Abstract: The present invention is an installation of an emergency starting switching device and/or direct current boosted boost circuit device. When the power of the starting battery is insufficient, the electric energy of the auxiliary battery is used to drive the starting motor in order to start the engine by operating the emergency starting switching device. And when the engine is started, the voltage of the ignition device or the fuel injection device is stepped up to strengthen its starting capability by means of a voltage boost by the direct current boosted boost circuit device.

Abstract: A voltage transformer circuit for supplying ignition power to a spark plug includes a transformer, a primary circuit, and a secondary circuit. The primary circuit is coupled with the secondary circuit via the transformer in order that, when a transistor switch is closed, power is transmitted from the primary circuit into the secondary circuit. The primary circuit includes a discharge path, for demagnetizing the transformer when the transistor switch is open and via which power can be retransmitted from the secondary circuit for shortening the duration of an arc discharge, and the discharge path forms a demagnetizing current with a primary side of the transformer.

Abstract: An Ignition device for an internal combustion engine including a control device and an ignition coil which is feedable on its primary side by a voltage supply unit. The control device is provided to interrupt or reduce the voltage impressed on the primary side of the ignition coil when a magnitude of a magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil is greater than a predeterminable maximum value.

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: 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: 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: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine is connected to an ignition coil and to a circuit for providing an ignition signal. The ignition system includes a switch circuit connected to the ignition coil that switches on or off current supplied to the ignition coil, a control circuit that controls the switch circuit based on the ignition signal and a protection circuit that includes a pair of back-to-back connected zener diodes connected between the input terminal of the control circuit and a ground.

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: 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: The invention relates to an inductive ignition device for an internal combustion engine, having an ignition coil (ZS) with a primary coil (L1) and a secondary coil (L2), wherein a diode (D) is provided on the side of the secondary coil (L2), having a spark plug (ZK) with at least one electrode, and having a measuring device for detecting an ionic current (14). A shunt device (16) is provided in order to decrease a residual charge that is present between the diode (D) and an electrode of the spark plug (ZK). The shunt device (16) preferably contains a high-impedance resistance (R) connected in parallel with the diode (D). This permits a reliable detection of combustion misses in the ionic current signal.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a transformer with a primary winding adapted to be connected to a power supply and a secondary winding adapted to be connected to a spark plug of the internal combustion engine, and a controller interconnected to the transformer so as to activate and deactivate the output of the transformer. The transformer serves to produce an output from the secondary winding having a frequency of between 1 KHz and 100 KHz and a voltage of at least 20 kilovolts. In particular, the transformer produces an output of an alternating current having a high voltage sine wave reaching at least 20 kilovolts. A voltage regulator is connected to the power supply and to the transformer so as to provide a constant DC voltage input to the transformer. The transformer produces power of constant wattage from the output of the secondary winding during the activation by the controller.

Abstract: An ignition system includes an ignition coil which provides ignition voltage of one polarity, an igniter which supplies the primary current to the ignition coil at regular timings and a zener diode connected in series with the primary coil of the ignition coil. The zener diode shares a constant voltage drop of the opposite polarity at the secondary coil of the ignition coil, thereby reducing troublesome voltage induced in said secondary coil other than at regular ignition timings. On the other hand, the zener diode does not share the voltage drop of the ignition voltage at the regular timings, and thus no energy loss is incurred.

Abstract: An ignition system includes an ignition coil which provides ignition voltage of one polarity, an igniter which supplies the primary current to the ignition coil at regular timings and a zener diode connected in series with the primary coil of the ignition coil. The zener diode shares a constant voltage drop of the opposite polarity at the secondary coil of the ignition coil, thereby reducing troublesome voltage induced in the secondary coil other than at regular ignition timings. On the other hand, the zener diode does not share the voltage drop of the ignition voltage at the regular timings, and thus no energy loss is incurred.

Abstract: An inductive coil ignition system for an engine, having at least one ignition coil which includes a primary winding fed from a voltage source and having two terminals, and a secondary winding also having two terminals. A switching apparatus is arranged parallel to the primary winding and connects the two terminals of the primary winding as a function of a control signal. An activation circuit generates the control signal.

Abstract: A method of detecting a misfire of a gasoline internal combustion engine is provided. By this method, a high voltage pulse which is not so high as to cause spark discharge, is applied to a secondary winding side of an ignition coil by way of a diode during the time after completion of spark discharge and before generation of a high voltage for next ignition, a misfire at each cylinder is detected on the basis of a decay characteristic of a voltage at a cathode side of the diode, and a charge accumulated at the secondary winding side of the ignition coil is forcedly discharged before a next high voltage pulse is supplied to the secondary winding side. A device for carrying out the above method is also provided.

Abstract: A misfire detecting device for an internal combustion engine is provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting a misfire of an ignition system for an internal combustion engine is provided. By the method, after completion of spark discharge of a spark plug, a high tension pulse which is not so high as to cause spark discharge is applied to each spark plug by way of a reverse current preventing diode and a secondary winding of an ignition coil or by way of a reverse current preventing diode and a leakage preventing diode for preventing ingress of an ignition high voltage. Misfire at each cylinder is detected on the basis of a voltage attenuation characteristic at a passing side terminal of the reverse current preventing diode. A device for carrying out the above method is also provided.

Abstract: A misfire detecting device for a double-ended distributorless ignition system is provided. The device includes a pulse generating circuit for generating a positive polarity pulse which is not so high as to cause spark discharge during the time after completion of spark discharge and before beginning of application of an ignition high voltage for next spark discharge. A reverse current preventing diode is connected at an anode to an output end of the pulse generating circuit and at a cathode to a positive polarity side of a secondary winding of an ignition coil. A plug voltage dividing circuit for dividing a plug voltage is connected between a center electrode and an outer or ground electrode of each of spark plugs to obtain a divided voltage. A detecting circuit detects a misfire of the spark plugs on the basis of an attenuation characteristic of the divided voltage after application of the positive polarity pulse.

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: 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.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system having a control unit to preset the ignition times of the individual cylinders, an ignition coil, and an end stage with a switching transistor (T.sub.1) for exciting the ignition coil. The end stage is provided with a switching unit with which the sparking cycle of the spark plugs is influenced.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes a booster coil 21 and a transistor 22 for generating a boosted voltage; a circuit 15A for generating a switching signal for the transistor in response to an ignition signal; first and second condensers 7, 8 for charging with the boosted voltage; an ignition coil 10 to whose secondary a spark plug is connected; a thyristor 13 forming a first closed discharge circuit with the first condenser and the ignition coil primary, which is turned on in synchronism with the ignition signal; and an inductor 9 forming a second closed circuit with the second condenser, the ignition coil primary and the thyristor. The discharge energy of the second condenser stored in the inductor is supplied to the ignition coil primary to extend the discharge time at the spark plug. A delay circuit 16 prevents the transistor from turning on during the extended discharge time, thus establishing a third closed inductor discharge path through the booster coil.

Abstract: An LCDI-type ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes first and second capacitors connected to an ignition coil and a voltage source for generating a charging voltage for the capacitors. The first capacitor is for producing an initial discharge of a spark plug, and the second capacitor is for lengthening the discharge of the spark plug after discharge has been initiated by the first capacitor. In one form of the invention, the second capacitor is charged only after the first capacitor has been charged by the voltage source to a prescribed voltage sufficient to produce a suitable discharge of the spark plug. As a result, even when the engine is operating at a high rotational speed and the time between consecutive firings of the engine is small, an adequate ignition voltage can be obtained. In another form of the invention, the charging voltage(s) of one or both of the capacitors is or are varied in accordance with the one or more engine operating conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a distributorless ignition system of inductive discharge type for internal combustion engines. This system comprises basic ignition coil means (14) for centralized supplying of inductive energy for spark plugs and trigger ignition coil means (22a, 22b, 22c and 22d) preferably disposed on spark plug heads for inducing electrical break-down across the electrodes of a spark plug. Both the basic and trigger ignition coil means are energized from a battery (10) through switching means (36a and 36b). The basic ignition coil means generates current pulses for spark plugs with respectively low voltage. The rated power of the trigger ignition coil means is provided to be much less than the same of the basic ignition coil means.

Abstract: An ignition system for hydrocarbon based fuels employing two energy sources, one to create a spark, and the other to sustain an arc. The ignition circuit is based in part on the principle of a strobe light circuit. The circuit increases ignition efficiency by increasing the power dissipated at the spark gap, particularly when used in conjunction with a surface gap spark plug. Maximum power transfer is achieved via impedance matching of the ignition system to a surface gap spark plug. The circuit is particularly appropriate for igniting extremely lean mixtures, highly diluted mixtures, and alternative fuels.

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: A multi spark ignition system using an ignition capacitor and an ignition transformer uses a device for providing charging energy to the ignition capacitor. A field effect discharge switching means is used for discharging the energy that is stored in the ignition capacitor through the primary winding of an ignition transformer. An oscillator is used for causing the discharging switching circuit to operate intermittently with a proper cycle. An additional controlling circuit controls the consumption of additional magnetic energy which is stored in the ignition transformer when it is in its non-operative state. Two returning means are used to consume the magnetic energy or for returning the energy and the ignition transformer under the non-operative and operative states of the discharge switching circuit.

Abstract: An ignition system having a first primary coil magnetically coupled only to a first second coil and a second primary coil magnetically coupled only to a second secondary coil. The secondary coils are electrically coupled to the output terminals through a diode steering circuit for connecting both secondary coils in voltage-aiding series such that the sum of the voltages on both secondary coils is coupled across the output terminals when both primary coils are simultaneously actuated; only the first secondary coil is coupled across the output terminals when only the first primary coil is actuated; and only the second secondary coil is coupled across the output terminals when only the second primary coil is actuated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blocking oscillating converter for transferring energy from a source of power, such as a vehicle battery, to a storage means, such as an energy storage capacitor in a capacitor discharge ignition system. A novel control and feedback circuit incorporated in the blocking oscillator allows the drive level to the switching transistor to be controlled in response to the peak current in said transistor as well as the output voltage of the blocking oscillator. Furthermore the control circuit allows the blocking oscillator to be turned off during the short period of time after each spark discharge that is needed for turnoff of a switching device used to control that discharge.

Abstract: A high-tension Capacitor Discharge Ignition apparatus for internal combustion engines is supplied with battery low voltage and generates high voltage utilizing a push-pull amplifier controlled by a pulse-width modulator operating in the audio frequency range and with a thyristor. A capacitor is charged from the high voltage and is triggered by the thyristor to discharge its stored potential through the primary windings of an ignition coil, the thyristor being triggered at its gate by engine ignition pulses blocked by switching-off of the high voltage power source. The voltage present at the thyristor gate is continually applied to at least one comparator and serves as an information source for the thyristor's operating condition. The comparator, based upon its comparison of the thyristor gate voltage with a predetermined reference voltage, generates a signal for deactivating the high voltage source so long as the thyristor remains in its conductive condition.

Abstract: To prevent malfunction due to misfire of a distributorless internal combustion engine (ICE), in which two spark plugs (20, 21; 27, 28) are connected to the same output terminals of the secondary (9) of an ignition coil through respectively reversely polarized diodes (18, 19; 25, 26), the polarity of the output spark pulse at the terminals (17, 24) of the ignition coil determining the identity of the spark plugs which have spark discharges occur thereacross due to the polarization of the serially connected diodes, additional diodes (22, 23; 29, 30) of the high-voltage type are connected in parallel across each of the spark plugs (20, 21; 27, 28) and polarized in reverse polarity with respect to the serially connected diodes, connected to the respective spark plugs, to thereby short-circuit current through the additional diode upon passage of energy by a serially connected diode in reverse direction due to malfunctioning, for example alloying-through or at least partial short-circuiting of the respective serial

Abstract: A magnet rotating synchronously with an internal combustion engine magnetically couples periodically with a stator having primary and secondary windings to induce a voltage in the primary winding. A switching transistor is connected across the primary winding terminals. A voltage divider circuit is connected between one primary winding terminal and the transistor base for supplying base-emitter current when the primary voltage reaches a predetermined level, thereby turning the transistor switch on. The anode and gate of a programmable unijunction transistor (PUT) are connected to points in the divider to sense increasing base current and a corresponding increasing PUT anode-to-gate voltage. At a specific anode-gate voltage, the PUT conducts to short circuit the transistor switch base current, and turn the switch off. This causes the magnetic field in the stator to collapse and induce a high voltage in the secondary winding to fire the engine spark plug.

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: An ignition system for the internal combustion engine comprising a high voltage circuit for generating a spark, having the primary and secondary windings. In response to a first signal, the current in the primary winding is cut off thereby to generate a high voltage at the secondary winding. In response to a subsequent second signal, the primary winding is shorted thereby to cut off the high voltage thus far generated in the secondary winding, thus properly regulating the duration of the spark generated.

Abstract: An ignition system for internal combustion engines employing two coordinated power sources which, together, provide a spark of much increased intensity and with extended duration. The first of the coordinated power sources is generally similar to the conventional ignition system employing an ignition coil with a primary and secondary winding, the secondary winding generating a high voltage impulse of very high voltage and low current value and of short duration. The second power source is a storage capacitor which is connected to a direct current power supply which, through a limiting resistor, charges the capacitor to a voltage which is too low to initiate a spark, but high enough to sustain an arc of a controlled high current value for increased duration, once a preliminary spark has been generated across the spark gap at the moment an energizing current in the primary winding of the ignition coil is interrupted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a contactless ignition circuit for internal combustion engines characterized in that a primary short-circuiting current flowing through the primary winding of an ignition coil is made to flow through a power transistor controlled to be conducted and interrupted by a photoswitching means, the formation is small and simple, the contact is not worn and the life is long.

Abstract: When the current through the primary winding of an ignition coil of an ignition system in an internal combustion engine has increased to a predetermined value, base current for a power transistor connected in series with the coil is shunted away, causing a rise in voltage across the primary winding. When the voltage rise across the primary winding has reached a maximum allowable value less than the value required to cause the generation of a spark, the transistor is switched back to the fully conductive state. This cycle is repeated during the time the transistor would normally be conductive and terminates at the ignition time, that is at the time the transistor is blocked by the ignition timing circuit of the internal combustion engine to create the spark.