Capacitor Dischargeneous Ignition Systems Patents (Class 315/209CD)
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Patent number: 4829972Abstract: In a magnet-flywheel, capacitive-discharge ignition unit, for internal combustion engines, besides a high-impedance winding intended for feeding the capacitor connected to the primary winding of the ignition coil, also a low-impedence winding is provided, which is connected to the primary winding, and has the task of prolonging the ignition discharge.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1987Date of Patent: May 16, 1989Assignee: Piaggio & C. S.p.A.Inventor: Giacomo Montano
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Patent number: 4782242Abstract: A circuit arrangement for generating high voltage pulses from DC voltage. The circuit includes a transformer comprising at least two primary windings and secondary windings, in which the primary windings are serial connected with at least one diode, a switching circuit and a voltage source. A first capacitor is connected in parallel with the first primary winding and diode, and in series with the secondary primary winding. The switching circuit is formed from the emitter-collector-section of a switching transistor. The output of a transistor amplifier is connected to the base of the switching transistor. The input of the transistor amplifier is coupled with the output of a control circuit. Two serial connected resistors are inserted between the input of the transistor amplifier and the output of the control circuit. The emitter-collector-section of a first transistor is connected to the common terminal of both the resistors. A voltage divider is connected to the base of the first transistor.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1987Date of Patent: November 1, 1988Inventor: Adam Kovacs
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Patent number: 4763045Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of ignition power and its circuits is composed of two transformers and one discharging capacitor. The triggering signal is taken from the alternating current supply voltage. The stored charge is discharged through a primary winding of a step-up transformer. The secondary voltage is stepped up to several ten thousand peak volts which is enough to make an ignition spark through a large air gap. The first half wave of alternating current power charges the capacitor and the second half wave triggers an SCR to discharge the capacitor. The charging and discharging are completed during a single period of a line power wave.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1987Date of Patent: August 9, 1988Assignee: Bang H. MOInventors: Hyeong In Choi, Keh-Kun Choi
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Patent number: 4724363Abstract: A current control circuit for high voltage applications includes series-connected high and low voltage sources through which the current to be regulated flows. The low voltage source is a capacitor which is periodically recharged through a flyback transformer by a series of constant energy pulses having a very low duty cycle. The peak value of the flyback pulses are detected to provide a "condition signal" which is representative of the state-of-charge on the capacitor and can be used to protectively inhibit operation of the control circuit and can, in a variant of the circuit be used as an error control signal to maintain the current at a constant level. In the preferred embodiment a sensing capacitor is placed in parallel to the pulsed capacitor to detect the fluctuations in potential and form a sense current which is representative of the regulated current and which is used in a feedback loop to form a control signal for maintaining the regulated current constant.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1986Date of Patent: February 9, 1988Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Richard W. Buer
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Patent number: 4695771Abstract: Apparatus for igniting and operating a high pressure arc discharge lamp includes a pulse generating circuit for generating high voltage pulses for starting the lamp. The pulse generating circuit is comprised of a step-up transformer, a start capacitor, a voltage sensitive bidirectional switch (e.g., a sidac) and an impedance which forms a charge circuit for the capacitor. The capacitor discharges via the switch and a part of the transformer to generate a high voltage pulse which is coupled to the lamp electrodes. An auxiliary capacitor and a serially connected inductor are coupled in parallel with the pulse generating circuit so as to clamp the open circuit voltage at a high level upon generation of the ignition pulse thereby to maintain a level of lamp current sufficient to sustain the discharge arc. This makes the lamp ignition more reliable and extends the lamp life.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1985Date of Patent: September 22, 1987Assignee: Advance Transformer CompanyInventor: Alexander R. Hallay
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Patent number: 4677347Abstract: An electronic flash includes a main capacitor having a discharge loop in which a circuit arrangement including a flash discharge tube, a switching element and an emission controlling capacitor is connected. During the time the flash discharge tube is maintained excited, the emission controlling capacitor is either charged or discharged to cause an emission of flashlight from the flash discharge tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1985Date of Patent: June 30, 1987Assignee: Olympus Optical, Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroaki Nakamura
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Patent number: 4662343Abstract: A control circuit operates with a small toroidal transformer, having a ferrite core, to produce high voltage pulses efficiently. The circuit applies a magnetizing force to the transformer core that is in excess of the force required to produce maximum magnetization of the core. The initial magnetizing force is opposed by current flow in the secondary winding. As the secondary current flow approaches zero, it no longer can act to demagnetize the core and the primary can generate a rapid change in magnetic strength resulting in a high voltage in the secondary winding. The rate of change of current in the primary circuit is limited by a small inductor in series with the primary winding of the transformer. The charging circuit is interrupted simultaneously with discharge of a capacitor through the transformer primary. The core is insulated for high voltage and carries a secondary winding of about 300 turns extending over about 300 degrees of the circumference and a primary winding of about three to five turns.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1986Date of Patent: May 5, 1987Inventor: Kenneth H. Smith
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Patent number: 4641968Abstract: An improved apparatus for the on site spectrometric analysis of metallic parts in an air gap is disclosed. The apparatus essentially comprises a probe to be positioned on the part, a mobile unit including a current-pulse generator for the probe to excite the part for analysis of its chemical composition in a direct reading optical emission spectrometer contained in the unit, and a flexible optical cable coupling the probe to the unit. The probe is designed for use on both flat and round parts, such as bars, billets, pipes, rods or wires as small as having a radius of one mm. The probe features an adjustable counter electrode, an inner sleeve serving as a contact electrode and an outer sleeve axially movable about the inner electrode and having a positioning V-groove. The probe further includes an electro-mechanical interlock to prevent accidental discharge thereof, and a self-cleaning mechanism for its sensor head.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1984Date of Patent: February 10, 1987Assignee: Baird CorporationInventor: Mark E. Grandy
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Patent number: 4608958Abstract: A device for driving a load reactance element, such as a piezoelectric actuator for a fuel injection system, including a series reactance element connected in series with the load reactance element, and a resonance circuit formed by the load reactance and the series reactance. First and second switching elements are connected between the resonance circuit and the power source or ground potential. Each of the first and second switching elements is rendered conductive only during a half cycle of resonance. The directions of the load current flowing through the load reactance element are switchable by making alternately the first and second switching elements conductive.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1983Date of Patent: September 2, 1986Assignee: Nippon Soken, Inc.Inventors: Yasuyuki Sakakibara, Norihito Tokura
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Patent number: 4606323Abstract: A magneto (10) comprising an E-type stator (12) and a rotor (14) movable relative to the stator (12) to induce therein a varying flux field. The three legs or poles (18, 20, 22) of the stator (14) are asymmetrically placed and the center pole (20) supports a charge coil (40) and a trigger coil (42). A suppression coil (42), wound about an iron core (50), is remotely positioned and electrically isolated from the stator poles (18, 20, 22) and situated within a larger spacing (34) defined by the asymmetrically placed stator poles (18, 20, 24).Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1985Date of Patent: August 19, 1986Assignee: Allied CorporationInventor: Donald R. Nash
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Patent number: 4591761Abstract: Pulse stability is provided to a pulsed gas filled electrical discharge device by an electrical circuit including first and second electrical energy storage means, with the energy stored in the first storage means being substantially greater than the energy stored in the second storage means. A first voltage corresponding to the energy stored on the first storage means is applied to the input of the gas filled device. A second voltage corresponding to the energy stored on the second storage means is periodically switched to combine with the first voltage and be input to the gas filled device. The period for switching is precisely controlled, preferably with a piezoelectric crystal, and is selected to combine the first and second voltages just before the first voltage reaches the natural breakdown voltage of the gas within the gas filled device.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1984Date of Patent: May 27, 1986Assignee: Honeywell, Inc.Inventors: David P. Gregorich, Hans W. Mocker
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Patent number: 4565179Abstract: Apparatus in magneto ignition systems for providing time separated sequences for charging and triggering in cophased charging and triggering voltage sequences, including inhibition of the ignition sequence in such apparatus. The ignition system includes a triac as a control member, a rectifier being included in the control circuit of the triac, the rectifier having its polarity disposed such that time-separated charging and triggering intervals are obtained. Across the rectifier there is connected a short-circulating circuit or providing triggering control voltages to the triac, even during the charging interval, thus preventing charging, which results in inhibition of the ignition sequence.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1983Date of Patent: January 21, 1986Assignee: Aktiebolaget Svenska ElektromagneterInventors: Jan G. Nytomt, Lars-Olof Ottosson, Nils A. Agren
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Patent number: 4561707Abstract: An electrical energy storage and transforming device and associated pulse-forming systems suitable for receiving, storing, and transforming an electrical charge to produce electrical output pulses, for example, ignition pulses for a spark-ignition internal combustion engine, includes a current sheet inductor network defined by at least two conductive current sheet inductors separated by and insulated from one another by a dielectric material to provide coupled current sheet inductors having resistive, capacitive, and inductive characteristics. When electrical energy is applied to the current sheet inductor network, and electrical charge is stored and retained as an electrostatic field between the conductive current sheets until an output pulse is desired, at which time the conductive strips of the inductively coupled current sheet inductors are substantially shunted to rapidly discharge the previously charged energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1983Date of Patent: December 31, 1985Assignee: McCulloch CorporationInventor: Robert V. Jackson
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Patent number: 4558404Abstract: A circuit for applying unidirectional pulses to a precipitator, in addition to a base d.c. level supplied by a transformer/rectifier set, includes a rectifier, an inverter and a transformer/rectifier set connected to charge a storage capacitor. Discharge of the capacitor into the precipitator is controlled by a chain of unidirectionally conducting devices (thyristors as shown) which are simultaneously triggered at the desired voltage at the capacitor. In other embodiments breakover diodes are used instead of the thyristors.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1983Date of Patent: December 10, 1985Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.Inventor: Barry K. James
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Patent number: 4522184Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine and for use with a generator powered current source comprises a storage capacitor, at least one thyristor for discharging the storage capacitor to transfer energy to at least one spark plug and a trigger circuit for gating the at least one thyristor in synchronism with an internal combustion engine with which the ignition system may be associated. The improvement according to this disclosure comprises the storage capacitor is discharged through a diode circuit, a solid state device for switching the output of the generator to ground, a circuit sensing flow in the discharge diode circuit and generating a discharge signal indicative thereof, and a circuit gating the solid state device into conduction in response to said discharge signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1984Date of Patent: June 11, 1985Assignee: Altronic, Inc.Inventor: Joseph M. Lepley
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Patent number: 4515139Abstract: The capacitor discharge ignition system has a capacitor connected to and charged by a charging coil through a diode. The primary of an ignition transformer is connected to the capacitor and a trigger device controls discharge of the capacitor to ground through said primary coil. The anode of a second diode is connected between the charging coil and the first diode and a shutdown switch is connected in series between the cathode of the second diode and ground.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1983Date of Patent: May 7, 1985Assignee: Outboard Marine CorporationInventor: Joseph B. St. Ledger
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Patent number: 4484085Abstract: A spiral line voltage pulse generator includes a double arm spiral structure about which is wound an elongated conductor. The double arm structure includes two conductive strips which are electrically insulated so as to hold a charge. Upon discharge, electromagnetic force is coupled to the elongated conductor which functions as a secondary winding increasing the voltage which would be generated by the double arm structure alone. The elongated conductor may, for example, be a continuation of one of the conductor strips or a wire solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1982Date of Patent: November 20, 1984Assignee: GTE Laboratories IncorporatedInventors: Charles N. Fallier, Jr., Joseph M. Proud
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Patent number: 4479467Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multiple spark circuit for use with a capacitor discharge ignition system including a current supply, a charge capacitor, an ignition coil primary winding, and an ignition timing SCR. The multiple spark circuit includes a charge reservoir capacitor connected to the current supply, a restrike circuit subject to the timing SCR, and to the voltage and discharge current of the charge capacitor, for allowing repeated charging and discharging of the charge capacitor to produce multiple ignition sparks at each ignition timing point, and a charge interrupt circuit, subject to the restrike circuit, for allowing repeated charging of charge capacitor by the charge reservoir capacitor at each ignition timing point. The restrike circuit preferably comprises a thyristor connected to the timing SCR and charge capacitor, and a zener diode connected to the thyristor gate and anode to render the thyristor conductive when the charge capacitor voltage exceeds a predetermined upper limit.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1982Date of Patent: October 30, 1984Assignee: Outboard Marine CorporationInventors: Thomas W. Burrows, David T. Cavil
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Patent number: 4405975Abstract: A power supply start-up circuit for apparatus having a storage capacitor comprises a bistable switch with a trigger terminal and connected between one terminal of a DC source and the storage capacitor, a resistor connected across the switch, a trigger capacitor connected to the trigger lead, and a diode connected between the trigger capacitor and the storage capacitor. The trigger lead on the switch is biased by the trigger capacitor which is charged through the diode to the voltage on the storage capacitor. When the storage capacitor is uncharged at start-up, the switch is biased off and charging current from the DC source to the storager capacitor passes through the resistor permitting a "soft" start, i.e., a gradual charging of the storage capacitor. Thereafter charging of the storage capacitor takes place through the switch when biased on by a voltage differential between storage and trigger capacitors.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1981Date of Patent: September 20, 1983Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventors: Scott M. Overstreet, C. Henning Swenson
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Patent number: 4403173Abstract: To provide for reliable starting of lamps under cold or warm condition, by pulse superimposition circuitry, an auxiliary capacitor (11) and a serially connected damping resistor (12) are integrated in the starter or igniter circuit. The series circuit of the auxiliary capacitor (11) and the damping resistor (12) forms, together with a choke or ballast (2) a series oscillatory circuit which is directly connected to act on the primary (8) of the pulse transformer (4, 13) and increases the lamp supply voltage during ignition. A semiconductor switching element (9), such as a four-layer diode, disconnects the oscillatory circuit after ignition, also interrupting the supply for the series oscillatory circuit, so that the lamp, after ignition, will receive only normal network supply power.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1982Date of Patent: September 6, 1983Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fur Gluhlampen mbHInventor: Walter Mayer
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Patent number: 4369757Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1981Date of Patent: January 25, 1983Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, LimitedInventor: Makoto Anzai
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Patent number: 4353012Abstract: A light source wherein a spiral line pulse generator, having an output coupled to one electrode of a metal halide discharge lamp and an input for coupling to a source of lamp operating power, provides high voltage, short duration lamp starting pulses. The spiral line pulse generator includes two conductors and two insulators, each in the form of an elongated sheet, in an alternating arrangement which is rolled together in a spiral configuration having a plurality of turns. The high voltage, short duration pulse is provided upon closure of a low inductance switch coupled between the conductors. A thermal switch can be utilized to bypass the spiral line pulse generator after lamp starting. The spiral line pulse generator can be enclosed within the lamp base of the light source.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1981Date of Patent: October 5, 1982Assignee: GTE Laboratories IncorporatedInventors: Charles N. Fallier, Jr., Joseph M. Proud
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Patent number: 4341195Abstract: An ignition system for creeping discharge spark plugs for producing a spark discharge at least one portion of which slidably moves along a creeping discharge path is disclosed. The system comprises producing a spark discharge operative to ignite a mixed gas in an usual manner and selectively producing a purifying and sweeping spark discharge operative to remove carbon deposited on said creeping discharge path. An ignition circuit for carrying out the system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1980Date of Patent: July 27, 1982Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kanemitsu Nishio, Takashi Suzuki
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Patent number: 4342061Abstract: A circuit is presented for coupling a storage capacitor to a capacitor shorting switch whereby voltage across the shorting switch is maintained at a reduced potential relative to the storage capacitor so that the voltage and potential current at the switch contacts is maintained at levels wherein it is impossible for the release of sufficient energy into the surrounding atmosphere to cause ignition of a flammable mixture of gas and air. This is accomplished by coupling the storage capacitor to the switching device via a variable voltage divider network controlled by an SCR with a zener diode controlled gate circuit and a varistor.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1981Date of Patent: July 27, 1982Assignee: Frank W. Murphy Manufacturer, Inc.Inventors: Darrell Rice, Bill E. Baker
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Patent number: 4317068Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1979Date of Patent: February 23, 1982Assignee: Combustion Electromagnetics, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. V. Ward, Tai T. Wu
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Patent number: 4308488Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1980Date of Patent: December 29, 1981Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Iwao Imai, Yukitsugu Hirota
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Patent number: 4301782Abstract: An apparatus for producing spark ignition of an internal combustion engine is disclosed including a spark generator which supplies spark generating pulses to spark plugs of the engine. The spark produced by each pulse is sustained after the pulse has died away by means of a generator which applies to the spark plugs a voltage capable of sustaining but not initiating sparks across the spark plugs. The generator is per se capable of developing a continuous output so as to maximize the spark energy and to allow the duration of the spark to be selected as desired. The output of the generator may be applied to the spark plugs continuously in which case the effect of increased impedance to the spark produced on combustion is used to terminate the spark. Alternatively, the output of the generator can be switched to terminate the spark.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1979Date of Patent: November 24, 1981Inventor: Basil E. Wainwright
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Patent number: 4296358Abstract: A spark source circuit has a discharge circuit including reactive means connected in circuit between a capacitor and an analytical spark gap and switching means for effectively removing the capacitor from the discharge circuit after an initial flow of current through the spark gap so that the current flow through the spark gap is essentially unidirectional. At the start of the capacitor discharge, the discharge circuit is essentially of the classical RLC oscillatory discharge type; and the switching action converts the discharge circuit to essentially a classical RL discharge type circuit for the remainder of the spark discharge. The circuit is simple and efficient, permits use of ceramic capacitors, and may be housed in a sealed enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1979Date of Patent: October 20, 1981Assignee: Fisher Scientific CompanyInventor: John A. Bernier
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Patent number: 4285321Abstract: Breakerless capacitor discharge ignition system for internal combustion engines in which a charge coil and ignition coil are disposed on ferromagnetic core. A changing flux is established by rotation of permanent magnets past the core. The charge coil is connected to charge a capacitor in circuit with a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) for discharging the capacitor through the primary winding of an ignition transformer. The charge coil and transformer are wound on the core such that voltages of opposite polarity are simultaneously induced therein by the changing magnetic flux. A half way voltage of one polarity charges the capacitor and a voltage of opposite polarity induced in the secondary winding by the changing magnetic flux triggers the SCR to its conductive state discharging voltage stored on said capacitor through the primary winding of the ignition coil.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1979Date of Patent: August 25, 1981Assignee: R. E. Phelon Company, Inc.Inventors: Russell D. Phelon, Bob O. Burson
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Patent number: 4274034Abstract: A glow plug driver adapted to be coupled to a power supply and a glow plug comprising first and second conductive leads for coupling the glow plug to the power supply and an electronic switch in the first lead having conductive and nonconductive states so that pulses of electrical energy can be supplied to the glow plug. A resistor and a capacitor are coupled between the leads in parallel with the glow plug so that the capacitor can charge when the electronic switch is in the conductive state and discharge when the electronic switch is in the nonconductive state. A timer is used to place the electronic switch in the conductive state for a predetermined amount of time. The timer is in turn controlled by a transistor having its base coupled to a junction between the resistor and the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1979Date of Patent: June 16, 1981Assignee: C&D EnterprisesInventor: Charles W. Conklin
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Patent number: 4261025Abstract: A spark ignition system utilizes a one transistor inverter including a transformer with a primary winding, controlled by the transistor and a feedback winding switching the transistor on and off. The core of the transformer saturates at a current less than that required to saturate the transistor. An inductor in series with the primary winding has an inductance greater than that of the primary winding when the latter is saturated but less than that of the primary winding when the latter is not saturated. The second winding is used to charge a capacitor which has a spark circuit across it.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1979Date of Patent: April 7, 1981Assignee: Lucas Industries LimitedInventors: Henry J. Chafer, Anthony J. Purkiss
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Patent number: 4247880Abstract: An oil burner ignition circuit using a relaxation oscillator is disclosed. The step-up transformer has a tertiary winding magnetically coupled to a primary winding. The tertiary winding and a diode controls the dissipation in the circuit, and the recovery of energy to a capacitor of the relaxation oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1979Date of Patent: January 27, 1981Assignee: Yamatake-Honeywell Company LimitedInventor: Shuji Morio
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Patent number: 4244337Abstract: In an ignition system for internal combustion engines having a magneto generator for charging a capacitor and a thyristor for discharging the capacitor through an ignition coil upon receiving an ignition signal, an auxiliary capacitor and an associated transformer are provided as a source of the ignition signal. The auxiliary capacitor is charged through the transformer by each half-cycle of the magneto generator output of the opposite polarity with respect to the charging half-cycle of the capacitor. The auxiliary capacitor is discharged through the gate-cathode path of the thyristor under control of an auxiliary switching element to which a timing signal generator provides a timing signal at a proper ignition time.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1979Date of Patent: January 13, 1981Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiro Asai
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Patent number: 4232646Abstract: An ignition system for internal combustion engines in which a capacitor is charged at each one-polarity half-cycle of the output of a magneto generator and then the capacitor is discharged through a thyristor and a primary coil of an ignition coil when the thyristor is turned on. To turn on the thyristor, a gate-cathode current is supplied through a semiconductor switching element from an auxiliary capacitor which is charged by a timing generator which generates an output prior to only a predetermined ignition time. Although the semiconductor switching element is turned on by an ignition signal generating means, for example, a transformer, when the transformer produces an ignition signal at each the other-polarity half-cycle of the magneto generator output, the gate-cathode current is supplied to the thyristor only when the auxiliary capacitor has been charged by the timing generator.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1979Date of Patent: November 11, 1980Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiro Asai
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Patent number: 4228778Abstract: To combine the advantage of a capacitor discharge ignition system, in which the spark intensity is essentially independent of engine speed even at high speeds of the engine, and the extended spark discharge of electromagnetic coil storage ignition by interrupting current through an ignition coil, an ignition event control circuit--for example a breaker contact, optical or electromagnetic transducer or the like--controls a discharge circuit through a capacitor which, after having been charged, suddenly and abruptly discharges through the ignition coil to generate an ignition event. Triggering of the ignition event also initiates repetitive energization of the ignition coil, under control of a frequency generator, which is then connected to the ignition coil to repetitively cause current flow, and abrupt interruption thereof, so that the spark duration, initiated for discharge of the capacitor, is extended.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1978Date of Patent: October 21, 1980Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Friedrich Rabus, Gunter Grather
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Patent number: 4228780Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition system is provided with an ignition timing control arrangement to achieve a predetermined ignition timing retard characteristic at high engine speeds and thus provide engine speed control. The capacitor discharge ignition system is positioned adjacent a rotating permanent magnet that is rotated over a path in synchronism with the operation of an engine to be controlled.The capacitor discharge ignition system includes a stator core having disposed thereon an ignition coil and a control coil. As a first pole of the magnet passes the stator core, a voltage and current of a first polarity is induced in the control coil to charge a storage capacitor. As the second pole of the magnet passes the stator core, a voltage and current of the opposite polarity is induced in the control coil and a control arrangement responsive to the control coil discharges the capacitor into a primary winding of the ignition coil.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1979Date of Patent: October 21, 1980Assignee: Wabash, Inc.Inventor: Ronald J. Kiess
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Patent number: 4223656Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1978Date of Patent: September 23, 1980Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventor: James P. Hamley
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Patent number: 4216412Abstract: An AC powered ignition system employs a rectangular wave power source and a timer for controlling igniter firings. Such timer intermittently interrupts the flow of DC bias current in active stages of the AC power source so as to create a large transient current and high induced voltage in an output transformer. The large transient current is intermodulated with a Kettering type transient to provide high energy firing levels to igniters in a fuel burning engine. The output transformer is coupled to an ignition transformer and to a reactance compensating capacitor to energize a distributor and igniters connected to the distributor.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1978Date of Patent: August 5, 1980Inventor: Martin E. Gerry
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Patent number: 4202305Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition system is provided with an ignition timing stabilization arrangement to achieve substantially constant ignition timing characteristics over a wide range of engine speeds. The capacitor discharge ignition system is positioned adjacent a rotating permanent magnet that is rotated over a path in synchronism with the operation of an engine to be controlled.The capacitor discharge ignition system includes a stator core having disposed thereon an ignition coil and a control coil assembly. The control coil assembly includes a control winding and a timing stabilization winding. As a first pole of the magnet passes the stator core, a voltage and current of a first polarity is induced in the control winding to charge a storage capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1978Date of Patent: May 13, 1980Assignee: Wabash, Inc.Inventor: Ronald J. Wolf
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Patent number: 4203052Abstract: A solid state ignition system for generating high frequency and high energy electrical pulses, the system providing improved performance under varying line voltage conditions, improved voltage regulation, and reduced power dissipation, and being effective to produce an improved ionization arc between electrodes effective to initiate fuel oil combustion.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1978Date of Patent: May 13, 1980Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventor: Jon H. Bechtel
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Patent number: 4194482Abstract: The several embodiments of the self-generating breakerless ignition system disclosed herein are each comprised of a rotor structure with a permanent magnet which induces voltages in a plurality of windings, three cascaded semi-conductor switching elements to control the current in the windings, a trigger signal which is provided by one of the windings and which activates the switching elements at a predetermined time, and means which simultaneously supply positive and negative biasing to the switching elements to enhance the switching procedure.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1978Date of Patent: March 25, 1980Assignee: McCulloch CorporationInventor: Robert V. Jackson
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Patent number: 4184467Abstract: A contactless ignition system for an internal combustion engine in which a moderately rising timing signal and a steeply rising auxiliary signal are generated so that an auxiliary thyristor is triggered by the auxiliary signal to be conductive to render a main thyrister which is connected in series with the auxiliary thyristor to be conductive by the timing signal and in which a resistor for holding the auxiliary thyristor in the conductive state is connected in parallel with the main thyristor so that the ignition timing in the high speed range may be controlled by the auxiliary signal to prevent the excessive spark timing advance in the high speed range and also in the low speed range the auxiliary thyristor may be maintained in the conductive state until the main thyristor is made conductive to thereby prevent misfiring.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1978Date of Patent: January 22, 1980Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Kato, Masao Nagasawa
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Patent number: 4181872Abstract: The invention relates to a starter for igniting a low-pressure sodium lamp. The starter is provided with an oscillator circuit consisting of an electric coil, a first capacitor and a controlled semiconductor switching element.In accordance with the invention the starter also comprises a parallel circuit of a resistor having a positive temperature coefficient and a second capacitor, this parallel circuit and the oscillator circuit being in series. This series circuit is connected between two electrodes of the lamp. In the case where a defective lamp must be replaced by a new lamp--the supply voltage being switched on--in spite of the hot state of the resistor with positive temperature coefficient a plurality of starting pulses will nevertheless be passed through the second capacitor to the new lamp whereafter this lamp can ignite.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1977Date of Patent: January 1, 1980Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: Hubertus M. J. Chermin
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Patent number: 4181114Abstract: An electronic ignition system for use with a flywheel having a magnet comprises a unitary core carrying a trigger coil, an ignition coil and a charging coil, the latter being coupled through a charging rectifier and a storage capacitor to the ignition coil, the transient oscillations that are created by sparking discharge being damped in the core portion carrying the ignition coil, and the windings of the ignition coil being so directed and of such number that induced voltages therein fall below the sparking voltage of the spark plug during the flux alternating sequence produced by the passage of the magnetic poles.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1978Date of Patent: January 1, 1980Assignee: Aktiebolaget Svenska ElektromagneterInventors: Hans T. H. Carlsson, Leif B. Gustafsson
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Patent number: 4169445Abstract: A transient modulation ignition system is provided having a transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding. A timer is utilized for intermittently providing ignition timing to the system. A non-DC power source is also provided the output of which is coupled to the primary winding for modulating the source output with energy stored in the primary winding. The secondary winding of the transformer feeds a conventional distributor which fires igniters to ignite the fuel in the engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1978Date of Patent: October 2, 1979Inventor: Martin E. Gerry
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Patent number: 4160435Abstract: An engine flywheel forms the common rotor for a dual alternator unit having a first ignition alternator for the ignition circuit and a second power alternator for battery charging and providing other auxiliary power. The rotor includes first and second closely, axially spaced permanent annular magnets. An ignition and trigger coil assembly is aligned with one magnet and an auxiliary power coil with the second. The power magnet and coil include a substantial number of magnetic poles and coils to produce a significant power output. In a two cylinder engine, the ignition magnet has two radially and oppositely polarized poles. A pair of ignition capacitor charging coils are spaced by 180.degree. with a trigger coil mounted therebetween and circumferentially movable to adjust the timing. First and second ignition capacitors are connected to the charging coil and to the spark plugs and are alternately charged and discharged.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1977Date of Patent: July 10, 1979Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Richard L. Sleder
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Patent number: 4154205Abstract: A capacitor ignition system for an internal-combustion engine of the type which basically includes a direct voltage converter and, having a control circuit coupled therewith for cyclically charging a storage capacitor, a switch-through circuit for discharging the capacitor in dependence on the firing order and a firing circuit to which the discharge voltage is fed for generating the ignition voltage for the spark plugs, wherein: a first storage capacitor essentially for storing the firing energy required to ionize the ignition spark path and a second storage capacitor essentially for storing the firing energy required to assure a period of dwell for the ignition spark are connected to the output of the direct voltage converter for charging by same and discharging via the switch-through circuit; the control circuit regulates the operation of the direct voltage converter, and includes a series-RC circuit for delaying the switching on of the direct votage converter for a period of time after the capacitors are dType: GrantFiled: August 17, 1977Date of Patent: May 15, 1979Assignee: Semikron, Gesellschaft fur GleichrichterbauInventor: Miklos Forster
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Patent number: 4149508Abstract: An automotive ignition system utilized multiple sparks for each cylinder ignition to ensure complete burning of the fuel mixture therein. To this end, a plurality of control signals are produced each time the engine breaker points or other timing apparatus signals that a chamber is conditioned for combustion. Successive control signals during each combustion cycle build up and collapse a magnetic field in the primary winding of the ignition coil to thereby generate the requisite multiple sparking. The resultant complete burning of the fuel mixture in each cylinder results in increased gas mileage, reduced air pollution, and improved and continued high level engine performance, notwithstanding degradation in ignition system elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1977Date of Patent: April 17, 1979Inventors: Donald Kirk, Jr., Kirk M. Charles
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Patent number: 4136659Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition system including a DC to AC inverter circuit for converting a battery voltage to high voltage AC, and a rectifier for rectifying the high voltage to DC. A power capacitor and the primary winding of the ignition coil are serially coupled across the output of the rectifier. A silicon controlled rectifier is also coupled across the output of the rectifier and has its trigger element coupled to a trigger circuit which provides a trigger signal to turn on the silicon controlled rectifier in response to opening of breaker points thus causing the power capacitor to discharge through the primary winding of the ignition coil thereby to provide the requisite high voltage in the secondary winding to provide the spark at the respective spark plug.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1975Date of Patent: January 30, 1979Inventor: Harold J. Smith
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Patent number: 4133329Abstract: An electronic ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprises a capacitor supplied by a charging circuit, a thyristor controlling discharge of the capacitor into the primary of an ignition coil, and a control circuit including an oscillator successively producing non-conduction and conduction of the thyristor several times in response to each opening of a contact-breaker. The device also comprises an RC delay element and a bistable trigger controlled to prevent operation of the control circuit when the device is switched on while the contact-breaker is in a given position, said trigger permitting operation of the control circuit as soon as the contact-breaker comes into action.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1976Date of Patent: January 9, 1979Inventor: Charles Caron