Abstract: An electronic circuit (101) for controlling a spark of a spark plug (SP1) in a capacitor discharge ignition system (100) for a combustion engine. The electronic circuit (101) comprises an ignition coil (110) dimensioned and configured to provide current to the spark plug (SP1), an ignition capacitor (C1) dimensioned and configured to supply energy to the primary winding (L1), an voltage source (130) dimensioned and configured to supply energy to at least one of the ignition capacitor (C1) and the primary winding (L1), a first switch (SW1) connected to the first primary terminal (TL1) and the first source terminal (TS1), a second switch (SW2) connected to the second capacitor terminal (TC2) and the second source terminal (TS2), and a third switch (SW3) connected to the second capacitor terminal (TC2) and the first source terminal (TS1). A capacitor discharge ignition system (100) including the electronic circuit (101) and a combustion engine including the capacitor discharge ignition system (100).

Abstract: An ignition device includes an ignition coil, an ignition plug and ignition control unit. The ignition control unit includes a secondary current adjusting unit that adjusts, in each cycle, an amount of the secondary current after initiating the discharge, a discharge extension detecting unit that detects an amount of extension of the discharge, and a short determination unit that determines whether a discharge-short has occurred. The ignition control unit controls the secondary current control unit such that a first step and a second step are repeatedly executed. The first step decreases the secondary current while keeping the secondary current higher than a predetermined lower current limit, when the extension amount detected by the discharge extension detecting unit is a predetermined extension amount or more. The second step increases the secondary current when the short determination unit determines that a discharge-short has occurred.

Abstract: In one example, a circuit includes a voltage source, an inductive load, a capacitor, a switching unit, and a load unit. The switching unit is configured to operate in a first state and a second state. The switching unit couples the inductive load to the voltage source during the first state. The switching unit couples the inductive load to the capacitor during the second state. The load unit is configured to receive energy from the capacitor based on a comparison of a voltage of the capacitor and a reference voltage.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus includes an adjuster. The adjuster adjusts, according to at least one of a primary voltage and a secondary voltage detected by a voltage detector, at least one of an application timing and an application level of auxiliary electrical energy to an ignition coil while main electrical energy is applied to a spark plug by the ignition coil. The application timing includes whether the auxiliary electrical energy is applied to the ignition coil.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus includes a blow-off determining unit 5b. The blow-off determining unit 5b determines, when the value ?I2 of the time derivative of a secondary electric current exceeds a predetermined threshold value Z during a determination period, that blow-off has occurred; the determination period is a predetermined time period ?T from the start of a spark discharge by a main ignition circuit 3. Further, when it is determined that blow-off has occurred during a main ignition (full-transistor ignition), it is controlled to perform a continuing spark discharge after the main ignition in a next cycle. Moreover, a secondary electric current command value in performing the continuing spark discharge is set to an electric current value that is obtained by adding a predetermined electric current value ? to the secondary electric current value I2x immediately before the occurrence of blow-off. Consequently, in the next cycle, it is possible to reliably prevent blow-off, thereby reliably preventing misfire.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus inputs energy during a predetermined energy input period after the interruption of a primary electric current by an ignition switch and a discharge of an ignition plug caused by a secondary electric current. Moreover, the ignition apparatus includes a blow-off detection unit that detects, during the energy input period IGW after the start of the discharge by the ignition plug, occurrence of blow-off of the discharge. When the secondary electric current I2 drops below a blow-off detection electric current threshold value Ibo at a time instant tbo in a “second region” where it is impossible to perform a re-discharge after blow-off, the blow-off detection unit determines that blow-off has occurred and the ignition apparatus stops the energy input from an energy input unit to an ignition coil. By preventing unnecessary energy input, it is possible to suppress unnecessary electric power consumption and wear of electrodes of the ignition plug.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an internal-combustion engine includes a main ignition CDI circuit that has a main ignition boosting circuit boosting battery voltage and a main ignition capacitor storing electric charge boosted by the main ignition boosting circuit, and that releases the electric charge stored in the main ignition capacitor to a primary coil of an ignition coil to make an ignition plug generate spark discharge, and an energy input circuit that has an energy input boosting circuit boosting battery voltage and an energy input capacitor storing electric charge boosted by the energy input boosting circuit, and that releases the electric charge stored in the energy input capacitor to the primary coil, during a spark discharge started by operation of the main ignition CDI circuit, to make a secondary current flow in the same direction and to a secondary coil of the ignition coil, thereby making spark discharge continue which is started by the operation of the main ignition CDI circuit.

Abstract: A power electronics module for enhancing short circuit failure mode (SCFM) transitions. The module is adapted to disconnect a gate unit from the module using a first switch, upon a failure of at least one of a plurality of semiconductor chips during which the failed chip enters an SCFM, and connect a passive circuit arrangement, including at least one capacitor and at least one resistor, to the module using a second switch. The passive circuit arrangement is adapted to switch on at least one of the remaining non-failed semiconductor chips.

Abstract: An ignition system includes an ignition plug, a discharge power supply for applying a high voltage to the gap of the ignition plug, a high-frequency power supply for supplying a high-frequency current to the gap, a matching unit provided between the ignition plug and the high-frequency power supply, and a mixer through which currents output from the two power supplies flow. An oscillation frequency fs (Hz) which maximizes the current flowing between the matching unit and the mixer when spark discharge is generated and an oscillation frequency fo (Hz) which maximizes the current flowing between the matching unit and the mixer when spark discharge is not generated satisfy a relation fs/fo?0.85. Thus, a current whose oscillation frequency is equal to the oscillation frequency fs flows between the matching unit and the mixer when spark discharge is not generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alternator overvoltage protection circuit having a TRIAC and a MOSFET. The TRIAC is electrically connected to the MOSFET and the TRIAC is electrically connected to a magneto. The TRIAC is configured to ground the magneto when triggered by the MOSFET. The MOSFET is electrically connected to an alternator and configured to conduct when the alternator operates in an overvoltage condition. Also disclosed is a method of alternator overvoltage protection for a piece of outdoor power equipment, the method including providing a TRIAC and an alternator rotated by an engine having a magneto, wherein the alternator outputs a voltage when rotated by the engine. The method further includes configuring the TRIAC to ground the magneto when the alternator operates in an overvoltage condition, thereby disabling the magneto, which stops the rotation of the engine and stops the alternator from outputting voltage.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus has an ignition transformer that has a primary winding and a secondary winding. The transformer has a first primary winding connection for connection to a first supply voltage potential and a second primary winding connection for connection to a second supply voltage potential via a controllable switching element. Accordingly a first capacitor is connected up between the first primary winding connection and the second supply voltage potential and a second capacitor is connected up between the second primary winding connection and the second supply voltage potential.

Abstract: The plasma ignition device includes an ignition plug, a breakdown discharge circuit configured to apply a high voltage to the ignition plug to cause a breakdown discharge in a discharge space in the ignition plug, and a plasma discharge circuit configured to accumulate electric energy supplied from a power supply and applies the accumulated electric energy to the ignition plug as a current to bring a gas in the discharge space into a plasma state so that the gas in the plasma state is injected to a combustion chamber of an combustion engine during the breakdown discharge in order to cause ignition. The plasma discharge circuit includes an energy accumulating section, and an energy supplying section configured to supply the electric energy to the energy accumulating section during a short time period immediately before the breakdown discharge circuit applies the first voltage to the ignition plug.

Abstract: A current of sufficient size to form plasma at ignition of a plasma jet ignition plug flows to a spark discharge gap while suppressing noise occurrence. There is provided an ignition apparatus of a plasma jet ignition plug, which includes a resistor R1, with one end connected to a diode D1 disposed between the plasma jet ignition plug 100 and a high-voltage generation circuit 210 and with the other end electrically connected to a center electrode 40 of the plasma jet ignition plug 100, and a capacitor C1, with one end connected to the center electrode 40 of the plasma jet ignition plug 100 and with the other end grounded.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus is provided with a Zener diode as a limiter device, which limits a primary voltage of an ignition coil to be less than a Zener voltage, and a switching circuit, which prohibits a limiter function of the Zener diode at a start of discharge and switches the limiter device to perform the limiter function for a predetermined time period following the start of discharge. A secondary voltage is limited to be more than a secondary limit value. Even when blowout arises in discharging, re-discharging is avoided from arising immediately after the blowout and exhaustion of a spark plug caused by repetition of discharging is avoided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for generating energy/power in a capacitive discharge ignition system, said system comprising at least one charge winding (L) which by means of a fly wheel and via a first rectifier device (D1) charges a charge capacitor (C1) connected to a primary winding (P) of an ignition voltage transformer (30) in order to provide said primary winding (P) with energy for generation of a spark via a secondary winding (S) of said transformer (30), wherein a voltage control/switching unit (10) is arranged to enable output of energy (Out21) from said primary winding (P).

Abstract: An ignition enhancer for a vehicle engine is installed between a conducting wire of a high voltage coil and a plug connector, provided with a capacitor, two conducting rods respectively extended outward from two ends of the capacitor, an insulation sleeve wrapping around the capacitor and filled with a waterproof resin to fully surround the capacitor, and two engaging grooves respectively formed in two ends of the insulation sleeve. Thus, with the conducting rods inserted in a core of the conducting wire of the high voltage coil and the plug connector respectively, the capacitor, storing an electric charge, is able to stabilize voltage and fulfill filtering to strengthen ignition power after starting a vehicle engine, not only advancing combustion efficiency to lower carbonization but also augmenting engine power.

Abstract: An electrical ignition method for a combustion engine employing the use of an arrangement of several coils and a magnet wheel or magnet generator which rotates synchronously with the combustion engine, wherein the magnetic field of the magnet generator intermittently flows through the coils and therein generates a sequence of magnetic flux changes per revolution, whereby a sequence of corresponding alternating voltage half-waves is induced in the coils, which are used for charging an energy storage element. Through the use of a stop and/or switch-off system for the combustion engine, the disclosed method prevents a discharge of the energy storage element during the stopping and coast down procedure of the combustion engine and/or to actuate its charging, so that a charged energy storage element is available for the next start of the combustion engine.

Abstract: A plasma power supply circuit includes a DC/DC converter connected to a DC power supply and outputting a DC voltage, a voltage limit circuit limiting an output voltage from the DC/DC converter to a predetermined value, a PJ capacitor connected to an output end of the DC/DC converter and charged with electric energy used to generate a plasma in a discharge space of the spark plug, and a high-voltage switch connected between the PJ capacitor and the DC/DC converter and controlled to switch ON and OFF so that a charge period of the PJ capacitor is controlled according to running conditions of the internal combustion engine. Hence, the plasma ignition device can prevent damage on an electronic component incorporated therein even at the occurrence of a short and lessen damage on the internal combustion engine caused by an erroneous plasma jet ejection, wearing of the spark plug, and power consumption.

Abstract: A current of sufficient size to form plasma at ignition of a plasma jet ignition plug flows to a spark discharge gap while suppressing noise occurrence. There is provided an ignition apparatus of a plasma jet ignition plug, which includes a resistor R1, with one end connected to a diode D1 disposed between the plasma jet ignition plug 100 and a high-voltage generation circuit 210 and with the other end electrically connected to a center electrode 40 of the plasma jet ignition plug 100, and a capacitor C1, with one end connected to the center electrode 40 of the plasma jet ignition plug 100 and with the other end grounded.

Abstract: A spark-ignited, internal combustion engine ignition device to increase electrical transfer efficiency of the ignition by peaking the electrical power of the spark during the streamer phase of spark creation and improving combustion quality, incorporating an electrode design and materials to reduce electrode erosion due to high power discharge, an insulator provided with capacitive plates to peak the electrical current of the spark discharge, and concomitant methods.

Abstract: A plasma ignition system includes an ignition plug attached to an engine and having a center electrode, a ground electrode, and a discharge space, a discharge power source circuit, a plasma generation power source circuit, a resistance element between the discharge power source circuit and the center electrode, a rectifying device between the plasma generation power source circuit and the center electrode, and an element receiving portion in a periphery of the center electrode. The plug puts gas in the discharge space into a plasma state to ignite a fuel/air mixture in the engine, as a result of application of high voltage to the plug by the discharge power source circuit and supply of high current to the plug by the plasma generation power source circuit. The resistance element and the rectifying device are placed in the receiving portion.

Abstract: An ignition enhancer for a vehicle engine is installed between a conducting wire of a high voltage coil and a plug connector, provided with a capacitor, two conducting rods respectively extended outward from two ends of the capacitor, an insulation sleeve wrapping around the capacitor and filled with a waterproof resin to fully surround the capacitor, and two engaging grooves respectively formed in two ends of the insulation sleeve. Thus, with the conducting rods inserted in a core of the conducting wire of the high voltage coil and the plug connector respectively, the capacitor, storing an electric charge, is able to stabilize voltage and fulfill filtering to strengthen ignition power after starting a vehicle engine, not only advancing combustion efficiency to lower carbonization but also augmenting engine power.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus for raising the spark energy in capacitive ignition systems comprising at least one charge winding (L1) which via a first rectifier device (D1) charges a charge capacitor (C1) connected to the primary winding of an 5 ignition voltage transformer in order to provide said primary winding with energy for generation of a spark characterized in that additionally a second rectifier device (D2) and a switching device (Q2) are arranged in such a way that the switching device periodically can short circuit the charge winding and thereby increase the charge of the charge capacitor at low engine speeds.

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: An ignition assembly includes a power converter receiving an alternating current input, including a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The first capacitor and the second capacitor are charged in parallel to a first DC voltage and at a first polarity to discharge in series to an output at a second DC voltage that is greater than the first DC voltage. The second DC voltage is coupled to an ignition gap, and causes the ignition gap to ionize and form a spark. A switch is coupled to the first capacitor and is operable to control the discharge of the first capacitor and the second capacitor. An AC input switch is coupled to the AC input and is operable to control a flow of current from the AC input through the first capacitor and the second capacitor to the output. The flow of AC to the output sustains the ionization of the ignition gap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with a carbureted internal combustion engine that accurately controls the amount of fuel that passes through the carburetor into the combustion chamber of the engine. A controlled triggering system controls the activation and deactivation of a solenoid. The solenoid, in turn, operates a plunger that varies the flow of fuel during the fuel intake cycle of the engine depending on the amount of fuel needed by the engine under any operating load. Thus, an engine can run leaner under partial load and run richer during periods of load and acceleration. By controlling the air-to-fuel ratio lower engine emissions and fuel consumption can be achieved.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal-combustion engine includes an ignition coil and an ignition control circuit. The ignition coil includes a primary coil and a secondary coil. The ignition control circuit includes a capacitor. The ignition control circuit employs a capacitor discharged ignition method, whereby the ignition control circuit is configured such that electrical charge, with which the capacitor is charged, is discharged into the primary coil to drive the ignition coil. A coupling coefficient, which indicates a degree of magnetic coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil, is set in a range of 0.9 to 0.97. k, which is the coupling coefficient, is provided using a formula k=(1?L1?/L1)1/2, wherein L1 is an inductance of the primary coil and L1? is an inductance of the primary coil when the secondary coil is short-circuited.

Abstract: A plasma ignition system includes an ignition plug attached to an engine and having a center electrode, a ground electrode, and a discharge space, a discharge power source circuit, a plasma generation power source circuit, a resistance element between the discharge power source circuit and the center electrode, a rectifying device between the plasma generation power source circuit and the center electrode, and an element receiving portion in a periphery of the center electrode. The plug puts gas in the discharge space into a plasma state to ignite a fuel/air mixture in the engine, as a result of application of high voltage to the plug by the discharge power source circuit and supply of high current to the plug by the plasma generation power source circuit. The resistance element and the rectifying device are placed in the receiving portion.

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: For stopping an internal combustion engine, a stop switch prevents the triggering of the ignition. A controller in the ignition circuit determines the state of the stop switch by evaluating signals on the state of the internal combustion engine, corresponding information data is generated, and a corresponding stop flag is set and/or enabled. Depending on this information, the activation of the ignition switch, that controls ignition spark, is either blocked or enabled by the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably generating sparks is provided. The apparatus includes a spark generating device; at least two output stages connected to the spark generating device; means for charging energy storage devices in the output stages and at least partially isolating each of the energy storage devices from the energy storage devices of the other output stages; and, a logic circuit for selectively triggering the output stages to generate a spark. Each of the output stages preferably includes: (1) an energy storage device to store the energy; (2) a controlled switch for selectively discharging the energy storage device; and (3) a network for transferring the energy discharged by the energy storage device to the spark generating device.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) system for generating ignition sparks in an internal combustion engine comprises a single CDI module including a plurality of charge storage capacitor devices, a corresponding plurality of sets of ignition outputs, at least one charging circuit for charging at least one of the plurality of charge storage capacitor devices, and an ignition controller for selectively and individually controlling each of the plurality of charge storage capacitor devices and the at least one power supply circuit. Each of the plurality of charge storage capacitor devices is operatively coupled to the ignition outputs of one of the plurality of sets of ignition outputs. This allows for the single CDI module to power multiple, independent spark plugs either simultaneous of, immediately prior to or after each other while still delivering full energy to each ignition device.

Abstract: The ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes two spark plugs provided for each cylinder, ignition coils arranged independently to each of the spark plugs, an ignition power source circuit for supplying electrical energy to first coils which constitute the ignition coils, and an ignition transistor circuit for switching on and off the electrical supply from the ignition power source circuit to the first coils. In the ignition device, the first coils corresponding to spark plugs that are provided to the same cylinder are connected in parallel with the ignition transistor circuit that is arranged to each cylinder. The ignition power source circuit is a circuit including an energy storage condenser for storing electrical energy supplied to the first coil. The electrical supply circuit is a circuit including an MOS-type field effect transistor.

Abstract: A system for deriving electrical power from an engine includes a current inducing module that supplies current to a load such as a chargeable power source. The current inducing module preferably includes a magnet and coil arrangement. The magnet is associated with a rotating element of the engine such that the magnet passes by the coil as the engine element rotates. The current that is induced in the coil is handled using current regulating components to control the amount of power supplied to the chargeable power source. The invention provides a way to electrically power components associated with devices that do not have a battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably generating sparks is provided. The apparatus includes a spark generating device; at least two output stages connected to the spark generating device; means for charging energy storage devices in the output stages and at least partially isolating each of the energy storage devices from the energy storage devices of the other output stages; and, a logic circuit for selectively triggering the output stages to generate a spark. Each of the output stages preferably includes: (1) an energy storage device to store the energy; (2) a controlled switch for selectively discharging the energy storage device; and (3) a network for transferring the energy discharged by the energy storage device to the spark generating device.

Abstract: An ignition system, of the type having ignition coils supplying energy to spark plugs in an internal combustion engine, includes apparatus to measure an electrical characteristic indicative of spark duration and generate a representative spark duration signal therefrom, or alternately to directly measure spark duration and generate a representative spark duration signal. Computational circuitry receives the spark duration signal and a spark duration setpoint signal, computes the error between the setpoint and the actual spark duration on a real-time basis, and modulates the energy in the high energy power supply to the ignition coils for maintaining a constant spark duration.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system deriving the ignition pulse from a capacitor storing the flyback voltage induced from the fuel injector coil when the pulse supplied to the fuel injector coil is removed.

Abstract: A contra-rotating twin crankshaft system for internal combustion engines. Two crankshafts are arranged in parallel, and are connected together to rotate in opposite directions. At least one piston is spaced from the crankshafts. Connecting rod assemblies extend in a crossed relationship from each crankshaft to two spaced wristpins at the piston. Preferably, one connecting rod assembly is made up of two spaced connecting rods and the other is a single connecting rod which passes between the two spaced connecting rods to form the crossing relationship. If desired, the dual connecting rod assembly may be two spaced single connecting rods or have one connecting rod in the form of a fork, with the single connecting rod passing between the tines of the forked connecting rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a flyback control circuit wherein primary coil current is minimized during flyback operation such that the spark duration and energy delivered to the spark gap are maximized.

Abstract: An oscillatory discharge exciter includes an input connectable to a power supply; an output connectable to an igniter; at least two energy storage elements for producing an oscillatory discharge of energy during an exciter discharge period; a unidirectional gated switch and a rectifier coupled in reverse parallel with each other such that the switch and rectifier control, during respective alternating half cycles, oscillatory discharge energy at the exciter output; and a circuit for gating the switch in response to voltage transitions across the switch. The gating circuit can also be used as a snubber circuit to add gate drive to slow devices, as well as to trigger a series of switching devices with the application of only a single external trigger signal to one of the devices. In an alternative embodiment, the gating circuit is replaced with a circuit for maintaining holding current through the switch to prevent the switch from recovering to a blocking condition.

Abstract: An ignition system for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of igniters, an energy storage capacitance, a charging circuit for charging the capacitance, a plurality of gated switches, with at least one switch connected between each igniter and the capacitance, and control means for discharging respective amounts of energy from the capacitance to each respective igniter at respective spark rates.

Abstract: An exciter for an internal combustion engine igniter plug includes a charging circuit and a discharge circuit; the charging circuit being connectable to a power supply and the discharge circuit being connectable to the plug to produce sparks; the discharge circuit comprising a storage capacitor connected to the charging circuit, a gated solid state switching device connected between the capacitor and the plug, and a trigger means for gating the switching device on and off; the capacitor being discharged when the switching device is gated on and the capacitor being charged by the charging circuit after the switching device is gated off.

Abstract: An ignitor (118) comprises a body portion (120) connected with an electrical supply cable (122) and an electrode portion (124) removably mounted within the body portion (120). The body portion (120) includes a capacitor defined by an outer, electrically conductive shell (126) of the body portion, and an inner, tubular capacitor plate (134). The inner, tubular capacitor plate (134) is held within the body portion (120) by means of a connector assembly (132) which is held in place by a dielectric potting compound (136).

Abstract: An ignitor (10) for initiation combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine includes a body portion (12) and a removable electrode portion (14) to permit replacement or repair of the electrodes, so that current is delivered to one of the electrodes (72) along a path through each of the capacitive elements. The body portion includes a pair of capacitive elements defined by longitudinally spaced, radially extending, annular capacitor plates (60, 62, 64, 66) which surround the central electrode (26, 72). The body portion includes an outer, cylindrical shell (16) which is insulated from the capacitive elements by layers (40, 42) of high dielectric material.

Abstract: A high power high energy capacitive discharge (CD) ignition system for internal combustion engines using a separate resonating inductor (7) in the discharge circuit which is constructed and arranged to provide suitable operation of the discharge circuit and to allow coupling of energy from a voltage source (13a) for storage in the inductor (7) for delivery to the CD system discharge capacitor (4) during the operation of the ignition to help maintain energy during the preferred mode of multiple spark pulse firings of an ignition spark in a preferred large toroidal gap spark plug and to recharge the capacitor (4) between firings.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system for initiating and enhancing combustion of fuel and fuel-air mixtures by discharging electrical energy in a spark gap. The energy to breakdown the spark gap is supplied by a high voltage direct current source which supplies a voltage high enough to cause initiation of the spark without the need for an intermediate transformer. Control of the high voltage is by way of a semiconductor switch, which is preferably a bulk photoconductive switch. Such a switch is capable of withstanding the high voltage applied across it when it is switched off. There may also be provided a further source of high voltage which supplies energy to the spark gap at a lower voltage then the first source after the spark has been initiated. Thus the length of time the spark lasts for may be controlled. This is particularly useful for use with lean fuel mixtures for fuel economy or with diluted fuel mixtures diluted through exhaust gas recirculation for reduced emissions.

Abstract: A constant energy, constant spark rate ignitor system suitable for use in high energy ignition systems. The ignitor system includes a vacuum interrupter switch through which an energy storage capacitor discharges to fire a surface gap spark plug. Discharge of the energy storage capacitor through the vacuum interrupter can only occur upon actuation of the switch. The quantity of energy stored in the energy storage capacitor and the timing of capacitor discharge is therefore not a function of ambient operating conditions or the dielectric properties of the switch and can therefore be independently controlled. A voltage comparator and spark rate clock are used to trigger closure of the vacuum interrupter switch and fire the plug when the capacitor contains the desired quantity of energy and a clock signal is present. A current proving circuit is also provided to verify that current passes through the spark plug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for achieving elevated charging of an ignition capacitor in a capacitive type ignition system for internal combustion engines. When starting a cold engine or when starting the engine under other conditions in which the battery capacity is low, activation of the engine starting motor will result in a drop in voltage in the electric system serving both the starting motor and the ignition system. The voltage drop in the electrical system will vary sinusoidally synchronously with the crankshaft rotation, owing to the fact that the starting motor will momentarily subject the electrical system to higher loads when the pistons are located adjacent their top-dead-center position L in the compression stroke. The method solves this problem, by delaying the re-charging of the capacitor until a position is reached in which the voltage drop in the electrical system has its lowest value.

Abstract: In a capacitive ignition system for an internal combustion engine, the discharging and charging of an ignition capacitor is controlled by a control unit which actuates a first circuit-breaking element in a discharging circuit and a second circuit-breaking element in a charging circuit. For the purpose of prolonging the ignition sparks so as to reliably ignite, especially in a lean fuel/air mixture, the control unit, at a time following the ordinary ignition time, actuates the second circuit-breaking element in such a way that it is kept conductive simultaneously with the first circuit-breaking element. Current is then supplied from an electrical energy source and via a primary winding. Thereafter, the control unit actuates either the first or second circuit-breaking elements in such a way that the current supply via the primary winding is interrupted, by which means a renewed ignition voltage is obtained which prolongs the ordinary ignition spark.

Abstract: A DC to DC power converter designated a synchronous current pump (13) and operated in the preferred mode in synchronization with a discharge circuit (11) and using a capacitor (28) as the energy storage element, and in the preferred embodiment has in series with said capacitor the battery supply (10), an inductor (30), a diode (27a), and the primary winding (31a) of a transformer (31); and across said storage capacitor is an energy transfer FET switch (33) which is used for discharging said capacitor and transferring it stored energy to a output load capacitor (4) connected through a diode (32) to the secondary winding of said transformer. In operation, the current pump supplies power efficiently and smoothly to a load discharge capacitor in synchronization with operation of the discharge circuit.