Abstract: An ignition circuit and a method of operating an igniter (preferably a traveling spark igniter) in an internal combustion engine, including a high pressure engine. A high voltage is applied to electrodes of the igniter, sufficient to cause breakdown to occur between the electrodes, resulting in a high current electrical discharge in the igniter, over a surface of an isolator between the electrodes, and formation of a plasma kernel in a fuel-air mixture adjacent said surface. Following breakdown, a sequence of one or more lower voltage and lower current pulses is applied to said electrodes, with a low “simmer” current being sustained through the plasma between pulses, preventing total plasma recombination and allowing the plasma kernel to move toward a free end of the electrodes with each pulse.

Abstract: In a multiple discharge ignition control apparatus, a battery, an energy storage coil and a first IGBT are connected in series. Further, the energy storage coil, a diode, a primary coil and a second IGBT are connected in series. The energy storage coil is connected with a capacitor through the diode, and a secondary coil is connected with a spark plug and a resistor for current detection. An ignition control circuit switches the IGBTs between ON and OFF each time the secondary current detected by the resistor reaches a positive or negative discharge holding current in multiple discharge operation. A booster circuit is provided in addition to the energy storage coil and its output is feedback-controlled.

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: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil, electric power supply circuit, a switching transistor, engine condition detecting element or unit that detects a signal relating to flow speed of air-fuel-mixture gas in the engine, and ignition control unit that controls the switching transistor to provide multiple ignition sparks in a predetermined ignition period. The ignition control unit controls the switching transistor to maintain each of the ignition sparks according to the signal relating to the flow speed of air-fuel-mixture gas in the engine to maintain sufficient spark energy for igniting the air-fuel mixture gas.

Abstract: A plasma ignition system has an electromagnetic noise reduction circuit in addition to a discharge power circuit, a plasma generating power circuit, a plasma ignition plug, a discharging wire and a plasma generating wire. The noise reduction circuit includes a first rectifier connected to the discharging wire, a second rectifier connected to the plasma generating wire, and a noise reducing capacitor connected in parallel to the second rectifier. The noise reduction circuit is disposed close to the ignition plug so that the noise reducing capacitor bypasses only high frequency noise currents generated when the ignition plug discharges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling the spark current in a spark plug (8), comprising a voltage source (1; 14), an ignition system (2) connected to the voltage source, and a spark plug (8) connected to the ignition system, which ignition system (2) comprises an ignition coil (3) and at least one regulating unit (5, 6) as well as a control unit (4), enabling control of the intensity and/or duration of the spark current, said ignition coil (3) comprising a secondary side (6, 31) arranged to be controlled in order to control the duration of the spark in Arc Discharge Mode. The invention also relates to an ignition device.

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 plug circuit for, and a method of, reducing or preventing the corrosion of a spark plug electrodes in an internal combustion engine. The circuit and method provide a positive voltage across the center electrode/ground electrode gap, which repels positively charged corrosion mechanisms, such as calcium and phosphorus ions.

Abstract: In a multiple discharge ignition control apparatus, a battery, an energy storage coil and a first IGBT are connected in series. Further, the energy storage coil, a diode, a primary coil and a second IGBT are connected in series. The energy storage coil is connected with a capacitor through the diode, and a secondary coil is connected with a spark plug and a resistor for current detection. An ignition control circuit switches the IGBTs between ON and OFF each time the secondary current detected by the resistor reaches a positive or negative discharge holding current in multiple discharge operation. A booster circuit is provided in addition to the energy storage coil and its output is feedback-controlled.

Abstract: A spark plug connector, in particular for large engines, includes an inductive interference suppression device having a ferromagnetic core. The inductive interference suppression device also has at least one winding, preferably a coil, and an ohmic d.c. resistance of at least 20? at 20° C.

Abstract: A follow-on circuit for extending the duration of the spark provided by a spark plug. The circuit is connected between the coil secondary and the spark gap, and has a capacitor that discharges to the point of connection through a resistor and inductor. The resistor may be made variable to control the amount and duration of the follow-on current, and hence the energy and duration of the spark event. The circuit may also be used with other ignitors and non-coil ignition circuits.

Abstract: An ignition spark enhancing system and devices which, in one aspect, establish the electrical path between a spark source (e.g. an ignition coil) and a spark plug, and in another aspect, between a power source (e.g. battery) and an ignition coil and, in a third aspect, between the ignition coil and the spark distributor of an internal combustion engine. The devices preferably include a coil of one or more turns or loops formed on and along a length of a small segment of hollow conductive tubing. A length of solid conductive wire is wound in tightly spaced fashion around a portion of the conductive tubing and is formed in intermittent segments which are preferably electrically coextensive with the conductive tubing. The tubing and the wire are preferably copper and also preferably form each entire spark plug and ignition coil wire. The device is also preferably coated with a non-conductive material to reduce any risk of electrical shock or short circuit.

Abstract: An ignition system providing power and duration controlled ignition spark, comprises a spark controller, first switching energy accumulator, storage capacitor, and second switching energy accumulator with an ignition coil. The ignition system utilizes dual means of switching energy accumulation, internal energy transfer, and three means of energy release to the ignition spark, working in all possible combinations managed by means of the spark controller depending on engine operating conditions, and provides continuous bipolar ignition spark. Spark profile is regulated by means of control signals (2) and (3) based on their frequency, duty cycle, interrelation, and running time.

Abstract: An ignition spark enhancing device and spark plug wire disposed in or establishing the electrical path between a spark source and a spark plug of an internal combustion engine. The device includes one or more coils of conductive hollow tubing formed from a length of conductive tubing configured for connection to the spark plug wire of the device or to a spark plug. The tubing is preferably copper and may also be aluminum or other conductive material and is also preferably used to form each spark plug wire as well for durability. At least five complete loops or turns wound concentrically or in helix fashion are preferred. The device is also preferably coated with a non-conductive material to reduce any risk of electrical shock or short circuit.

Abstract: An ignition enhancement device for enhancing ignition efficiency of car engine is installed between a high voltage wire and a spark plug. The ignition enhancement device has a capacitor. Two sides of the capacitor are connected to two metal conductive rods. An insulating sleeve encloses the capacitor; and two sides of the insulating sleeve are formed with two insertion holes. An outer wall of each of the two sides of the insulting sleeve has an annular slot; and two ends of the capacitor being covered by waterproof rubbers. When the engine is actuated, the capacitor serves to store the current from the high voltage wire. When the capacitor saturates, electrons are charged to the spark plug simultaneously so as to enlarge the current to have the effect of enhancing the discharge of the current. Thus, the ignition can be enhanced and the fuel is burnt completely.

Abstract: A control circuit is connected to a plurality of driving stages. Each driving stage includes a high-voltage terminal for driving an inductive load. The control circuit is provided with a corresponding plurality of control stages. These control stages are integrated in a single semiconductor body and connected each to the high-voltage terminal of a respective driving stage.

Abstract: A system 10 for increasing electrical spark current to the spark plugs of an electronic ignition system for internal combustion engines includes a capacitor 12 parallel with a switch 14; a primary winding 16; a secondary winding 18 in series with a spark plug 20, the capacitor 12 and switch 14 being in series with the primary winding 16; and a battery 22 having a positive terminal connected to the primary winding 16, and a negative terminal connected to the capacitor 12, switch 14 and spark plug 20. The components cooperating to direct positive and negative electrical currents through the primary winding 16 whereby a peak to peak primary winding current occurs that induces a corresponding secondary winding current through said secondary winding 18.

Abstract: A device that improves ignition spark intensity with power transmitted at the time of ignition from a conventional plug cord for an internal combustion engine to an ignition plug is constituted so that counter electromotive force arising at the time of ignition of the ignition plug is stored as electrostatic energy and is discharged at the next ignition of the ignition plug and has positive and negative electrodes, the positive electrode being connected to or in contact with an internal combustion engine plug cord and the negative electrode being connected to or in contact with an internal combustion engine ground, thereby improving ignition spark intensity.

Abstract: An ignition spark enhancing device and spark plug wire disposed in or establishing the electrical path between a spark source and a spark plug of an internal combustion engine. The device includes one or more coils of conductive hollow tubing formed from a length of conductive tubing configured for connection to the spark plug wire of the device or to a spark plug. The tubing is preferably copper and may also be aluminum or other conductive material and is also preferably used to form each spark plug wire as well for durability. At least five complete loops or turns wound concentrically or in helix fashion are preferred. The device is also preferably coated with a non-conductive material to reduce any risk of electrical shock or short circuit.

Abstract: An ignition spark enhancing device and spark plug wire disposed in or establishing the electrical path between a spark source and a spark plug of an internal combustion engine. The device includes one or more coils of conductive hollow tubing formed from a length of conductive tubing and having ends each configured for connection to the spark plug wire of the device or to a spark plug. The tubing is preferably copper and may also be aluminum or other conductive material and is also preferably used to form each spark plug wire as well for durability. At least five complete loops or turns wound concentrically or in helix fashion are preferred. The device is also preferably coated with a non-conductive material to reduce any risk of electrical shock or short circuit.

Abstract: An ignition system employing a piezoelectric transformer having a drive side and an output side. The ignition system further includes circuit elements in electronic communication with the output side that tune output impedance in series with a breakdown gap to optimize power flow from the transformer to the breakdown gap after breakdown and a timing control circuit in electronic communication with the drive side that meters post-breakdown energy delivered to the breakdown gap by timing the duration of post-breakdown power flow.

Abstract: An ignition spark enhancing device disposed in the electrical path between a spark source and a spark plug of an internal combustion engine. The device includes one or more coils of conductive hollow tubing formed from a length of conductive tubing and having ends each configured for connection to a spark plug wire or to a spark plug. The tubing is preferably copper and may also be aluminum or other conductive material. At least five complete loops wound concentrically or in helix form are preferred. The device is also preferably coated with a non-conductive material to reduce any risk of electrical shock or short circuit.

Abstract: A device that improves ignition spark intensity with power transmitted at the time of ignition from a conventional plug cord for an internal combustion engine to an ignition plug is constituted so that counter electromotive force arising at the time of ignition of the ignition plug is stored as electrostatic energy and is discharged at the next ignition of the ignition plug and has positive and negative electrodes, the positive electrode being connected to or in contact with an internal combustion engine plug cord and the negative electrode being connected to or in contact with an internal combustion engine ground, thereby improving ignition spark intensity.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine having multiple cylinders and direct gasoline injection is described, so that the secondary current conduction time of the ignition coil can be prolonged controllably without increasing the primary current. At least one ignition coil is provided for each cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The primary side of the ignition coil is switched over an ignition switch which is triggered by a microprocessor. A spark plug is connected to the secondary side of the ignition coil. An external voltage can be applied to the ignition coil to prolong the secondary current conduction time, thus supplying the power required for the prolonged secondary current.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises a converter transformer, an ignition transformer, a first triggerable switch S1, the primary winding of the ignition transformer and the storage capacitor being connected in series through the triggerable switch, a spark plug connected in series with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer, a source of direct current and a second triggerable switch S2 connected in series the primary of the converter transformer, and a circuit to control the first and second triggerable switches in synchronism with the engine.

Abstract: An ignition system is for an internal combustion engine having an ignition device that requires a high voltage (ignition voltage) for igniting the ignition spark. Two ignition coils are provided, which have secondary windings that are each connected to electrodes of a spark plug, which have primary windings that may be connected in each case by a switching arrangement to a supply voltage source, and a drive circuit, via which the ignition coils are driven in a time-displaced manner.

Abstract: An ignition system for use with a spark plug in an internal combustion engine comprising an ignition apparatus for producing a breakdown voltage on a first output thereof configured to breakdown a spark gap of the spark plug a power source having a second output configured for connection to the spark plug, said source being further configured to sustain power to the spark gap during discharge and an impedance having first and second terminals coupled between the first and second outputs, the impedance having an electrical characteristic configured to allow application of the breakdown voltage and suppress high voltage transient.

Abstract: A method of generating a sequence of high-voltage ignition sparks is described, wherein an ignition energy storage device is charged up to a specifiable charge state. By a discharge of the ignition energy storage device, a spark is generated on an ignition spark generating means connected to the ignition energy storage device. A recharging operation of the ignition energy storage device is started before the ignition energy storage device is completely discharged. By discharging the ignition energy storage device, an additional ignition spark is generated on the ignition spark generating means.

Abstract: A circuit for providing a follow-on current between the electrodes of a traveling spark ignitor after an initial break down between the electrodes has occurred is disclosed. The circuit may include first and second portions which, respectively, provide first and second voltages to the ignitor. The first portion may be a conventional ignition circuit. The second portion provides the follow-on current. The second portion may provide the follow-on current as a single discharge or as a multi-stage discharge.

Abstract: A supplementary ignition system in an internal combustion engine having an induction coil ignition systems of the type in which a first spark signal is generated to provide a single second spark signal a predetermined time after the start of the first spark signal. The invention supplements and does not alter or affect the first spark signal the first spark signal provided by the primary ignition system for the internal combustion engine. Augmentation with the second strike ignition system results in a longer duration and higher quality double strike spark at the spark plug of the engine during the compression stroke of the engine to provide more complete combustion of the fuel/air mixture in each cylinder of the engine. Being a supplemental ignition system, it can be removed at any time with immediate reversal back to the original equipment and its performance.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition apparatus provides spark advance with engine speed. The ignition apparatus includes triggering circuitry connected to the primary coil of the high voltage transformer. The triggering circuitry produces a triggering signal based on voltage induced in the primary coil by revolution of a permanent magnet. The triggering circuitry is adapted to provide the triggering signal at low RPMs on the trailing edge of a predetermined half cycle. At higher RPMs, the triggering signal shifts to the leading edge of the half-cycle so as to advance the spark.

Abstract: Capacitive discharge system for ignitors of internal combustion engines with one ignition coil (T) per ignitor with one or more capacitors (6) and shunt switch means (5) associated with each such coil, together forming a coil primary ignition circuit of Type II topology and resonance oscillation capability, each switch means being a series combination of shunt diode (D) means and switch (SD) across the coils primary winding, with a voltage drop element (Vdb) across switch SD, the system constructed to produce capacitive ignition initial spark discharge of duration less than a quarter period of the resonance oscillation of the primary ignition circuit followed by an essentially triangular distribution decaying spark discharge of longer duration than the initial discharge, with switch SD to be turned off near or after spark circuit zero to divert residual primary discharge circuit through the voltage drop element.

Abstract: A method of generating a sequence of high-voltage ignition sparks is described, wherein

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for providing electrical energy to a traveling spark ignitor operating in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system may include a conventional ignition system connected to the ignitor and a follow-on current producer which produces a follow-on current that travels between electrodes of the ignitor after an initial discharge of the conventional ignition system through the ignitor. The system may also include a disabling element that prevents the follow-on current from being transmitted to the ignitor. The disabling element may prevent the follow-on current from being transmitted to the ignitor based upon current operating conditions of the engine. When the disabling element prevents the follow-on current from being transmitted to the ignitor the system operates in a conventional manner.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of igniting a fuel charge of a Gasoline Direct Injection engine. The method of this embodiment includes providing an ignition pulse to an ignitor, the pulse having a duration of at least 1 &mgr;s and an average power of at least 500W.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) system is capable of generating intense continuous electrical discharge at a spark gap for a desired duration and may include a second controllable power switching circuit with its input terminal connected to an output terminal of a high voltage DC source device. An output terminal of the second controllable power switching circuit is connected to an input terminal of a first power switching circuit. The second controllable power switching circuit may also have a control terminal connected to an output of a controller. The first controllable power switching circuit may be used for discharging a discharge capacitor, and the second controllable power switching circuit may cause charging of the discharge capacitor. As such, an ignition current through an ignition coil of the system is enabled for any desired number of cycles during both the charge and discharge cycles of the discharge capacitor.

Abstract: A supplementary ignition system in an internal combustion engine having an induction coil ignition systems of the type in which a first spark signal is generated to provide a single second spark signal a predetermined time after the start of the first spark signal. The invention supplements and does not alter or affect the first spark signal the first spark signal provided by the primary ignition system for the internal combustion engine. Augmentation with the second strike ignition system results in a longer duration and higher quality double strike spark at the spark plug of the engine during the compression stroke of the engine to provide more complete combustion of the fuel/air mixture in each cylinder of the engine. Being a supplemental ignition system, it can be removed at any time with immediate reversal back to the original equipment and its performance.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for generating a sustained arc at a spark-generating device. A power converter charges an energy storage device to a voltage that will ionize an air gap of a spark device such as an igniter plug. After the voltage is applied to the spark device, the air gap is ionized and the energy from the energy storage device has been exhausted, energy continues to be supplied to the gap by the converter for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises a converter transformer, an ignition transformer, a first triggerable switch S1, the primary winding of the ignition transformer and the storage capacitor being connected in series through the triggerable switch, a spark plug connected in series with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer, a source of direct current and a second triggerable switch S2 connected in series the primary of the converter transformer, and a circuit to control the first and second triggerable switches in synchronism with the engine.

Abstract: An ignitor and associated electronics for igniting a combustible mixture in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine are described. The ignitor includes at least two spaced-apart electrodes that define a discharge gap. The space between the electrodes is substantially filled with a dielectric material. The dielectric material is spaced-apart from at least one of the electrodes to provide an air gap over which an initial voltage breakdown between the electrodes will occur. The air gap serves to vary the location of the initial breakdown and as a barrier to a short circuit between the electrodes due to carbon and/or metal deposit buildup on the dielectric material. The associated electronics provide a first potential between the electrodes that generates a plasma between the electrodes. Then the volume of the plasma is increased by the application of a second potential that creates a current through the plasma.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine having multiple cylinders and direct gasoline injection is described, so that the secondary current conduction time of the ignition coil can be prolonged controllably without increasing the primary current. At least one ignition coil is provided for each cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The primary side of the ignition coil is switched over an ignition switch which is triggered by a microprocessor. A spark plug is connected to the secondary side of the ignition coil. An external voltage can be applied to the ignition coil to prolong the secondary current conduction time, thus supplying the power required for the prolonged secondary current.

Abstract: An ignition device sets a total discharge period, each discharge period and each intermittent period of a multiple discharge are set by a control map in addition to the setting of a throttle opening, fuel injection timing, fuel injection period and ignition timing for the range of non-stratified charge combustion, when a direct injection-type engine operates in the range of stratified charge combustion. Ignition signals including a plurality of rises and falls are outputted in time with a specific ignition timing after fuel injection. Thus a plurality of sparks are generated from the spark plug, ensuring reliable ignition in response to changes in the concentration of sprayed fuel within the operation range for stratified charge combustion.

Abstract: In an engine igniter 1, when a spark-discharge duration time Tc calculated on the basis of operation conditions of an internal combustion engine has elapsed after generation of spark discharge by an ignition coil 13, an electricity-supply resumption circuit 51 is operated in order to resume supply of primary current i1 to a primary winding L1, to thereby interrupt the spark discharge. Further, a signal processing control circuit 23 performs electricity-supply-start timing delay control processing in order to delay the timing of supplying electricity to the primary winding L1 in accordance with the power source voltage, to thereby maintain the magnetic flux energy accumulated in the ignition coil 13 at a substantially constant level.

Abstract: A plasma ignitor, or plasma source, for igniting a combustible mixture in an internal combustion engine. The ignitor includes at least two spaced apart electrodes dimensioned and arranged such that an outwardly moving plasma is formed when a voltage is applied across the electrodes. The present invention is characterized by its efficient use of input electrical energy for driving the plasma ignitor and by an ignition plasma kernel which is several orders of magnitude larger than that produced by conventional spark plugs. Outward motion and expansion of the plasma kernel is produced by a combination of Lorentz and thermal forces. Use of very lean combustible mixtures, in which the dilution of the mixture is achieved by use of exhaust gas recirculation, is made possible by the present ignition system. Improvement in engine efficiency, and a major reduction in exhaust gas pollutants are obtained.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for a gasoline engine of independent cylinder type with low-voltage wiring has no distributor, and a CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignitor) is employed to improve the ignition characteristic of lean mixture. In order to lengthen a discharge time of the ignition apparatus of CDI type, the primary winding of a transformer in series with a switching element is connected in parallel to a capacitor, the ends of which are connected to a DC power supply. The switching element includes an IGBT and a diode connected in parallel to each other.

Abstract: A biasing circuit for an ion current measurement system draws power from a primary side of the ignition coil, and applies a positive polarity bias voltage to a low voltage side of a secondary winding of the ignition coil. The biasing circuit includes a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) which has an on state for carrying spark current during a spark interval of operation, and further includes an off state which prevents the stored biasing voltage on a capacitor from being shunted to ground, thereby allowing ion current sensing through the low voltage side of the secondary winding. The low on-state voltage drop of the SCR during conduction of spark current minimizes losses of spark energy.

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 electric ignition device for an internal combustion engine having a primary and a secondary circuit coupled together by a transformer. The secondary circuit includes a spark gap. The primary circuit includes a capacitor that can be discharged. The voltage discharged by the capacitor is coupled by the transformer to the secondary circuit where it produces an ignition spark across the spark gap. The primary circuit is a resonant circuit that is repeatedly excited keeping the ignition spark burning as an arc. Current or voltage in the secondary circuit are detected to control the energy introduced into the spark gap.

Abstract: Ignition system componentry which may be coupled or stacked with a conventional high energy ignition system with an ignition storage capacitor coupled to the ignition coil including an electronic controller provided as responsive to the current flow through a transmission ignition coil. A discharge switch is connected in a circuity for discharging the storage capacitor into the ignition coil, the discharge switch being coupled to the electronic controller for controlling the charging and the discharging of the storage capacitor in cooperation with the conventional HEI ignition system using the interruption of the current to the ignition transformer in the conventional system for generating a trigger signal for the capacitive discharge assembly in cooperation with the HEI system upon which it is stacked for generating high energy spark producing potentials optimized for the internal combustion engine.