Abstract: In a sparkplug voltage probe device, an insulator base is attached to the internal combustion engine, an upper surface of the insulator base having a plurality of grooves in which the corresponding cables are placed. An electrode plate is embedded in the insulator base along the grooves to form a static capacity between the electrode plate and an array of all the cables in the grooves, both of the longitudinal sides of the electrode plate being curled around the outermost cables respectively to compensate shortage of static capacitance so as to form a capacitance adjusting function in order to substantially even a distribution of the static capacity between the electrode plate and the array of all the cables in a direction perpendicular to a length of the electrode plate. A lead wire is provided to electrically connect the electrode plate to a microcomputer.

Abstract: A method and a circuit are provided for detecting low level ionic currents. An ionization detection voltage is applied to a spark plug and a resulting output voltage signal is sent to a threshold device. The output voltage signal is developed by a low offset operational amplifier. First and second serially connected Zener diodes carry current in a normal diode direction when a spark event occurs and carry current in their Zener breakdown mode upon recovery from the spark event. A second operational amplifier and its associated feedback circuit generate a guard voltage which is applied to the junction of the two Zener diodes. The guard voltage is regulated to track the input voltage to the circuit at the cathode of the first diode. Because the guard voltage is essentially the same as the input voltage, there is no leakage current flow through the first diode.

Abstract: In a spark plug voltage probe device which detects voltage applied to a spark plug installed in an internal combustion engine so as to analyze burning conditions in the internal combustion engine on the basis of the voltage applied to the spark plug, a rubber collar (74) is provided to surround rubber cap (7) secured to high tension terminal (71a) of spark plug (71) so as to form a static capacity between high tension terminal (71a) and rubber collar (74). Electrical conductor (73) is provided between rubber cap (7) and rubber collar (74), and conductor (73) is electrically connected to a microcomputer by output cable (64) so as to analyze the spark plug voltage waveform. Condenser (42) is connected at one end to the ground and the other end to a common point (A) between electrical conductor (73) and the microcomputer so as to reduce the spark plug voltage according to the capacity of condenser (42).

Abstract: High voltage transformer, in particular an ignition coil for a combustion engine, with a conductor section carrying a high voltage with respect to a reference potential (earth) and with at least one conductor surface in the proximity of the conductor section, and galvanically separated therefrom to which a voltage is applied, the variation of which is dependent upon the high voltage. Between the conductor surface (7, 7') and a test output (12) a non-linear electrical transmission element (13) is interconnected.

Abstract: An ignition coil has a capacitor for detecting ignition voltage of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine to determine if misfire occurs. The ignition coil has a primary winding and a secondary winding both wound around a core. A connector section, connected to the secondary winding by a lead, is provided for receiving a high-voltage cable to transmit the secondary winding voltage current to an ignition distributor. These components are embedded integrally in an insulator resin at the time of completing the coil. A conductor is also embedded in the insulator resin such that it is located around the connector section keeping a predetermined distance therefrom and sandwiching the insulator resin, whereby a capacitor, which constitutes a capacitive divider in cooperation with a second capacitor for detecting misfire through the ignition voltage, is formed between the connector section and the conductor. A ceramic insulator can be positioned between the conductor and the connector section.

Abstract: In a snap-in type spark plug voltage probe device, the insulator base has an upper half and a lower half, both ends of which are integrally connected by means of a flexible portion. The upper half and the lower half have a plurality of grooves in which spark plug cables are placed. The upper half and the lower half are joined together by the flexible portion when in a closed position. The upper half has an opening to receive a protrusion provided on the lower half of the insulator base to maintain the upper half of the insulator base along the grooves, providing static capacity between the electrode layer and the spark plug cables when voltage is applied across the spark plugs. A lead wire electrically connects the electrode layer to a microcomputer so as to analyze the burning condition based on the static capacity between the electrode layer and the spark plug cables.

Abstract: A spark plug voltage waveform detector probe for use in an internal combustion engine and which is mounted on a secondary circuit of an ignition circuit to form static capacity therebetween so as to detect a spark plug voltage waveform. The detector probe includes an insulator body and an electrode plate which is embedded in the insulator body and electrically connected to a lead wire. A pair of readily replaceable insulator plates are located under the insulator body each of the insulator plates having at least one groove, the at least one groove of each of the insulator plates opposing each other and cooperating to form an opening in which a spark plug cable is placed which is extended from the secondary circuit. Electromagnetic shield plates are provided to liquid-tightly sandwich the insulator body and the insulator plates so as to form a laminated detector probe structure. The electromagnetic shield plates are electrically connected to the internal combustion engine for grounding.

Abstract: In a spark plug voltage probe device, an electrically shield casing (301) is provided in which electrical circuit boards (302) are accommodated, the shield casing (301) having an electrically conductive wall (313) connected to the ground. An insulator base (303) is securely attached to an outer bottom of the electrical shield casing (301) and has an electrode plate (332) embedded in the insulator base to be connected to the electrical circuit boards (302). A rubber plate (342) is securely attached to a lower surface of the insulator base (303). A plurality of grooves (333, 341) are provided between the insulator base (303) and the rubber plate (342) to locate the corresponding cables (305) in the grooves (333,341) so as to form a static capacity (C1) between the electrode plate (332) and the cables (305). This makes it possible to reduce a noise level by the ratio of the static capacity (C1) to a static capacity (C2) between the electrically conductive wall (313) and the electrode plate (332).

Abstract: A device according to an aspect of the invention detects abnormality of spark plugs of an internal combustion engine. A value related to electric resistance across a gap between electrodes of each spark plug is measured. Next, it is determined whether or not the measured value, related to the electric resistance, assumes a value indicating that the electric resistance is below a predetermined value, when the engine is determined to be in a non-combustive state. The spark plug is determined to be abnormal when it is determined that the measured value, related to the electric resistance, assumes the value indicating that the electric resistance is below the predetermined value. A misfire-detecting system according to another aspect of the invention incorporates the above device.

Abstract: In an ion current detecting device for an internal combustion engine, an ion current detecting circuit for detecting an ion current produced when the gas mixture is burnt by spark discharges between the electrodes of a spark plug operates to mask the detection signal of the ion current for predetermined periods of time in the intervals in which noise pulses are produced in association with excitation and unexcitation of ignition coil. Hence, the noise pulses are eliminated from the detection signal, whereby it can be positively determined from the presence or absence of the detection signal whether or not the gas mixture has been burnt.

Abstract: A spark plug cap having a capacitor for detecting ignition voltage of an internal combustion engine to determine if misfire occurs. The spark plug cap covers the terminal of a spark plug and has a conductor for carrying ignition voltage current from an ignition coil to spark plug terminals to generate an electronic spark between spark plug electrodes and an insulator surrounding the conductor. In the spark plug cap, a second conductor is located around the first conductor keeping a predetermined distance from the first conductor such that a capacitor, which constitutes a capacitance divider with a capacitor for ignition voltage detection, is formed between the first and the second conductors. A ceramic insulator may be positioned between the first and the second conductors to provide higher insulation property.

Abstract: A misfire-detecting system detects a misfire occurring in an internal combustion engine. A value of sparking voltage for discharging a spark plug of the engine is detected. A differentiating circuit differentiates the detected value of the sparking voltage. A misfire-determining circuit compares the differential value of the sparking voltage with a predetermined value, and determines, based upon a result of the comparison, whether a misfire has occurred in the engine.

Abstract: A spark plug voltage probe detects a voltage applied to a spark plug installed in an internal combustion engine so as to analyze a burning condition in the internal combustion engine on the basis of the voltage applied to the spark plug. A rubber collar (74) is provided to surround a rubber cap (7) which is secured to a high tension terminal (71a) of the spark plug (71) so as form a static capacity between the high tension terminal (71a) and the rubber collar (74). An electrical conductor (73) is provided between the rubber cap (7) and the rubber collar (74) and is electrically connected to a microcomputer by way of an output cable (64).

Abstract: In equipment for recognizing misfire in an internal combustion engine, a first voltage waveform is obtained at an intermediate point (A) between a high impedance element (41) and a low impedance element (42). The first voltage waveform has a capacitive discharge component and an inductive discharge component during the spark and a voltage component after completion of the spark. The first voltage waveform is inversely amplified by a comparator (51) and divided by a shunt circuit (52) to obtain a second voltage waveform. In an integration circuit (53), a condenser (C1) is electrically charged by an output voltage from the comparator (51) to obtain a third voltage waveform. The second voltage waveform and the third voltage are compared by a comparator (54) to generate an output pulse.

Abstract: A capacitor is connected to an ignition coil for an internal combustion engine so as to be charged by ignition current generated by the ignition coil. After firing of a spark plug in a cylinder by the ignition current, the voltage across the capacitor is applied between the center electrode and the ground electrode of the spark plug to induce an ionic current between the electrodes. The resulting ionic current is measured by a current sensor connected to the capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a defect in an insulator formed therein with an axially extending hollow section; having a hold section 2 for holding the insulator, a first electrode 3 inserted in the hollow section 1a of the insulator 1, and a second electrode provided outside of the insulator 1. An electric discharge structure 10 produces an electric discharge between the first and second electrodes 3, 5, a path recognizes 11, 12, 13 for recognizes whether the electric discharge passes through a predetermined path, and a discriminating structure 14 for discriminates whether the insulator 1 is satisfactory, in accordance with a signal from the path recognizes.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring spark plug ignition current to monitor combustion in an internal combustion engine includes a spark plug having a spark plug housing containing a spark plug insulating body (12), a pin-shaped central electrode located in the spark plug housing, a ground electrode held in the spark plug housing insulated from the central electrode so as to cooperate with the central electrode and a current measuring resistor (19) for measuring an ignition current of the spark plug. The ground electrode is grounded by electrical connection to the spark plug housing (10) via the measuring resistor (19). The ignition can be monitored by measuring the ignition current passing through the measuring resistor, since the ignition current must pass directly and entirely through the measuring resistor, and the combustion occurring can be assessed from the measured ignition current.

Abstract: An ignition detecting device for use in an internal combustion engine. An ignition surge current detector detects an ignition surge current due to capacitive discharge of the ignition coil. A comparator compares an output voltage detected by the ignition surge current detector with a predetermined reference voltage to detect accurately occurrence or non-occurrence of ignition spark.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the firing of a spark plug while maintaining electrical isolation of electronic equipment is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a conductive element is attached to one electrical lead of a neon bulb. A wrap secures one end of an optical fiber to the neon bulb for collecting the light from the neon bulb. The optical fiber carries the light from the neon bulb to a data logging device. During use, the conductive element is secured to an insulated spark plug wire and, when the spark plug fires, a voltage between the leads of the neon bulb is induced, causing the neon bulb to produce a pulse of light. The light pulse from the neon bulb is carried by the optical fiber and monitored by the data logging device. By providing an optical fiber to link the data logging device to the neon bulb, electrical isolation is accomplished.

Abstract: A device for testing ignition coils from automobile and other spark ignition engines is disclosed which is a small, handheld ignition coil tester powered by the battery of the engine's ignition system. The coil tester provides a visual indication of proper high voltage pulse generation or, in the case of improper function of the ignition coil caused by a short in the ignition coil, provides an indication of the existence of the short in the ignition coil. The coil tester includes a spark gap module which has vacuum sealed electrodes to provide an excellent visual indication of proper coil operation.

Abstract: An interface for coupling an engine analyzer to an engine having a distributorless ignition system includes a pair of pickup clamps for coupling signals from respective groups of spark plug wires. A logic cell array is supplied with spark plug secondary voltage polarity and pattern information, corresponding to an engine under test from a ROM. The technician is instructed as to which wires to place in each clamp. A semiconductor input switch is controlled by the logic cell array to sort the secondary voltages from the pickup clamps according to polarity. The real and the wasted sparks are then determined based upon the magnitude of the signals from the input switch. The apparatus permits a "rapid test" (of secondary voltages only) by developing a pseudo #1 primary clock from the pickup clamp signals. A CPU in the interface is controllable by an external computer or by an operator keypad.

Abstract: A detector for detecting the condition of an ignition assembly in a burner is disclosed. The flame in the burner is ignited in a fuel medium by means of an electric arc across a spark gap in the ignition assembly. The assembly is substantially inaccessible for the purpose of testing through direct electrical contact without disassembling the burner. A detector detects the radio frequency emission of the arc at a distance from the burner and the control system for the burner. The output of the detector is rectified and displayed to provide a visual indication of the condition of the assembly.

Abstract: In an engine analyzer system, a test probe adapted for connecting to ignition wires of different diameters. The test probe including a pick-up clip for electrically coupling to the ignition wire and clamping to large diameter ignition wires. A rotatable clip adapted for clamping small size ignition wires is rotatable into alignment with the pick-up clip. The rotatable clip holds small diameter ignition wires in electrical contact with the pick-up clip.

Abstract: A distributorless ignition interface unit for use with an engine analyzer for analyzing an internal combustion engine includes a processing circuit which responds to analog signals representing true and wasted firings for the cylinders of the engine under test to determine the number of cylinders of the engine and the polarity of the firing of each cylinder and to then characterize the engine by determining the order of the true and wasted firing signals produced during an engine cycle and for producing a parade pattern of true or wasted secondary signals for application to the engine analyzer.

Abstract: A method of testing spark plugs in an engine is described. The engine is driven by its starter motor or other motor while ignition voltage is applied, the throttle is open and the fuel is cut off. This loads the spark plugs to reveal defects not otherwise apparent. Abnormally high or low plug peak voltages as well as abnormal arc durations are detected and counted and the counts are displayed. A microprocessor based measuring instrument coupled to capacitive pickups adjacent the spark plug wires and to the engine distributor evaluates the spark voltage and duration characteristics and displays the fault data.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a synchronizing signal for a selected cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine having a double ended coil ignition system, including a comparator for identifying a real ignition pulse on the ignition device associated with the selected cylinder and a discriminator for identifying a real ignition signal on the coil energizing that ignition device and circuitry to produce a synchronizing signal only when the two coincide.

Abstract: An igniter test unit produces a square wave voltage that is applied across a parallel circuit comprising a first capacitor and a series arrangement of a second capacitor and diodes. An inductance and a thyristor are connected across the first capacitor, in series. When the thyristor is rendered conductive the voltage across the diodes becomes the sum of the voltages across the capacitors, this voltage being applied across the igniter. Switching of the thyristor is controlled such that the voltage is applied to the igniter in increasing steps of 25 volts until the breakdown occurs at the same voltage five times in succession. The voltage across the igniter is determined by applying it across a capacitive divider, one capacitor being discharged in steps, and the number of steps required to reduce the voltage to a reference value is counted.