Abstract: A switch control circuit controls a switch element connected to a primary coil of an ignition coil in accordance with an ignition signal. The switch element includes a transistor and a protection element connected between a collector and gate of the transistor. The switch control circuit uses a voltage at a gate terminal controlling the transistor or a voltage corresponding to a collector current of the transistor as a detection voltage and generates a status detection signal corresponding to a change in the detection voltage.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for sparkplug ignition is provided having a case, and provided therein, electrolytic capacitors connected in parallel between ground terminals and positive terminals of the primary coils of the ignition coils, which are connected to sparkplugs in a direct ignition system. Diodes, which are connected in parallel, are provided in the reverse direction, between the ground terminals and the positive terminals on the primary coils. The case is fitted with a connector that connects to a dedicated harness. The back electromotive force generated in the primary side coils L1 to L4 of the ignition coils of each sparkplug is absorbed, so as to adjust the primary side current, allowing for generation of stabilized high voltage on the secondary coil side, and producing highly efficient sparkplug ignition.

Abstract: The ignition apparatus includes an electronic control unit and an igniter. The igniter detects ions resulting from ignition, and sends an ion current output signal to the electronic control unit. The igniter has a waveform shaping circuit and an ion current detecting/outputting circuit. The waveform shaping circuit is adapted such that a voltage at an input terminal thereof becomes higher than a predetermined reference voltage to turn the switching element ON when the ignition signal is caused to flow through an electric load. The ion current detecting/outputting circuit has an output terminal which is connected to the input terminal and outputs therefrom an ion current output signal obtained as a result of conversion of an ion current, and is adjusted such that the voltage at the input terminal at the time when the ion current output signal is outputted to the electronic control unit becomes lower than the reference voltage.

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 apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which is controlled by a control unit, includes a connector, an ignition coil assembly, an igniter and a capacitor. The connector is electrically connected with the control unit, and includes an input terminal, which is electrically connected with the control unit to receive an ignition signal outputted by the control unit. The connector also includes a ground terminal, which is connected with a ground. The igniter includes a switching device that switches a coil current supplied to the ignition coil assembly based on the ignition signal received from the control unit through the connector. The igniter also includes a Zener diode that serves as a protection element of the switching device. The capacitor is provided in parallel with the Zener diode between the input terminal and the ground terminal to form a parallel 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 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: This invention concerns a two-stroke cycle engine, more specially it concerns a two-stroke cycle engine using a preceding air-layer for scavenging. It has a scavenger passage connected to a branching scavenger passage opened to said scavenging port. The engine has a connecting passage to link the air passage and the fuel passages so that negative pressure in the air passage forces the fuel-air mixture in the fuel passage into said air passage. Further, the engine according to this invention has a removable guide with a surface forming a curved smooth channel which is attachable to the scavenger passage in the crankcase from the mounting surface, and forms a portion of said scavenger passage with the curved channel. The blow-up angle of the scavenger passage varies along the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

Abstract: A controlled energy ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil having a primary coil and a secondary coil coupled to first and second electrodes of an ignition plug defining a spark gap therebetween, wherein the primary coil is responsive to activation of a control signal to produce a spark voltage across the secondary coil and across the spark gap. The secondary coil is responsive to the spark voltage to produce a discharge current across the spark gap of the ignition plug. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, means are provided to draw discharge current away from the ignition plug to thereby limit the discharge current to below a threshold current value within some predefined time period after activation of the control signal.

Abstract: An ignition system for internal combustion engines, has a plurality of spark plugs, an ignition coil provided for the spark plugs and having a secondary circuit, at least one trigger diode cascade formed as a high voltage semiconductor switch and connected in the secondary circuit of the ignition coil prior to each of the spark plugs so as to change suddenly from a blocking state to a conducting state at a preselected voltage for generating ignition sparks, and a capacitor connected parallel to the secondary winding of the ignition coil between the ignition coil and the trigger diode cascade.

Abstract: A connection part for an ignition device, arranged between an ignition coil and a spark plug for incorporating in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, has an isolation housing, a high voltage switching element located in the isolation housing and during application of a trigger voltage is transferred reversibly in an electrically jump-like fashion to an electrically conductive condition, a first junction element located at one end of the high voltage switching element and connected with one pole of the latter and also connectable with a high voltage terminal of the ignition coil which leads to an output voltage of the ignition coil, a second junction element provided at another end of the high voltage switching element and connected with another pole of the latter and provided for receiving a terminal pin of the spark plug, and an element associated with the isolation housing for increasing a capacity region between the high voltage switching element and the first junction element.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the radiation and conduction of electro-magnetic wave noises generated from the igniting device of a gasoline engine is disclosed. The igniting portion of a gasoline engine such as an igniting coil, a continuously contacting and opening contact breaker, a power distributor, and igniting plugs generate all kinds of electro-magnetic wave noises of wide frequency bands. These noises give adverse effects to the various components of an automobile or an air plane such as electric and electronic convenience devices, safety devices and engine controllers, resulting in malfunctions of the components. By shielding and absorbing such electro-magnetic wave noises, an automobile or an air plane is protected from possible accidents, and human lives are saved.

Abstract: A direct fire ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a coil assembly attachable to each spark plug. Each coil assembly has a high voltage transformer for producing a voltage sufficient to cause the spark plug to generate a spark, an integral capacitor parallel with the spark plug, and a spark plug sensor circuit coupling to the high voltage transformer for generating a spark confirmation signal when a spark is generated. The spark sensor circuit is responsive to a high frequency signal generated in the high voltage transformer within a predetermined frequency range to generate the spark confirmation signal. The direct fire ignition system is compatible with single strike or multi-strike modes of operation. The system can also generate a probe voltage across the spark plug to test for auto or pre-ignition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a highly conductive channel for the flow of plasma current between the electrodes of an ignitor gap device are disclosed. A high voltage transformer having a high turns ratio is used to produce a high voltage spark across an ignitor gap. Subsequently, a high voltage low turns ratio transformer is used to supply a pre-plasma current signal to the ignitor gap at a predetermined time following the high voltage spark thereby ensuring that the ionized channel is developed to a more conductive state prior to introduction of the pre-plasma signal into the ignitor gap. Once the sustaining voltage for sustaining plasma flow through the channel has stabilized to a sufficiently low voltage, a high current main plasma signal is supplied to the ignitor gap thereby expanding plasma flow in the area surrounding the ignitor gap and providing a high quality ignition source for use in internal combustion engines.

Abstract: To reduce the size of a high-voltage semiconductor optically responsive switch, for example suitable to control the flow of ignition energy from an ignition coil (4) to a spark plug (ZK), a stack of disk or plate-shaped semiconductor chips (9) is formed with the major surfaces of the chips placed against each other and light responsive regions of the chips at the outer surface thereof to form an array of chips with a control surface (14). The light responsive regions (13) are large enough so that, at any position of the respective chips in the array, the can receive sufficient switching energy from a point source, such as a light emitting diode (17) (LED). Thus, a single LED can control all the semiconductor switching elements.

Abstract: The device is of the type comprising for each engine spark plug a transformer with a secondary winding to be connected to the respective spark plug and a primary winding connected to the output of a power stage able to provide an ON-OFF signal for controlling the transformer. The device also comprises a damping network and, interposed between the network and the output of the power stage, unidirectional connection means which connect said network to the output of the power stage each time the signal present at said output switches from an OFF condition to an ON condition.

Abstract: In a spark plug connector for a high-voltage distributor-less high-voltage capacitor ignition system, comprising an ignition transformer and a storage capacitor connected on the secondary side to the ignition transformer, the spark plug connector is made rod-shaped with diameter dimensions corresponding to those of a spark plug and contains the storage capacitor and ignition transformer arranged one behind the other, the ignition transformer being disposed at the end of the spark plug connector remote from the spark plug connection.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine has an ignition coil coupled to a first and second spark plug provided for each cylinder. A first diode is coupled in series between the first spark plug and the ignition coil. A second diode is coupled in series between the second spark plug and the ignition coil. A first capacitor is coupled in parallel with the first spark plug. A second capacitor is coupled in parallel with the second spark plug.

Abstract: A combustion engine with a constant combustion volume is provided having three cylinders in which two cylinders work in four stroke and one cylinder in two stroke. It is especially designed to greatly increase the actual total useful effect .eta..sub.t of the engine and thus saving large quantities of fuel. Only the four stroke cylinders have a normal combustion chamber in their engine covers. The piston of the two stroke cylinder is always advanced in front of the other pistons over an arc .alpha. of about 45.degree. and goes to its engine cover. The pistons of the four stroke cylinders are displaced over an arc of 360.degree., to feed alternately the other cylinder. The two four stroke cylinders are connected to the two stroke cylinder by one-way or repercussion valves which are activated at the time of ignition to transfer a portion of the burning gases to the two stroke cylinder.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a capacitive plasma jet plug including a capacitor in parallel with the series combination of an auxiliary gap and a plasma cavity. The auxiliary gap increases the required breakdown voltage before the plasma cavity generates a spark and obtains supplemental energy from the energy stored in the capacitor.

Abstract: A diesel engine is started by plural ignition plugs, each installed in a swirl chamber of a corresponding cylinder. Each ignition plug includes (a) an elongated center electrode, (b) a fuel-absorbent electrical insulator that encapsulates the center electrode so as to allow only one end of the center electrode to protrude, and (c) a plurality of elongated grounding electrodes arranged symmetrically around said insulating member to define a discharge path in conjunction with the protruding end of the center electrode. The discharge path includes part of the surface of the insulating member and an air gap between free ends of the grounding electrodes and opposing surfaces of the insulating member.

Abstract: A plasma ignition system having a plurality of plasma ignition plugs eliminates a mechanical distributor for sequentially distributing plasma ignition energy into each plasma ignition plug.

Abstract: A plasma jet ignition system with means for storing plasma ignition electric energy is disclosed wherein a switching means responsive to an ignition timing signal is connected between a charging terminal of a capacitor of the storing means. A plasma ignition electric charge stored in the capacitor is discharged when the switching means is operated in accordance with the ignition timing signal, thereby preventing an irregular discharge of the stored plasma ignition electric energy during each ignition timing interval.

Abstract: An inductive-capacitive cyclic charge-discharge ignition system includes an ignition transformer primary winding in parallel with a capacitor and fed by an alternating current source providing a plural number of repetition cycles during each igniter firing period. Such repetition cycles cause the capacitor and primary winding to charge and dischage during each of the repetition cycles creating a plurality of ringing periods for each igniter firing period. A diode or an additional capacitor, or both, inserted in series with the parallel combination of the first stated capacitor and primary winding, substantially increases the velocity of arc provided by an igniter. Such arc has several components composed of luminous particles extending across the entire base of the igniter. By initiating ignition timing at a very large angle in advance of top dead center piston position, very long arcs may be created at the igniter base.

Abstract: A high-tension secondary current generated from an ignition coil is accumulated in a capacitor set at the head of a spark plug in a gasoline engine for automobiles, etc., and when the voltage of the discharging shaft at the end of the spark plug has built up to a predetermined value for discharge, the static electricity accumulated in the capacitor is discharged at a stroke to let out strong sparks.

Abstract: An improvement on conventional internal combustion ignition systems, which improvement comprises a capacitor connected parallel to the secondary winding of the ignition transformer, and a bypass circuit through which energy stored in the primary circuit is conveyed around the high impedance secondary winding of the circuit transformer to the spark plug after the high voltage at the secondary winding has fired an auxiliary gap to complete the by-pass circuit. The energy originally stored in the primary circuit is discharged at the plug to produce a plasma jet ignition plume.

Abstract: An ignition system having first and second modes of operation is part of an engine which develops motive power by burning fuel received in a main combustion chamber. An auxiliary combustion chamber that is integral with the main combustion chamber is provided. These chambers have a common passageway through which the auxiliary chamber receives a portion of the fuel. An electrical igniter is integral with the auxiliary chamber, the igniter having an electrically conductive base and an electrode insulated from such base. An ignition transformer is included that has a primary and secondary winding wherein the secondary winding is coupled to the electrode. A capacitorless excitation circuit is provided that is coupled to the primary winding for generating an electrical arc within the auxiliary chamber during the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A pulse transformer produces sufficient energy at its secondary winding to initiate arcing of a spark gap in response to the interruption of current flow to its primary winding. Upon initial arcing of the spark gap, a charged capacitor is coupled across the gap thereby extending arcing duration beyond that produced by the coil. The total spark energy is determined by the value of the capacitor and the voltage to which it is charged.The invention is adaptable to provide spark energy to each cyclinder of a multicylinder engine without the need for a distributor.