Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling the spark ignition in an Otto engine, of the type including an ignition voltage-generating ignition system with a spark plug electrode fixedly arranged in the combustion chamber of the engine and with an earth electrode co-operating movably therewith and joined fixedly to the engine piston in question. For the purpose of producing a controlled ignition moment in such engines the ignition moment is controlled so as to occur later and with shorter sparking distance when the engine load increases from light load to whole load. At the same time, the ignition voltage necessary for spark formation is controlled so as to vary within relatively narrow limits over essentially the whole load range.

Abstract: A constant spark rate ignition exciter is disclosed which functions to store a predetermined constant amount of energy in an energy storage element of an ignition system independent of power supply variations. A first embodiment of the invention is a capacitive discharge ignition system. A second embodiment of the invention is an inductive discharge ignition system. Each embodiment produces the constant frequency ignition pulses by the counting of a predetermined count in a counter. The interval during which energy is stored in energy storage elements of the embodiments of the invention is determined by sensing the power supply potential and controlling the time interval for coupling the power supply to the energy storage element in a manner which is inversely proportional to the sensed voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for controlling, in a multi-cylinder four-stroke internal combustion engine, the spark ignition in at least two cylinders, the pistons of which simultaneously assume a top dead center position. The method and system achieve a more reliable start with low supply voltage. For this purpose, the charging and discharging of an ignition capacitor is controlled by a control unit in such a way that, when the pistons in a pair of cylinders pass through the same crankshaft angle range close to the top dead center position, ignition is generated in first one and then the other of the pair of cylinders. Between the times for generating the ignition, the ignition capacitor is charged as a function of supply voltage so that a full charge is utilized for generating the ignition sparks in the cylinders.

Abstract: An high-energy ignition device having an igniter coil adapted to produce a high voltage for allowing an electric discharge between electrodes of a sparking plug in accordance with the output from an ignition circuit, and a DC-DC converter adapted to produce a voltage high enough to maintain the electric discharge in the sparking plug. The DC-DC converter is connected such that the output thereof is superposed to the discharge current produced by the igniter coil. The igniter coil and the transformer of the DC-DC converter are integrated with a forming resin. Consequently, the electrical insulation between the parts is improved and the mounting of the ignition device on vehicles is facilitated.

Abstract: A system for initiating combustion of fuel, especially for internal combustion engines, employs a very rapid, intense high power electrical breakdown arc to increase the rate of combustion and thereby reduce the need for advanced engine timing. The use of a distribution circuit which has exceptionally low inductance and resistance results in the rapid electrical breakdown and coupling of at least 80% of stored pulse energy to the breakdown arc channel within the first half period of the discharge current cycle. The resulting arc discharge effects detonation of the fuel mixture through the cooperative effects of photolysis, supersonic hydrodynamic shockwave and high temperature thermal plasma. High voltage pulse generation distribution and switching circuits are provided. Several discharge electrode geometries and closely coupled pulse forming networks for the discharge device are disclosed.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine has a DC power source, first and second switching elements, a control signal generator for the switching elements, an ignition coil, and spark gaps. A first part of a primary coil of the ignition coil, a capacitor, the DC power source, and the first switching element form a closed circuit. A second part of the primary coil and the second switching element form another closed circuit. The signal generator generates ON signals for alternately turning on the first and second switching signals at predetermined timings based on an ignition command signal. The ignition performance of this ignition device for an internal combustion engine is improved.

Abstract: An ignition system for an outboard internal combustion engine in which the ignition timing is controlled by the throttle setting of the engine. The system includes a signaling coil, which forms a part of a magneto, a thyristor switch for discharging a capacitor which is charged by a generating coil of the magneto to supply ignition current to an ignition coil, and a delay circuit connected between the signaling coil and the thyristor switch. The delay circuit is reset every period of the output of the generating coil, so that, even when the engine rotates at a high speed, the delay operation is positively carried out. As a result, the ignition timing is maintained substantially unchanged irrespective of the speed of the engine, and electromagnetic noise from the signaling coil is greatly suppressed.

Abstract: A contactless ignition device for internal combustion engines comprising an exciter coil and pulser coil inducing voltages of phases reverse to each other with the rotation of the internal combustion engine, a first capacitor and second capacitor charged with voltages induced by the respective coils and switching elements connected in series in a circuit connecting the first capacitor with an ignition coil so as to conduct the voltage discharged by the second capacitor when either of both induced voltages reaches a set level. A control circuit controlling the switching time of the switching elements is connected to the switching elements so as to delay the operation of the second switching element with the control circuit in the low speed operation range of the engine and to advance the operation in the high speed operation range. This control circuit includes a switching element operating in response to the voltage inducing state of the exciter coil or pulser coil.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system of the capacitor-discharge type for an internal combustion engine includes a magneto generator having substantially a single generating coil with no center tap, and includes a change-over circuit which changes over the supply of power generated from the generating coil from the capacitor to an auxiliary unit when the capacitor is charged to a given voltage by the half-waves of one polarity of the alternating electromotive force generated in the generating coil. The opposite-polarity half-waves of the alternating electromotive force are supplied to the auxiliary unit even while the capacitor is being charged.

Abstract: A plasma ignition system for an engine having any number of engine cylinders, which comprises: (A) a plurality of plasma ignition plugs each mounted within a corresponding engine cylinder; (B) a first power supply unit for supplying a first electric power into each plasma ignition plug so as to generate a spark discharge within each plasma ignition plug; (C) a first switching circuit for sequentially connecting the first power supply unit to each plasma ignition plug according to a predetermined ignition order; (D) a second power supply unit for supplying a second electric power into each plasma ignition plug so as to generate a high-temperature plasma gas within each plasma ignition plug; and (E) a second switching circuit for sequentially connecting two of the plasma ignition plugs within the respective engine cylinders, one engine cylinder being at the start of an explosion stroke and the other engine cylinder being at almost end of an exhaust stroke, in a predetermined delay after the occurrence of the sp

Abstract: In an auxiliary ignition system for starting a diesel engine having a plurality of plasma spark plugs installed in corresponding combustion chambers facing fuel injection valves, starting time is reduced by applying high ignition energy to the plugs following predetermined time intervals after fuel injection to the corresponding engine cylinders.

Abstract: A plasma ignition system for an internal combustion engine, which comprises: (a) a low DC voltage power supply; (b) a DC-DC converter which converts a low DC voltage from the low DC voltage supply to the corresponding AC voltage and inverts the AC voltage to a high DC voltage; (c) a plurality of plasma ignition plugs each located within one of the cylinders; (d) a plurality of first capacitors each for changing the high DC voltage received from the DC-DC converter; (e) a plurality of photosensitive switching elements each connected between each corresponding first capacitor and ground and which turns on to apply the plasma ignition energy charged within the corresponding first capacitor to the corresponding plasma ignition plug at a predetermined timing; (f) a plurality of voltage-boosting transformers each having a common terminal of primary and secondary windings connected to one terminal of each corresponding plasma ignition energy capacitor and another terminal of the primary winding connected to the corr

Abstract: An improved trigger circuit for a magneto-type ignition system is described. The trigger circuit includes a first generating coil for supplying current flow to a primary winding of the ignition coil, a transistor for controlling the current flow through the primary winding, a capacitor, a thyristor for cooperating with the capacitor to render the transistor non-conductive, and a second generating coil for supplying the power required to charge the capacitor and to control the conduction of both the transistor and thyristor, such that the capacitor is charged and the transistor is rendered conductive by one half wave output from the second generating coil and the thyristor is rendered conductive by the other half wave output from the second generating coil.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a capacitor discharge ignition system adapted for use with an internal combustion engine and comprising a charge capacitor, an ignition coil primary winding, an ignition SCR, and a spark retard circuit connected in series relationship with the charge capacitor, the primary winding, and the ignition SCR.

Abstract: A plasma ignition system for an internal combustion engine which can prevent irregular ignition when the insulation between the electrodes of the spark plug deteriorates due to carbon on the electrodes, and further can prevent electrical noise from being emitted. The system according to the present invention comprises a plasma ignition energy storing condenser, a plurality of switching units, and boosting transformers one each for each of the engine cylinders. In this system, a high tension is generated at the secondary coil of the boosting transformer to generate a spark between the electrodes of the plug and subsequently a large current is passed through the electrodes by the remaining energy stored in the condenser.

Abstract: A plasma ignition system for an internal combustion engine which can prevent irregular ignition when the insulation between the electrodes of the spark plug deteriorates due to carbon on the electrodes, and further can prevent electrical noise from being emitted. The system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of independent plasma ignition energy storing condensers, switching units, and boosting transformers one each for each of the engine cylinder. In this system, a high tension is generated at the secondary coil of the boosting transformer to generate a spark between the electrodes of the plug and subsequently a large current is passed through the electrodes by the remaining energy stored in the condenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing spark ignition of an internal combustion engine is disclosed including a spark generator which supplies spark generating pulses to spark plugs of the engine. The spark produced by each pulse is sustained after the pulse has died away by means of a generator which applies to the spark plugs a voltage capable of sustaining but not initiating sparks across the spark plugs. The generator is per se capable of developing a continuous output so as to maximize the spark energy and to allow the duration of the spark to be selected as desired. The output of the generator may be applied to the spark plugs continuously in which case the effect of increased impedance to the spark produced on combustion is used to terminate the spark. Alternatively, the output of the generator can be switched to terminate the spark.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for improving the operation of ignition devices, in which the parasitic waves causing interference are attenuated by means of a combination of resistors, connected in the primary and/or secondary of the ignition circuit (high voltage circuit of the coil). According to the invention, frequency sensitive resistor cables and a direct or simulated secondary resistance (formed by a small resistance placed in the primary of the ignition circuit) are substituted for the classical secondary resistive ignition cables and/or lumped resistors.Ignition and RFI-radiation can so be optimized by reducing ignition energy to its original level, and by adapting the last to the actual need i.e. varying its value in accordance with engine rpm etc.

Abstract: An ignition system includes an alternating current power source which feeds a transformer having a primary winding, the primary winding being coupled to an electronic switch. The electronic switch intermittently interrupts current flowing in the primary winding and in the output circuit of the power source. Such electronic switch is made operable by virtue of the peak excursions of the alternating current thus supplying the necessary collector or emitter potential, depending upon the manner in which the electronic switch is connected, for the entire igniter firing cycle. A capacitor in series with the output circuit of the power source and with the primary winding enables current to be transferred out of the power source to such primary winding. Such electronic switch also provides discrete separation between successive output waveforms of successive ignition firing cycles. The system employs a temporary change accumulator inductor in the output circuit in series with the primary winding.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition system is provided with an ignition timing control arrangement to achieve a predetermined ignition timing retard characteristic at high engine speeds and thus provide engine speed control. The capacitor discharge ignition system is positioned adjacent a rotating permanent magnet that is rotated over a path in synchronism with the operation of an engine to be controlled.The capacitor discharge ignition system includes a stator core having disposed thereon an ignition coil and a control coil. As a first pole of the magnet passes the stator core, a voltage and current of a first polarity is induced in the control coil to charge a storage capacitor. As the second pole of the magnet passes the stator core, a voltage and current of the opposite polarity is induced in the control coil and a control arrangement responsive to the control coil discharges the capacitor into a primary winding of the ignition coil.

Abstract: A frequency generator is enabled when an ignition event is to occur, to provide a sequence of current pulses to an ignition coil, so that multiple sparks will be commanded for any one single ignition event. To compensate for changes in operating parameters, particularly low-voltage condition of supply current, the frequency generator is controllable to change the pulse width, or the frequency thereof. To simply compensate for voltage variations, the frequency generator is a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), controlled by the electrical supply network, typically the battery of a vehicle.

Abstract: The overspeed ignition system includes trigger means operative in timed relation to the speed of an internal combustion engine. A controlled switching means operates under the control of the trigger means to pass pulses of energy to a spark ignition unit. An overspeed cutout assembly is provided between the controlled switching means and the spark ignition unit to sense the time interval between the pulses of energy passed by the controlled switching means. When this time interval is less than an internal timed lockout interval determined by the overspeed cutout assembly, the cutout assembly blocks the pulses of energy to the spark ignition unit.The trigger means is formed by a trigger pulse generating assembly having a rotor of circular cross section symmetrically mounted for rotation relative to at least one trigger coil. The rotor is differentially magnetized to prevent pulses of energy from passing to the spark ignition unit when the engine rotates in a reverse direction.