Abstract: A capsule, the interior volume of which is an ignition chamber, is provided with an engine to improve ignition. The capsule has an orifice so the ignition chamber can communicate with a main combustion chamber of the engine. Often, the capsule is connected to a spark plug and the electrode gap of the spark plug is in the ignition chamber. The capsule causes the combustible mixture in the engine to swirl in a controlled manner as it flows from the orifice towards the electrode gap. The interior surfaces of the capsule are contoured such that momentum of the swirling combustible mixture is conserved, thus maintaining the velocity of the swirling combustible mixture as it proceeds from the orifice of the capsule to the electrode gap and also providing an increased velocity of the ignited mixture as it exits the capsule.

Abstract: Prior engine ignition systems for a multicylinder spark ignited engine have been too complex and have incorporated external wiring cables and a plurality of transformer assemblies that placed the individual primary and secondary coils thereof in an external location for better heat dissipation. Thus the cable and transformer assemblies were subject to damage by personnel working on the engine. These problems have been overcome by the engine ignition system including a transformer assembly having an elongate body including a cup portion containing the coils, a base portion, and a stem portion. A conducting core extends through the stem and base portions and a suitable clip connects the core electrically to a spark plug installed in a profiled bore of the cylinder head.

Abstract: A spark plug of an engine ignition/combustion system have the electrode gaps of the spark plug surrounded by a capsule having a controlled orifice system. The orifice system and electrode gap are positioned, sized, and oriented specifically for use with lighter-than-air fuel gas.

Abstract: An ignition system of an engine has a coil which is spaced away from a spark plug to protect the coil from heat of a combustion chamber and combustion gas leakage. The electrical connections between the coil and spark plug of current design practice have not performed satisfactorily due to loosening of connections, absorption of energy within the connectors and the escape of electrical energy. The present ignition extender overcomes these shortcomings by resiliently biasing the extender between the source of high energy and the spark plug to provide a positive and reliable electrical connection therebetween. Further, the extender is of a relatively rigid construction so as to prevent bending and the problems that can result therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressurized ignition system for an engine. The service life of the igniter for the engine and high altitude operation of the engine are substantially reduced due to arc-over between the terminal of the igniter and the metallic shell of the igniter or the nearest ground. The service life of the igniter and associated components are affected by the hot, contaminated environment in which they operate. The present pressurized ignition system includes a chamber around at least a portion of the igniter and the chamber pressurized to a value of, for example, about two atmospheres for suppressing arc-over. The chamber is pressurized by an air compressor drivingly connected to the engine with the air cooled by an engine aftercooler. Pressurizing the chamber prevents contaminates from entering or collecting in the chamber and affecting operation of the system.

Abstract: A tool (40) for selectively adjusting the relative angular positions of a fuel pump camshaft (14) and an engine main shaft to minimize the effects of gear lash and thereby optimize fuel pump timing, including a hollow first shaft (50) which is adapted to rotate with a driven gear (36) rotatably received on a tapered sleeve (26) fixed to the camshaft (14), and a second shaft (66) coaxial with and reciprocably and rotatably received within the first shaft (50) and adapted to be coupled to the camshaft (14) for rotation therewith. The second shaft (66) is coupled through a planetary gear arrangement (90-94, 97-104) to the first shaft for rotation of the main shaft. Structure is provided for adjusting the relative angular positions of the first and second shafts (50,66) and for axially translating the first shaft (50) to lock the driven camshaft gear (36) on the tapered sleeve (26).

Abstract: A power plant including an internal combustion engine having a rotary output, a fuel injection pump having a rotary input adapted to be driven by the rotary output in timed relation thereto, and structure interconnecting the input and output including first and second spaced, nonengaging gears, one connected to the input and the other connected to the output, a third gear disposed between and engaging both the first and second gears, a movable carrier journalling the third gear and mounting the third gear for movement whereby the rotational axis of the third gear may be shifted relative to at least one of the first and second gears, and a selectively operable motor connected to the carrier for moving the same to shift the third gear to selectively alter the phasing between the engine and the fuel pump.