Inductive Capacitive Discharge System Patents (Class 123/604)
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Patent number: 11473549Abstract: An object is to reduce the required numbers of connector pins and A/D converters, without degrading the detection accuracy. There is provided an ignition apparatus which includes: ignition plugs provided for multiple cylinders; an ignition coil provided for each cylinder, and having a primary coil and a secondary coil magnetically coupled to the primary coil and connected to the ignition plug; switching devices each for switching between application and shut-off of current to the primary coil; a primary-voltage-signal separator provided for each cylinder, for inputting thereto a voltage of the primary coil and outputting the voltage as a primary signal; a primary-signal combiner for electrically combining together each primary signal corresponding to each cylinder, to thereby output a composite primary signal; and a primary-voltage-information detector for inputting thereto the composite primary signal, to thereby output primary voltage information of each cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Toshifumi Nakamura, Takahiko Inada
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Patent number: 11378051Abstract: An ignition control device includes an ignition coil, a main ignition circuit unit for performing a main ignition operation, and an energy input circuit unit for performing an energy input operation. A main ignition signal generation circuit generates a main ignition signal such that a point in time when a waiting time has passed from a detection start time of a first signal of an ignition control signal at which a signal level of the ignition control signal changed from a first level to a second level for the first time, and the signal level of the ignition control signal is the second level, is a start of the main ignition signal, and a detection end time of a second signal of the ignition control signal at which the signal level of the ignition control signal shifts to the first level thereafter is an end of the main ignition signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2021Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Masashi Irie
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Patent number: 11361900Abstract: The present invention relates to an ignition coil for generating a high-voltage pulse with a superimposed high-frequency voltage. The ignition coil comprises a first coil arranged on the primary side, a second coil arranged on the secondary side, a magnetic core and a third coil. The windings of the first coil and of the second coil are wound around the magnetic core. The second coil and the third coil are electrically connected to one another. A high-frequency terminal, which receives the high-frequency voltage, is electrically connected to the second coil and to the third coil.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Martin Fuchs, Steffen Thies
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Patent number: 11128110Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology comprise a method and apparatus for an ignition system. In various embodiments, the ignition system activates a soft shutdown of an ignition coil in the event of an over dwell condition. The apparatus comprises a first counter and a second counter that are selectively activated at predetermined events. An output of the second counter controls the value of a reference current that decreases linearly over time and wherein a rate of change of the reference current may be adjusted according to a frequency of a clock signal. In various embodiments, the soft shutdown operates independent of the supply voltage and temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Yasunori Yamamoto, Mikio Yamagishi, Yoshitaka Matsumoto
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Patent number: 10968880Abstract: Circuits and methods for controlling a coil current are disclosed. The control utilizes current sources to source/sink charge to/from a capacitance of a switching device to turn the switching device ON/OFF. When turned OFF, the switching device blocks coil current from flowing, which can create a large kickback voltage on the coil. To reduce the large kickback voltage, the capacitance can be discharged slowly by a small discharge current. The disclosed circuits and methods provide a gradual reduction of the coil current at a rate that is slow enough to prevent a spark while minimizing a period for shutdown to prevent overheating. The disclosed systems and methods may be simpler than other approaches because the soft shutdown is no ramp signal is required for the reduction. Instead, a rate of gate capacitance discharge is controlled to maintain the kickback voltage at a particular level.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Mikio Yamagishi
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Patent number: 10794354Abstract: In an ignition control apparatus, a control unit controls switching elements so as to supply a primary current to the other end side of a primary winding opposite to one end thereof connected to a DC power source by discharging (which is performed by turning on a second switching element stored energy from a capacitor during ignition discharge (which is started by turning off a first switching element. In particular, the control unit controls the second switching element or the third switching element so as to provide variability to the amount of stored energy discharged from the capacitor according to an operating state of an internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Satoru Nakayama, Makoto Toriyama, Akimitsu Sugiura, Masahiro Ishitani, Yuuki Kondou
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Patent number: 9985452Abstract: A discharge circuit for a high-voltage bus that is electrically connected to a high-voltage DC power source is described. The discharge circuit includes a discharge switch electrically connected in series with a discharge resistor between positive and negative conductors of the high-voltage bus, and the discharge switch includes a gate. A bi-stable switch includes a control gate, an input line that is electrically connected to the high-voltage bus and an output line that is electrically connected to the gate of the discharge switch. A trigger device is in communication with the control gate of the bi-stable switch. The input line of the bi-stable switch is electrically connected to the high-voltage bus, and the discharge switch is controllable to a closed state to provide an electric current flow path through the discharge resistor between the positive and negative conductors of the high-voltage bus in response to an activation signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Andrew J. Namou, Mohammad N. Anwar, Ahmad Albanna, Syed M. Kadry
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Patent number: 9822753Abstract: An ignition control device includes a control unit to control first to third switching elements so that during ignition discharge, which is started by turning off the first switching element, energy stored on a capacitor is discharged by turning off the third switching element and turning on the second switching element for supplying a primary current to an end of a primary winding opposite to an end thereof connected to a direct-current power supply. During inductive discharge of a spark plug, the control unit non-intermittently turns on the second switching element so that the second switching element is turned on over a successive energy input time period, according to the operating conditions of an internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2014Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Masahiro Ishitani, Akimitsu Sugiura, Makoto Toriyama, Satoru Nakayama, Yuuki Kondou
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Patent number: 9784230Abstract: An ignition system includes: a step-up transformer having a primary side and a secondary side; an electric energy source which is able to be connected to the primary side; a spark gap, which is designed to carry a current transferred to the secondary side by the step-up transformer. The step-up transformer has a bypass for transferring electric energy from the electric energy source to the secondary side. The bypass is designed to support a decaying electrical signal in the secondary coil of the high-voltage generator as of a predefined time, or as of a predefined intensity of the current being reached.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Thomas Pawlak, Tim Skowronek
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Patent number: 9651016Abstract: An ignition system includes: a step-up transformer having a primary side and a secondary side; an electrical energy source configured to be selectably connected to the primary side; a spark gap which is configured to guide a current transferred by the step-up transformer to the secondary side. The step-up transformer has a bypass for transferring electrical energy from the electrical energy source to the secondary side. The ignition system is configured to couple electrical energy in series or in parallel to the secondary side of the high voltage generator for the purpose of maintaining an ignition spark as an electrical voltage in the form of a controlled pulse sequence, e.g., within the kilo-hertz range.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Thomas Pawlak, Tim Skowronek
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Patent number: 9429321Abstract: An electrical circuit for ignition system for jet engines comprises: main inverter, secondary inverter, main Diode, Secondary Diode, main capacitor, secondary capacitor, controller, main transformer, secondary transformer, transistor, wire connection to electrode and wire connections to the power source and switch.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventor: Anatoly Zacarchuk
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Patent number: 9359935Abstract: The application relates to spark initiation under varied aircharge density and composition. An engine is disclosed comprising at least two cylinders with spark plugs therein; an integrated exhaust manifold, the integrated exhaust manifold having a wall portion and an adjustable shutoff element within the wall portion wherein the wall portion divides exhaust pipes of the at least two cylinders and the adjustable shutoff element allows exhaust gas from a first cylinder into an exhaust pipe of an adjacent cylinder. Hot exhaust gas may be taken into an adjacent cylinder serving as ignition gas and allowing the engine of the present disclosure to undergo spark ignition at low loads, or autoignition at high loads.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Albert Breuer, Moritz Klaus Springer
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Patent number: 8776769Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Yuji Kajita
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Patent number: 8387597Abstract: A high-voltage generator device, including an inductive-capacitive resonator capable of producing a high voltage, a mechanism generating a high-frequency control pulse train, a voltage source, a capacitor, and a voltage generator including a switching transistor, the control electrode of which is connected to the output of the mechanism generating the high-frequency control pulse train, the source of the switching transistor being connect to ground, and the drain of the switching transistor being capable of delivering a voltage pulse train to the inductive-capacitive resonator in response to the control pulse train received on the control electrode of the switching transistor. The drain of the switching transistor is connected to the inductive-capacitive resonator via an isolating transformer, the isolating transformer being connected in parallel with a capacitor, the isolating transformer also being connected to the voltage source.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Renault S.A.S.Inventors: Paulo Barrosso, Clement Nouvel
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Patent number: 8049399Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Enerpulse, Inc.Inventor: Louis S. Camilli
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Patent number: 7819109Abstract: Ignition apparatus includes high tension ignition cable. The cable is of low electrical resistance per unit length. A central core of the cable is formed of carbon fibre filaments. An insulating layer is provided around the core. A semiconductor layer is provided around the insulating layer. Another insulating layer is provided around the semiconductor layer. A layer of yarn around the other insulating layer forms a protecting layer. A protective layer of a flame retardant material forms an outer layer of the cable. The ignition apparatus also includes one or more of: a field stabilizer device for stabilizing and regulating high tension voltage in the cable; resistor spark plugs; connectors fitted to ends of the cable that include resistors therein, such as resistor spark plug boots.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: Luk Mui (Joe) Lam
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Patent number: 7712458Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: SEM AktiebolagInventor: Johan Olsson
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Patent number: 7665451Abstract: Ignition apparatus 10 includes high tension ignition cable 56. The cable 56 is of low electrical resistance per unit length. A central core 100 of the cable 56 is formed of carbon fiber filaments. An insulating layer 110 is provided around the core 100. A semiconductor layer 120 is provided around the insulating layer 110. Another insulating layer 130 is provided around the semiconductor layer 120. A layer of yarn around the other insulating layer 130 forms a protecting layer 140. A protective layer 150 of a flame retardant material forms an outer layer of the cable 56. The ignition apparatus 10 also includes one or more of: a field stabilizer device 30 for stabilizing and regulating high tension voltage in the cable 56; resistor spark plugs 60; connectors fitted to ends of the cable 56 that include resistors therein, such as resistor spark plug boots.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Inventor: Joe Luk Mui Lam
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Patent number: 7552724Abstract: A multi-spark ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes ignition coils each of which is mounted on one of spark plugs of an engine, an energy storing circuit, switching elements that repeatedly discharge electric energy stored by the energy storing circuit into the primary coil of the ignition coils; and a control circuit that controls the energy storing circuit and the switching elements according to consolidated signals each of which includes an energy storing command signal for storing electric energy into the energy storing circuit and a joint energy discharging period command signal for discharging the electric energy by the one of the spark plugs.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Yuuki Yamauchi
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Publication number: 20090050122Abstract: An induction driven ignition system with an electrode projecting into the combustion chamber of a reciprocating internal combustion engine. The electrode is adjacent to but electrically insulated from an electrical conductor which receives current at frequencies between 100 kHz to 500 kHz. Thermal insulation is also provided between the electrode and adjacent structure of the head. The induction driven ignition system causes the electrodes to rapidly and accurately heat up to very high temperatures. The electrodes may be formed in elongated edges throughout the combustion chamber to provide combustion initiation over a wide area.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: John M. Storm
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Patent number: 7404396Abstract: In a multiple discharge ignition control apparatus, a battery, an energy storage coil and a first IGBT are connected in series. Further, the energy storage coil, a diode, a primary coil and a second IGBT are connected in series. The energy storage coil is connected with a capacitor through the diode, and a secondary coil is connected with a spark plug and a resistor for current detection. An ignition control circuit switches the IGBTs between ON and OFF each time the secondary current detected by the resistor reaches a positive or negative discharge holding current in multiple discharge operation. A booster circuit is provided in addition to the energy storage coil and its output is feedback-controlled.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Makoto Toriyama, Yuki Yamauchi
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Publication number: 20080141986Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Atsuya MIZUTANI
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Publication number: 20070267004Abstract: A multi-spark ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes ignition coils each of which is mounted on one of spark plugs of an engine, an energy storing circuit, switching elements that repeatedly discharge electric energy stored by the energy storing circuit into the primary coil of the ignition coils; and a control circuit that controls the energy storing circuit and the switching elements according to consolidated signals each of which includes an energy storing command signal for storing electric energy into the energy storing circuit and a joint energy discharging period command signal for discharging the electric energy by the one of the spark plugs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Yuuki Yamauchi
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Patent number: 7121270Abstract: An ignition system providing power and duration controlled ignition spark, comprises a spark controller, first switching energy accumulator, storage capacitor, and second switching energy accumulator with an ignition coil. The ignition system utilizes dual means of switching energy accumulation, internal energy transfer, and three means of energy release to the ignition spark, working in all possible combinations managed by means of the spark controller depending on engine operating conditions, and provides continuous bipolar ignition spark. Spark profile is regulated by means of control signals (2) and (3) based on their frequency, duty cycle, interrelation, and running time.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: VimX Technologies Inc.Inventor: Alexander Plotnikov
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Patent number: 7100589Abstract: A multi-spark type ignition system for an internal combustion engine has a compact energy storage coil. The multi-spark type ignition system includes a energy storage coil, an energy storage capacitor, a first power transistor that switches on or off supply of electric energy from a battery and the electric energy from the energy storage coil to the energy storage capacitor, a second power transistor connected to the energy storage capacitor and to an ignition coil and an external resistor, connected between the energy storage coil and the first power transistor so as to bypass the energy storage capacitor. The second power transistor switches on or off the primary current. The external resistor limits current flowing through the first power transistor, thereby limiting temperature rise of the first power transistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Makoto Toriyama
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Patent number: 6805109Abstract: Ignition systems of the kind used to ignite a difficult-to-ignite fuel oil by using energy stored in a capacitor at a breakdown for creating an ignition arc at the electrodes of a resistive arc probe, having a semiconductor resistive film across spark electrodes of the resistive arc probe, designed to preclude interference of contaminants with conduction of an ignition arc across an established current path between the electrodes of the resistive arc probe. An air gap and a resistive arc probe are connected in series. A first high voltage power supply develops a first direct current voltage across a capacitor, which is supplied as a voltage across the air gap and the resistive arc probe. A second high voltage power supply supplies a second pulsed voltage across the air gap and the resistive arc probe, wherein the second pulsed voltage is substantially higher than the first direct current voltage, and the second pulsed voltage jumps the gap of the air gap and thus initiates an ignition arc.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Inventor: Thomas L. Cowan
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Publication number: 20040050377Abstract: Ignition systems of the kind used to ignite a difficult-to-ignite fuel oil by using energy stored in a capacitor at a breakdown for creating an ignition arc at the electrodes of a resistive arc probe, having a semiconductor resistive film across spark electrodes of the resistive arc probe, designed to preclude interference of contaminants with conduction of an ignition arc across an established current path between the electrodes of the resistive arc probe. An air gap and a resistive arc probe are connected in series. A first high voltage power supply develops a first direct current voltage across a capacitor, which is supplied as a voltage across the air gap and the resistive arc probe. A second high voltage power supply supplies a second pulsed voltage across the air gap and the resistive arc probe, wherein the second pulsed voltage is substantially higher than the first direct current voltage, and the second pulsed voltage jumps the gap of the air gap and thus initiates an ignition arc.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventor: Thomas L. Cowan
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Patent number: 6701904Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises a converter transformer, an ignition transformer, a first triggerable switch S1, the primary winding of the ignition transformer and the storage capacitor being connected in series through the triggerable switch, a spark plug connected in series with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer, a source of direct current and a second triggerable switch S2 connected in series the primary of the converter transformer, and a circuit to control the first and second triggerable switches in synchronism with the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Altronic, Inc.Inventor: Joseph M. Lepley
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Patent number: 6647974Abstract: Ignition systems of the kind used to ignite a difficult-to-ignite fuel oil by using energy stored in a capacitor at a breakdown for creating an ignition arc at the electrodes of a spark plug, designed to preclude interference of contaminants with conduction of an ignition arc across an established current path between the electrodes of the spark plug. An air gap and a sparkplug are connected in series, wherein the sparkplug produces an ignition arc in a fuel to be ignited. A first high voltage power supply develops a first direct current voltage across the capacitor, which is supplied as a voltage across the air gap and the spark plug.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventor: Thomas L. Cowan
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Patent number: 6545415Abstract: A high efficiency high voltage ignition coil with segmented high voltage bobbin (15) with the last few bays (16,17,18) having fewer secondary winding turns than the average and thicker flanges separating the bays, and further including an inductor (20) of inductance at least 0.5 mH with a core material which is lossy in the 100 KHz to 1 MHz range, the inductor located between the end of the high voltage winding and the spark gap (7b) so as to reduce the peak voltages across the last few high voltage bays immediately following the spark gap breakdown.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Inventor: Michael A. V. Ward
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Publication number: 20020170547Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises a converter transformer, an ignition transformer, a first triggerable switch S1, the primary winding of the ignition transformer and the storage capacitor being connected in series through the triggerable switch, a spark plug connected in series with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer, a source of direct current and a second triggerable switch S2 connected in series the primary of the converter transformer, and a circuit to control the first and second triggerable switches in synchronism with the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Applicant: Altronic, Inc.Inventor: Joseph M. Lepley
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Patent number: 6414468Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: Robert E. Weber, Henry C. Dozier
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Patent number: 6305365Abstract: An ignition apparatus for a gasoline engine of independent cylinder type with low-voltage wiring has no distributor, and a CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignitor) is employed to improve the ignition characteristic of lean mixture. In order to lengthen a discharge time of the ignition apparatus of CDI type, the primary winding of a transformer in series with a switching element is connected in parallel to a capacitor, the ends of which are connected to a DC power supply. The switching element includes an IGBT and a diode connected in parallel to each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuo Maeoka, Yoshimasa Yabu
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Patent number: 6140717Abstract: A method and device for switching an inductor are described. A first terminal of the inductor may be connected to ground via a first switching device. A second terminal of the inductor is always connected to a voltage power supply. A second inductor may be connected to ground via a second switching device. The energy released in the second inductor when the current flow is interrupted is used to switch the first inductor.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Werner Fischer, Birte Luebbert, Viktor Kahr, Traugott Degler, Hubert Greif, Stephan Jonas
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Patent number: 6052002Abstract: An ignition system has several charging circuits connected to a common input circuit and controlled by a common triggering unit to fire respective igniters. The input circuit has a voltage source connected across a first capacitor, which provides the output terminals of the source. Each charging circuit has a second capacitor connected in series with one end of an inductance. A tapping of the inductance is connected to an input of the charging circuit via a diode and a thyristor, controlled by the triggering unit. The output of the charging circuit is provided by one electrode of the second capacitor and the opposite end of the inductance.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Smiths Industries Public Limited CompanyInventor: Richard Arthur George Kinge
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Patent number: 5947093Abstract: An improved high energy high efficiency hybrid capacitive/inductive ignition system with one or coils Ti for internal combustion engines employing one or more energy storage capacitor means (4) shunted by diode means (9), with high leakage inductor means (3a) of coils Ti with which have their primary (1a) and secondary (1b) windings wound side-by-side on a single segmented bobbin 72, unidirectional switches Si for each coil Ti which are preferably IGBTs, and high efficiency shunt diode/switch means SDi for each coil Ti shunting the primary winding of each coil Ti, so that, following production of an initial quarter cycle capacitive spark with peak current in the 0.2 to 3 amp arc discharge range, there is a decaying inductive unidirectional flow-resistant spark flowing through shunt switch means SDi.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Ignition Systems International, LLC.Inventor: Michael A. V. Ward
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Patent number: 5720252Abstract: A spark ignition system of an internal combustion engine has a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from each other operating at high voltages to produce a spark in a combustion zone of the engine. The construction of the system permits the formation of long length sparks with a train of electrical pulses having a shortened total burst duration having higher power while using lower energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Rodney G. Blodgett, Anthony K. Chan, George Codina, Teala D. Lavell
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Patent number: 5621278Abstract: A charging circuit charges a first capacitor to a first voltage and a second capacitor, via a potential divider to a second voltage smaller than the first voltage. A trigger circuit repeatedly triggers a thyristor which discharges the second capacitor into the primary winding of a pulse transformer whose secondary winding is connected across a diode in series with the first capacitor between output terminals.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1994Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Lucas Industries Public Limited CompanyInventor: Martin J. Chambers
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Patent number: 5513618Abstract: Apparatus and method for a plasma discharge for ignition in an internal combustion engine. A digital electronic system controls ignition performance and can provide an ignition discharge throughout an entire power stroke of a piston in a cylinder. The discharge can be controlled by a signal from a conventional distributor, crank trigger or other source. Controllable discharge of a capacitor occurs through the primary winding of an ignition coil. In addition, the capacitor may be both discharged and recharged in an oscillatory manner through the primary of the ignition coil. Such oscillatory discharging and recharging of the capacitor results in energy being delivered to the spark plug during both discharge and recharge cycles, thereby resulting in the delivery of discharge energy to the spark plug on a substantially continuous basis.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Enox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Stanley R. Rich, deceased, Shirley C. Rich, executrix
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Patent number: 5220901Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes a booster coil 21 and a transistor 22 for generating a boosted voltage; a circuit 15A for generating a switching signal for the transistor in response to an ignition signal; first and second condensers 7, 8 for charging with the boosted voltage; an ignition coil 10 to whose secondary a spark plug is connected; a thyristor 13 forming a first closed discharge circuit with the first condenser and the ignition coil primary, which is turned on in synchronism with the ignition signal; and an inductor 9 forming a second closed circuit with the second condenser, the ignition coil primary and the thyristor. The discharge energy of the second condenser stored in the inductor is supplied to the ignition coil primary to extend the discharge time at the spark plug. A delay circuit 16 prevents the transistor from turning on during the extended discharge time, thus establishing a third closed inductor discharge path through the booster coil.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1992Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shingo Morita, Takafumi Narishige, Mitsuru Koiwa
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Patent number: 5215066Abstract: An LCDI-type ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes first and second capacitors connected to an ignition coil and a voltage source for generating a charging voltage for the capacitors. The first capacitor is for producing an initial discharge of a spark plug, and the second capacitor is for lengthening the discharge of the spark plug after discharge has been initiated by the first capacitor. In one form of the invention, the second capacitor is charged only after the first capacitor has been charged by the voltage source to a prescribed voltage sufficient to produce a suitable discharge of the spark plug. As a result, even when the engine is operating at a high rotational speed and the time between consecutive firings of the engine is small, an adequate ignition voltage can be obtained. In another form of the invention, the charging voltage(s) of one or both of the capacitors is or are varied in accordance with the one or more engine operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1992Date of Patent: June 1, 1993Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takafumi Narishige, Shingo Morita, Mitsuru Koiwa
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Patent number: 5193515Abstract: An ignition system for two ignition current circuits including a condenser to supply the ignition current to the plug. The ignition current circuits provide the ignition current to the plug alternately in response to an ignition timing signal so that the first and second current circuit to supply the ignition current constantly.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1992Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuyuki Oota, Yasutoshi Yamada
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Patent number: 5074274Abstract: An ignition system for internal combustion engines comprising an ignition coil (38), a power circuit (30) including a converter for converting the output of a battery (31) into a high voltage, a capacitor (37) arranged at the primary side of the ignition coil (38) and charged by the output from the power circuit (30), a discharging control thyristor (41) which conducts at a spark-timing of an internal combustion engine to discharge electric charges in the capacit of (37) into the primary winding (38a) of the ignition coil (38) and converter control means (49, 52) which makes the converter inactive earlier than the input of a trigger signal to the gate of the thyristor (41) by a first predetermined time (t.sub.1), and which makes the converter active again in a second predetermined time (t.sub.2) since the thyristor (41) has been triggered to conduct.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1991Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Okuda
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Patent number: 5056496Abstract: An ignition system of multispark type having an ignitability superior to that of a combination an ignition system of capacitor discharge type and a multispark system is disclosed. A first control signal is generated for turning on a first switching device a predetermined time before an ignition timing to store energy in an energy storage coil and turning off the first switching device at the ignition timing. A multispark control signal is generated for turning on a second switching device from the ignition timing and turning on and off the first and second switching devices alternately for a predetermined spark period. A second control signal is generated for turning on the first switching device upon the turning off of the second switching device to store energy in the energy storage coil and then turning off the first switching device to charge a capacitor with the energy stored in the energy storage coil.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Morino, Yasuhito Takasu, Kozo Takamura, Masato Somiya
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Patent number: 5032969Abstract: An improved turbine engine igniter exciter circuit. An oscillator circuit drives the primary winding of a transformer for charging a capacitor to a predetermined voltage greater than the voltage required to sustain a spark discharge at an igniter but less than the voltage required to establish a spark discharge at the igniter. A timing circuit periodically triggers an SCR to discharge a portion of the energy stored in the capacitor through the primary winding of a step up transformer to create a short duration high voltage ignition pulse for establishing the spark discharge. The remaining lower voltage energy in the capacitor sustains the spark discharge for a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1990Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventors: Frederick W. Eggers, LeRoy B. Adam
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Patent number: 4967718Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises a direct-current supply, at least one spark plug, an ignition coil with a primary winding and a secondary winding for connection to the supply and to the at least one plug, respectively, a first electronic switch between the primary winding and the supply, an inductor between the supply and the primary winding of the coil, a capacitor in parallel with the circuit branch including the primary winding and the first switch, a second electronic switch between the inductor and the supply and adapted to disconnect the circuit downstream of the inductor from the supply in its closed condition, and an electronic unit which controls the first and second switches in a predetermined manner.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1989Date of Patent: November 6, 1990Assignee: Marelli Autronica S.p.A.Inventor: Michele Scarnera
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Patent number: 4964377Abstract: In a first operative mode, the control unit first causes energy to be stored by the inductor and then connects the inductor to the capacitor so as to form a resonance circuit whose energy is discharged into the primary winding of the coil in order to generate a spark. In a second operative mode, the unit causes a plurality of cycles to be effected to charge the capacitor so as to increase the voltage across its terminals at each cycle and the capacitor is then discharged into the primary winding of the ignition coil in order to generate the spark.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1989Date of Patent: October 23, 1990Assignee: Marelli Autronica S.p.A.Inventor: Michele Scarnera
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Patent number: 4951625Abstract: An internal combustion engine stop device comprises a power generation winding for generating electric power corresponding to the rotation of an engine and charging a capacitor for an ignition winding; and a stop circuit for bringing the output of the power generation winding to a short-circuit state based on the actuation of the stop switch, wherein the stop switch is of a self-reset type, and wherein the stop circuit is constituted by a self-holding circuit for keeping the short-circuit state based on the actuation of the stop switch, and a delay circuit for actuating the self-holding circuit when a switched state of the stop switch is kept for a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1989Date of Patent: August 28, 1990Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Okuda
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Patent number: 4892080Abstract: A high-energy ignition system for an internal combustion engine in which both magnetic and electrical energy stored in an energy storage coil and in a capacitor are supplied to the primary winding of an ignition coil at a predetermined timing. When a first or second switching device is turned off, the capacitor is charged with the energy stored in advance in the energy storage coil, and upon subsequent turning on of the first switching device, energy is stored in the energy storage coil from a DC power supply. At substantially the same time as the turning off of the first switching device at an ignition timing, the second switching device is turned on to supply the primary winding with the energy stored in the energy storage coil and the capacitor. Alternatively, the capacitor is charged with the energy stored in advance in the energy storage coil through the primary winding of the ignition coil and a charging diode at the time of turning off of the second switching device.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1988Date of Patent: January 9, 1990Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Morino, Satoru Kawamoto, Yoshihiro Yoshitani, Toshio Sugimoto, Toshio Nariki
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Patent number: 4839772Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of ignition voltage to a spark plug within an ingition system of an automobile includes an integrated circuit inverter for converting DC power source voltage into a high frequency voltage which is stepped-up by a transformer and rectified to charge a capacitor. The charge stored on the capacitor is discharged by applying a trigger pulse to a silicon controlled rectifier, through a high voltage ignition coil for igniting the spark gap of a spark plug. The trigger pulse is produced by a timing control circuit which utilizes a pre-existing timing signal of the ignition system to produce the trigger pulse. The secondary voltage of the ignition coil produces between 20,000 and 60,000 volts.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1988Date of Patent: June 13, 1989Assignee: Bang H. MoInventors: Hyeong I. Choi, Keh-Kun Choi