Abstract: 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.

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 igniter for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The igniter may have a body, and a pre-combustion chamber integral with the body and having at least one orifice. The igniter may also have at least one electrode associated with the pre-combustion chamber. The at least one electrode may be configured to direct RF energy to lower an ignition breakdown voltage requirement of an air and fuel mixture in the pre-combustion chamber. The RF energy alone may be insufficient to ignite and sustain combustion of the air and fuel mixture. The at least one electrode may also be configured to generate an arc that extends to an internal wall of the pre-combustion chamber and ignites the air and fuel mixture.

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: The device is an impulse generator which produces very high-frequency pulses. The device is installed along the primary circuit of the ignition system. The high-frequency pulses running through the primary circuit will induce similarly high-frequency pulses on the secondary circuit via the ignition coil. The induced high-frequency pulses then run though the spark plugs via the secondary circuit. These pulses will not add to additional burden to the ignition system but can effectively prevent the build-up of electrically resistive materials, especially the deposits on the spark plugs.

Abstract: The catalyzer is applicable in the ignition of gasoline engines of transportation vehicles, generates, stand alone and stationary machines and others. Its advantage is that it has a higher quality of the ignition and an increased efficiency. The first version of the electronic high frequency plasma catalyzer by standard ignition with a mechanical distributor consists of a constant current power supply—battery (1) and a standard ignition system of the petrol engine, which contains a microprocessor (2) with a built in it electronic switch (K). To the information input of the microprocessor there is joined up a sensor (D) for obtaining of a start and synchronizing signal, received from the mechanical distributor. The output of the electronic switch (K) is connected to the one end of a high voltage ignition coil (3), joined up with the plus pole of the battery via a key (4).

Abstract: The catalyzer is applicable in the ignition of gasoline engines of transportation vehicles, generators, stand alone and stationary machines and others. Its advantage is that it has a higher quality of the ignition and an increased efficiency. The first version of the electronic high frequency plasma catalyzer by standard ignition with a mechanical distributor consists of a constant current power supply—battery (1) and a standard ignition system of the petrol engine, which contains a microprocessor (2) with a built in it electronic switch (K). To the information input of the microprocessor there is joined up a sensor (D) for obtaining of a start and synchronizing signal, received from the mechanical distributor. The output of the electronic switch (K) is connected to the one end of a high voltage ignition coil (3), joined up with the plus pole of the battery via a key (4).

Abstract: A spark-based igniting system for internal combustion engines includes a cylinder, at least one piston, a combustion chamber, a spark insert, and a RF energy source. The piston is disposed within the cylinder for moving slidably between a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position. The combustion chamber is formed in fluid communication with the piston. The spark insert is disposed in a top surface combustion face of the piston. The RF energy source is formed on the cylinder and adjacent to the combustion chamber for generating spark ignition energies to the spark insert to cause igniting of air/fuel mixture within the combustion chamber when the piston reaches near the top dead center position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder with a spark plug, an electric DC voltage supply, and an ignition circuit. The ignition circuit includes a switching device and a transformer having a primary winding coupled to the supply via the switching device, and a secondary winding coupled to the spark plug. After having generated an initial breakdown of a breakdown path through a gas mixture between electrodes of the spark plug, switching occurs repeatedly per combustion to produce pulses at the primary winding, with a repeat frequency which is at least sufficiently high that the breakdown path remains conductive between consecutive switches per combustion. The switching on and switching off provides heating of the breakdown path to ignite the gas mixture. The transformer has an air core around which the primary and secondary windings are arranged concentrically.

Abstract: A high-frequency ignition system has a waveguide and a high-frequency amplifier. In this context, the high-frequency amplifier is situated at a first end of the waveguide. An ignition gap is situated at a second end of the waveguide. Additionally provided is a positive-feedback element, by which the frequency of the high-frequency amplifier is adapted to the load conditions of the waveguide and the ignition gap.

Abstract: A plurality of ignition coils having a combustion detection capability, such as an ion sense capability or cylinder pressure detection capability, are connected to a common communication line. The combustion signals for the plurality of ignition coils is multiplexed on the common communication line. The combustion signal for each ignition coil/cylinder is applied to the common line combined with a respective sync signal such as a current flag signal or a respective electronic spark timing (EST) signal. The sync signals allow each ignition coil to determine when it can transmit its combustion signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for igniting a fuel-air mixture in a combustion chamber with a corona discharge. The system comprises an electrode inside of the combustion chamber, an electric circuit which provides radio frequency electric power to the electrode, and a ground formed by the combustion chamber walls. A radio frequency voltage differential formed between the electrode and the ground produces a radio frequency electric field therebetween which causes a fuel-air mixture to ionize resulting in combustion of the fuel-air mixture. The system can be utilized in engines such as internal combustion engines or gas turbine engines, for example.

Abstract: A device for the ignition of an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine using a high-frequency electrical energy source. A coaxial waveguide structure forming a resonator chamber, into which the high-frequency electrical energy is able to be fed in a predefined coupling-in location at one end of an inner conductor of the waveguide structure. The coupling-in location is designed so that the inner conductor in the region of the coupling-in location is laterally opened out fanwise, and, in this context, a predefined length is continued coaxially between the outer wall and the coaxial waveguide structure and a feed line. Consequently, a feed line may be coupled on coaxially, using which the supply of the electrical energy takes place through a coaxial insulation in the outer wall of the waveguide structure into the resonator chamber.

Abstract: Proposed is a high-frequency ignition system, which has a waveguide (1) and a high-frequency amplifier (2). In this context, the high-frequency amplifier (2) is situated at a first end of the waveguide (1). An ignition gap (3) is situated at a second end of the waveguide (1). Additionally provided is a positive-feedback element (10), by which the frequency of the high-frequency amplifier (2) is adapted to the load conditions of the waveguide (1) and the ignition gap (3).

Abstract: An ignition system is disclosed that is capable of configuring the development or pattern of the ignition spark in a freely pre-selectable manner. The system has an ignition coil that is supplied on the primary side by a high frequency source (HF Source) that is pulse width modulated. The pulse width is regulated based upon the measured actual value of the current on the secondary side of the ignition coil and upon a pre-selected reference value development of the current amplitude during an ignition spark.

Abstract: An ignition system for an engine includes an exciter circuit for use with an igniter, the exciter circuit having a step-up transformer the utilizes a relatively low voltage in its primary to produce a high voltage pulse that is applied to the igniter to create ionization and breakdown. The system also utilizes a low voltage high energy circuit to provide high current energy to the igniter after initial breakdown and during the plasma arc phase. The high energy circuit is decoupled from the step-up transformer so that high current is conducted through a bypass diode rather than through the transformer.

Abstract: An ignition coil having ion sense capability with combustion and knock outputs features improved determination of when to open and close a combustion window during which a combustion signal indicative of the level of combustion is calculated. The system also includes a knock window during which a knock signal indicative of the level of knock is determined. A PWM combustion signal is multiplexed on the same physical line as a current flag signal, and, a PWM knock intensity signal is multiplexed on the same physical line as a knock window signal, which reduces system connections. Closed loop multicharge ignition is provided with combustion detection during multicharging to ensure the availability of knock detection, thereby providing a longer effective spark burn time while still allowing for knock detection.

Abstract: An ignition coil having ion sense capability with combustion and knock outputs features improved determination of when to open and close a combustion window during which a combustion signal indicative of the level of combustion is calculated. The system also includes a knock window during which a knock signal indicative of the level of knock is determined. A PWM combustion signal is multiplexed on the same physical line as a current flag signal, and, a PWM knock intensity signal is multiplexed on the same physical line as a knock window signal, which reduces system connections. Closed loop multicharge ignition is provided with combustion detection during multicharging to ensure the availability of knock detection, thereby providing a longer effective spark burn time while still allowing for knock detection.

Abstract: In the ignition apparatus for internal combustion engine according to the invention, during a period when spark discharge voltage is detected by a waveform detecting unit 20 and an ignition coil 12 supplies the spark discharge voltage by use of ignition detection 22, ignition in each of cylinders is detected in accordance with discharged voltage by the waveform detecting unit 20. When the ignition detection 22 detects the ignition by use of, for example, an ignition control unit 24, during a discharging period of supplying the spark discharge voltage having detected the ignition, the supply of the spark discharge voltage is stopped. Thereby, since the supply of the spark discharge voltage is stopped after having detected the ignition, it is possible to avoid the surplus supply of spark energy to the spark plug 10 after having fired.

Abstract: A battery, an energy charge inductance, and a first transistor are connected in series in an ignition system. A primary winding and a second switching device are connected in series between the ground and a point between the energy charge inductance and the first switching device. A drive circuit switches periodically on and off the first switching device and the second switching device during multispark duration of the spark plug such that each switching device has a different switching status from each other. After the multispark duration, the drive circuit switches periodically on and off the second transistor with a short switching interval. The switching interval is set such that a relatively low voltage that almost causes a spark is impressed to the spark plug. An ion current detection is implemented by using this voltage as a power source.

Abstract: A method and a system for the ignition of an internal combustion engine in which a high voltage is applied to the electrodes (8.1, 8.2) of a spark plug (8). The high voltage produces a voltage disruptive discharge on the electrodes (8.1, 8.2) of the spark plug (8) and the combustion phase is maintained over the voltage disruptive discharge. The electric power for triggering a disruptive discharge at the electrodes (8.1, 8.2) of a spark plug is supplied according to a self-induction method, while the combustion phase is maintained by the voltage resonant conversion.

Abstract: Ignition system with an ignition coil that is supplied on the primary side by a high frequency source (HF source), wherein the voltage output by the HF source is pulse width modulated and a means (6) for picking up the secondary side current (actual value) is provided, wherein a regulating means (8) is provided that regulates the pulse width dependent upon the measured actual value of the current on the secondary side of the ignition coil and upon a pre-selected reference value development of the current amplitude during an ignition spark.

Abstract: An air compressor for charging an internal combustion engine includes a compressor for blowing compressed air into the intake manifold of the engine and a gas powered turbine for driving the compressor. In a first embodiment, the exhaust from a small gas powered turbine is coupled to the driving turbine of a standard turbocharger. In a second embodiment, the drive shaft of a small gas powered turbine is coupled to the drive shaft of a standard supercharger. In a third embodiment, a compressor turbine having an air intake, a compressed air outlet, and a bleed air outlet is coupled to a small gas powered turbine such that the bleed air outlet supplies the combustor intake of the gas turbine. The gas powered turbine drives the compressor and receives compressed air from the compressor via the bleed outlet. The system provides a constant boost, does not use engine horsepower, is easy to install, and does not need to be coupled to a rotating shaft or the exhaust system of the engine.

Abstract: A battery, an energy charge inductance, and a first transistor are connected in series in an ignition system. A primary winding and a second switching device are connected in series between the ground and a point between the energy charge inductance and the first switching device. A drive circuit switches periodically on and of f the first switching device and the second switching device during multispark duration of the spark plug such that each switching device has a different switching status from each other. After the multispark duration, the drive circuit switches periodically on and off the second transistor with a short switching interval. The switching interval is set such that a relatively low voltage that almost causes a spark is impressed to the spark plug. An ion current detection is implemented by using this voltage as a power source.

Abstract: In the ignition apparatus for internal combustion engine according to the invention, during a period when spark discharge voltage is detected by a waveform detecting unit 20 and an ignition coil 12 supplies the spark discharge voltage by use of ignition detection 22, ignition in each of cylinders is detected in accordance with discharged voltage by the waveform detecting unit 20. When the ignition detection 22 detects the ignition by use of, for example, an ignition control unit 24, during a discharging period of supplying the spark discharge voltage having detected the ignition, the supply of the spark discharge voltage is stopped. Thereby, since the supply of the spark discharge voltage is stopped after having detected the ignition, it is possible to avoid the surplus supply of spark energy to the spark plug 10 after having fired.

Abstract: Proposed is an igniting device having a radio frequency resonator. Moreover, the resonator can be designed as a strip waveguide on a printed-circuit board. Several resonators can be connected in a pattern to the RF source via p-i-n diodes. At the cold end, the resonator is electrically isolated but connected to ground, in terms of the radio frequency, via a capacitor. In this manner, ion currents can be simply coupled in subsequent to the application of an auxiliary voltage.

Abstract: A system and method of providing multicharge ignition are provided. The method and system preferably are adapted to trigger at least some of the multicharge events of the system and method in a current-dependent manner. Preferably, existing power train control units (PTCUs) can be used with the system and method, without the need for signals other than the timing signal (e.g., EST pulse) from the PTCU.

Abstract: A method for operation of a direct-injection spark-ignition internal combustion engine operated over large areas of the characteristics map with stratified charge by way of fuel injection during the compression stroke. In order to guarantee reliable mixture ignition and combustion, the method of the present invention provides an ignition system which generates alternating voltage so that high voltage rapidly builds up between the electrodes of a spark plug, and generates ignition sparks with a spark duration that can be defined as a function of operating point.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine that generates more ignition sparks per ignition event, i.e., per cylinder, per cycle, when the engine is operated in the stratified fuel injected mode than when the engine is operated in the homogeneous fuel injection mode.

Abstract: A high power, high energy inductive ignition system with a parallel array of multiple ignition coils Ti (2a, 2b) and associated 600 volt unclamped IGBT power switches Si (8a, 8b), for use with an automotive 12 volt storage battery (1), the system having an internal voltage source (12) to generate a voltage Vc approximately three times the peal primary coil current with coils Ti of low primary inductance of about 0,5 millihenry and of open E-type core structure for spark energy in the range of 120 to 250 mj, the system using a lossless snubber and variable control inductor (6) to provide very high circuit and component efficiency and high coil energy density, in mj/gm, three times that of conventional inductive ignition systems, and high output voltage of 40 kilovolts with fast rise time of 10 microseconds.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a transformer with a primary winding adapted to be connected to a power supply and a second winding adapted to be connected to a spark plug of the internal combustion engine, and a controller interconnected to the transformer so as to activate and deactivate the output of the transformer. The transformer serves to produce an output from the secondary winding having a frequency of between 1 KHz and 100 KHz and a voltage of at least 20 kilovolts. In particular, the transformer produces an output of an alternating current having a high voltage sine wave reaching at least 20 kilovolts. A voltage regulator is connected to the power supply and to the transformer so as to provide a constant DC voltage input to the transformer. The transformer produces power of constant wattage from the output of the secondary winding during the activation by the controller.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a transformer with a primary winding adapted to be connected to a power supply and a secondary winding adapted to be connected to a spark plug of the internal combustion engine, and a controller interconnected to the transformer so as to activate and deactivate the output of the transformer. The transformer serves to produce an output from the secondary winding having a frequency of between 1 KHz and 100 KHz and a voltage of at least 20 kilovolts. In particular, the transformer produces an output of an alternating current having a high voltage sine wave reaching at least 20 kilovolts. A voltage regulator is connected to the power supply and to the transformer so as to provide a constant DC voltage input to the transformer. The transformer produces power of constant wattage from the output of the secondary winding during the activation by the controller.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating and maintaining a spark in an environment having a varying pressure, such as a combustion chamber in an internal combustion engine, whereby a means for producing a high-frequency alternating electrical current is electrically connected to a pair of electrodes spaced apart by a gap and disposed in the combustion chamber for producing under the influence of a low applied electrical current, a continuous spark between the electrodes at a low pressure condition in the combustion chamber and maintaining the spark as the pressure in the combustion chamber becomes relatively high, aiding the ignition of combustible fuel injected into the combustion chamber during the high pressure condition.

Abstract: An ignition system for multi-firing a spark plug of a spark ignition internal combustion engine and for detecting auto-ignition utilizing the spark plug as a feedback element. The ignition system includes a pulse transformer connected to a spark plug, a distribution element coupled to the transformer, a timing element connected to the distribution element, a controller, an engine position sensor and a spark discharge detection circuit. Based on engine parameters, the controller loads the timing element with the appropriate signals and triggers one of three timers. The triggered timer begins to count down and times-out at the appropriate engine position either ignition or simply for auto-ignition. This triggers a second timer which enables yet another timer that provides control signals to the distribution element to produce a series of voltage signals of a predetermined magnitude applied by the transformer at the spark plug.

Abstract: An ignition circuit for an internal combustion engine. The ignition circuit includes a transformer having a secondary winding for generating a spark and having first and second primary windings, a capacitor connected to the first primary winding to provide a high energy capacitive discharge voltage to the transformer, a voltage generator connected to the second primary winding for generating an alternating current voltage, and a control circuit connected to the capacitor and to the voltage generator for providing control signals to discharge the high energy capacitive discharge voltage to the first primary winding and for providing control signals to the voltage generator to generate the alternating current voltage.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A high power high energy ignition system for internal combustion engines using an energy storage capacitor (4), resonating inductor (3) and one or more coils Ti with switches Si for each coil Ti. The system is designed and optimized according to the transient voltage doubling formulation and certain coil magnetic flux formulations to produce a very high power, very high energy, high efficiency ignition powered and controlled by a power converter (14) and controller (15) to produce an initial high frequency spark pulse followed by moderate firing longer duration spark pulses or continuously firing spark oscillations for delivery to the air-fuel mixture of an engine with total spark energy approximately independent of engine speed. The energy is delivered by means of a toroidal gapped spark plug (46) with extended electrodes (48a) to maximize ignition kernel size and minimize spark plug erosion and fouling.

Abstract: An ignition system has a burn sensor detects the condition of the burn of the fuel so that the ignition system stops supplying the current to the ignition plug when the burn of the fuel is detected. On the other hand, if the burn of the fuel is not sufficient, the ignition system keeps supplying the current to the ignition plug to make sure the burn to happen. Thus the ignition system can develop the energy efficiency and consumption.

Abstract: The device comprises an a.c. voltage source (5, 6, 7), a resonant circuit (Lf, Cs) coupled to a transformer (9) and a plug (10) which is supplied under high tension by the resonant circuit. An oscillator (11) controls the frequency of the voltage source. Means (14) are provided for detecting the resonant frequency of the circuit (Lf, Cs) and for tuning the oscillator to this frequency during priming. The device further comprises means (13) for adjusting the frequency of the oscillator, after the priming, to a value ensuring the sustaining of the arc and means (15) for cutting this arc after the elapse of a predetermined period.

Abstract: The ignition system consists of a free-running ignition final stage, a miniature induction coil, a static and/or dynamic determination of the ignition angle, and a power supply. The ignition final stage ensures that the ignition current is an alternating current and that the ignition energy is fed to the spark plugs in a current-controlled manner. The ignition point is determined by reading the ignition angle. The electrical supply to the entire ignition final stage and additional consumers in a motor vehicle is through a power supply that converts the current and voltage.

Abstract: An ignition system is disclosed in which secondary windings of a first and a second ignition coil are connected in parallel to a spark electrode of an internal combustion engine. A d.c. high voltage is alternately fed to the primary windings of the first and the second ignition coil. When an integrated value of a current flow through the first (the second) ignition coil reaches a first reference value, this primary coil is disconnected from a feed bus, and instead the primary winding of the second (the first) ignition coil is connected to the bus. When a short-circuit occurs in one of the ignition coils, only the other ignition coil conducts repeatedly, and accordingly the switching of the energization takes place whenever the current flow through the first (the second) ignition coil reaches a second reference value.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The device essentially comprises an auxiliary coil for storing the ignition energy, and a transformer for each spark plug. It is thus possible to prepolarize each transformer in the proper sequence with a current opposite that applied during discharge, whereby a transformer of smaller dimensions can be associated with each spark plug while the performance remains unchanged from that of conventional systems.

Abstract: An ignition system of AC continuous discharge type is disclosed which comprises a switching circuit for supplying the primary current of an ignition coil alternately in two directions and which is applicable to the internal combustion engine, for example. The rise of the primary current is slowed by an inductance device and the energy stored in the inductance device is absorbed into a capacitor.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprising an electromagnetic energy accumulator, a power source for supplying electromagnetic energy to the electromagnetic energy accumulator increasing an electromgnetic supplying line, a switching device responsive to rotation of the engine for controlling the supply of energy from the power source to the accumulator, a transformer having a primary winding connected to the accumulator, and a secondary winding for inducing a flow of electromagnetic energy in the secondary winding in response to the flow of electromagnetic energy in the primary winding, a rectifier for controlling the direction of flow of the electromagnetic energy in the primary winding and a spark generator connected to the secondary winding of the transformer for generating an electric spark in response to the energy flowing in the secondary winding.

Abstract: This invention relates to a number of improvements in ignition systems of spark ignition engines. A detector is employed to sense the first or "breakdown" phase of spark discharge across the spark plug which causes a short duration high current flow across the plug gap. The detection of the breakdown current enables control over a number of ignition system functions. A pulse transformer is used which enables extremely short duration energization of the spark plug at controllable voltages. The existence of end gas auto-ignition is detected by energizing the spark plug during a period of the operating cycle after top dead center of piston travel. Since the threshold voltage necessary to generate spark discharge at the plug differs in conditions where auto-ignition is occurring versus ordinary combustion, sensing of plug breakdown during such energization provides a means of detecting the occurrence of auto-ignition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a miniature high-energy continuous spark electronic igniter composed of a magnetic pulse generator having a magnetic flux attracting gap, a voltage-stabilizing circuit, a signal amplifying circuit, a two-stage switching circuit, a protection circuit, a voltage-raising output circuit, a trigger signal circuit, an oscillation maintaining control circuit and a trigger signal continuous current circuit. The igniter is adapted to withstand both overload and largely varying supply voltage.

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: The present invention relates to an electronically-controlled plasma ignition device for internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A process for burning a carbonaceous fuel is disclosed. This process involves the steps of providing a combustion chamber equipped with a spark gap, introducing the fuel into the chamber, providing a high-energy a.c. wave, and connecting the wave to one of the electrodes of the spark gap.The alternating current wave used in the combustion process of this invention has a peak voltage of from 25,000 to 200,000 volts, a frequency of from 8,000 to 80,000 herz, and an energy of at least 600,000,000 volt-herz. The use of this wave creates an arc across the electrodes of the spark gap, thereby facilitating the combustion of the fuel.