Abstract: In an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, the ignition device comprises: three closed circuits including first, second and third closed circuits, each circuit having at least a DC power source, a primary coil and a switching transistor; an ignition coil having three primary coils and a secondary coil; an ignition command signal generating means producing first and second ignition command signals, the first ignition command signal being applied to the third closed circuit and the second ignition command signal being applied to the control circuit; and a control circuit for causing the first and second switching elements to push-pull operate based on the input timing of the second ignition command signal.

Abstract: A digital ignition system is disclosed including a precision angular position sensor within the engine distributor or in cooperation with another rotary engine part providing accurate timing information applied to gating means selectively passing bursts of triggering pulses having a 7-to-1 duty cycle ratio. The bursts are applied to a driver circuit providing power amplification energizing the coil primary. An alternative mode is also disclosed simulating a conventional make and break ignition system for a service mode. In the service mode, a single pulse is issued to the coil upon the first pulse of the pulse burst after the angular position sensor senses that a cylinder firing operation is required. Thus, ordinary timing and diagnostic instruments may be used during the service mode to accurately establish ignition timing during normal, burst mode operation.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an ignition instruction signal generating unit for repeatedly generating a first ignition instruction signal instructing an AC discharging duration and a second ignition instruction signal instructing the current flow time of a first primary coil at each ignition timing; and an ignition control circuit unit for causing the first and second switching elements to perform a push-pull operation for a predetermined period of time upon reception of a given ignition instruction signal.

Abstract: A device for driving a load reactance element, such as a piezoelectric actuator for a fuel injection system, including a series reactance element connected in series with the load reactance element, and a resonance circuit formed by the load reactance and the series reactance. First and second switching elements are connected between the resonance circuit and the power source or ground potential. Each of the first and second switching elements is rendered conductive only during a half cycle of resonance. The directions of the load current flowing through the load reactance element are switchable by making alternately the first and second switching elements conductive.

Abstract: Ignition system for an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle having at least one transformer for generating ignition voltage, the transformer having a primary side with a primary winding and a secondary side with a secondary winding, and a spark plug connected to the secondary winding including an electronic circuit connected to the primary winding, chopper means fed by a d-c or rectified a-c source for activating the transformer, and switch means disposed on the second side of the transformer.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine combustion chamber suitable for electromagnetic stimulation of combustion which has been improved by the addition of combustion chamber periphery extensions (wings) filled with dielectric material. The wing dimensions and filler dielectric material are chosen to allow for specification of the chamber EM resonant frequency, preferably at a frequency in the UHF range (where low cost DC operated devices can be used) and at an industrial allocated frequency. The wing chamber EM resonant modes are further designed to place relatively high electrical currents at the wing tips (which are totally closed surfaces), and low EM currents at the piston-cylinder gaps, thus eliminating the need for EM chokes. The EM feature of the chamber is further improved by shaping the piston face and/or cylinder head face in conjunction with the wing design to further lower the EM operating frequency and improve frequency stability with respect to piston motion about TDC.

Abstract: This electronic ignition system comprises a unique combination of a high voltage switching regulator to provide substantially higher voltage to the ignition coil and a solid state power switch to produce a constant high energy ignition current of multiple repetitions for a selected duration dependent upon engine speed. The power switch is controlled by a pulser and a window generator which respond to virtually any available trigger source including conventional breaker points and generates an engine speed dependent window signal the duration of which defines the ignition energy characteristics.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine which includes a signal rotor on a rotary shaft for being rotated in synchronism with a coil wound about a core, a metal heat sink, and a frame connected to the heat sink so as to form a casing. The frame has a recess opening to its interior and grooves extending into the recess. An integrated circuit is disposed on the heat sink. The integrated circuit includes a capacitor electrically connected to the core coil to form a resonance circuit, an oscillation energy supply circuit for supplying oscillation energy to the resonance circuit, an oscillation detector circuit for producing an output signal in response to the detection of the oscillation in the resonance circuit, an amplifier for amplifying the output signal, and a switch for interrupting the amplified signal. An ignition coil responds to interruption of the amplified signal by the switch for generating a high voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multiple spark circuit for use with a capacitor discharge ignition system including a current supply, a charge capacitor, an ignition coil primary winding, and an ignition timing SCR. The multiple spark circuit includes a charge reservoir capacitor connected to the current supply, a restrike circuit subject to the timing SCR, and to the voltage and discharge current of the charge capacitor, for allowing repeated charging and discharging of the charge capacitor to produce multiple ignition sparks at each ignition timing point, and a charge interrupt circuit, subject to the restrike circuit, for allowing repeated charging of charge capacitor by the charge reservoir capacitor at each ignition timing point. The restrike circuit preferably comprises a thyristor connected to the timing SCR and charge capacitor, and a zener diode connected to the thyristor gate and anode to render the thyristor conductive when the charge capacitor voltage exceeds a predetermined upper limit.

Abstract: Ignition system for internal combustion engine in which combustion chambers in an internal combustion engine are shaped in such a manner that a microwave resonance easily causes a plasma discharge, microwaves are supplied from a microwave oscillator through respective coaxial cables to all the combustion chambers so that the combustion chambers resonate whenever the microwave power is injected, or so that when the combustion chambers reaches a resonatable condition, is the microwave power injected into the combustion chambers from the microwave oscillator; thereby causing plasma discharge to occur in the combustion chambers.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine, wherein separate ignition transformers are mounted directly on respective spark plugs and an A.C. drive signal is applied to the ignition transformers sequentially in accordance with engine timing to fire the spark plugs sequentially. The A.C. drive signal is applied to each of the ignition transformers by means of a leakage transformer whereby ignition currents are maintained at a relatively low level after initiation of the ignition discharge across the spark plug electrodes. In one embodiment, each ignition transformer is composed of plural individual transformers disposed in a planetary arrangement around an axis defined by the respective spark plug. Each of these individual transformers includes at least one secondary winding and at least one primary winding wound on a respective core, with each of the secondary windings mounted in series across the electrodes of the spark plug.

Abstract: Ignition system for internal combustion engines, including a transformer having a primary side with a primary winding and a secondary side with at least one secondary winding, a chopper connected to the primary winding for addressing the primary winding, a d-c or rectified a-c voltage source connected to the chopper, the at least one secondary winding being selectively coupled to spark plugs of the internal combustion engine, and electronic control means connected to the chopper for driving the chopper with pulse sequences having individual width-modulated pulses and for supplying the spark plugs with igintion pulse sequences having corresponding individual ignition pulses with modulated energy.

Abstract: A high voltage generating circuit for an automotive ignition system, wherein a current control circuit is provided in series with an automotive battery and a controlled high frequency switch to generate a high frequency, linearly increasing ignition current across the electrodes of the spark plugs of an internal combustion engine in order to accommodate shifts in the spark plug sustaining voltage which may occur due to changes in operating conditions. In a preferred embodiment, a DC-DC converter is inserted in series between the battery and the current control circuit to step-up the voltage applied to the current control circuit.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed which includes a separate ignition transformer for each spark plug in the engine. Each of the ignition transformers is enabled by means of signals produced by a crankshaft position sensor. Pulsating DC currents are then caused to flow in the primary windings of the ignition transformer thereby inducing a high voltage into a secondary winding of the transformer. A combination ignition transformer and spark plug cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: An input stage for an ignition control circuit is provided for producing an output signal from a comparator which switches the primary current circuit of the ignition coil in dependence on a control signal in which the control signal causes alternate switching of two current multipliers, a first charging current determined by a charging resistance and a second charging current determined by the first current multiplier charges a first capacitor, a third charging current derived from the second charging current charges a second capacitor, a first discharge current determined by a discharging resistance and a second discharge current determined by the second current multiplier discharges the first capacitor, a third discharging current derived from the second charging current discharges the second capacitor and a comparator compares the voltage at the second capacitor with a reference voltage to produce an output signal for switching the primary current of the ignition coil.

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

Abstract: An ignition system for an automotive internal combustion engine. The ignition system includes apparatus which is electrically interposed between the battery and the distributor to receive and transform current from the battery to ignition spark potential of sufficient magnitude to initiate an arc across the sparking gap of the engine spark plugs. The apparatus delivers a continuous flow of ignition spark potential to the distributor during operation of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An improvement for a combination with a fuel injection type internal combustion engine which employs AC type high tension spark that is initiated by the injection valve opening. The improvement includes a gating circuit, and it has means for opening the gate at the beginning of a predetermined crank shaft position. Also, it closes the gate whenever the injection valve has opened, or at the end of a predetermined number of degrees of crank shaft rotation whichever occurs first.

Abstract: In the combination of an internal combustion engine which has an electronic ignition system that develops a continuous high-voltage AC type spark signal, there is an improvement which provides for controlling the duration of the spark signals. Such duration control acts to vary the crank angle degrees that are encompassed by the spark duration, which variation is in accordance with an engine parameter. The parameter may be engine load, and the variation control saves spark energy consumed while extending the life of the spark plugs.

Abstract: An engine timed ignition system of the type that combines a short duration high voltage spark with a reduced voltage DC spark sustaining signal. It includes in the system apparatus for starting the DC sustaining signal simultaneously with the high voltage spark. And, it includes apparatus to positively stop the DC sustaining signal after a predetermined interval in order to avoid a continuing spark discharge.

Abstract: A plasma ignition system for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine each cylinder having a plasma ignition plug, including diesel engine. According to the present invention, in addition to the elements of the conventional plasma ignition system there is provided an oscillation device which generates and outputs a high-frequency oscillating voltage into each of the plasma ignition plugs to be ignited before the plasma ignition timing so that a multiple sparking occurs and therefore the resistance of the plasma ignition plug to be ignited is reduced to facilitate plasma ignition with relatively low plasma ignition energy without misfire even during a high engine load.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed which includes a separate ignition transformer for each spark plug in the engine. Each of the ignition transformers is enabled by means of signals produced by a crankshaft position sensor. Pulsating DC currents are then caused to flow in the primary windings of the ignition transformer thereby inducing a high voltage into a secondary winding of the transformer. A combination ignition transformer and spark plug cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pair of power transistors in a push-pull connection are connected with a pair of primary coils of a transformer acting as an ignition coil. Between the neutral point of the pair of the primary coils and a power source at least one diode is connected. The paired power transistors are turned on and off with a high frequency to generate in the secondary coil of the transformer high voltage trigger pulses and substantially continuous discharge voltages which last over a long period during each ignition period.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine in which the primary voltage applied across the primary winding of the ignition coil is detected together with the secondary current flowing through the secondary winding of the ignition coil, and the electrical characteristic of the secondary circuit of the ignition coil supplying the arc energy is calculated on the basis of the detected signals thereby controlling the primary current supplied to the primary winding of the ignition coil on the basis of the result of calculation, so that the secondary circuit of the ignition coil can exhibit the desired electrical characteristic for supplying the arc energy of desired level.

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

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

Abstract: An audio frequency ionization ignition system for internal combustion engines which simulates turbulent combustion (diesel combustion) in spark ignited internal combustion engines utilizing standard equipment with minor changes in the wiring harness of a vehicle. This system includes an electronic contact debounce circuit, an audio oscillator, a divide by two frequency divider and AND circuits combined with power amplifiers. This supplies high voltage, sinusoidal pulses for ignition.

Abstract: Two closed circuits respectively are each comprised of a primary coil of a transformer for plug ignition, a transistor, a diode, a resistor and a common power source. When one of the transistors is conductive during the ignition period, the current in the related closed circuit increases. When the increased current appearing across the associated resistor exceeds a reference value, the associated comparator renders the conducting transistor nonconductive while it renders the other nonconductive transistor conductive, whereby the transistors continues a push-pull operation at given periods. Each diode is inserted either between the associated primary coil and the associated transistor or between the associated primary coil and the common power source.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing spark ignition of an internal combustion engine in which sparks at the spark plugs are initiated by a high voltage pulse of typically 20 KV and are sustained thereafter by a d.c. voltage of typically 3 KV. In one embodiment the d.c. voltage is produced from a 12 volt supply by a d.c. to d.c. converter, the converter being adapted to produce a substantially constant voltage irrespective of the current drain produced by the spark, within given limits. The converter is also adapted to shut down its operation in the event of an output short circuit. The converter is disclosed connected to a lean burn PROCO engine with the result that only one spark plug per cylinder is required. In an alternative embodiment the d.c. sustaining voltage is derived directly from a conventional alternator driven by the engine.

Abstract: An improved multi-spark capacitor discharge (CD) ignition having independent circuits for charging and discharging the main capacitor, a flyback DC to DC converter, and an inductive filter interposed between the ignition coil and the main capacitor on one side, and the charging transformer on the other side.

Abstract: An ignition initiating signal is developed from the fuel injection nozzle valve of an internal combustion engine. The valve is actuated by fuel pressure which creates an insulating layer at the valve so that when the valve is unseated an electrical circuit is broken to create the ignition initiating signal. And, electrical circuit means are included which limit the voltage applied and the current flow at the valve seat in order to avoid breakdown of the fuel insulating layer and pitting of the valve seat.

Abstract: An ignition system for creeping discharge spark plugs for producing a spark discharge at least one portion of which slidably moves along a creeping discharge path is disclosed. The system comprises producing a spark discharge operative to ignite a mixed gas in an usual manner and selectively producing a purifying and sweeping spark discharge operative to remove carbon deposited on said creeping discharge path. An ignition circuit for carrying out the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Spark ignition plugs are used in place of the glow plugs in a Diesel engine. As long as engine preheating contacts remain closed, pulses of a fixed frequency are applied to two transistors arranged in a push-pull configuration and connected to the primary coil of a transformer so that an engine plug connected to the secondary coil of the transformer repeatedly discharges continuously.

Abstract: In an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, current from a d.c. power supply is applied through an input inductor alternately through an ignition coil and through a circuit path in shunt of the ignition coil. The current through the ignition coil is made of substantially constant predetermined magnitude while flowing through the shunt circuit, preferably by means of a fixed ballast resistor in the shunt circuit. Switching of the current into the ignition coil is enabled during a predetermined fraction of the engine cycle, with no current applied to the ignition coil between predetermined periods. The current is switched back and forth between the two paths a plurality of times during each predetermined period.

Abstract: An ignition system that develops continuous-wave high-frequency spark signals. It employs a square wave oscillator which uses a unitary magnetic circuit and includes a control winding that acts to start and stop the oscillator. The control winding has a gate-turn-off type silicon controlled rectifier in circuit with it, which provides superior control action.

Abstract: An inductive-capacitive cyclic charge-discharge ignition system includes an ignition transformer primary winding in parallel with a capacitor and fed by a unipolar alternating current source providing a plural number of repetition cycles during each igniter firing period. Such unipolar cycles cause the capacitor and primary winding to charge and discharge during each of the repetition cycles creating a plurality of ringing periods for each igniter firing period. A diode or an additional capacitor, or both, inserted in series with the parallel combination of the first stated capacitor and primary winding, substantially increases the velocity of arc provided by an igniter. The system is triggered by a magnetic pulse generating timer which generates AC voltages to modulate the output of the unipolar source. Where discharge currents are developed, such generated AC voltages also modulate the discharge currents.

Abstract: In the ignition system of the internal combustion engine, a preignition control circuit is further provided. The preignition control circuit includes a high voltage generator which supplies a high voltage to the spark plug to produce a preignition spark between the electrodes of the spark plug. The preignition spark is timed to appear as the engine nearly concludes its suction stroke so that radicals are produced from the air-fuel mixture around the electrodes thereby to ensure reliable ignition and complete burning of the air-fuel mixture.

Abstract: An inductive-capacitive cyclic charge-discharge ignition system includes an ignition transformer primary winding in parallel with a capacitor and fed by an alternating current source providing a plural number of repetition cycles during each igniter firing period. Such repetition cycles cause the capacitor and primary winding to charge and discharge during each of the repetition cycles creating a plurality of ringing periods for each igniter firing period. A diode or an additional capacitor, or both, inserted in series with the parallel combination of the first stated capacitor and primary winding, substantially increases the velocity of arc provided by an igniter. Such arc has several components composed of luninous particles extending across the entire base of the igniter.

Abstract: An engine ignition system includes a throttle sensor for detecting the position of a throttle valve. A control circuit is responsive to the detected throttle signal as well as the signals from other negative pressure and engine rpm sensors to generate a spark plug discharge start signal and a discharge stop signal. A high voltage generator supplies a high voltage to the respective spark plugs during the time interval between the time that the discharge start signal is generated and the time that the discharge stop signal is generated.

Abstract: An inductive-capacitive charge-discharge ignition system includes an ignition transformer primary winding and a capacitor to be charged by a unipolar alternating current source. An electronic switch connects the primary winding and capacitor in parallel during the discharge mode of the system so that the discharge current from the capacitor aids the discharge current in the primary winding. Rectifiers may be used between the outputs of the source and the primary winding and capacitor. Another version of this system employs DC power to charge the primary winding, and the unipolar source to charge the capacitor, with a rectifier between the source and capacitor. Another capacitor may be used in the secondary winding of the ignition transformer. The system may be controlled by a variety of timers. A high velocity igniter arc having luminous particles surrounding a more concentrated filament of such luminous particles is developed by the system extending across the entire base of an igniter.

Abstract: When the contact breaker of a distributor is in the off position, pulses with constant frequency which are generated from an oscillating circuit are supplied to a transistor push-pull coupling which is connected to the primary coil of a transformer. In accordance with the transistor's constant frequency switching a discharge through the spark plugs connected to the secondary coil of the transformer is repeated.