Abstract: A solid state inductive ignition system for igniting the mixture in the cylinders of an associated engine with a spark of up to 48 to 50 KV occurring at the most desirable position of the pistons for maximum mileage and power with a minimum of undesirable exhaust emissions. Exceptionally wide spark plug gaps are used to aid in igniting extra lean mixtures. The invention includes a novel high voltage spark distribution system utilizing, if desired, a conventional diameter distribution cap while providing sufficient clearance between adjacent spark plug cable outlets to prevent crossfire. Multiple sparks are provided while cranking to insure the ignition of overly rich or lean mixtures and a constant dwell of extremely short duration is used when running to saturate the core of the ignition coil.

Abstract: To suppress negative half-waves derived from a magneto armature and not used for ignition without use of external damping networks, the semiconductor switch controlling current flow, and abrupt turn-off to initiate an ignition event, is formed as a monolithic semiconductor element, and the inherent inverse diode of the monolithic element is utilized to pass the reverse voltage half-waves. To prevent damage to the inherent diodes due to over-voltage or current overloading, a damping resistance element is connected in series with the main current carrying path of the monolithic circuit elements, preferably a Darlington transistor, which, preferably, is a semiconductor resistor having a preferred current passage characteristic in the same direction as the current flow through the Darlington transistor, for example a Zener diode, a resistor, or a series of diodes polarized like the inverse diode, bridged by a diode conducting in the same direction as the Darlington transistor, or the like.

Abstract: An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine including a first case of a hollow synthetic resin, which has one end fixing high voltage terminals for effecting connections with ignition plugs and its other end formed with an opening. Diode terminals are attached to the first case. The high voltage diodes which have the same side ends connected with the high voltage terminals from the first case and their other ends connected with the diode terminals. The high voltage diodes in the first case are encapsulated within an epoxy resin composite. Primary and secondary coils supplied with electric signals synchronized with a rotational speed in a secondary case to which primary and secondary terminals are attached. The second case is filled with an epoxy resin such that gaps between the wirings of the coils are sufficiently impregnated with that epoxy resin. The diode terminals and the secondary terminals are connected through the coils.

Abstract: A pair of power transistors in a push-pull connection are connected with a pair of primary coils of a transformer acting as an ignition coil. Between the neutral point of the pair of the primary coils and a power source at least one diode is connected. The paired power transistors are turned on and off with a high frequency to generate in the secondary coil of the transformer high voltage trigger pulses and substantially continuous discharge voltages which last over a long period during each ignition period.

Abstract: A contactless ignition system for internal combustion engines of the type including an ignition coil with two primary windings whose primary currents are alternately switched on and off by two power transistors, further includes two Zener diodes each having a breakdown voltage of 300 to 400 volts and connected in series with one of the power transistors and one of the ignition coil primary windings to function as a reverse current blocking diode. By virtue of two series circuits each including the Zener diode, a diode connected in inverse parallel with one of the power transistors and the primary winding, each of the Zener diodes serves both the reverse current blocking function and the overvoltage protection function. The Zener diodes may be replaced with diodes of the avalance type.

Abstract: An ignition device for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having an ignition coil, also positive and negative high voltages being alternately generated across the secondary winding of the ignition coil, and a distributor, the distributor comprising a center electrode, two electrical distributing conductors in the rotor of the distributor, the center electrode being connected electrically with the two electrical distributing conductors, the electrical distributing conductors including at least one center conductor and two projecting conductors for distributing electric power to side electrode, two diodes having opposite polarities being connected between the center conductor and the projecting conductors for electrical distribution, respectively, and a plurality of side electrodes adapted to be electrically coupled successively with the projecting conductors according to the rotation of the rotor, whereby positive and negative high voltages are supplied alternately to the side electrodes through the c

Abstract: A plasma jet ignition system wherein a plasma jet energy storage system is used in conjunction with a spark energy storage system to provide energy to a plasma jet ignition plug. For the purpose of suppressing noise due to the spark discharge, a spark energy delivery cable takes the form of a high tension resistance cable and a plasma jet energy delivery cable takes the form of a lead including a coil and having a distributed inductance.

Abstract: A plasma jet ignition system wherein a plasma jet energy storage system is designed as an add-on system, which is used in conjunction with a conventional ignition system which provides the basic spark timing and high voltage trigger signal to plasma jet ignition plugs. The plasma jet energy storage system is connected to the plasma jet ignition plugs via steering diodes. Each of the steering diodes has an anode terminal directly connected to one of the plasma jet ignition plugs.

Abstract: An ignition circuit for self-purifying creeping discharge spark plugs is disclosed. The ignition circuit comprises a creeping discharge spark plug including a center electrode and a concentric ground electrode between which is formed a spark gap having a creeping surface along which sparks are slidably moved, a capacitor located near said spark gap and connected in parallel therewith, and an impedance element connected in series with said capacitor and not impeding the movement of the electric charge discharged from said capacitor.