Abstract: A silencer apparatus that can be attached to a standard autoloading handgun having a laser sight module mounted to the front face of the slide of the handgun. The silencer module features additional electronics so that the firing status of the firearm can be ascertained. A skid plate protected switch in the magazine compartment of the handgun provides information as to whether a new clip has been inserted. A flash detector located within the silencer counts the rounds fired and provides a digital read-out of remaining rounds to be fired. Also, the accumulated fired rounds is provided to enable the user to know when the silencer needs cleaning. Noise reduction is provided by a metal honeycomb.

Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a magazine fitted in the frame and holding a plurality of cartridges including a top cartridge, a slide displaceable longitudinally on the frame above the magazine and its top cartridge along a longitudinal slide axis between a front position and a rear position, and a barrel centered on a barrel axis, displaceable longitudinally on the frame between respective front and rear positions, and having a rear end formed with a rearwardly open cartridge-receiving firing chamber. Pivot structure engaged between the barrel and the frame pivots the barrel on the frame between a firing position with the barrel axis substantially parallel to the slide axis and with the firing chamber transversely offset above the top cartridge and a loading position with the barrel axis forming an acute angle with the slide axis and with the firing chamber aligned longitudinally with and open downwardly toward the top cartridge.

Abstract: A method for improving the stability and trajectory of a missile launched from a submarine traveling underwater by positioning the venting means adjacent the nose cone so that a blanket of air is formed on the leeward side of the missile (relative to the direction the submarine is traveling) allowing the missile to be launched while the submarine is traveling near or at patrol speeds without slowing down much if at all.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic brake-booster comprising a casing (10) inside which is a piston formed of a back tubular part (22) supporting a skirt (14) and which, with the aid of an unrolling membrane (12), defines a front chamber (16) connected permanently to a source of partial vacuum and a back chamber (18) connected selectively to the front chamber (16) or to the atmosphere via a valve (40) actuated by a control rod (34) capable of bearing, through the intermediary of the front face of a plunger (32), on a first face of a reaction disk (58) securely attached through a second face to a thrust rod (56). According to the invention, the piston (20) bears against the reaction disk (58) through a resilient annular front face (68, 68').

Abstract: A slant plate type compressor with a variable displacement mechanism is disclosed. The compressor includes a compressor housing having a cylinder block provided with a plurality of cylinders and a crank chamber. A piston is slidably fitted within each of the cylinders and is reciprocated by a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a drive shaft rotatably supported by the compressor housing, a cam rotor fixed on the drive shaft, and a slant plate having a surface with an adjustable incline angle. The incline angle is varied in accordance with the pressure in the crank chamber. A wobble plate is disposed adjacent the slant plate to convert the rotating motion of the drive shaft, the rotor, and the slant plate into the reciprocating motion of the pistons which are coupled to the wobble plate through corresponding connecting rods. A hinged joint mechanism hingedly connects an arm portion of the slant plate to an arm portion of the rotor to permit variations in the incline angle of the slant plate.

Abstract: A condition responsive control device comprising a case, a controller carried by the case, a linkage system supported by the case and coupled to the controller, and a condition responsive linkage actuator. The actuator comprises a convoluted bellows having an anchor convolution hermetically fixed to a bellows supporting housing. An anchor convolution mounting face and a housing bellows support zone are bonded together to secure the bellows to the support housing so that the bellows operates the linkage and controller in response to pressure differentials.

Abstract: A relief valve for a hydraulic piston consists of a tubular mid-section with closed ends and circular stops at each end. The tubular center section has cross ports at each end that run perpendicularly to the axis of the valve. The cross parts are situated as close to the end stops as possible. The cross ports intersect the hollow center of the spool and allow hydraulic oil to flow through the piston via the passageway in the center of the valve when the valve is in the open position.

Abstract: An annular composite insert is cast which includes distinct particles such as cast iron dispersed throughout the base metallic alloy. The insert is then placed in a piston mold, and a piston cast such that the insert maintains a radially outer face generally flush with a radially outer surface of a piston head of the piston. The base metal of the poured piston is preferably the same as that of the insert so that the insert bonds to the piston head and shares the same thermal expansion characteristics. The insert is machined to form grooves adapted to receive a piston ring. The particles of the insert are exposed to provide superior wear resistance, support to the piston ring so that microwelding is reduced, and also to act as a dry lubricant in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A three dimensional slicing/dicing machine that slices a food product such as a loaf of sausage into similarly sized but irregularly shaped cube like portions. The machine has cutting knives that have a sinusoidal like wavy profile at their cutting edge and has an inclined conveyor for conveying the food product loaf and the resulting sliced portions along a feed path. A first knife cuts a slice of determined thickness off the loaf. The slice tips over onto one of its sides onto the conveyor where it is transported to the second knife. The second knife, which is mounted at an angle to the first knife and the travel path of the conveyor cuts the slices into strips. A third knife which is mounted at an angle to the travel path opposite the angle of the second knife cuts the strips into the desired cube like formations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for slicing potatoes and washing or coating the potato slices wherein the slices exit a slicing mechanism and are directed between inner and outer spray rings that generate a pressurized water mist which washes the slices. The nozzles in the inner spray ring face the nozzles in the outer ring so that the pressurized water mist is formed in a predetermined area located between the rings. The high pressure water mist removes surface starch from the slices, and vibrating sieve arrangements disposed downstream of the slicing apparatus cooperate with a series of spray bars to further clean the slices. The apparatus of the invention is also used in a method of coating potato slices with a treating material.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a printing press includes a cleaning unit, apparatus frames, a locking member, and air cylinders. The cleaning unit has a supply roll on which a web for cleaning a cylinder/roller is wound and a take-up roll for taking up the web drawn from the supply roll, and rotatably supports the supply and take-up rolls. The apparatus frames detachably support the cleaning unit. The locking member fixes and holds the cleaning unit on the apparatus frames. The air cylinders are fixed on the apparatus frames and rotate the take-up roll in a direction to take up the web.

Abstract: The invention concerns a red powder composition that is substitute for contional black powder. It can be loose or consolidated forms. In a four grain combination, the red powder can be used as the propelling charge in hand-held rocket signals or flares. There are new methods for preparing the powder and new methods for fabricating articles. The chemical composition of red powder is a dispersion of phenolphthalein, alkali metal nitrate and sulfur in a binder of phenolphthalein salt.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel-air warhead having a housing containing a cylindrical body of reactive liquid surrounded by a housing containing a cylindrical body of reactive dust. A means to burst the two housings is provided along with a number of disks and end caps used to facilitate the turbulent mixing of the reactive liquid and reactive dust and to provide control of the cloud height.

Abstract: A clip-on wear plate to protect the downwardly facing flat surface of the pedestal opening of a railway truck is provided. The wear plate has a first flat surface in contact with the downwardly facing flat surface of the pedestal and an opposed second surface in contact with the bearing adaptor. The first surface is provided with a relatively high coefficient of friction relative to the second surface to an minimize movement of the wear plate.

Abstract: A convertible table for forming an expanded table surface area. The convertible table is comprised of overlying and underlying table members which are connected by a pivot pin. The underlying table member is capable of sliding along a member connected to the table support to center the weight of the expanded table after rotation of the overlying table member. The construction of the converting mechanism permits the overlying and underlying table members to be formed in a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A disposable pallet made up of paperboard or like material. The components of the pallet include a plurality of base members and a plurality of cross beams which are interlocked in a skeletal-type structure having novel intersections at their cross over locations. A new pallet component and a method for making the pallet are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved foldable table that opens and closes in an umbrella like fashion comprising a column member, a leg assembly, and a plurality of leaf members pivotally attached to the center column so as to be movable between an open position, wherein the leaf members mate to form a horizontal planar surface, and a closed position, wherein the table is easily stored and transported. The column member is selectively extendable and retractable, and the leg assembly is adapted to be selectively retracted into the column member. The center column includes a plurality of radial slots configured to matingly receive the leaf members when same are in either the open or closed position so that the leaf members remain in a selected radial plane.

Abstract: Waste disposal system (10) is provided comprising first combustion chamber (40) for incinerating waste material to produce ash and exhaust containing gases and particulate matter. Waste disposal system (10) also has includes second combustion chamber (60) for firing the exhaust containing gases and particulate matter. The waste disposal system of the present invention also includes a plurality of subsystems working in cooperation with first (40)and second (60) combustion chambers, and control system (220) to control the plurality of subsystems to ensure the desired level of incineration of the waste in the first and second combustion chambers. Control system (220) includes a plurality of sensors to measure conditions throughout waste disposal system (10), and controller (221) to continuously monitor the measured conditions and to compare each of the measured conditions to a predetermined performance range.

Abstract: The waste materials are gasified in a circulating fluidized bed in a gasification reactor, which is supplied with oxygen-containing gas. A gas-solids mixture is withdrawn from the upper region of the gasification reactor and is fed to a separator. Dust-laden gas and separated solids are separately withdrawn from the separator and the separated solids are recycled at least in part to the lower region of the gasification reactor. Temperatures in the range from 700.degree. to 1000.degree. C. are maintained in the gasification reactor. The dust-laden gas which is withdrawn from the separator has a heating value of about 3000 to 6000 kJ/sm.sup.3 and is fed to a combustion chamber and is combusted therein at temperatures from 1200.degree. to 1900.degree. C. Liquid slag is withdrawn from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A resilient seed firming attachment for a planting machine designed to effectively place seed at a consistent depth and at consistent spacing. The attachment may be of any geometrical configuration having a length adequate to firm the seed in the opened furrow and is mounted in a position trailing the discharge end of a seed boot. The resilience of the seed firming attachment being variable and having a control mechanism to ensure that sufficient force is applied to the seed to firm it into the soil at the desired planting depth. By controlling the amount of flex, the proper seed planting depth and firming will be accomplished in a variety of soil and moisture conditions. The seed firming device is also variable so that the amount of down pressure will not modify the depth desired and obtained by the furrow opening device.

Abstract: The apparatus has a pair of chains on which a bar is transversely fixed. The bar is provided with clamps for gripping the front edge of a cloth to be quilted. The chains move the cloth from a position for gripping its front edge to a quilting position, where it is transferred onto the clamps of a carriage which transfers the cloth onto a removal device.

Abstract: An upper needle guide (10) and a lower needle guide (40) for guiding a sewing needle during a stitching operation in order to keep the sewing needle laterally aligned along a stitching path so that the thread loop thrown by the sewing needle beneath the material being sewn is in alignment with the path of movement of a thread loop pick-up device (98). The upper needle guide includes a needle hole having a thread relief passageway (22) therein for providing a relief space for the sewing thread (34) as the needle moves through the needle hole. The lower needle guide includes a thread and needle slot (44) having a pair of V-shaped notches (46) therein. The V-shaped notches are aligned with the stitching path (84). In an alternative embodiment, the lower needle guide can comprise a feed dog (52) having a diamond-shaped needle hole (58) therein.

Abstract: A sailboard for sailing in water includes an elongated hull defining fore and aft and having a top and a bottom, and a panel integrally connected to the bottom of the hull near the aft end and extending beyond the aft end. The panel is relatively rigid at its distal end. An apparatus is connected to both the hull and the panel, and is operable for moving the distal end of the panel from a first position to a second position. The hull and the panel defining a relatively continuous flat surface for the first position and defining a relatively convex surface for the second position.

Abstract: The portable folding personal water craft mooring standoff comprises an apparatus which will provide a platform upon which a personal water craft may be moored above a water line when it is not in use. The apparatus is comprised of two main components which are fully transportable for use in shallow water off the shore. The apparatus is transported to the water, assembled, and then a personal water craft can be propelled onto the stand for temporary above water mooring. Once the water craft is to be used again, a rider mounts the water craft and uses weight and momentum to release the craft from the mooring and back into the water.

Abstract: Equipment for recovery of liquid tank cargo from a seagoing vessel, in order to stop a leakage, includes a container (3) of fabric which can be packed together for stand-by storing and which can be placed in the sea in order to receive at least some of the tank contents, by pumping the contents through at least one hose (4) which is connected or permanently coupled to the container.

Abstract: A mooring device for connecting a floating object to a moorage structure includes an elongate resiliently yieldable member which has a longitudinally-extending, normally arcuate shape when in an unstressed state. The yieldable member is operatively connected between the floating object at a first end and the moorage structure at a second end. The yieldable member is yieldably bendable from the normally arcuate shape to a more arcuate shape in response to movement of the floating object toward the moorage structure so as to yieldably resist the movement. One exemplary embodiment would include a base which connects the second end to the moorage structure. Another exemplary embodiment would include a removable resilient fender which is adapted to connect the first end to the floating object.

Abstract: A single-body transom type of hull includes reaction flaps extending along side platings of the hull in a direction from bow to stern over at least 10% or more of the length of the ship. Inner surfaces of the flaps, along with outer surfaces of the side platings, form structures having inversely U-shaped cross sections defining recesses of parabolic cross sections so that water may flow smoothly along the hull. The reaction flaps thus suppress the outward flow of spray from the hull and impart lateral stability to the hull even at high speeds.

Abstract: A stowable boat trailer is disclosed comprising a mounting plate to be attached onto the transom of a small boat, and the plate has two receptacles to accommodate two separate rods, inserted from each side of the trailer, and each of the rods being bent downward, and attached to a wheel. The two receptacles on the main mounting plate have a separation between them to accommodate an outboard motor. An eye bolt arrangement is attached onto the bow of the boat, for attaching to a trailer hitch of a towing vehicle. The wheel assemblies of the trailer are detachable from the boat for storage inside the boat, for portage, or other purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is a boat canopy mounting system for securing a boat canopy to a boat. The system includes a first member such as a header for attachment to the boat. The first member includes at least one channel having a restricted opening. The second member is adapted to be attached to a boat canopy and has at least one locking flange for insertion into the channel of the first member. The boat canopy can be repeatably connected to and disconnected from the boat by positioning the second member against the channel of the first member and pressing against the second member to force the flanges into the channel. The second member is removable from the channels by pulling the second member away from the channels to disengage the flanges from the channels.

Abstract: A beacon for power lines or similar cables, intended to scare birds and/or warn them of the existence of cables and having a central body attached to the line as a clamp, equipped with side fins, arranged vertically and with a color, layout and configuration consistent with the area's terrain and fauna. For installation, a car-shaped device, equipped with an electric motor and battery-operated, has been provided, which has a beacon charger and a device for setting down the same, which is moved through the line by remote control.

Abstract: Fill indicator apparatus (10) for use in a feed bin (B) to visually indicate the level to which the bin is filled witch feed (F). A first visual indicator (12) includes a first flag (18) positioned externally of the bin and movable linearly along the side of the bin. The flag is movable to a reference position prior to the bin being filled, and the flag subsequently moves from one position to another as feed is taken from the bin. The subsequent positions of the flag represent the level of feed remaining in the bin. A second and separate visual indicator (14) includes a second flag (22) also positioned externally of the bin. This second flag is movable in response to an increasing level of feed in the bin, as it is being filled, to provide a visual indication of the level to which the bin is filled. This helps prevent spillage.

Abstract: A system for controlling an animal includes a radio signal receiver unit which is attached to the animal. The receiver includes an antenna assembly, a resonant filter, an amplifier, and a transducer for applying a motivational stimulus to the animal. A microcontroller selectively activates the components of the receiver according to a control sequence. The microcontroller performs a multi-stage authentication procedure in order to determine the presence of characteristic properties of the received signal prior to operating the transducer. The transducer includes a speaker circuit for applying audible stimulation, and a transformer circuit for applying electrical stimulation. The type of stimulation and the duration of stimulation may be selected according to control parameters used in conjunction with the control sequence.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which a plurality of air bars are supported by a plurality of tubes in an upright enclosure. The air bars support a bed of particulate material and discharge air into the bed to fluidize the material. A cooling fluid is passed through the tubes to transfer heat from the air bars.

Abstract: Rotary power system. The system includes a source of hydrocarbon fuel which is supplied to a plasmatron which reforms the fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas. An internal combustion engine is connected to receive the hydrogen-rich gas from the plasmatron. The engine powers an electrical generator and the generated electricity is connected to the plasmatron. In one embodiment, the engine also receives hydrocarbon fuel along with the hydrogen rich gas. The combination of plasmatron and internal combustion engine results in lowered exhaust emissions.

Abstract: In apparatus for control of liquid coolant flow to and from an engine and radiator coolant system, comprising a closed tank to receive the coolant; a first line extending at the exterior of the tank, and also communicating with the tank interior, the first line connectible with the coolant system; ducting associated with the tank and having an inlet for connection to a source of compressed air, an outlet outside the tank, and having an aspiration side port between the inlet and outlet, the side port also connected to the tank interior; and a first valve for controlling compressed air flow through the ducting; whereby in one position of the valve compressed air flows into the tank via the side port to drive coolant from the tank interior via the first line and to the coolant system, and in another position of the valve compressed air flow through the ducting to the outlet acts to draw fluid into the tank from the engine coolant system via the first line, in response to suction communication to the tank interio

Abstract: There is disclosed an Oldham's driving engine for taking out the maximum combustion pressure effectively from a top dead center in a piston engine as output for revolving an output shaft 17. A sliding block 11 is interposed between both flanges 8 and 9 to constitute an Oldham's coupling mechanism. One flange 8 is constituted as an idler flange 8, the other flange is constituted as an output flange 9, and an output end of a piston rod 4 is connected to the center of the sliding block 11. Further, a center line B.sub.2 of both the flanges 8 and 9 is placed at a phase angle .theta. with the axial center B.sub.1 of the cylinder in the reversed rotational direction of the sliding block 11.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile engine which has different ranges for the partial cylinder operation mode depending upon whether or not the engine is idling. The partial cylinder operation mode is selectable in different operation ranges in response to operating status of an air-conditioner, a power steering switch or a throttle opening sensor. Thus, the engine can reliably assume the partial cylinder operation mode in a wide operation range without stall, thereby accomplishing fuel saving.

Abstract: Two embodiments of flexible transmitter tensioning devices that afford a screw threaded operation for moving an idler pulley to vary the adjustments. The construction lends itself to incorporation in an outboard motor.

Abstract: This pre-chamber type engine is provided with pre-chambers formed in the cavities in piston bodies, and head plates consisting of a material of a high thermal resistance the thermal expansion coefficient of which is substantially equal to that of the piston bodies and fixed to the piston bodies. The fuel injection nozzles project into the insert bores made in the head plates when the pistons are in positions in the vicinity of the top dead centers. The communication ports formed in the head plates extend in the portions thereof which are around the insert bores diagonally with respect to the axes of cylinders, and are spaced from one another in the circumferential direction thereof.

Abstract: Methods of operating a locomotive engine to maintain power and speed under conditions of air starvation, as in high temperature tunnel operation, include varying engine load instead of fuel rate to maintain set engine speed when operating at (1) excessive engine exhaust smoke levels or (2) under conditions where increasing fuel rate fails to increase engine power. Normal speed control by varying fuel rate is maintained under other operating conditions. Application to turbocharged two cycle diesel engines is particularly indicated.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control device improving the combustion state without increasing the cost.

Abstract: A system for producing a signal for marking cylinders for control of a phased sequential multipoint injection in an engine including a crankshaft sensor for providing a marking of passings of a top dead center for each of the cylinders and a system for detecting combustion misfires. The system includes the following successive steps. First, injection of fuel for a predetermined reference cylinder is stopped. An occurrence of a combustion misfire for the predetermined reference cylinder is then detected. The moment of stopping of the injection and the moment of detecting the combustion misfire is then compared, and the moment of passing of the intake or firing top dead center for the predetermined reference cylinder is identified. A signal for marking cylinders in phase with the top dead center signal is then produced, initialized at the moment of passing an intake or firing top dead center of the reference cylinder and resuming the sequence of the combustions.

Abstract: A fuel distributing pump for a multi-cylinders, internal combustion engine having a sinuously profiled cam member providing a plurality of discrete compound cam pumping stations, each comprising primary and auxiliary cams serially arranged and interconnected by an intermediate cam segment which cooperate with pumping plungers of a pump rotor to shape and vary the pulse waves of fuel delivered to the combustion chambers for varying engine operations. For low horsepower requirements, such as idle and light loads, only the primary cam with fast initial pumping rate and following low rate camming ramps or surfaces are utilized to shape the pulse wave with a fast beginning and a graduated end of injection for even and progressive fuel burn for reducing smoke and engine noise.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting fuel into an engine through fuel injectors connected to a fuel tank through a fuel supply passage having a fuel pump provided therein. The apparatus include a first pressure regulator provided in the fuel supply passage between the fuel pump and the fuel injectors for varying the amount of excess fuel returned through a first return passage to the fuel tank to maintain a first predetermined pressure differential across the fuel injectors. The apparatus also includes a second pressure regulator provided in the fuel supply passage downstream of the fuel injectors for varying the amount of excess fuel returned through a second return passage to the fuel tank to maintain a second predetermined pressure differential across the fuel injectors. The second predetermined pressure differential is higher than the first predetermined pressure differential. A control valve is provided in the first return passage.

Abstract: Piezoelectric element used in a fuel injection value is to be improved in its response to expansion and contraction, while the supply of an excess energy to the piezoelectric element is to be controlled. In a fuel injection control device in which an output voltage of the dc-dc converter is applied to a piezoelectric element via a choke coil and a thyristor, a current detection unit is provided between the dc-dc converter and the thyristor. A measured value of the electric charge, as found by integrating a charging current flowing through the current detection unit is compared by a comparator to a command value of electrical charges as found by processing the dc-dc converter output voltage. The results of comparison are supplied to a latch unit so as to be latched at the timing of a peak value of the charging current.

Abstract: In a diagnostic apparatus for an evaporative fuel purge system having a canister receiving fuel from a fuel tank via a vapor passage, the fuel being supplied to an intake air passage of an internal combustion engine via a purge passage from the canister, a pressure detecting unit detects a pressure in the evaporative fuel purge system. A decision making unit determines whether or not a failure has occurred in the evaporative fuel purge system on the basis of a relationship between the pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit and a decision value. A correction unit corrects the relationship on the basis of a value of a parameter having an influence on the pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit.

Abstract: A mechanically driven centrifugal air compressor for an internal combustion engine has an impeller shaft supported in a compressor housing with journal bearings. A helical pinion gear is formed on one end of the impeller shaft and an impeller is attached to the other end. A thrust ring mounted on the impeller shaft near the impeller is sandwiched on one side by a thrust bearing and on an opposite side by the nearest journal bearing and the housing to axially locate the impeller shaft. An internal helical ring gear is rotatably supported on the compressor housing and driven by a pulley that is engaged by a belt that is driven by a pulley of larger diameter fixed to an engine crankshaft. The ring gear meshes with the pinion gear to provide a high overdrive speed ratio in series with the belt and pulley drive from the engine crankshaft which provides a low overdrive speed ratio.

Abstract: A two stroke engine having a variable inlet port timing device in conjunction with a piston port controlled timing apparatus for filling the top of transfer passages, that connect the crankcase chamber to the combustion chamber of the engine, with buffer gas such as exhaust gas or secondary air for the reduction of pollutants, improvement of performance, and delivery ratio of an internal combustion two-stroke engine and the like. Piston port controlled timing is provided by buffer air passages having a movable portion with inlet and outlet ports disposed through the piston. In another embodiment piston controlled selective exhaust gas recirculation is provided and a rotary valve in the exhaust gas recirculation passage is fitted to improve the performance of the engine. The pressure in the crankcase may be controlled by a rotary valve comprises a pair of rotary disc plates.

Abstract: A connector for attaching an exhaust gas recirculation tube to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. A thermal isolator surrounds an end of the tube and includes a sleeve contacting the tube and merging with a cylindrical body portion which is spaced from the tube. An upset bead is formed in the body portion. The tube and thermal isolator are inserted into a flange surrounding an opening formed in the intake manifold. A retainer is inserted into the flange and rotated such that latching devices on the retainer engage hooks on the flange to prevent removal of the retainer from the flange. The retainer also has ribs for supporting the body portion of the thermal isolator. The retainer is sized to engage the bead of the thermal isolator to prevent removal of the thermal isolator and tube from the flange. The flange and thermal isolator are sealed against fluid leakage.

Abstract: A distributorless ignition system for an internal combustion engine which discharges only one spark plug at a time. A high-level reversible voltage potential in selectively induced in the secondary winding of an ignition coil. Opposing diodes connected to the secondary winding permit application of the induced voltage across only one of two spark plug gaps, the central electrode of the spark plug being negatively charged with respect to ground to effectuate discharge with reduced power requirements and electrode erosion.