned on in order to urge a driver to perform maintenance of the ignition plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsushi Hashizume
  • Patent number: 7418956
    Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine can be produced at low cost and small size by preventing the generation of a spark at a spark plug due to a turn-on voltage with a simple ignition coil construction having no energy loss. The apparatus include an ignition coil having a primary coil and a secondary coil, a spark plug to which a high voltage from the secondary coil is impressed, and a coil driver for driving the ignition coil. The coil driver has a switching element for controlling the primary current, an IC for driving the switching element, and a turn-on voltage prevention circuit inserted between a secondary coil low-voltage side terminal and ground. The turn-on voltage prevention circuit is composed of a parallel circuit comprising a diode in the form of a bare chip and a thick film resistor, and is mounted on the same substrate together with the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Futoshi Aida, Yusuke Naruse
  • Publication number: 20080111555
    Abstract: A controller is provided for use with a vehicle security system, particularly a remote start system. The controller includes a housing, means for detecting voltage of a vehicle wire, and means for displaying detected voltage. The means for detecting voltage can be an external probe. The means for displaying detected voltage can be a light indicator, a sound indicator, or a display screen. If a light indicator is used, such as an LED, the light indicator can emit different colors of light responsive to different voltages detected. If a sound indicator is used, the sound indicator emits different pitched sound tones or a different number of sound tones based on different voltages detected. The controller can include a means for detecting resistance of a wire and a switch for changing between detecting voltage and resistance. The controller can include a switch for changing between different detection states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Arturas Rainys, Wallace Stewart
  • Patent number: 7348687
    Abstract: Driving circuit for an ignition element of a passenger protection system The present invention relates to a driving circuit for an ignition element of a passenger protection system which has the following features: at least one first semiconductor component (HS; HS1, HS2) with a control connection (G) and a first and second load connection (D, S) and at least one second semiconductor component (LS; LS1, LS2) with a control connection (G) and a first and second load connection (D, S), at least one first and one second connection terminal (K2, K3; K21, K22, K31, K32) for connecting a load in series with the at least one first and at least one second semiconductor component the at least one first semiconductor component (HS; HS1, HS2) being integrated in at least one first semiconductor chip (IC1; IC11, IC12) and the at least one second semiconductor component (LS; LS1, LS2) being integrated in a second semiconductor chip (IC2) which are accommodated in a common package (PA) from which the at least one first
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Leo Aichriedler, Michael Breunig, Hubert Rothleitner, Udo John
  • Patent number: 7347195
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling the spark current in a spark plug (8), comprising a voltage source (1; 14), an ignition system (2) connected to the voltage source, and a spark plug (8) connected to the ignition system, which ignition system (2) comprises an ignition coil (3) and at least one regulating unit (5, 6) as well as a control unit (4), enabling control of the intensity and/or duration of the spark current, said ignition coil (3) comprising a secondary side (6, 31) arranged to be controlled in order to control the duration of the spark in Arc Discharge Mode. The invention also relates to an ignition device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Mecel Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Bo Biljenga
  • Patent number: 7328100
    Abstract: In a failure detection system of coils that produce outputs in response to rotation of a crankshaft of a general-purpose engine (including a power coil that produces an output indicative of the engine speed), the outputs produced by the coils are inputted to determine whether the coils produce the outputs, and it is discriminated that one of the coils (i.e., power coil) has failed when the coil does not produce the output, thereby enabling detection of failure such as wire breaking of the power coil and preventing overrunning of the engine and other such problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Tomoki Fukushima, Yoshihisa Shinogi
  • Publication number: 20080007266
    Abstract: In an ignition system that includes an ignition coil having a primary coil and a secondary coil, a switching element connected between the primary coil and a ground, a battery and a spark plug connected to one end of the secondary coil, an engine abnormal condition detecting device includes a Zener diode connected between the other end of the secondary coil and the ground to allow secondary current flowing in the secondary coil toward the ground, a resistor connected between the secondary coil and the ground to limit the secondary current flowing through the secondary coil to a preset level, a secondary current detecting circuit for detecting an amount of secondary current flowing through the resistor, and an electronic control circuit for determining an abnormal condition of the ignition system with reference to the amount of the secondary current flowing through the resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuyasu Enomoto, Kouji Andoh, Eiji Takakuwa
  • Patent number: 7164271
    Abstract: An ion current detecting device includes an ion current detecting unit which detects ion current based on combustion ion generated after an ignition which is performed in a combustion chamber and an amplifier unit which amplifies ion current detected by the ion current detecting unit. The amplifier unit has an amplification rate which is set so that an output amplified ion current varies nonlinearly with ion current of the ion current detecting unit. Thus, the amplifier unit enables the amplification rate to vary according to a level of ion current. Therefore, ion current can be detected correctly even if a minute ion current is generated when the spark plug malfunctions etc., and even if ion current becomes higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Ando
  • Patent number: 7095234
    Abstract: A device for triggering ignition circuits is provided, a coupling being provided between a positive output stage and negative output stage of different pairs. Each positive and each negative output stage is assigned a diagnostic unit and a drive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Ulmer, Andreas Rupp
  • Patent number: 7061245
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor for a coil-on plug ignition testing apparatus includes a first portion of the capacitive sensor and a second portion of the capacitive sensor, at least one of which has a substantially planar base, and each of which has one or more engagement members projecting downwardly therefrom. One of or both of the first portion and the second portion may be a capacitive element forming a part of the capacitive sensor. The second portion is connected, and is configured to slide relative, to the first portion. A biasing element is disposed between the first and second portions to bias the first portion toward the second portion and to maintain the first portion and second portion in a compressed state. The first portion may be translated relative to the second portion against a bias of the biasing element, to an extended state for securing to a coil-on plug housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth A. McQueeney, Lee M. Snorteland
  • Patent number: 7053623
    Abstract: An ignition and diagnostic system (10) for an internal combustion engine includes a sparking device (12) through which a low voltage diagnostic device (54) monitors a sensing feature, for example spark gap (30) conditions, during spark intervals and returns diagnostic feedback to an engine control module (56). A coil (44) is electrically operatively connected to the sparking device (12) through a lead wire (48). The lead wire (48) can be removed and reinstalled with respect to the sparking device (12) via a flexor joint (60) for installation and maintenance. The flexor joint (60) enables positive electrical contact during operation so that low voltage signals from the diagnostic device (54) are maintained even during severe vibration conditions. The flexor joint (60) includes in one embodiment a compression spring (62) which is fully compressed or over-compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. McMurray, James D. Lykowski
  • Patent number: 7009400
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor for an ignition testing apparatus includes a substrate bearing a sensor metallization and a ground metallization, an output lead, a mounting device integrated with the substrate and configured to permit the substrate to be releasably mounted to an ignition coil housing, and a sensor displacement assembly integrated with the substrate and/or the mounting device. The sensor displacement assembly includes at least one member configured to move at least a portion of the sensor metallization in a first direction toward an ignition coil housing and/or a second direction away from an ignition coil housing and/or a third direction lateral to the ignition coil housing while the substrate is mounted on an ignition coil housing using the mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth A. McQueeney, Lee M. Snorteland
  • Patent number: 7005855
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dual charge rate power supply circuit and method for ionization detection. The circuit includes a first diode, first and second capacitors, and first and second current paths. The first diode includes an anode operably connected to a first end of a primary winding. The first capacitor has a second end operably connected to ground and the second capacitor has a first end operably connected to the cathode of the first diode as well as a second end operably connected to ground. The first and second current paths are operably connected between the first and second capacitors and include a second diode, a parallel combination of a first resistor and a third diode, and a second resistor. The first diode is operably connected in parallel with the first capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Guoming G. Zhu, Kevin D. Moran
  • Patent number: 7002351
    Abstract: A variable compensation circuit for capacitive adapters is provided and includes an input connector for receiving a signal output from a capacitive adapter positioned within an electric near field emitted from a component of an engine ignition system, an output connector for outputting a signal output from the variable compensation circuit, a capacitive divider circuit portion disposed in series between the input and output connectors, the capacitive divider circuit portion comprising at least one of a variable capacitor and a plurality of fixed capacitors. The variable compensation circuit also includes a switching element configured to enable at least one of a selection and de-selection of the plurality of fixed capacitors and adjustment of a variable capacitor to provide one of a plurality of selected capacitance reactance ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth A. McQueeney, John P. Walton, Lee M. Snorteland
  • Patent number: 6972569
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing a waste-power ignition coil is provided and includes an igniter simulator having a first switching device electrically connected to an output of the primary side of a waste-power ignition coil under test and a triggering means for changing a state of the first switching device at a predetermined interval. A second switching device bears a first pair of contacts being electrically connected to one of a positive going and negative going output of a secondary winding of the waste-power ignition coil under test and a second pair of contacts being electrically connected to another of a positive going and negative going output of the secondary winding of the waste-power ignition coil under test. The second switching device acts substantially synchronously with the igniter simulator actuator to ground a respective one of the positive going and negative going output of the secondary winding of the waste-power ignition coil under test to simulate a waste-stroke phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth A. McQueeney
  • Patent number: 6969995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device with a sensor (4) for monitoring the ignition voltage of an associated cylinder of an internal combustion engine, said sensor (4) being arranged along the ignition conductor (12), between the spark plug and the ignition coil. The sensor (4) is a bar-shaped probe which is arranged parallel to the axis of the ignition conductor (12), at a flashover-proof distance. The invention further relates to a measuring arrangement comprising such measuring devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Florian Virchow
  • Patent number: 6943554
    Abstract: An ionic current detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine does not generate a false ionic current, and hence it does not generate a false knock component signal either, thereby avoiding an incorrect combustion determination or an incorrect knock determination. The apparatus detects an ionic current generated in spark plugs connected with secondary sides of a plurality of ignition coils, respectively, each of which generates a high ignition voltage immediately after firing of a corresponding combustion chamber. The ignition coils are arranged in such a manner that at least the directions of adjacent ignition coils do not coincide with one another. In addition, the ignition coils are fixed by a fixture, which has arrangement positions for the ignition coils predetermined according to the mounting directions thereof, in such a manner that the directions of adjacent ignition coils do not coincide with one another, the ignition coils being installed on the engine through the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakazu Dohi, Yoshiyuki Sera, Yasuhiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6940283
    Abstract: Detecting the magnetic field generated by a coil-on-plug (101) (aka coil-over-plug) using an adjustable probe (111). The probe (111) includes a signal detector (115) for detecting the field, a detachable adapter (117) configured to detachably attach to the housing (107) of the ignition coil at a specified location (113), and an adjustable connector (119 and 121) that adjustably connects the signal detector to the detachable adapter in a first predetermined position or in a second predetermined position. A detecting process and a diagnostic system using the probe are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth A. McQueeney
  • Patent number: 6940284
    Abstract: A method for efficiently determining whether a distributorless or hybrid ignition system is the origin of engine problems by consecutively disconnecting and reconnecting the primary connector from each coil of the ignition system. Once a single primary connector is disconnected from a coil and engine misfiring or roughness declines, the problem cylinder pair has been located. The method further includes measuring the firing line voltage of accessible spark plug wires for each cylinder to identify a single faulty cylinder, that may now be serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth A. McQueeney, David B. Weiland, David G. Capitolo
  • Patent number: 6914434
    Abstract: Driver circuit (1) for actuating an electrical device via a control line (3) and for diagnosing the state of the control line (3) and/or of the actuated device, having a test circuit (Q1-Q6, R1-R6), connected to the control line (3), for measuring the electrical output current flowing via the control line (3), and an evaluation unit (5-8), connected to the test circuit, for generating a diagnostic signal (DIAG) on the basis of the measured output current, the test circuit having at least one current mirror circuit (Q1, Q2; Q4-Q5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stephan Bolz
  • Patent number: 6850069
    Abstract: A coil-on plug testing apparatus for detecting a weak field output by a shielded coil-on plug ignition and generating an output signal representing an ignition signal includes a capacitive sensor attachable to a coil-on-plug device for detecting an electric field generated by the shielded coil-on plug device during a firing event and generating and outputting a voltage in response thereto. A signal processing circuit electrically coupled to the capacitive sensor is configured to generate an output signal in response to variations in the voltage output by the capacitive sensor in response to a detected electric field. The signal processing circuit comprises an amplifier configured to amplify an output voltage of the capacitive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth A. McQueeney, Robert R. Bryant
  • Patent number: 6844735
    Abstract: An inspection object constructed of an ignition plug and an ignition coil is inserted in an inspection housing that does not have a ground electrode. A voltage generated in the ignition coil is measured while the inspection object is housed in the inspection housing. Electrical discharge does not occur because the ground electrode is not provided. Therefore, the voltage generated in the ignition coil is properly measured for quality inspection of the ignition coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miwa, Atsuya Mizutani, Hiromi Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 6813932
    Abstract: A misfire detecting device for an internal combustion engine including an ion current detecting means for detecting ion currents generated between electrodes of spark plugs; an ion current judging means for judging whether or not the ion current exists at each ignition cycle based on the ion current signal; a misfire judging means judging when no ion current is judged to exist based on an ion current judgment signal; an ignition coil; an ignition coil signal judging means for judging whether or not the ignition coil signal generated in synchronism with an ignition timing exists; and a failure judging means for judging whether or not an failure of the ion current detecting means occurs based on a result from the ignition coil signal judging means when the ion current signal is not detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Nishimoto, Takanori Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20040183539
    Abstract: Detecting the magnetic field generated by a coil-on-plug (101) (aka coil-over-plug) using an adjustable probe (111). The probe (111) includes a signal detector (115) for detecting the field, a detachable adapter (117) configured to detachably attach to the housing (107) of the ignition coil at a specified location (113), and an adjustable connector (119 and 121) that adjustably connects the signal detector to the detachable adapter in a first predetermined position or in a second predetermined position. A detecting process and a diagnostic system using the probe are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. McQueeney
  • Patent number: 6766243
    Abstract: In a device and a method for ignition of an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder is described, the device includes a central control unit and peripheral units, each being allocated to one cylinder, digital control signals being sent from the central control unit to the peripheral units, triggering the peripheral units to ignition of the respective cylinder, measured values describing states in the peripheral units being determined by the peripheral units and sent to the central control unit as a function of the measured values, at least one time difference between the control signals and the diagnostic signals being determined by the central control unit for analysis of the diagnostic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Haussmann, Joachim Heimes
  • Patent number: 6741080
    Abstract: In an ignition coil assembly of an ion sensing ignition system having an ignition coil output, a buffered ion-sense current source circuit is provided and includes a current sensing circuit, the current sensing circuit being disposed so as to be communicated with the ignition coil output and an active current source circuit, the active current source circuit being disposed so as to be communicated with the current sensing circuit and a current measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Ralph Peterson, Philip Allen Karau, Scott B. Kesler
  • Patent number: 6734677
    Abstract: A combustion condition detecting device detects combustion ions between opposing electrodes in a combustion chamber by ion current flowing between the electrodes in response to a.c. current voltage applied between the electrodes. A low pass filter for eliminating current components having high order frequencies of the a.c. voltage is disposed in a primary side of the transformer so that a waveform of the a.c. voltage approximates a sine wave. Thus, detection accuracy of the combustion ions is prevented from being affected by variation of capacitive current included in the current flowing between the electrodes, wherein the variation of the capacitive current is caused by distortion of the waveform of the a.c. voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Toriyama, Tohru Yoshinaga, Hiroshi Yorita
  • Patent number: 6734676
    Abstract: A method for generating a control signal after a predeterminable period of time is described. The method includes applying a voltage to an inductor at a beginning of a time measurement; and outputting, via a current threshold value detector, the control signal if a current through the inductor exceeds a predeterminable threshold value. The invention also relates to a timing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Ludwig Leipold, Paul Nance
  • Patent number: 6720772
    Abstract: The data holding device includes a switch adapted to be turned on and off in accordance with a state of the engine, a control element in the form of a CPU for determining the presence or absence of abnormality in the engine based on a state of the switch, a data storage element in the form of an EEPROM for storing recognized data corresponding to the presence or absence of abnormality, an external power supply for supplying a power supply voltage to the CPU, and a voltage holding circuit for holding the power supply voltage at a prescribed value. When abnormality is found in the engine, plural pieces of recognized data indicative of abnormality are stored into the EEPROM, and the engine state is determined based on groups of recognized data stored in the EEPROM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Oosawa
  • Patent number: 6717412
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for displaying ignition coil waveforms. The method includes disposing a plurality of capacitive elements adjacent a plurality of coil-over-plug ignition coils. Signals detected by the capacitive elements are supplied to an adapter in which signal gain, polarity, and range are selected according to a particular vehicle tested, and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyrone J. Moritz, Michael Meeker, Thomas D. Loewe