Abstract: A Fuel System for an engine includes an actuator for controlling the output of a pump and a pair of d.c. supply lines the voltage across which is determined by a voltage regulator. A series circuit including a resistor, a relay coil and a transistor is connected across the supply lines and first means is provided for turning transistor off if the current flow through the actuator exceeds a predetermined value. Second means including a resistor is provided to maintain transistor de-energised when it has been turned off to prevent further operation of the actuator. In addition switch means is provided to short circuit the resistor if the potential between the supply lines falls below a second predetermined value.

Abstract: The present circuit arrangement for generating a high voltage for the spark plugs of an internal combustion engine, includes an ignition coil having a secondary winding coupled to the spark plugs. One end of the primary winding of the coil is connected to one terminal of a battery by a conventional contact breaker. A capacitor and first switch are connected in that order between the other end of the primary winding and the other terminal of the battery. A diode is connected in parallel with the capacitor and first switch. A second switch is connected between the first terminal of the battery and the junction of the capacitor and the second switch. The first switch opens and closes in synchronism with the contact breaker. The second switch is open when the contact breaker is closed, and vice versa. The circuit functions as a voltage doubler whereby the voltage applied to the primary winding is doubled as compared to the battery voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling spark advance in an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle, characterized by a circuit arrangement which is operative to detect the angular speed of rotation of the engine output shaft in a digital fashion and produce digital signals responsive to changes in preselected operating conditions such as engine output speed and intake manifold vacuum for controlling the spark advance in accordance with predetermined schedules. The spark advance is thus controlled without being affected by negligible or incidental transient fluctuations in the operating conditions of the engine and the advance characteristics can be readily altered by varying the schedules on which the digital signals are produced.

Abstract: An air flow rate sensor, located in the induction tube of an internal combustion engine, displaces a fuel metering slide, thereby changing the fuel flow and the fuel pressure gradient. This pressure gradient is applied to a differential pressure valve which actuates a fuel flow control throttle until the pressure gradient has been restored to a nominal value, corresponding to a desired fuel-air ratio.In a variant embodiment, an arbitrary change in the metered out fuel results in a fuel pressure gradient which is used to reset an air-flow control member until the nominal value of the pressure gradient has been restored, corresponding to a desired fuel-air ratio.

Abstract: Ignition in a six-cylinder internal combustion engine is supplied by a pair of similar alternator-driven, alternate-firing, capacitor discharge ignition systems, each discharged to the several spar k plugs of its own three cylinders by individual controlled rectifiers. A common trigger pulse generator is magnetically coupled to the engine flywheel and includes three individual trigger coils for generating properly referenced and angularly spaced pulses, each coil producing alternating positive and negative polarity pulses. A steering diode network connects one end of each triggering coil to a related controlled rectifier for an associated spark plug in one cylinder group and the opposite end of each coil to the controlled rectifier for a spark plug in the second cylinder group.

Abstract: The ignition timing, or ignition instant, is determined by generating electric voltages representative of various operating parameters of the internal combustion engine, and modifying these voltages in a function generator to derive ignition control signals. An entirely electronic, or servo-operated adjustment system is responsive to the modified voltages to control the ignition system for proper timing of the ignition spark; in accordance with the present invention, the control system forms part of a closed control loop. In accordance with a feature of the invention, the engine itself forms part of the control loop, in that the effect on an operation parameter of the engine, for example composition of exhaust gases, is evaluated and fed back as an input control quantity to modify the ignition timing.

Abstract: An ignition circuit arranged to deliver pulses of energy to an internal combustion engine includes inductive-type ignition circuitry and a pulse generator. Inductive ignition pulses are generated in time correspondence with engine movements in response to timing signals generated by breaker points and the pulse generator is simultaneously triggered to generate a high amplitude pulse which combines with the inductive ignition pulse to produce a composite ignition pulse having a fast-rise time and relatively long duration. Circuitry, biased by the pulse generator output, is associated with the breaker points which effectively isolates the breaker points electrically from voltage and current signals which tend to cause arcing thereacross. Thereby, deterioration of the breaker points caused by arcing is prevented. The circuit may be arranged so that the pulse generator or the inductive-type ignition circuitry may be selectively disabled.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which a cylinder head is formed with a pocket and a main piston is formed with an auxiliary piston slidable in the pocket. A combustion chamber is defined between the cylinder head and the main piston. The combustion chamber includes first and second combustion spaces defined between the pocket and the auxiliary piston and between the cylinder head and the main piston when the piston is substantially at a position near a top dead center of a piston stroke. Homogeneous air-fuel mixtures are compressed in the first and second combustion spaces and are ignited by first and second spark plugs disposed in the first and second combustion spaces, respectively, at different times, such that the combustions will be effected at different flame propagation speeds.

Abstract: A device for preventing an overrunning operation of an internal combustion engine, provided in a capacitor discharge type ignition system comprising a magneto generator including an ignition power coil and at least one loading coil and an ignition circuit including a capacitor arranged to be charged from said ignition power coil of said magneto generator, an ignition coil and a discharging thyristor so arranged that energy from said capacitor is discharged through the primary side of said ignition coil when said discharging thyristor is triggered in time with said internal combustion engine, said device comprising an ignition failing thyristor provided so as to shunt said discharging thyristor whereby a discharge current from said capacitor is prevented from flowing through said ignition coil and also means to prevent a hysteresis on repetition of failure and success to ignite said engine. The ignition failing thyristor is adapted to be triggered by a voltage responsive to the revolution number of the engine.

Abstract: A self-contained device for preheating or maintaining a predetermined heat in an internal combustion engine. The device includes a so-called infrared burner that is adapted to be positioned in heat exchanging relationship with a portion of the engine, a fuel source for the burner, and an ignition source for igniting the burner. The ignition source is adapted to be suitably powered, for example, by the battery of the associated engine.

Abstract: A read only memory is pre-programmed to produce an output binary signal representation of a predetermined ignition spark timing angle based upon the instantaneous value of both of two selected engine operating parameters at each of a plurality of respective selected points within the range of values in response to respective input address signals. Over the range of values of the two selected engine operating parameters, therefore, the read only memory generates a three-dimensional surface of ignition spark timing angles. The binary signal representations of the ignition spark timing angles retrieved from the read only memory are varied in accordance with engine manifold vacuum and actual atmospheric pressure to tilt the three-dimensional surface generated by the read only memory about a selected engine parameter value as an axis in an amount substantially inversely proportional to actual atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An improved ignition system uses feedback techniques to maintain a constant high energy ignition spark level over the normal range of engine RPM. The feedback automatically compensates for environmental and aging effects such as increased ignition coil resistance and decreased battery voltage.A voltage controlled monostable multivibrator produces pulses determining the "on" time of an electronic switch which is in series with the coil. Current through the coil is sensed by a generator which feeds back an appropriate signal to control the monostable whereby a constant dwell time is maintained. At very high engine RPM a second feedback source servo-controls the system to a constant dwell angle condition. A constant dwell angle is also established at cranking speeds by a second pulse generator in parallel with the first.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an engine ignition system comprising a charge capacitor which is periodically charged, first and second ignition coils respectively including first and second primary windings and first and second secondary windings connected respectively to first and second spark plugs, first and second electronic switches respectively including first and second anodes connected respectively to the first and second primary windings, first and second cathodes connected to the charge capacitor, and first and second control elements operable, upon application thereto of a trigger pulse, to cause the first and second switches to be conductive, a relatively rotatable magnet and coil for generating trigger pulses in response to engine rotation, which coil has first and second ends respectively connected to the first and second control elements, and means for preventing false triggering of the switches comprising a second capacitor having a first plate connected to the first and second cathodes and having a seco

Abstract: An auxiliary combustion chamber for use with a supercharged Diesel engine comprises a fuel injection and spraying device adapted to operate with delivery rates which are variable within a broad range. The device has a fuel injection port which opens into the chamber. The size of the port is such that the fuel is mechanically atomized when injected at the maximum rate. Air passage nozzles open into the combustion chamber at a location close to the port and deliver air jets at a speed and at a delivery rate sufficient for it to atomize the fuel effectively at minimum fuel delivery rate.

Abstract: A fuel injection control apparatus has primary and secondary injection valves for effecting only the primary injection at low engine speeds while effecting both the primary and secondary injection at high speeds. Part of the switching operation between primary injection and combined primary and secondary injections is performed by the use of part of a fuel injection signal obtained from a memory.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine which includes circuitry for generating a pulse of a duration which is substantially independent of engine speed within at least a predetermined speed range. Means are provided for varying the timing of said pulse at least in response to engine speed (and, in the preferred embodiment described, to load as measured by manifold vacuum) so that the end of the pulse occurs at the required angle in the engine cycle, in accordance with engine speed and possibly other inputs.In the preferred embodiment described, a read only memory stores engine angle signals which are converted into an appropriate delay by means of a programmed delay line.Means are also provided in the pulse generation circuit for protecting the components thereof from high overswing voltages.

Abstract: A spark ignition system for a vehicle produces pulses representing the engine crankshaft angle. These pulses are counted, and compared with a datum signal which varies in accordance with engine conditions. When the two signals compared are equalled, then a spark is produced.

Abstract: A system for limiting the speed of a gasoline engine includes a circuit responsive to the engine speed which provides control signals to a solenoid valve which in turn controls a vacuum actuator. The vacuum actuator then overrides a manual throttle control to move the throttle towards closed position when a governed engine speed is approached. The control circuit provides a signal having three components: one proportional to engine speed, a second proportional to engine acceleration and a third which is the integrated difference between the engine speed and a preset governed speed. In addition, the third signal is high at low engine speed and gradually diminishes as engine speed increases to intermediate or high values. The control signal controls a duty cycle oscillator which actuates the solenoid valve. The duty cycle oscillator is inhibited at low speeds to prevent interference with manual throttle control.

Abstract: A vacuum control system sourced by engine manifold vacuum particularly for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems and carburetor idle enrichment systems wherein a timer means delays system operation for a predetermined period following engine start-up.

Abstract: An electronic ignition timing control system for controlling the advance angle of ignition timing of an internal combustion engine, in which an electrical signal for controlling the advance angle is applied to an ignition timing control circuit separately from a trigger pulse signal used to set the ignition timing so as to obtain an advance angle controlled output from the ignition timing control circuit.