Abstract: A system comprising an amplifier for amplifying signals of frequencies less than one kilohertz generated by a vibration sensor and using the amplified signal to amplitude modulate a carrier signal at a frequency in excess of one kilohertz and applying the amplitude modulated carrier signal to a sensor interface circuit.

Abstract: A system comprising an amplifier for amplifying signals of frequencies less than one kilohertz generated by a vibration sensor and using the amplified signal to amplitude modulate a carrier signal at a frequency in excess of one kilohertz and applying the amplitude modulated carrier signal to a sensor interface circuit.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine and for use with a generator powered current source comprises a storage capacitor, at least one power thyristor for discharging the storage capacitor to transfer energy to at least one coil triggered in synchronism with an internal combustion engine with which the ignition system may be associated. A triggering circuit biases the power thyristor to discharge the storage capacitor. A shut-off circuit comprises a solid state device for switching the output of the generator to ground interrupting the flow of current to the power thyristor. A circuit sensing current flow in the triggering circuit generates a control and gates the solid state device into conduction in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system in which a controllable switch is positioned between a storage capacitor and the primary winding of an ignition transformer. The switch is controlled to create a train of pulses to the primary winding timed to reinforce the ringing action of the ignition transformer.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system in which a controllable switch is positioned between a storage capacitor and the primary winding of an ignition transformer. The switch is controlled to create a train of pulses to the primary winding timed to reinforce the ringing action of the ignition transformer.

Abstract: An in-head compressed air start-up system for an internal combustion engine comprises an absolute angular position detector for the crankshaft outputting an electrical signal indicative of the angular position, a computer for storing a table of the firing order of the cylinders and the angular position of the crankshaft at which each piston reaches a desired angular position relative to top dead center (TDC), wherein the computer means compares the signal indicative of angular position of the crankshaft to the firing order table and generates a plurality of signals sequentially open and close solenoid valves to cause rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An in-head compressed air start-up system for an internal combustion engine comprises an absolute angular position detector for the crankshaft outputting an electrical signal indicative of the angular position, a computer for storing a table of the firing order of the cylinders and the angular position of the crankshaft at which each piston reaches a desired angular position relative to top dead center (TDC), wherein the computer means compares the signal indicative of angular position of the crankshaft to the firing order table and generates a plurality of signals sequentially open and close solenoid valves to cause rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An annunciator comprises an annunciation and shutdown circuit having input terminals for a first power supply and input terminals for a second power supply. The first and second power supplies are connected to supply power in parallel with each other to the annunciation and shutdown circuit. A logic means responds to a fault signal causing the annunciation and shutdown circuit to switch to low power mode upon sensing that a fault signal has occurred.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises a converter transformer, an ignition transformer, a first triggerable switch S1, the primary winding of the ignition transformer and the storage capacitor being connected in series through the triggerable switch, a spark plug connected in series with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer, a source of direct current and a second triggerable switch S2 connected in series the primary of the converter transformer, and a circuit to control the first and second triggerable switches in synchronism with the engine.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises a converter transformer, an ignition transformer, a first triggerable switch S1, the primary winding of the ignition transformer and the storage capacitor being connected in series through the triggerable switch, a spark plug connected in series with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer, a source of direct current and a second triggerable switch S2 connected in series the primary of the converter transformer, and a circuit to control the first and second triggerable switches in synchronism with the engine.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine comprises a tubular metal ground shell, a first electrode passing through the interior of the shell, a ceramic insulator sealing the space between the shell and the first electrode and a second electrode extending from the shell to define a gap with the first electrode. The ratio of effective distance along the surface of the ceramic defining the potential surface discharge path to the distance between the first and second electrodes being selected to prevent surface discharge as the spark gap erodes.

Abstract: In a capacitive discharge ignition system there being a first circuit detecting the voltage across the storage capacitor marking the onset of discharge of the storage capacitor, a second circuit detecting the voltage across the storage capacitor marking the substantially complete discharge of the storage capacitor, a third circuit for measuring the time between the events marked by the first and second circuits, and a fourth circuit for analyzing the measured time to determine conditions in the ignition system.

Abstract: A catalytic prereaction timing ignition method and igniter unit for timed ignition of a fuel-air mixture in internal combustion engines providing an ignition chamber open into the combustion chamber of the engine, there being a catalytic igniter positioned in the ignition chamber to intercept a pressure front of stratified fuel-air mixture penetrating a prechamber timing zone of the ignition chamber and controlled by the spring rate of burnt gasses captured in a buffer zone of the ignition chamber during the compression cycle and ignited by the pressure front touching the igniter to effect the power stroke of the engine.

Abstract: A digital tachometer for an internal combustion engine includes a circuit for receiving a pick-up pulse having a frequency related to the rotation speed of the engine and outputting a wave shaped pick-up pulse. This circuit filters the pick-up pulses and regulates the filtered voltage to provide a d.c. output for powering the tachometer. A crystal controlled oscillator and divider provides update pulses at intervals of 1 to 10 seconds and provides sampling pulses at frequencies of 1 to 5 kilohertz. A display counter and driver counts speed pulses indicative of speed between update pulses and latches the count until the next update pulse. A numerical display displays the count currently latched in the display counter. A multiplier/divider recieves the pick-up pulses and divides them by the number of pulses per revolution to provide pulses indicative of the engine rotational speed.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine and for use with a generator powered current source comprises a storage capacitor, at least one thyristor for discharging the storage capacitor to transfer energy to at least one spark plug and a trigger circuit for gating the at least one thyristor in synchronism with an internal combustion engine with which the ignition system may be associated. The improvement according to this disclosure comprises the storage capacitor is discharged through a diode circuit, a solid state device for switching the output of the generator to ground, a circuit sensing flow in the discharge diode circuit and generating a discharge signal indicative thereof, and a circuit gating the solid state device into conduction in response to said discharge signal.