Abstract: An ignition system for a fuel burning engine has a transformer with a primary winding (L1) and a secondary winding (L2). A magnetic pulse time (20) provides a bipolar signal to the input circuits of a pair of transistors (Qa-Qb, Qn-Qp, Q2-Q3, Q4-Q5, Q6a-Q7) of opposite conductivities. The output circuits of such transistor pair are serially connected and also connected in series with ignition transformer primary winding. The transistor pair is simultaneously activated to provide current flow in the primary winding and simultaneously deactivated to discontinue such current flow to create an induced voltage in the primary winding that is transferred to the secondary winding to fire igniters of the engine. Transistor pairs of the multijunction, unijunction and field effect Darlington or non-Darlington types may be utilized.

Abstract: An operational amplifier is used as a threshold switch and an inductive generator that provides a wave used for timing operation of the threshold switch also feeds a circuit that produces a reference current corresponding to the average absolute magnitude of the generator voltage, which, in turn, is fed to at least one current mirror, the output of which is used to shift the operating threshold of the operational amplifier. A second current mirror is used in alternation with the first for half-waves of the generator voltage which are of opposite polarity and a positive feedback connection around the operational amplifier provides a switching characteristic having an appropriate amount of hysteresis so that the inherent timing shift is compensated on switching in response to both positive-going and negative-going portions of the generator output wave.

Abstract: An ignition system transducer comprising a ferro-magnetic disc mounted on a distributor shaft and having four pairs of protuberances, the spacing of the two protuberances of each pair corresponding to the maximum and minimum spark advance positions. Rotation of the protuberances about the distributor shaft is detected by a first variable reluctance pick-up mounted in a fixed position, and by a second variable reluctance pickup movable in accordance with an engine load sensor. These two pick-ups in conjunction with signal generators produced a fixed phase waveform, and a variable phase waveform which varies in accordance with engine load.

Abstract: In an ignition system including an ignition distributor integrated with an ignition coil, an electrical conductor linking leakage magnetic flux of the ignition coil is arranged on the outer periphery of the coil of an electromagnetic pickup to have a current conducting path around the axis of the coil. An eddy current is induced in the conductor by the leakage magnetic flux to generate magnetic flux in the direction opposite to the leakage magnetic flux of the ignition coil by the eddy current, thereby reducing a noise voltage generated in the electromagnetic pickup.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor for a distributorless ignition system is useable in an internal combustion engine. A Hall-effect device is spaced intermediate a pair of opposing permanent magnets for concurrently generating dual magnetic flux fields within respective air gap regions formed between each of the magnets and the device. Alternatively a magnet is placed between two Hall-effect devices to define the regions. A toothed disk rotatably connected to the crank-shaft of the engine causes different teeth to shunt the fields in each of the regions in a predetermined sequence for generating pulses at the device output indicative of the firing order of the engine. Alternatively, a disk having outer and inner notched rims is used to shunt the fields in each of the regions. Further, an elongated channel shaped member has sides movable in the regions for detecting relative linear motion between two parts.

Abstract: An engine ignition interpolation apparatus including three reference position sensors, a single crank angle sensor and a counter resettable by outputs from the reference position sensors and used for counting output pulses from said crank angle sensor. Also included are a decoder for generating an output when the counter produces a count output which exceeds a preset value, flip-flops connected respectively to the reference position sensors in a ring arrangement and triggerable by the outputs from the reference position sensors for synchronous operation therewith, and a logic circuit for seeking conformity between the output from the decoder and set outputs from the flip-flops to produce a quasi or replacement pulse for one of the reference position sensors which fails to produce an output, thereby interpolating a reference position pulse.

Abstract: An ignition system for a two-cycle engine which comprises a rotational body rotatable in synchronism with the crank shaft of the engine and having thereon a detectable portion extending circumferentially thereof, and a detector placed in the vicinity of the rotational body for detecting the circumferential edge portions of the detectable portion and for producing an electric signal containing amplitude variations appearing at the passage of the edge portions near the detector. The electric signal is processed by an ignition pulse generator which produces an ignition pulse at each time when a selected one of the amplitude variations of the electric signal occurs. The circumferential length of the detectable portion is selected so that the ignition pulse appears when the crank angle of the crank shaft is outside of the reverse rotation allowing angular region.

Abstract: An ignition distributor for an internal combustion engine including a magnetic pick-up for generating a timing control voltage. The distributor has a rotor comprised of a plurality of radially extending circumferentially spaced permanent magnets that define rotor pole teeth. The permanent magnets are radially magnetized such that the outer tips all have the same magnetic polarity. As the rotor rotates, a voltage is induced in the pick-up coil by flux linking the coil that is provided by the permanent magnets. A combined electrostatic shield and flux shunt is provided that takes the form of a metallic plate of magnetic material that is located between one end of the pick-up coil and one end of the rotor.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the invention provides a four cycle internal combustion engine that produces one power stroke for each full rotation of the crankshaft. Direct fuel and oxidizer injection into the cylinder permits engine speed and power to be controlled by varying the duration of the intake stroke. This duration is controlled, moreover, by moving the distributor housing in relation to piston top dead center position.

Abstract: To provide a signal representative of angular crankshaft position from an ignition distributor, independently of change of ignition timing, the ignition distributor includes a further or additional rotating transducer system (8, 9, 10, 11), for example a rotating disk (8) positively coupled to the shaft (3) of the distributor. The disk (8) carries markers (10) which are picked up by an optic, magnetic (Hall generator) or inductive pick-up (9). To provide a reference marker output, for example a reference, e.g. TDC position of a reference piston, the rotating disk (8) can carry an additional reference marker (10a) picked up by a reference pick-up (9a) which can be similar to the other pick-ups used in the construction. The specific crankshaft position signals are especially suitable and desirable if the engine is coupled to an engine knock sensing and knock prevention system (KS).

Abstract: To eliminate frictional effects by stationary elements (17, 37, 47) with respect to a sleeve (16, 36, 46) which rotates with a shaft (11) of a distributor, but is adjustable with respect to the instantaneous position about the shaft by a centrifugal spark advance mechanism (15), the nonrotatable elements (17, 37, 47) are secured from a support plate (22, 32, 49) which is positioned intermediate the sleeve and the distributor rotor, the support plate being journalled by bearings (23, 33, 44, 45) directly on the shaft. A load-dependent vacuum chamber can be linked directly to the support plate for additional load-dependent spark timing adjustment.

Abstract: The casing (10) of the distributor has integral internal ribs (14) and a bearing body (12) into which at least one of the bushings (16,17) of the bearing is pressed. The shoulders (15) provided on the ribs support an annular sheet steel plate (23) that carries the stationary portion (21) of a Hall transducer. The plate is centered on the sleeve-like end (13) of the bearing body and supported on the shoulders of the ribs, being secured in this position by screws to each of the three ribs. The integral construction of the casing, ribs and bearing body and the screwing down of the plate simplify manufacture and assembly of the distributor.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a flywheel coupled to a plurality of bipolar magnets and a camshaft coupled to a unipolar magnet. A bipolar Hall sensor is positioned adjacent the flywheel for detecting passage of the bipolar magnets and generating a square wave signal to provide camshaft position. A unipolar Hall sensor is positioned adjacent the camshaft for detecting the passage of the unipolar magnet and generating a square wave signal to provide a reference signal indicating a known position of one cylinder.

Abstract: An engine ignition system connected between an engine crank and ignition coils includes a reference position signal generating device having reference position sensors, and a crank angle sensing device. The ignition system also includes a signal processing device which receives both the reference position signals and crank angle signals, and when one of the reference position signals is absent continues to generate ignition control signals which activate the ignition coils. The signal processing device includes a counter which counts the crank angle signals and which is reset by the reference position signals, and a decoder which produces a signal when a count value reaches a predetermined count. The signal processing device also includes a logic circuit and a flip-flop for producing either primary ignition control signals or replacement ignition control signals. The replacement ignition control signals are generated when one of the reference position signals is absent.

Abstract: A distributor (10) includes a magnetic ring (14) mounted on an intermediate shaft which is directly coupled to a camshaft (20). A sensor (54) has a known position with respect to the poles on the magnetic ring (14) and is mounted to a stationary portion of the engine (22).

Abstract: In an ignition system including an ignition distributor integrated with an ignition coil, an electrical conductor linking leakage magnetic flux of the ignition coil is arranged on the outer periphery of the coil of an electromagnetic pickup to have a current conducting path around the axis of the coil. An eddy current is induced in the conductor by the leakage magnetic flux to generate magnetic flux in the direction opposite to the leakage magnetic flux of the ignition coil by the eddy current, thereby reducing a noise voltage generated in the electromagnetic pickup.

Abstract: An ignition position controlling apparatus for a multicylinder internal combustion engine is disclosed which is capable of generating clock pulses and cylinder discriminating signals for detecting proper angular positions necessary to determine the ignition positions of cylinders of the engine using an inductor-type signal generator simple in construction which includes signal generating means in number corresponding to the number of cylinders of the engine and a single disc-like toothed inductor.

Abstract: This invention discloses an engine rotation sensor which can generate angle- and timing-pulses from one sensor. The ratio of the intervals between these pulses generated by the rotation sensor is determined. The crank angle pulses and the timing pulses are discriminated depending on whether this ratio is less than or equal to a predetermined value, or not. The injection of fuel of each injector is controlled by a pulse which is discriminated as a timing pulse.

Abstract: To provide a pulse for engine ignition timing, a magnetic circuit is provided which includes a permanent magnet and magnetically conducting bodies with a gap provided between one pole face of the magnet and the remainder of the magnetic structure for passage of another magnetic body in its path of revolution in which it is driven by a shaft of the engine. A Hall generator is also provided at a suitable location in the magnetic circuit for responding to a sudden reduction of the magnetic flux when the revolving body exits from the air gap. A portion of the magnetic circuit including the permanent magnet is arranged to be shifted so as to increase the air gap in response to engine intake vacuum, which weakens the effect of the magnet on the Hall generator and advances the timing. An additional magnet provides a branch magnetic circuit which likewise weakens the effect on the Hall generator, but in this case upon approaching the main magnetic circuit, which is caused to happen when the engine speed increases.

Abstract: An ignition system for a rotating internal combustion engine is provided with a digital timing circuit for determining speed-responsive ignition advance angles, responsive to a rotating armature having teeth which are unequally spaced, the unequal spaces between teeth being used to identify one particular tooth. The time required for the passage of a tooth is a measure of rotational speed, which determines advance angle. The circuit causes a dwell period to start at the leading edge of the identified tooth, computes an advance angle from previously determined rotational speed, and provides an ignition spark at an angle corresponding to the difference between the tooth angle and the actual advance angle, and stores this angle. Upon the passage of the leading edge of the next tooth, the ignition spark will occur at the stored angle.

Abstract: A distributor for an ignition system that includes a plurality of optical switches (20) and a rotating member (40) having two windows (41, 42) spaced 180 degrees apart so that each switch is activated twice for each revolution of the distributor shaft. The distributor requires only as many optically coupled switches (20) as there are cylinders.

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: Ignition control pulses as well as fuel injection control pulses can be obtained from a single signal generator structure by providing two generator units (28, 29) on the structure (1) which includes a rotating shield, vane or gate element (20) to generate by magnetic, for example Hall generator elements, or optical couplers, pulses (U28, U29). The vanes are so positioned, and the rotation thereof, at half engine speed, so arranged that the pulses (U28) generated by the first generator (28) extend over the pulse gaps or intervals of the pulses (U29) from the second pulse generator (29). At least one, and for example two vanes are foreshortened, so that the pulse generated by the first signal generator (28), upon passage of the foreshortened vane (23, 26) commences only when part of the pulse gaps of the second generator (29) has already elapsed.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor for a distributorless ignition system is useable in an internal combustion engine. A Hall-effect device is spaced intermediate a pair of opposing permanent magnets for concurrently generating dual magnetic flux fields within respective air gap regions formed between each of the magnets and the device. Alternatively a magnet is placed between two Hall-effect devices to define the regions. A toothed disk rotatably connected to the crankshaft of the engine causes different teeth to shunt the fields in each of the regions in a predetermined sequence for generating pulses at the device output indicative of the firing order of the engine. Alternatively, a disk having outer and inner notched rims is used to shunt the fields in each of the regions. Further, an elongated channel shaped member has sides movable in the regions for detecting relative linear motion between two parts.

Abstract: The control generator of an ignition distributor for a transistor-coil ignition comprises an annular coil (55), a rotor (54) and a stator, which is a riveted unit comprising a stator plate (18), a permanent magnet (17) and a pole disc (56). The rotor and the pole disc are molded elements of sintered iron or of a mixture of sintered iron powder and carbonyl iron powder having a binder of thermosetting resin. The rotor and the pole disc have cooperating pole teeth (59,51), which are directed parallel to the axis (60) and whose cross section is triangular, with the triangular tips oriented toward one another. These "pointed teeth" produce a more steeply inclined signal course, as a result of which a decreased inherent shifting of the inductive transducer, and thereby more reliable starting of the engine, are attained.

Abstract: A bipolar activated magnetic pulse timer (50, Q.sub.a, Q.sub.b) is shown for an ignition system (Q1, Q2, Qn, Qp, 80, 90, 40, 40a) of a fuel burning engine. Such system includes a pair of semiconductor switches (Q.sub.a, Q.sub.b) wherein the output circuits of such switches are serially connected. A magnetic pulse timer (50) having an output winding (53) is connected to the input circuits of such switches. Such switches and timer intermittently activate a variety of ignition circuits.

Abstract: A ferrous disk is rotatably driven by an internal combustion engine shaft. The disk has outer and inner circular rims projecting outwardly from one side thereof. The outer rim has two arcuate notches of predetermined arcuate length and position and the inner rim has three arcuate notches of predetermined arcuate length and position. A permanent magnet is mounted between and radially spaced from two Hall-effect sensor devices in fixed relation to the shaft axis such that the outer rim passes between one Hall-effect device and the magnet and the second rim passes between the second Hall-effect device and the magnet as the shaft is rotated. The notches are so positioned to provide four separate two digit binary outputs to a microcomputer that provides output signals to ignition coil drivers for the spark ignition devices of the engine and provides spark advancement and coil dwell time variation in accordance with shaft rotational speed and other engine operating conditions.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit for use with variable inductance type position sensors and others which provide modulated carrier outputs, whereby the circuit is conditioned by the cyclical modulation output from the sensor. The circuit condition sets a threshold level based upon the signal output from the sensor so that the signal from the circuit is a voltage replica of the input signal that is enhanced to have predetermined and constant high and low peak values without regard to peak value variations in the cyclical signal received from the sensor.

Abstract: Fuel injector nozzle holders typically include a needle which is coupled within the nozzle holder and displaceable between open and closed positions. The nozzle holder also includes a chamber and a spring positioned within the chamber and coupled to the needle for biasing the needle toward the closed position. Prior art fuel injector nozzle holders can readily be modified to include a passageway for establishing communication with the chamber from a location external to the nozzle holder. This passageway may be dimensioned to permit an external sensing device which is capable of detecting displacements of the needle when positioned in proximity thereto to be inserted through the passageway into the chamber. A sensor holder is positioned within the chamber and aligned with the passageway to guide the sensor into a predetermined position with respect to the needle and to maintain the sensor in a fixed position.

Abstract: In a distributor assembly having an ignition coil therein, for use with an internal combustion engine, the positional relationship between the ignition coil and a magnetic sensitive detector, which detects a proper ignition timing, is selected so that the leakage flux from the ignition coil does not cause the magnetic sensitive detector to malfunction. According to one arrangement the magnetic sensitive direction of the detector is arranged perpendicular to the leakage flux from the ignition coil. According to the other arrangement the magnetic sensitive direction of the detector is arranged to intersect a radial line from the axis of the main magnetic flux of the ignition coil at an angle other than 90 degrees so that the flux variation in the detector is expedited by the appearance and disappearance of the leakage flux.

Abstract: A needle position indicator is positioned within the interior of a fuel injector nozzle holder which includes a needle having upper and lower ends, a needle seat which engages the lower end of the needle, a chamber having an upper end and a lower end through which the upper end of the needle extends, and a spring positioned within the chamber for exerting a force against the upper end of the chamber and against the upper end of the needle to bias the needle against the needle seat. The needle position indicator includes a magnet which is positioned within the cavity to generate a magnetic field within the cavity and a detector which is positioned within the cavity to detect changes in the strength of the magnetic field within the cavity caused by relative displacements of the upper portion of the needle within the cavity.

Abstract: In an ignition distributor of a contactless controlled coil ignition system the stationary elements (16-21) of a Hall transducer are undetachably integrated in the distributor casing (10,30) or in a carrier plate (40). A plug connector casing (25,35) consisting of insulating material and providing with connector prongs (24) is spaced radially from the distributor casing (10,30) or from the carrier plate (40). The integration of the stationary elements of the Hall transducer and of the plug connector casing makes possible a construction of the ignition distributor that is compact and favorable for manufacturing technology.

Abstract: An ignition system for a spark-ignition engine includes an ignition coil for applying a high voltage to each spark plug, a switch device connected in series with the secondary of the ignition coil for preventing in response to its conduction the supply of the high voltage to the spark plug, and a control circuit for turning on the switch device at a predetermined time after the generation of the high voltage, whereby the discharging at the spark plug is prevented under the combustion condition.

Abstract: The disclosed ignition device for a four-cylinder engine includes an ignition unit performing the ignition function in response to ignition signals. A rotor and a stator disposed in a metallic housing to serve to generate the ignition signals include four protrusions and three protuberances respectively. By rendering the number of the protuberances smaller than that of the protrusions, a space is left in the housing. Two bearing seats are disposed in the space at the opening of the housing and the ignition unit is screwed to the bearing seats.

Abstract: The Hall generator integrated circuit in the transistor-controlled ignition system of an internal combustion engine and an integrated circuit board which carries the circuit elements for overvoltage protection, amplification, and the power output stage are mounted together in one building block. Preferably, the conductive element and the permanent magnet of the Hall generator are also integrated into the building block as is a pressure sensor. The output of the pressure sensor is directly applied to the circuits in the printed circuit board. The unit occupies little space and eliminates the need for external leads interconnecting the ignition coil and the output circuit.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine which employs fuel injection. It uses the injection valve plungers to initiate spark control signals when they lift due to the fuel injection pressure. An electronic comparator output provides the control signal.

Abstract: To simplify a Wiegand wire type pulse source, a Wiegand wire (4) has a coil (3) wound thereon. A permanent magnet (5) is positioned with a gap from the coil, and a magnetically permeable masking element, for example a sector-shaped disk, is movable between the magnet and the coil. The coil (3) is connected to a source of direct current (B) which so magnetizes the Wiegand wire (4) that, when a gap of the masking element occurs between the magnet (5) and the coil (3), the Wiegand wire is reversely magnetized until, again, a solid portion of the masking element is interposed in the gap between magnet (5) and coil (3) to restore the magnetic direction due to the battery (B). Re-magnetization pulses are picked off the coil (3) by a suitable pulse coupling element such as a capacitor (C).

Abstract: A circuit for selecting between two or more detecting elements, such as magnetic pickups or resonant sensors (10, 12, 14) or (132, 134) spaced around a rotating member (15a, 157) to generate timing signals for an ignition system for an engine (15, 156) is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment is usable with a conventional mechanical advance to provide an additional advance above a predetermined vehicle (102) speed, and which may be negated by a vacuum switch (119) if the engine (156) is under heavy load. Another disclosed embodiment utilizes a plurality of such sensors (10, 12, 14) to provide a step-type ignition advance for an engine (15).

Abstract: A mechanical structure for an ignition controller (20) for an electronic ignition system, including structure for a sensing coil carrier, a trigger rotor, and a mechanical advance mechanism is disclosed. The sensing coil carrier (28) is pivotably mounted to a shaft (22) of the ignition controller (20), and holds a sensing coil (30) a fixed radial distance from the shaft. A trigger rotor (26) having a generally circular configuration with two circumferential walls (90, 92) forming a groove, with a metallic channel member (96) embedded in the groove, is fixed to the shaft (22), so that the sensing coil carrier (28) and the trigger rotor (26) are both referenced to the same axis. The mechanical advance mechanism (24) uses identical springs (60) for primary advance, and a self centering spring (66) for secondary advance, thereby eliminating unbalanced loading that results in hysteresis in ignition advance.

Abstract: To provide an inherent delayed effect of spark trigger pulses derived from a magnetic transducer in which a salient pole piece of a rotor rotates with respect to a salient pole piece of a stator and, upon juxtaposition, a pulse is induced in a pickup coil magnetically coupled to the rotor-stator circuit, the rotor pole piece is formed to have an arcuate length greater than that of the stator pole piece, with stepped configuration so that, with respect to angle of rotation, the output voltage derived from the coil will have, after passing through zero or null, a half wave which has a portion (C) of decreasing rate of change of absolute value, or differential thereof, and a subsequent and adjacent portion (D) of increasing rate or differential of absolute value with respect to angular change with the sign of the differential remains the same, so that, on slow-speed operation, a trigger circuit set to respond only to the subsequent or adjacent portion will have a voltage induced therein only at a later time, tha

Abstract: The disclosed ignition device for a four-cylinder engine includes an ignition unit performing the ignition function in response to ignition signals. A rotor and a stator disposed in a metallic housing to serve to generate the ignition signals include four protrusions and three protuberances respectively. By rendering the number of the protuberances smaller than that of the protrusions, a space is left in the housing. Two bearing seats are disposed in the space at the opening of the housing and the ignition unit is screwed to the bearing seats.

Abstract: Electromechanical sensing means comprising first of a set of members all of them substantially identical, arranged on an element turning synchronously with the engine's rotation and, second, of a pair of fixed detectors, placed in a protective casing for the turning element; the set of members including regularly spaced main members, in a number proportional to the number of the engine's cylinders, and at least one auxiliary member displaced at an angle .phi..sub.D at least equal to the lead angle .phi..sub.A to be controlled; the pair of detectors being positioned with regard to the course of the members and the relative angular interval in the two detectors being equal to the angle .phi..sub.

Abstract: A distributor for a contactless ignition apparatus of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. An ignition control circuit unit of contactless type is comprised of a case containing the ignition control IC circuit and a mold resin of the pick-up coil integrally formed with the case. The distributor contains closed magnetic circuit-forming means comprising a distributor shaft rotatable in synchronism with the engine, a reluctor or rotor fixed on the shaft and having claws in the number corresponding to the number of engine cylinders, a stator having a pair of claws opposed to the claws of the reluctor and mounted on the movable base of the angle advancer for advancing the ignition timing in response to a negative vacuum pressure, and a permanent magnet for generating a closed magnetic circuit through the reluctor stator and shaft. The pick-up coil of the ignition control circuit unit is arranged to cross the closed magnetic circuit, which unit is fixed within the distributor.

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: A non-contact signal generator which is adapted for the conduction signal source for the semi-conductor ignition system of so-called current-breaking type or induced-energy accumulating type and which is of the permanent-magnet-energization, variable magnetic reluctance type with one or more than two stationary pole number for generating one conduction signal for each pole in each rotation is disclosed.

Abstract: The AC signal generator furnishing the basic control signal for ignition timing is a Hall generator the flux through which is gradually increased while the crankshaft of the engine rotates through a predetermined angle of rotation. The Hall generator is part of a magnetic circuit which also includes an air gap. The change in flux is accomplished by rotating a tapered magnetically conductive member through the air gap. The output of the Hall generator is applied through a linear amplifier to a threshold circuit whose output controls an electronic interrupter switch connected in series with the ignition coil.

Abstract: A signal generating apparatus comprising a bistable magnetic device which alters its magnetic state when the density of magnetic flux to which it is subject passes through a predetermined value, and detecting means providing an output signal responsive to a change of magnetic state of the bistable device. A conducting means for magnetic flux subjects the bistable magnetic device to magnetic flux conducted therethrough and comprises a first portion providing a path of high permeability and a second portion providing a path of alterable permeance for varying the reluctance of the conducting means and the density of magnetic flux to which the bistable device is subject. An energizing means provides a controllable magnetic field for inducing magnetic flux in the conducting means and provides a flux density sufficient to alter the state of the bistable device with the variation of reluctance of the conducting means.

Abstract: A housing contains a circuit board having a Hall effect sensor attached thereupon and a magnetic circuit positioned to provide magnetic flux through the Hall effect sensor. The magnetic flux through the Hall effect sensor is interruptable by a high permeability vane moving through an air gap in the magnetic circuit, activating the Hall effect sensor to provide timing signals for an automotive ignition distributor system. The base of the housing has locating bosses for positioning the housing on a swing arm of the ignition distributor which is pivotable about the axis of the distributor shaft. Mutually perpendicular surfaces contained within the housing provide reference locations for positioning the circuit board with respect to the housing. The housing has respective portions for containing a flux concentrator and a magnetic and pole piece assembly on opposite sides of the circuit board.

Abstract: A bistable magnetic wire has an electrically conductive wire coiled thereabout as to form, generally, a magnetic wire assembly which is situated in spaced proximity to a magnet; the opposite ends of the conductive wire are electrically connected to related output or receiving apparatus; a shield or shutter arrangement operated generally between the magnetic wire assembly and the magnet serves to cause the magnetic wire to be at times placed under the influence of the magnetic field of the magnet thereby resulting in the magnetic wire changing from one stable state to another state and in so doing inducing a voltage into the conductive wire to produce a pulse across the said opposite ends thereof.