Dual Systems Patents (Class 123/640)
  • Patent number: 10920738
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine for an aircraft can include a crankshaft configured to drive a propeller; a camshaft coupled to the crankshaft; and an ignition controller coupled to the camshaft and including a visual indicator, the visual indicator configured to produce a visual signal at a predetermined angular position of the engine. An ignition controller for an internal combustion engine can include a housing and a P-lead connection extending from the housing, the ignition controller configured to selectively supply or cut main electrical power from the engine via the P-lead connection, the ignition controller also configured to selectively supply its own power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Hunt
  • Patent number: 10920737
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine for an aircraft can include a crankshaft configured to drive a propeller; a camshaft coupled to the crankshaft; and an ignition controller coupled to the camshaft and including a visual indicator, the visual indicator configured to produce a visual signal at a predetermined angular position of the engine. An ignition controller for an internal combustion engine can include a housing and a P-lead connection extending from the housing, the ignition controller configured to selectively supply or cut main electrical power from the engine via the P-lead connection, the ignition controller also configured to selectively supply its own power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Hunt
  • Patent number: 10920736
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine for an aircraft can include a crankshaft configured to drive a propeller; a camshaft coupled to the crankshaft; and an ignition controller coupled to the camshaft and including a visual indicator, the visual indicator configured to produce a visual signal at a predetermined angular position of the engine. An ignition controller for an internal combustion engine can include a housing and a P-lead connection extending from the housing, the ignition controller configured to selectively supply or cut main electrical power from the engine via the P-lead connection, the ignition controller also configured to selectively supply its own power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Hunt
  • Patent number: 10753335
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine for an aircraft can include a crankshaft configured to drive a propeller; a camshaft coupled to the crankshaft; and an ignition controller coupled to the camshaft and including a visual indicator, the visual indicator configured to produce a visual signal at a predetermined angular position of the engine. An ignition controller for an internal combustion engine can include a housing and a P-lead connection extending from the housing, the ignition controller configured to selectively supply or cut main electrical power from the engine via the P-lead connection, the ignition controller also configured to selectively supply its own power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Hunt
  • Patent number: 9951742
    Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine (1) includes a superpose voltage generation circuit (47) that, after the initiation of a discharge with the application of a discharge voltage by a secondary coil, applies a superpose voltage between electrodes of an ignition plug (29) in the same direction as the discharge voltage to continue a discharge current, and performs a superposed discharge in a superposed discharge activation range of high exhaust recirculation rate. Upon shift from the superposed discharge activation range of high exhaust recirculation rate to a superposed discharge deactivation range of low exhaust recirculation rate, the deactivation of the superposed discharge is delayed by a delay time ?T. Although the exhaust gas recirculation rate becomes temporarily increased with decrease in intake air after the closing of an exhaust gas recirculation control valve, the superposed discharge is continued for the delay time ?T so as to avoid misfiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taisuke Shiraishi, Tatsuya Yaguchi, Hirofumi Maeda
  • Patent number: 8515608
    Abstract: A reduce electric power consumption when an electric motor starts an engine and the time required to start the engine. Engine start control is implemented as follows. The RPM of the engine is increased to an RPM (R1) by the electric motor. Fuel is supplied to the engine of which RPM has reached to the RPM (R1) and further increases in the RPM are detected. If a further increase in the RPM is not detected, the supply of electric power to the electric motor is temporarily stopped. If the RPM has decreased to a RPM (R2), the supply of fuel to the engine is interrupted and also the supply of electric power to the electric motor is resumed. If a further increase in the RPM is detected or if the RPM has not decreased to the RPM (R2), it is determined that the engine has been started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hino Motors, Ltd.
    Inventor: Keita Yamagata
  • Publication number: 20130032128
    Abstract: A single-fire motorcycle ignition comprising a rotatable shaft having a rotor with two magnets of opposite polarity spaced around the circumference thereof, wherein the shaft and rotor are rotated between latching Hall effect modules, and each module is electrically connected to an ignition coil. Each module is switched to a first position by passage of the first magnet causing the ignition coil to accumulate a charge and a second position by passage of the second magnet, causing the module to fire the ignition coil. The modules are preferably attached to a plate, which can be affixed to the top of a standard breaker base for a points-fired ignition after removal of the condenser and points. A kit to nondestructively convert a traditional points-style ignition to the ignition described herein is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Ed Fralick
  • Publication number: 20110017180
    Abstract: A method of transitioning between homogeneous charge compression ignition and spark ignition in a combustion chamber of an engine that is configured for homogeneous charge compression ignition under at least some engine operating conditions and for spark ignition under at least some engine operating conditions, the method comprising heating contents of the combustion chamber with a glow plug prior to transitioning between homogeneous charge compression ignition and spark ignition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Themi Petridis, Lucien Koopmans, Jonas Elfstrand
  • Patent number: 7587368
    Abstract: A method of maintaining electronic medical records, comprising the steps of receiving a medical transaction record, encrypted with an encryption key relating to a patient association of the file, accessing the encrypted medical transaction record according to a patient association; and further encrypting the encrypted accessed medical transaction record with an encryption key associated with an intended recipient of the medical record. The system and method according to the present invention presents a new business model for the creation, maintenance, transmission, and use of medical records, allowing financial burdens to be reallocated, for example more optimally or equitably, to decrease overall societal cost, or simply to provide a successful business model for a database proprietor. Secure entrusted medical records are held in trust by an independent third party on behalf of the patient, serving the medical community at large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: David Paul Felsher
  • Publication number: 20080252219
    Abstract: The invention provides an ignition control device and a killing control device correspond. An ignition control device comprises an ignition circuit module and a killing control device corresponds. The ignition circuit module comprises a killing control device including a killing switch and a timing retard circuit module connected to the ignition circuit module. When the killing control operates, the ignition circuit stops igniting. The invention has following advantages: reasonable structure, low cost, stable control circuit and safe operation and so on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: SHAO XING FENGLONG ELECTRICAL MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: DEYOU LEI, Jiangang DONG
  • Publication number: 20080178855
    Abstract: A twin ignition system for automotive vehicles and the like is disclosed and claimed. Ignition system #1 comprises a known ignition system which allows electrical access to the engine starter, and allows full function of all facilities with which the vehicle is equipped. Ignition system #2 has its own subsystems which can be set to control vehicle speed and/or other vehicle operating parameters. Each system can be accessed by its own discreet key which does not allow access to the other ignition system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Peter William Petersen
  • Patent number: 7353813
    Abstract: An engine generating two or more ignition sparks by the same spark plug, which can avoid a torque reduction caused by misfire of main ignition, can start firing and burning at proper timing depending on operating conditions, and can reduce misfires. A novel controller and a novel ignition coil adapted for realizing that engine are also provided. One spark plug and at least one ignition coil are provided per cylinder. When performing a plurality of ignitions during the compression stroke in the cylinder, before main ignition to start firing and burning at proper timing depending on operating conditions of the engine, preliminary pre-ignition is performed to form a fire seed around the spark plug. The main ignition is then performed to cause main burning. Misfire is avoided, appropriate torque can be generated, and combustion stability can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 7121270
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: VimX Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Plotnikov
  • Patent number: 7021299
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giovanni L. Torrisi, Antonino Torres, Nicola A. Liporace
  • Patent number: 6947831
    Abstract: A method is described for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter based on at least a sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor. Degradation of the sensor is then detected in a variety of ways. One approach takes advantage of the slowly varying flow resistance of the filter compared with the more rapid variations in flow caused by changing engine conditions. Default operation is then taken when a degraded sensor is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michiel J. van Nieuwstadt
  • Patent number: 6837229
    Abstract: The ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes two spark plugs provided for each cylinder, ignition coils arranged independently to each of the spark plugs, an ignition power source circuit for supplying electrical energy to first coils which constitute the ignition coils, and an ignition transistor circuit for switching on and off the electrical supply from the ignition power source circuit to the first coils. In the ignition device, the first coils corresponding to spark plugs that are provided to the same cylinder are connected in parallel with the ignition transistor circuit that is arranged to each cylinder. The ignition power source circuit is a circuit including an energy storage condenser for storing electrical energy supplied to the first coil. The electrical supply circuit is a circuit including an MOS-type field effect transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Atsuya Mizutani, Tetsuya Miwa
  • Publication number: 20040255920
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.
    Inventors: Giovanni L. Torrisi, Antonino Torres, Nicola A. Liporace
  • Patent number: 6705302
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Meinders
  • Patent number: 6675784
    Abstract: In an engine ignition system having a fail-safe function, a battery, a coil and a transistor are connected in series. A capacitor is connected to the coil by way of a diode. The capacitor, a primary winding of an ignition coil and a transistor are connected in series. A transistor and a diode in serial connection are connected in parallel to the coil and diode in serial connection. A drive circuit turns on and off the transistor to charge the capacitor and operates the transistor to implement the ignition operation. The drive circuit, in the event of system failure, turns on and off the transistor, while retaining the transistor in the on state, thereby to feed energy of the battery to the primary winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Noboru Nagase, Tetsuya Miwa, Makoto Toriyama
  • Publication number: 20020170548
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Brett Masters, Brian MacLachlan, Gert Muller, Jaco Pretorius, Marthinus van Schoor
  • Publication number: 20020046745
    Abstract: In an engine ignition system having a fail-safe function, a battery, a coil and a transistor are connected in series. A capacitor is connected to the coil by way of a diode. The capacitor, a primary winding of an ignition coil and a transistor are connected in series. A transistor and a diode in serial connection are connected in parallel to the coil and diode in serial connection. A drive circuit turns on and off the transistor to charge the capacitor and operates the transistor to implement the ignition operation. The drive circuit, in the event of system failure, turns on and off the transistor, while retaining the transistor in the on state, thereby to feed energy of the battery to the primary winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Noboru Nagase, Tetsuya Miwa, Makoto Toriyama
  • Patent number: 6123063
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Autotronic Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Herbert Boerjes
  • Patent number: 5954037
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magneto having two sets of primary windings and no secondary windings which will allow the magneto to function as an ignition source even though one set of primary windings fail. Each primary winding provides current to an independent set of points, condensers, high voltage transformers, and then to a common distributor. The magneto will also continue to function even though one set of points, one condenser, one high voltage transformer or one secondary winding fails. The primary windings are formed, by winding two wires joined by insulation onto a common laminated core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: French Grimes
  • Patent number: 5791320
    Abstract: An engine ignition system includes spark plugs having two high voltage electrodes connected to separate high voltage sources. Should one voltage source fail, the engine will continue to fire with sparks generated by the other high voltage source. The invention has special applicability to single engine aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Eugene Haban
  • Patent number: 5727534
    Abstract: A misfire detecting device for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is provided. The misfire detecting device comprises high voltage pulse producing means for producing, after spark discharge of a spark plug, a high voltage pulse which is not so high as to cause the spark plug to discharge, voltage applying means for applying the high voltage pulse to a conductive path connecting between the secondary winding of the ignition coil to the spark plug, by way of a reverse current preventing diode and a leakage preventing diode for preventing intrusion of the high voltage for ignition, voltage dividing means for dividing a voltage at the junction between the reverse current preventing diode and the leakage preventing diode to obtain a divided voltage thereat, and misfire detecting means for detecting a misfire on the basis of a decay characteristic of the divided voltage obtained after application of the high voltage pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriaki Kondo, Hiroshi Inagaki
  • Patent number: 5724938
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ignition systems for internal combustion engines and, in particular, to a spark ignition system specifically adapted for two-cycle engines. An ignition system is provided which is able to avoid ignition plug smolder and electrode contamination by providing for self-cleaning of the ignition plug electrodes and ensuring complete combustion of an injected rich mixture of fuel/air in the vicinity of the ignition plug electrodes within a combustion chamber. This is accomplished by employing two distinct, yet interrelated, ignition plug firing systems. One such system causes an ignition plug to emit a spark of long duration when an air/fuel charge is present in the combustion chamber, thereby ensuring good combustion. The other system causes the ignition plug to emit a spark of short duration and of very high energy when little, or no, charge is present in the combustion chamber, thereby aiding in the self-cleaning of the electrodes of the ignition plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Yamada
  • Patent number: 5713338
    Abstract: A redundant ignition system for an internal combustion engine is provided. When the internal combustion system is a waste spark system, opposite ends of first and second secondary windings of first and second coils, are coupled, respectively, to first and second sparkplugs, for igniting first and second cylinders. In one embodiment, a diode or similar structure prevents feedback from one coil to another coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: N.S.I. Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Lance Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5654868
    Abstract: A solid-state exciter circuit for establishing arc discharges in igniter devices. The exciter circuit includes first and second transformers, first and second main discharge capacitors, and first and second exciter sub-circuits for controlling the charging and discharging of the latter capacitors. The exciter sub-circuits independently generate component ignition or drive pulses each of which has a magnitude and duration that is optimized for a respective part of an ignition event. The exciter circuit then combines these pulses to produce a composite ignition pulse having voltage and current waveforms that so match the discharge characteristics of an igniter that the latter generates an arc of the desired magnitude and duration substantially without being overexcited or underexcited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: SL Aburn, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Buer
  • Patent number: 5544633
    Abstract: An ignition system is provided for an internal combustion engine that operates in two modes. In a first mode, the timing of the spark event is under electronic control. In a second mode, the timing of the spark event is fixed and synchronized to the mechanical rotation of the crankshaft of the engine. Under normal operating conditions, the timing of the spark event is electronically controlled. If the electrical system of the engine malfunctions, the ignition system defaults to the second mode in which ignition timing is mechanically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Unison Industries Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bradley D. Mottier, J. Norman MacLeod, Dean Mechlowitz, Randy Erickson
  • Patent number: 5331935
    Abstract: An auxiliary ignition system comprising a first magneto having a normal operating mode and a start-up mode, and a second magneto having a normal operating mode and a start-up mode. A primary starter switch is operably wired to the first and second magnetos. Engagement of the primary starter switch activates the second magneto start-up mode and the first magneto start-up mode. Auxiliary ignition switches are operably connected to the primary starter switch wiring such that engagement of the auxiliary ignition switches after engagement of the starter switch causes the first and second magnetos to initiate engine ignition in their respective normal operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: ASAP - Aircraft Service and Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: John Daino
  • Patent number: 5247919
    Abstract: An ignition system has a burn sensor detects the condition of the burn of the fuel so that the ignition system stops supplying the current to the ignition plug when the burn of the fuel is detected. On the other hand, if the burn of the fuel is not sufficient, the ignition system keeps supplying the current to the ignition plug to make sure the burn to happen. Thus the ignition system can develop the energy efficiency and consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motonobu Akaki, Nobuyuki Oota, Yasutoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 5228425
    Abstract: An inductive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine uses two ignition transformers with their associated circuitry. One transformer is employed in a Kettering type high voltage system. The other transformer is used in a low voltage high current output system. The Kettering system initiates spark plug arcing. When the arc is established the lower voltage high current circuit increases the arcing since only lower voltage is needed to sustain or increase the arcing once arcing is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Sylvan Simons
  • Patent number: 5193515
    Abstract: An ignition system for two ignition current circuits including a condenser to supply the ignition current to the plug. The ignition current circuits provide the ignition current to the plug alternately in response to an ignition timing signal so that the first and second current circuit to supply the ignition current constantly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Oota, Yasutoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 5140970
    Abstract: An ignition controlling device includes a spark plug, a first ignition coil for supplying an ignition current to the spark plug, a second ignition coil for supplying an ignition current to the spark plug and a controller for controlling the supplies of the currents to the spark plug from the first and second ignition coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motonobu Akaki, Nobuyuki Oota, Yasutoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 5111798
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multiple spark transistor ignition circuit which is able to provide negligible retardation of ignition time, and/or prevent ignition with reverse rotation and/or provide an additional advanced spark and/or govern maximum engine speed and/or progressively advance the moment of ignition with increasing engine speed. The basic circuit comprises an ignition circuit of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,437 (Notaras) with a diode interposed between the primary winding and the remainder of the circuit. Circuits having a single primary winding and dual remainders or dual primary windings and single remainders are also disclosed. A governor circuit having a control transistor, a further potential divider and a control capacitor, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventors: John A. Notaras, Angelo L. Notaras
  • Patent number: 5044348
    Abstract: An igniter for an internal combustion engine has a plurality of drive circuits for generating an ignition voltage in the secondary winding of an ignition coil. A high-voltage diode is connected in series between the secondary winding of the ignition coil and a spark plug. The diode prevents destructive interference between the ignition voltages generated in the secondary winding for successive firings of the spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki K.K.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Ookawa
  • Patent number: 5044328
    Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprises an ignition coil unit including a core a primary coil wound around said core, a secondary coil electro-magnetically coupled to the primary coil, a case for housing the core, the primary coil and the secondary coil therein, and control circuit for controlling a current flowing the primary coil. In the ignition device, the control circuit is housed in the case so that heat generated by said control circuit is transferred to the case to radiate out the heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki K.K.
    Inventor: Tomokazu Umezaki
  • Patent number: 4996964
    Abstract: A backup apparatus for ignition and fuel system provided with an ignition system backup circuit and a fuel system backup circuit to be used in case of a breakdown of a main circuit. The fuel system backup circuit outputs a drive signal to a fuel injection valve by using either an ignition signal for an ignition device from the ignition system backup circuit, or an ignition diagnosis signal from the ignition device as a trigger timing. When the ignition system backup circuit breaks down, neither the ignition signal from the ignition system backup circuit nor the ignition diagnosis signal from the ignition, device is generated, so that the supply of fuel to the engine is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirofumi Ohuchi
  • Patent number: 4953519
    Abstract: An ignition system for a motorcyle two cylinder internal combustion engine includes magnetically coupled primary and secondary coils, spark plugs at the cylinders, a source of electrical current, and first and second pairs of contacts respectively controlling electrical current flow to the primary coil for producing high voltage output from the secondary coil to be delivered to the spark plugs; the system includes a rotary cam driven by the engine for controlling opening of the contacts, the cam rotatable about a first axis; first and second carriers respectively carrying the first and second contacts, and adjustably rotatable about that axis; and non-rotary support structure to which the carriers may be connected, in adjusted positions of the first and second contacts about the first axis; whereby the timing of spark effected ignitions by the spark plugs may be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Custom Chrome, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert W. Hoeptner, III
  • Patent number: 4889097
    Abstract: An electronic fuel control device is used to activate a fuel system carried on board a motor vehicle independently of a computer system carried on board the vehicle. The fuel control device embodies an electrical circuit to create an output of a series of pulses of electrical energy. Electrical power is carried to the electrical circuit by electrical supply conducting apparatus. The pulses of electrical energy are transported from the electrical circuit to the fuel injecting system by electrical pulse conducting apparatus connected to the fuel injecting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Fred Bevill
    Inventors: Fred Bevill, Theodore P. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 4858586
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and device for igniting engines of automobiles and the like, and more particularly for igniting the engines by applying the same secondary high voltage polarity to all of the spark plugs under each of both compression and exhaust strokes in the case of the so-called simultaneous ignition system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Hiroyuki Hoshino
    Inventor: Seizo Kanno
  • Patent number: 4836176
    Abstract: An ignition apparatus of electronic distribution type for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, comprising a plurality of ignition circuits each having an ignition coil and a power switching element for one or two cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is disclosed in which the ignition circuits are arranged into a plurality of ignition systems each having at least two of the ignition circuits and a signal current-limiting circuit is provided for each of the ignition systems to control the currents flowing through the power switching elements of the associated ignition circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori Fujino, Noboru Sugiura, Ryoichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4702222
    Abstract: An ignition system for four cycle engines generates a first pulse when the crankshaft revolves by a first setting angle from a base position. The second pulse is generated when the crankshaft revolves to a second setting angle which is larger than the first setting by the angle difference between cylinders. The third pulse is generated at the position of a third setting angle which is between the first setting angle and the second setting angle in the position of the crankshaft when the crankshaft revolves twice. The generation of the first and second pulses is stopped or inhibited during the generation of the third pulse, allowing the first pulse to fade away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kosuke Imoto, Kazutoshi Koyama
  • Patent number: 4664092
    Abstract: The ignition system of a five-cylinder gasoline engine utilizes two ignition coils, each serving two cylinders which are fired at instants of the firing sequence which are separated by the firing of one of the cylinders served by the other of these ignition coils. A third ignition coil fires only the remaining cylinder. The sparkplugs of two cylinders fired by the same ignition coil are connected through oppositely poled diodes. This arrangement avoids circuit closing sparks when either of the twin primary windings of the ignition coils serving two cylinders is turned on. There are thus five separate primary windings and only three separate secondary windings, and the former are turned on and off by individual electronic switching circuits triggered in sequence by individual pulse generators responsive to a magnet on a single rotary disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhold Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 4562822
    Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises a voltage boosting means which generates a high DC voltage by boosting a low DC voltage, a capacitor which charges the high DC voltage from the voltage boosting means, and ignition coil means having a secondary winding to which the high DC voltage is applied from the boosting means, wherein a high capacitive energy charged within the capacitor is supplied into one of spark plugs located within a corresponding engine cylinder in which a spark discharge has started and subsequently the output energy from the boosting means is supplied into that spark plug via the secondary winding of the ignition coil. Consequently, the ignition energy can sufficiently be supplied immediately after an ignition start to which a combustion characteristic is closely related and the complete combustion of air-fuel mixture can be achieved over the whole range of engine revolutional speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yasuki Ishikawa, Hiroshi Endo, Masazumi Sone, Akio Kawai
  • Patent number: 4558685
    Abstract: There is provided an engine ignition device which generates a high voltage in the secondary windings of the ignition coil through switching on and off of the electric current flowing in the primary windings by means of an ignition circuit. The generated high voltage is impressed on the ignition plugs to initiate ignition, and, at the same time, the high voltage is boosted by a DC-DC converter connected to the secondary windings and is supplied continuously to the ignition plugs, to prolong the discharge duration. There is further provided a DC-DC converter controlling circuit to control the DC-DC converter to initiate ignition synchronous with the ignition signal output and also to reduce the operating time of the DC-DC converter as the engine increases its speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuki Ishikawa, Masazumi Sone, Akio Kawai
  • Patent number: 4552102
    Abstract: A system for improving the starting of indirect and direct injection diesel engines in cold weather, including glowplugs powered by a source of electrical potential for heating the diesel fuel and circuitry for controlling the operation of the glowplugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Inventor: Edward J. Egle
  • Patent number: 4528972
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Inventors: Patrick de Beaumont, Pierre Violante
  • Patent number: 4493306
    Abstract: A distributorless ignition system of an internal combustion engine has a supplementary spark energy module to increase spark energy. Two ignition coils each have secondary coils with split secondary center taps. Each of the primary windings is coupled to its own ignition module. The supplementary spark energy module is coupled to each of the split secondary center taps. A pair of spark plugs is coupled to one of the secondary windings and another pair of spark plugs is coupled to the other secondary winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Joseph R. Asik
  • Patent number: 4493307
    Abstract: A breakerless ignition system in which an electronic advance circuit (30) generates an electrical trigger signal (SPKE) and a mechanical advance circuit generates a mechanical trigger signal (PCP). The mechanical trigger signal (PCP) and electrical trigger signal (SPKE) are combined in a trigger circuit (28) to generate an activation signal to a power switching device (40) which causes an ignition circuit (32) to fire a spark plug (54). In operation the electrical trigger signal (SPKE) normally provides an accurate timing signal to ignite the plug (54) and the trigger circuit (28) masks the mechanical trigger signal (PCP) to prevent double firing. Upon failures or special conditions when the (SPKE) signal is absent the (PCP) signal will provide operation in a back-up mode to ignite plug (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: The Bendix Corporation
    Inventors: Lanh T. Trinh, Robert W. Loy