Abstract: An ignition apparatus for internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil in which a main primary coil and an auxiliary primary coil are magnetically coupled with a secondary coil that is connected to a spark plug. In the ignition apparatus, a main ignition circuit unit controls energization of the main primary coil and performs a main ignition operation in which a spark discharge is generated in the spark plug. An energy supply circuit unit controls energization of the auxiliary primary coil and performs an energy supply operation in which a current that has the same polarity as a secondary current that flows through the secondary coil as a result of the main ignition operation is superimposed on the secondary current. The auxiliary primary coil includes a plurality of auxiliary-primary-coil portions. The energy supply circuit unit performs the energy supply operation using one or more of the plurality of auxiliary-primary-coil portions.

Abstract: An ignition device has a high voltage transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, of which the primary side is connected to a high voltage source and the secondary side is connected to a spark path to provide the ignition spark. The time variation in the primary current flowing on the primary side is measured and subdivided at least into a spark burning phase and a subsequent free-running phase of the high voltage transformer. The transition from the spark burning phase into the free-running phase is equated to the moment of extinction of the ignition spark. The time variation of the primary current in the spark burning phase is mapped by a first function and in the free-running phase by a second function, and the intersection point of the two functions is equated to the moment of extinction of the ignition spark.

Abstract: A method of igniting a mixture of oxidant and fuel in a combustion chamber of a combustion engine using a spark plug arranged so that it protrudes into the combustion chamber of the engine. The method includes powering the spark plug using a first alternating electrical signal of a frequency higher than 1 MHz, and second powering the spark plug using a second alternating electrical signal of a frequency higher than 1 MHz, the second power taking place after the first powering following a time delay.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for igniting combustible materials in a combustion chamber of a combustion engine using corona discharge plasma from a coaxial cavity resonator. This system and method uses a coaxial cavity resonator in a body adapted to mate with a combustion chamber of a combustion engine. The coaxial cavity resonator is coupled with an energy shaping means that develops the appropriate waveform for triggering radio frequency oscillations in the coaxial cavity resonator. A connection means on the apparatus allows for the apparatus to accept an electrical ignition stimulus from an electronic ignition control system. The coaxial cavity resonator develops corona discharge plasma at a discharge electrode when a sustained radio frequency oscillation results in a standing wave in the coaxial cavity resonator. The corona discharge plasma developed near the discharge electrode ignites the combustible materials in the combustion chamber of the combustion engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for a motor vehicle, is provided with a plurality of combustion cylinders, at least a first exhaust manifold and a second exhaust manifold and at least one intake manifold. Each exhaust manifold is coupled with a plurality of the combustion cylinders. Each intake manifold is coupled with a plurality of the combustion cylinders. A first turbocharger includes a first turbine having at least one inlet and an outlet, and a first compressor having an inlet and an outlet. The at least one first turbine inlet is fluidly coupled with the first exhaust manifold. A second turbocharger includes a second turbine having an inlet and an outlet, and a second compressor having an inlet and an outlet. The second turbine inlet is fluidly coupled with the second exhaust manifold and includes a controllable, variable intake nozzle. The first compressor outlet is fluidly coupled with the second compressor inlet.

Abstract: In a direct fuel injection engine, an ignition coil generates a high voltage applied to a spark plug at a desired ignition time and a similar ignition voltage is then continued to be repeatedly generated at a fixed frequency so that the spark plug generates multiple sparks in each ignition cycle. The number of sparks included in the multiple is reduced as an engine speed rises. The multiple spark generating operation is disabled when the engine is in a high speed and/or high load region of operation.

Abstract: An ignition control system for internal combustion engines including a high frequency generator and a means of commutating the high frequency signal with a signal synchronized to the engine rotational speed. The commutated high frequency signal is amplified and sent through a step up transformer whereby it is applied to the spark plugs of an internal combustion engine. The high frequency nature of the ignition signal provides distinct advantages (more complete burning of gasses) when used on internal combustion engines having lean air fuel mixtures in the range of 20:1.

Abstract: An emergency ignition system for motor vehicles comprises a high-voltage coil having an input circuit connectible to the vehicle battery and an output circuit connectible to the vehicle distributor for applying high-voltage pulses. The input circuit includes an oscillator generating periodic pulses, and a switch controlled by the oscillator for periodically interrupting the input circuit to the coil and thereby causing the coil to generate high-voltage pulses to be applied to the vehicle distributor. The input circuit further includes a control circuit connectible to the vehicle battery and comprising a voltage-drop sensor for sensing a predetermined voltage drop at the output of the vehicle battery caused by the load thereon when starting the engine, and for producing an enabling signal in response to the predetermined voltage drop to enable the oscillator to output pulses to the switch for periodically interrupting the input circuit to the coil.

Abstract: Ignition apparatus for providing plasma ignition for an engine, which ignition apparatus comprises a switching circuit, a wave form generator for generating an a.c. wave form output, a power amplifier circuit for amplifying the output from the wave form generator, a d.c. to d.c. inverter, and a transformer having primary and secondary windings, the primary winding being connected to the power amplifier circuit for receiving the output from the power amplifier circuit, and the secondary winding being connected to the d.c. to d.c. inverter, and the wave form generator and the d.c. to d.c. inverter being connected in parallel so that during operation of the ignition apparatus high voltage a.c. from the wave form generator carries and sustains d.c. which is from the d.c. to d.c. inverter and which is required for the plasma.

Abstract: An electronic ignition circuit for an internal combustion engine produces a plasma arc across the spark gap of an ignition device. An a.c. circuit is formed of a push-pull inverter, and a center tap primary step up transformer with feedback coil. A capacitor network passes pure a.c. to the primary of an ignition coil so that the wave fed to the ignition device is free of any d.c. component. An impedance connects to the breaker points or equivalent timing device to time the arcing so that an arcing a.c. voltage appears when the points are open, and a zero or low voltage wave appears when the points are closed. The circuit can also be used to feed a continuous wave to arcing devices in the cylinders of a diesel engine for preheating and ozonation of the air prior to fuel injection.

Abstract: A very high performance digital ignition system is disclosed which includes a precision angular position sensor within the distributor of an internal combustion engine (or otherwise coupled to the engine to sense its angular position) to provide accurate timing information which is applied to gating means for selectively passing bursts of triggering pulses having, in the exemplary embodiment, a 7-to-1 duty cycle ratio. The selected burst of pulses are applied to a driver circuit which provides power amplification to energize the primary circuit of an ignition coil. An alternative mode of operation is also disclosed which simulates a conventional make and break ignition system to effect a service mode. In the service mode of operation, a single pulse is issued to the ignition coil upon the occurrence of the first or second pulse of the pulse burst after the angular position sensor has sensed that a cylinder firing operation should be instituted.

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.

Abstract: A very high performance digital ignition system is disclosed which includes a precision angular position sensor within the distributor of an internal combustion engine (or otherwise coupled to the engine to sense its angular position) to provide accurate timing information which is applied to gating means for selectively passing bursts of triggering pulses having, in the exemplary embodiment, a 7-to-1 duty cycle ratio. The selected burst of pulses are applied to a driver circuit which provides power amplification to energize the primary circuit of an ignition coil. An alternative mode of operation is also disclosed which simulates a conventional make and break ignition system to effect a service mode. In the service mode of operation, a single pulse is issued to the ignition coil upon the occurence of the first or second pulse of the pulse burst after angular position sensor has sensed that a cylinder firing operation should be instituted.

Abstract: An emergency ignition device for thermal engines with controlled ignition comprises an oscillator connected to a stabilized electrical supply and whose output is connected to a power transistor connected in series with the primary winding of the ignition coil. A normally open control switch is closed at the same time as the starter is actuated. Means are provided for modifying the operational frequency of the oscillator depending on whether the control switch is open or closed, so that the oscillator operates at a first relatively low frequency as long as the control switch is closed and at a second frequency higher than the preceding one when the switch is open. A time delay circuit is connected to the oscillator and the control switch so as to inhibit operation of the oscillator during a predetermined period of time after the instant of closure of the control switch.

Abstract: An electric or electronic system for igniting an internal combustion engine comprising generating electric pulses from a pulse generator at such a desired pulse rate as capable of producing a desired number of electric discharges per one explosion step in each of engine cylinders at the maximum rotational number of an engine crank shaft, stepping-up the voltage of the generated pulses to such a level as enabling electric discharges in a distributor and ignition plugs of the engine cylinders, distributing the thus stepped-up pulses from a feed arm to each of stationary electrodes of the distributor corresponding by the number to that of the cylinders and producing pulse discharges at the desired pulse rate from the ignition plug in each of the cylinders connected to each of the stationary electrodes at the optimum explosion timing to thereby ignite evaporated fuels in the cylinders.

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: 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 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 dischage 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 luminous particles extending across the entire base of the igniter. By initiating ignition timing at a very large angle in advance of top dead center piston position, very long arcs may be created at the igniter base.

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: To combine the advantage of a capacitor discharge ignition system, in which the spark intensity is essentially independent of engine speed even at high speeds of the engine, and the extended spark discharge of electromagnetic coil storage ignition by interrupting current through an ignition coil, an ignition event control circuit--for example a breaker contact, optical or electromagnetic transducer or the like--controls a discharge circuit through a capacitor which, after having been charged, suddenly and abruptly discharges through the ignition coil to generate an ignition event. Triggering of the ignition event also initiates repetitive energization of the ignition coil, under control of a frequency generator, which is then connected to the ignition coil to repetitively cause current flow, and abrupt interruption thereof, so that the spark duration, initiated for discharge of the capacitor, is extended.