Abstract: A spark plug heat up method via transient control of the spark discharge current. The high temperature plasma channel is used to heat up the central electrode, and the temperature and energy of the plasma channel are realized via transient control of the discharge current. The heating up process takes place before firing the engine, using discharge current to actively heat up the spark plug from inside. By monitoring the discharge current amplitude and discharge duration, the temperature change of the central electrode and the ceramic insulator can be carefully measured and controlled within a proper window. This method can be used to measure the heating range of the spark plug, and to prevent or remove the carbon deposit on the central electrode and the ceramic insulator generated under various engine operation conditions, such as engine cold start, full load operation, and heavy EGR condition, as well as realize self-cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement (12) for monitoring and triggering an igniter (5) of an active electrical fuse (6). The arrangement comprises: a control and evaluation unit (1), an alternating current generating unit (2) activated by the control and evaluation unit (1), an alternating current transmission unit arranged between the igniter (5) and the alternating current generating unit (2), the control and evaluation unit (1) being designed and programmed, in a first operational state, to determine the electrical resistance of the igniter (5) from a current detected on the primary side and a voltage detected on the primary side, the value of the resistance being a measure for tripping of the igniter (5), and, in a second operational state, to trigger the igniter (5) by means of the alternating current generating unit (2).

Abstract: An ignition procedure for internal combustion engines using multiple coils of a generator coupled to and turning synchronously with the engine. A magnetic field flows through the coils and generates a sequence of alternating current half waves induced in the coils. The half waves are used for: (1) charging an energy storage element that is discharged by an ignition switch via the primary coil winding for triggering an ignition spark; (2) processing via a control device for activating the ignition switch at an ignition time in dependence on the processed alternating current half waves and/or on the state of the internal combustion engine; and (3) the power supply for the control device (U8), and an operating mode for switching combustion off for the engine, whereby by means of the control device, the ignition switch is guided over less than the time span that is needed for a complete revolution of the magnetic generator.

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 capacitor-discharge-type ignition device for an internal combustion engine, comprising: an exciter coil that generates an AC voltage having a positive half-wave voltage and first and second negative half-wave voltages present before and after the positive half-wave voltage synchronously with rotation of the engine; ignition-position detection time data calculating means that arithmetically operates as ignition position detection time data, the time period that is required for the engine to rotate from the generating position of the second negative half-wave voltage to an ignition position suitable in starting period, at the rotational speed of the engine that is obtained from time period from generation of the first negative half-wave voltage to the generation of the second negative half-wave voltage, and from an angle between the generating position of the first negative half-wave voltage and that of the second negative half-wave voltage, wherein a crank angle position when the measurement of the arithmeti

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system for initiating combustion during cold- and hot-ignition of an internal combustion engine requiring minimal mechanical energy input. The capacitive discharge ignition system includes a magneto having a rotor, a first capacitive discharge device electrically connected to the magneto and to an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine and a second capacitive discharge device electrically connected to the first capacitive discharge device, and to the ignition coil. A mechanical startup mechanism, such as a pull-type or kick-type device, is connected to the magneto and adapted to initiate rotation of the rotor, and thereby combustion within the engine. An energy storage device is electrically connected to the second capacitive discharge device and to the magneto. The energy storage device is adapted to store energy generated by the magneto during rotation of the rotor and to provide energy to the ignition coil of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition device for an internal combustion engine including an ignition capacitor that is charged with a positive half cycle of an output voltage of an exciter coil, a thyristor that is triggered by a negative half cycle of an output voltage of the exciter coil when the internal combustion engine is ignited to discharge charges stored in the ignition capacitor through a primary coil of an ignition coil, and a reverse bias circuit that applies a reverse bias voltage between a gate and a cathode of the thyristor when a current flowing from the exciter coil through the thyristor is detected and when a charging current of the ignition capacitor is detected.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of ignition systems and specifically a combined charging and triggering device that utilizes a single winding and a core having a pair of ends that are juxtaposed to a rotating magnet. A number of different embodiments are illustrated in combination with CDI ignition circuits and in one embodiment the necessity of diodes in the circuit is eliminated.

Abstract: An improved capacitive discharge ignition system utilizes a permanent magnet assembly revolving in synchronism with operation of an internal combustion engine to generate spark energy. The relatively high voltage necessary to initiate an ignition spark is produced by application of a capacitive discharge voltage to the primary coil of a step-up transformer. The ignition spark is initiated in timed relationship when a voltage otherwise induced on the secondary coil of the step-up transformer by revolution of the magnet assembly exceeds a characteristic spark sustaining potential. Longer spark duration at lower engine speeds is provided by configuring the discharge circuit such that no more than a negligible current flows in the charge coil during the time in which the sustaining potential is being utilized to maintain the spark. In some exemplary constructions, the discharge voltage may be triggered by a voltage divider network electrically connected across the primary coil.

Abstract: Capacitor discharge ignition system having a microprocessor disposed thereon to control the ignition timing of the system. The system has a generator coil, a primary coil and a secondary coil on the same leg portion of a ferromagnetic core. An electronic circuit associated with the microprocessor includes a capacitor adapted to be charged by an intermediate pulse generated by the charge coil with the leading and trailing pulses thereof being input to control the operation of the microprocessor. The circuit also includes an SCR having its anode-cathode path connected in circuit with the capacitor and primary coil and its gate connected to an output port of the microprocessor which also includes an input port to power the microprocessor from the charge coil. Another port of the microprocessor is adapted to receive timing reference inputs from the charge coil.

Abstract: A capacitor ignition system for internal combustion engines, particularly for lawn mowers, chain saws, abrasive cutting-off machines, etc., has a magnetic generator for triggering a primary firing pulse generator to charge a capacitor. An electronic switch discharges the capacitor via the primary winding of the ignition coil. The primary pulse generator controls a tachometer to address a stored characteristic ignition field program to thereby provide an rpm-dependent delay in the firing pulse relative to the magnetic generator pulse. The characteristic ignition field program has different advance curves for the same rpm under different operating conditions. A switching-over device monitors the operating state of the engine in order to switch over from a starting igntion advance curve to an operating ignition advance curve and back again. The starting ignition advance curve and operating ignition advance curve overlap in a region of the rpm which has the idling rpm as the upper limit.

Abstract: Inductive rotary emitter for controlling the instant of ignition of internal combustion engines, has a coil with a permanent magnet core and a yoke wheel turned by a shaft. Circumferentially distributed projecting, spaced, tooth-like segments on the yoke wheel are moved past the magnet poles for voltage induction. Tangentially adjacent tooth segments are at differently spaced intervals from one another.

Abstract: Capacitor ignition systems for internal combustion engines in which a charging winding forms part of an ignition coil and a primary winding is connected in circuit with the charging winding to contribute to capacitor charging. In one embodiment, the secondary winding is also connected in circuit with the charging winding which contributes to development of an output voltage. Circuit components are provided for insuring a high output voltage while protecting a charging diode against excessive inverse voltage during ignition and for protecting the gate of a thyristor switch from an excessive negative voltage.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system for a magneto-operated internal combustion engine eliminates Zener diodes as nonlinear elements for control of the advance and employs a unilateral switch utilizing a diode feedback element to provide a logarithmic response for controlling a SCR which is thereby triggered into conduction to discharge a capacitor and fire a sparkplug.

Abstract: An ignition system of an internal combustion engine including a bypass circuit having a switch capable of being closed to cause a current produced by a counter electromotive force generated by a first generating coil to bypass a thyristor, and a second generating coil located anterior to the first generating coil with respect to the direction of rotation of a rotary member supporting a permanent magnet, to generate an electromotive force under the influences of the permanent magnet to cause the thyristor to turn on.

Abstract: An electronic ignition circuit for a magneto engine utilizes a nonlinear network which responds to the low voltage signal developed in the magneto to control an electronic switch triggering the discharge of a capacitor through a high voltage coil for firing the spark plug so that the system provides automatic advance by virtue of the shift in response to the magneto signal in the nonlinear circuit.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition system is provided with an improved control circuit to achieve predetermined ignition timing characteristics over the range of engine speed operation. In one arrangement the improved control circuit provides engine speed control by introducing a relatively abrupt or stepped ignition timing retard characteristic when a predetermined engine speed is exceeded. If the engine speed increases above the predetermined speed at which the ignition retard characteristic is introduced, additional retarding of the ignition timing is provided. In another arrangement, the control circuit provides an abrupt or stepped ignition timing advance characteristic when a predetermined ignition speed is exceeded. In yet another arrangement, the control circuit first provides the stepped advance as a first predetermined speed is exceeded and then provides a retard characteristic as a second predetermined speed is exceeded greater than the first predetermined speed.

Abstract: An ignition system of the condensor-discharge type for an internal combustion engine is disclosed which is capable of preventing delay of the ignition position at a high engine speed due to an armature reaction and preventing generation of ignition spark at reverse rotation of the engine without using a signal coil for determining the ignition position.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition system is provided with a control arrangement to prevent operation of an engine at excessive speeds. For example, when the engine exceeds a predetermined speed of operation, the control arrangement is effective to terminate the generation of the ignition firing pulses to the spark plug of the engine. The control arrangement includes a capacitor connected at one end to the cathode of an SCR switching device that controls the discharge of a charging capacitor into an ignition coil. The other end of the capacitor is connected in the triggering circuit of the SCR. The capacitor discharge ignition system is arranged to charge the charging capacitor during a first half cycle of operation of one polarity and subsequently to discharge the capacitor into the ignition coil by triggering the SCR during the following half cycle of operation of opposite polarity.

Abstract: A two-stroke cycle internal combustion engine has a sustained power stroke which results from delayed mixing of a stratified charge. Use of delayed mixing of an overall stoichiometric air-fuel mixture results in formation of a low amount of the oxides of nitrogen. Delayed mixing of a stratified charge is achieved by placement of a Helmholtz resonator cavity in the piston and peripherally just below the crown thereof. The Helmholtz resonator cavity communicates with the combustion chamber via a narrow slot made by undercutting the top edge of the piston. A port type intake valve is used. Pressurized air passing through the intake port during the exhaust phase of the cycle streams past the undercut top edge of the piston. After the engine cylinder has received a charge of fresh air the compression stroke is begun and the main chamber is filled with a slight fuel-rich gaseous charge. The companion Helmholtz resonator cavity receives only an air charge from the intake port.

Abstract: An ignition system of the capacitor discharge type and capable of preventing overrunning of an internal combustion engine includes a control circuit to render a switching transistor connected to a gate-cathode circuit of a main thyristor conductive for a predetermined period of time to interrupt a backward or reverse phase voltage generated by a magneto and serving as an ignition signal for the main thyristor from being applied thereto. The control circuit includes an integrator circuit connected in parallel with a constant voltage source to develop a voltage increasing with time and includes a voltage divider of the constant voltage source to provide a reference voltage. A transistor circuit of the control circuit compares the output voltage of the integrator circuit and the output voltage of the voltage divider and the transistor circuit maintains a control signal to be applied to the transistor circuit until the output of the integrator circuit reaches the reference voltage of the divider.

Abstract: Breakerless capacitor discharge ignition system for internal combustion engines in which a charge coil and ignition coil are disposed on ferromagnetic core. A changing flux is established by rotation of permanent magnets past the core. The charge coil is connected to charge a capacitor in circuit with a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) for discharging the capacitor through the primary winding of an ignition transformer. The charge coil and transformer are wound on the core such that voltages of opposite polarity are simultaneously induced therein by the changing magnetic flux. A half way voltage of one polarity charges the capacitor and a voltage of opposite polarity induced in the secondary winding by the changing magnetic flux triggers the SCR to its conductive state discharging voltage stored on said capacitor through the primary winding of the ignition coil.

Abstract: An ignition system for internal combustion engines in which a capacitor is charged at each one-polarity half-cycle of the output of a magneto generator and then the capacitor is discharged through a thyristor and a primary coil of an ignition coil when the thyristor is turned on. To turn on the thyristor, a gate-cathode current is supplied through a semiconductor switching element from an auxiliary capacitor which is charged by a timing generator which generates an output prior to only a predetermined ignition time. Although the semiconductor switching element is turned on by an ignition signal generating means, for example, a transformer, when the transformer produces an ignition signal at each the other-polarity half-cycle of the magneto generator output, the gate-cathode current is supplied to the thyristor only when the auxiliary capacitor has been charged by the timing generator.