With Capacitor Discharging Into Sparking Transformer Patents (Class 361/256)
  • Patent number: 12115364
    Abstract: An electrical discharge irrigation device includes a power source to produce power of a first voltage, a circuit coupled to the power source to convert the power of the first voltage to power of a second voltage where the second voltage is higher than the first voltage, a trigger to activate the circuit, an igniter coupled to the circuit to produce a spike, an electrical charge storage component coupled to the igniter the electrical charge storage component becoming conductive and storing an electrical charge after receiving the spike, and an output tip. The output tip includes an electrode and insulating material as an outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Endo-Logic, LLC
    Inventors: Gilbert Fregoso, Brad B. Heckerman
  • Patent number: 12113393
    Abstract: A self-powered IED for a pole-mounted auto-recloser connected to an electric line includes a main control module and a lockout indication module. The main control module determines a fault in the electric line and trips the auto-recloser. During a permanent fault in the electric line, the auto-recloser is remained open, and the main control module activates a lockout state by generating a lockout set signal. The lockout indication module comprises a light source and super-capacitors. The super-capacitors provide stored charges to the light source when the lockout state is activated to provide notification throughout the lockout state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Nishith Patel, Pravin Vadhiyar, Lohith V
  • Patent number: 11519335
    Abstract: An ignition system for igniting fuel in a gas turbine engine includes a power supply and an energy storage network electrically connected to the power supply. The energy storage network includes a first stage having a first capacitor and a second stage having a second capacitor. The ignition system further includes an engine igniter electrically coupled to the energy storage network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Unison Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Jay Joseph Carpenter, Bruce Edward Dolmovich
  • Patent number: 11465845
    Abstract: A method in an automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse configured to store bins at predetermined positions within said automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse, the method comprising receiving a bin at a port of said automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse and scanning an identity tag attached to said bin to obtain a bin ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Mycronic AB
    Inventors: Nils Jacobsson, Roger Jonasson
  • Patent number: 10718518
    Abstract: A gas burner system has a gas burner with a conduit through which an air-gas mixture is conducted; a variable-speed forced-air device that forces air through the conduit; a control valve that controls a supply of gas for mixture with the air to thereby form the air-gas mixture; and an electrode configured to ignite the air-gas mixture so as to produce a flame. The electrode is further configured to measure a flame ionization current associated with the flame. A controller is configured to actively control the variable-speed forced-air device based on the flame ionization current measured by the electrode so as to automatically avoid a flame harmonic mode of the gas burner. Corresponding methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Eadie, Stuart C. Black
  • Patent number: 9627859
    Abstract: A spark gap arrangement comprises a triggerable spark gap (TF) and a trigger circuit (TRG), which comprises a first and a second charge store (C1, C2), a first resistor (R1), a triggerable dissipation element (SF, SF3, TD, TH) and a transformer (T1). The trigger circuit is set up to intermediately store the energy of an input pulse supplied to the input side of the trigger circuit (TRG), wherein storage takes place at least by means of the first charge store (C1). A part of the stored energy is transferred to the second charge store (C2) via the first resistor (R1). The triggerable dissipation element (SF, TD, TH) is set up to turn on on the basis of a voltage across the second charge store (C2) and to discharge the first charge store (C1) via a primary side (T11) of the transformer (T1). In this case, a secondary side (T12) of the transformer (T1) is connected to a main electrode (HE) of the triggerable spark gap (TF) and to a trigger electrode (TE) of the triggerable spark gap (TF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventor: Peter Bobert
  • Patent number: 9013856
    Abstract: An ignition circuit is provided and may include a dc-dc converter having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, an igniter plug having a first terminal and a second terminal, a first capacitor coupled to the positive terminal, a first diode coupled between the first capacitor and the negative terminal, a switching circuit coupled between the positive terminal, and the negative terminal, a second capacitor, a transformer having a primary and a secondary winding, the primary winding coupled between the negative terminal and the second capacitor and the secondary winding coupled between the negative terminal and the first terminal of igniter plug, and a second diode coupled between the first capacitor and the second terminal, wherein the second capacitor is coupled between the primary winding and the second diode, and wherein the first terminal is coupled to the secondary winding and the second terminal is connected to a ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak Mahajan, Renukaprasad N
  • Publication number: 20150077896
    Abstract: An electrical circuit for ignition system for jet engines comprises: main inverter, secondary inverter, main Diode, Secondary Diode, main capacitor, secondary capacitor, controller, main transformer, secondary transformer, transistor, wire connection to electrode and wire connections to the power source and switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Anatoly Zacarchuk
  • Publication number: 20140368964
    Abstract: An ignition system including: a first control unit configured to generate a high voltage that is to be supplied to a spark plug at a secondary winding of an ignition coil by applying and then cutting off a primary current to a primary winding of the ignition coil; a second control unit configured to cut off electric power supplied from the secondary winding to the spark plug by energizing the primary winding after the first control unit cuts off the primary current; a re-energizing current measuring unit configured to measure a re-energizing current energizing the primary winding by the second control unit; and an energizing period determining unit configured to determine an energizing period during which the primary current is applied to the primary winding by the first control unit, corresponding to the re-energizing current measured by the re-energizing current measuring unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daisuke NAKANO
  • Patent number: 8749945
    Abstract: A corona ignition system 20 includes a corona drive circuit 26 and an auxiliary energy circuit 28. The energy circuit 28 stores energy during a standard corona ignition cycle. When arc discharge occurs or corona discharge switches to an arc discharge, the energy circuit 28 discharges the stored energy to the electrode 30 to intentionally maintain a robust arc discharge 29 and thus provide reliable ignition. The stored energy is transmitted to the electrode 30 over a predetermined period of time. The arc discharge is detected and an arc control signal 60 is transmitted to the energy circuit 28, triggering discharge of the stored energy to the electrode 30. The stored energy can be transmitted to the electrode 30 along a variety of different paths. The voltage of the stored energy is typically increased by an energy transformer 70 before being transmitted to the electrode 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition
    Inventors: John Antony Burrows, James D. Lykowski
  • Patent number: 8653693
    Abstract: An integrated exciter-igniter architecture is disclosed that integrates compact, direct-mounted exciter electronics with an aerospace designed igniter to reduce overall ignition system complexity. The integrated exciter-igniter unit hermetically seals exciter electronics within a stainless steel enclosure or housing. The stainless enclosure enables the exciter electronics to remain near atmospheric pressure while the unit is exposed to vacuum conditions. The exciter electronics include a DC-DC converter, timing circuitry, custom-designed PCBs, a custom-designed main power transformer, and a high voltage ignition coil. All of which are packaged together in the stainless steel enclosure. The integrated exciter-igniter unit allows for efficient energy delivery to the spark gap and eliminates the need for a high voltage cable to distribute the high voltage, high energy pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alphaport, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vincent Aulisio, Greg Scott Tollis, Elmer L. Griebeler, Neil D. Rowe
  • Patent number: 8149563
    Abstract: An ignition circuit includes a system power supply, an ignition coil, a delay unit, a first switch unit, and a second switch unit. When the system power supply is powered on, the second switch unit is turned on, the ignition coil is powered on. After a delay time, the delay unit controls the first switch unit to be turned on, the second switch unit is turned off, the ignition coil is powered off. Therefore an ignition operation is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
  • Publication number: 20120063054
    Abstract: A corona ignition system 20 includes a corona drive circuit 26 and an auxiliary energy circuit 28. The energy circuit 28 stores energy during a standard corona ignition cycle. When arc discharge occurs or corona discharge switches to an arc discharge, the energy circuit 28 discharges the stored energy to the electrode 30 to intentionally maintain a robust arc discharge 29 and thus provide reliable ignition. The stored energy is transmitted to the electrode 30 over a predetermined period of time. The arc discharge is detected and an arc control signal 60 is transmitted to the energy circuit 28, triggering discharge of the stored energy to the electrode 30. The stored energy can be transmitted to the electrode 30 along a variety of different paths. The voltage of the stored energy is typically increased by an energy transformer 70 before being transmitted to the electrode 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: JOHN ANTONY BURROWS, James D. Lykowski
  • Patent number: 7961452
    Abstract: The semiconductor photoelectrode of the present invention includes a metallic substrate having irregularities in a surface and a semiconductor layer which is formed on the surface of the metallic substrate and composed of a photocatalytic material. This can increase the light absorption efficiency and, furthermore, prevent recombination of charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Oi, Yasukazu Iwasaki, Kazuhiro Sayama
  • Patent number: 7944678
    Abstract: A low voltage power supply circuit for intermittent pilot and/or direct spark ignition systems utilized in gas burning appliances is provided. The circuit utilizes a single transformer and a resonant circuit to supply power to both a flame sense circuit as well as the spark generation circuit. The resonant circuit allows the use of low power sources such as batteries or self-supplied voltage systems such as thermopiles or hydro generators. Recognizing that power draw from the low power source is high during a sparking event and recharging of a sparking capacitor, the flame sensing is suspended during the sparking event and for a short recharge time thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Yelena N. Kaplan, Dale Thomas Rodda
  • Publication number: 20110000471
    Abstract: A control circuit for use with an ignition system of a light-duty combustion engine. In one embodiment, the control circuit includes a charging circuit, a timing circuit and a shut down circuit that includes a manual stop switch. Activation of the manual stop switch causes the control circuit to shut down the engine, and can do so even if the manual stop switch is only momentarily engaged by the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: WALBRO ENGINE MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brian E. Anderson, Gerald J. LaMarr, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100061034
    Abstract: A low voltage power supply circuit for intermittent pilot and/or direct spark ignition systems utilized in gas burning appliances is provided. The circuit utilizes a single transformer and a resonant circuit to supply power to both a flame sense circuit as well as the spark generation circuit. The resonant circuit allows the use of low power sources such as batteries or self-supplied voltage systems such as thermopiles or hydro generators. Recognizing that power draw from the low power source is high during a sparking event and recharging of a sparking capacitor, the flame sensing is suspended during the sparking event and for a short recharge time thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Yelena N. Kaplan, Dale Thomas Rodda
  • Patent number: 7643267
    Abstract: An optical emission spectrometry device is provided. In the optical emission spectrometry device, a discharge path is formed by connecting an ignition circuit to a discharge gap, and further connecting in parallel a plurality of sets of coils and driving circuits, each set having one coil and one driving circuit. Each driving circuit has two operation modes: an increasing operation mode of applying a predetermined potential difference to the corresponding coil of the set to increase the current passing through the corresponding coil, and a sustaining operation mode of directly connecting the corresponding coil of the set to the discharge path to sustain the current passing through the corresponding coil. Moreover, each driving circuit is controlled in such a way that the timing for the increasing operation mode in which the current passing through the coil increases alternates with the timing for the increasing operation mode of other driving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Eizo Kawato
  • Publication number: 20090272354
    Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition device for an engine including: an exciter coil provided in a magneto generator driven by the engine; a voltage increasing circuit that increases an induced voltage of the exciter coil; a capacitor charged by an output voltage of the voltage increasing circuit; and a discharge switch that is turned on at ignition timing of the engine and discharges charges in the capacitor through a primary coil of the ignition coil, wherein the ignition device further includes a voltage increasing control portion that controls the voltage increasing circuit so as to increase an output voltage of the voltage increasing circuit when a rotational speed of the engine is a set value or less, and limit the output voltage of the voltage increasing circuit when the rotational speed of the engine exceeds the set value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Kokusan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouji Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7612982
    Abstract: A high voltage generator circuit is provided. The high voltage generator circuit can generate a high voltage suitable for use with an igniter. While generating the required high voltage, the circuit results in a significantly reduced amount of electrical noise such that the disruption of adjacent, sensitive circuitry is minimized. More specifically, the circuit periodically generates a high voltage on an inductor and causes the high voltage generated to incrementally charge up and build up the voltage on a capacitor connected to the inductor. The capacitor is isolated from the adjacent, sensitive circuitry by way of a relay. Also, to minimize the number of components and complexity of the high voltage generator circuit, the inductor which is used to generate the high voltage is the inductor located within the relay, which is also used to switch the contacts of the relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kaz, Incorporated
    Inventor: Hamid Pishdadian
  • Publication number: 20080239615
    Abstract: A high voltage generator circuit is provided. The high voltage generator circuit can generate a high voltage suitable for use with an igniter. While generating the required high voltage, the circuit results in a significantly reduced amount of electrical noise such that the disruption of adjacent, sensitive circuitry is minimized. More specifically, the circuit periodically generates a high voltage on an inductor and causes the high voltage generated to incrementally charge up and build up the voltage on a capacitor connected to the inductor. The capacitor is isolated from the adjacent, sensitive circuitry by way of a relay. Also, to minimize the number of components and complexity of the high voltage generator circuit, the inductor which is used to generate the high voltage is the inductor located within the relay, which is also used to switch the contacts of the relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Kaz, Incorporated
    Inventor: Hamid Pishdadian
  • Patent number: 7291983
    Abstract: A ballast according to the present invention operates in an ignition state, a warm-up state, and a steady state for igniting and powering a lamp. The ballast comprises an igniter that ignites the lamp during the ignition state and a switching power inverter, for example, a full bridge DC-AC inverter implemented with MOSFET switching transistors, that powers the lamp during the warm-up and steady states. The switching power inverter, which drives the igniter, operates at a first switching frequency during the ignition state and operates at a second switching frequency during the steady state. Preferably, the first switching frequency, which in one exemplary embodiment is in the kHz range, is higher than the second switching frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuequan Hu, Milan Jovanović, Yuan Chao Niu, Colin Weng
  • Patent number: 7130180
    Abstract: A partitioned exciter system for use with an igniter in an aircraft engine. The exciter has low-energy charging circuit and a high-energy discharge circuit that are remotely located from each other and that are connected by a low-energy coaxial cable. The charging circuit can be located within the aircraft fuselage and the discharge circuit mounted at the engine. The discharge circuit contains passive components that do not need special environmental protection, and the remotely located charging circuit can utilize existing electrical circuitry protection measures already in place in the fuselage to protect against lightning and other potentially-damaging environmental factors. Also disclosed is a housing arrangement for the discharge circuit that allows it to be directly attached to the igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Champion Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve John Kempinski
  • Patent number: 7095601
    Abstract: An exciter circuit for a gas turbine engine delivers a first single high-energy spark followed by subsequent sparks of relatively lower energy to ensures start reliability by specifically clearing ice build-up at the ignition plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Mehrer, Daih-Yeou Chen, Joseph James
  • Publication number: 20040070917
    Abstract: Switched-capacitor structures are provided that reduce distortion and noise in their processed signals because they increase isolation between structural elements and ensure that selected elements are securely turned off in one mode and quickly turned on in another mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Michalski
  • Patent number: 6292347
    Abstract: A circuit of electric arc generation from an A.C. voltage, includes circuitry for making the electric arc frequency substantially independent from possible amplitude variations of the A.C. voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: André Bremond, Philippe Merceron
  • Patent number: 6242866
    Abstract: The electronic circuit of a gas-lighter has an electronic filter inserted between the input terminals of the gas-lighter and a current-discharge generating circuit. The filter has a first pair of resistors located respectively between a first of the input terminals and a first intermediate node, and between a second of the input terminals and a second intermediate node; a capacitor located between the first intermediate node and the second intermediate node; and a second pair of resistors located respectively between the first intermediate node and the current-discharge generating circuit, and between the second intermediate node and the current-discharge generating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Miller Europe S.p.A.
    Inventor: Raoul Bianchi
  • Patent number: 6191536
    Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system is described that incorporates a two-terminal passive network for controlling the discharge of a capacitive energy storage device into an igniter plug, wherein the network comprises a solid-state switch for alternately providing high and low ohmic paths between the two terminals in order to selectively connect the capacitive energy storage device to the igniter plug. The passive network includes means responsive to a predetermined value of a voltage differential (&Dgr;V) between the two terminals for effecting the switching of the path between the two terminals provided by the solid-state switch from a high ohmic value to a low ohmic value, thereby controllably discharging the capacitive energy storage device into the igniter plug. In the illustrated embodiment, the solid-state switch is a series of SCRs, each of whose anode is connected to the trigger input of the SCR by way of a breakover diode (BOD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Unison Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Dolmovich
  • Patent number: 6009864
    Abstract: An ignition system for use in internal combustion engines, in which there is provided a plurality of charging means, at least one of the plurality of charging means being adapted to provide charge to a plurality of charge storage means, in a predetermined manner, the charge storage means being arranged to collectively activate a spark means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Orbital Engine Co. ( Australia) Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Steven Michael Basso, Martin John Peter Cebis
  • Patent number: 5806504
    Abstract: An ignition circuit for an internal combustion engine. The ignition circuit includes a transformer having a secondary winding for generating a spark and having first and second primary windings, a capacitor connected to the first primary winding to provide a high energy capacitive discharge voltage to the transformer, a voltage generator connected to the second primary winding for generating an alternating current voltage, and a control circuit connected to the capacitor and to the voltage generator for providing control signals to discharge the high energy capacitive discharge voltage to the first primary winding and for providing control signals to the voltage generator to generate the alternating current voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. French, Matthew Joseph Edwards
  • Patent number: 5654868
    Abstract: A solid-state exciter circuit for establishing arc discharges in igniter devices. The exciter circuit includes first and second transformers, first and second main discharge capacitors, and first and second exciter sub-circuits for controlling the charging and discharging of the latter capacitors. The exciter sub-circuits independently generate component ignition or drive pulses each of which has a magnitude and duration that is optimized for a respective part of an ignition event. The exciter circuit then combines these pulses to produce a composite ignition pulse having voltage and current waveforms that so match the discharge characteristics of an igniter that the latter generates an arc of the desired magnitude and duration substantially without being overexcited or underexcited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: SL Aburn, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Buer
  • Patent number: 5548472
    Abstract: A source of energy (1) is connected to an energy storage circuit including a first storage capacitor (2) and a connecting element (3) for connecting the storage circuit to a discharging circuit. The discharging circuit includes in series a energy recovering inductance (4) and an ignition spark plug (5), and to terminals of which the discharging circuit there are connected free wheel diode (6) and a resistor (7) connected in parallel, so as to generate sparks between the electrodes of the spark plug. The energy storage circuit also includes a second capacitor (8) connected in parallel to terminals of the connecting element (3) and inductance element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Eyquem
    Inventor: Patrick Balland
  • Patent number: 5513618
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for a plasma discharge for ignition in an internal combustion engine. A digital electronic system controls ignition performance and can provide an ignition discharge throughout an entire power stroke of a piston in a cylinder. The discharge can be controlled by a signal from a conventional distributor, crank trigger or other source. Controllable discharge of a capacitor occurs through the primary winding of an ignition coil. In addition, the capacitor may be both discharged and recharged in an oscillatory manner through the primary of the ignition coil. Such oscillatory discharging and recharging of the capacitor results in energy being delivered to the spark plug during both discharge and recharge cycles, thereby resulting in the delivery of discharge energy to the spark plug on a substantially continuous basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Enox Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley R. Rich, deceased, Shirley C. Rich, executrix
  • Patent number: 5506478
    Abstract: In an alternating current ignition system whose ignition output stage has an ignition coil, a resonant-circuit capacitor for generating a bipolar alternating current, a semiconductor switch for controlling the primary coil current and an energy recovery diode connected in parallel to the semiconductor switch, the current flowing through the diode serves as control signal for the semiconductor switch and triggers the switching-on of the semiconductor switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Daug Deutsche Automobilgesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Michael Daetz
  • Patent number: 5473502
    Abstract: An exciter for an internal combustion engine igniter plug, comprises a continuous AC charging circuit and a discharge circuit. The discharge circuit is connectable to the plug and the charging circuit includes a transformer having a primary winding connectable to an AC power source and a secondary winding connected to the discharge circuit. The discharge circuit includes a storage capacitor connected to the transformer secondary winding such that current induced in the secondary charges the capacitor at a generally constant rate. A switching device is connected in series between the capacitor and the plug; and a trigger circuit triggers the switching device in response to charge on the capacitor; with the charging circuit and trigger circuit operating to maintain a generally constant spark rate. A current multiplier is also provided to substantially increase the peak currents delivered to the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems
    Inventors: Howard V. Bonavia, Dale F. Geislinger, Michael J. Terzo
  • Patent number: 5429103
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for a plasma discharge for ignition in an internal combustion engine. A digital electronic system controls ignition performance and can provide an ignition discharge throughout an entire power stroke of a piston in a cylinder. The discharge can be controlled by a signal from a conventional distributor, crank trigger or other source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Enox Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley R. Rich
  • Patent number: 5224015
    Abstract: An ignition generator includes an energy source having a transformer, and a first circuit connected to a first secondary winding of the transformer. The first circuit includes a series connection of a first energy storage capacitor, an inductor and an ignition spark plug, and a free wheel diode connected in parallel to the inductor and the ignition spark plug. Circuitry is provided for shorting the first circuit to produce sparks between the electrodes of the spark plug. The generator further includes a second circuit which is electrically equivalent to the first circuit and which is connected to a second secondary winding of the transformer. The second circuit includes a second energy storage capacitor and impedance means connected in series. A comparator is provided for comparing the voltage of the second voltage energy storage capacitor with a reference voltage. Shorting of the first circuit is carried out according to an output of the comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Labo Industrie
    Inventor: Patrick G. A. Balland
  • Patent number: 5163411
    Abstract: A capacitor discharging type ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine is disclosed in which a secondary winding voltage rises quickly and has an extended spark generation time as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuru Koiwa, Shingo Morita
  • Patent number: 5056496
    Abstract: An ignition system of multispark type having an ignitability superior to that of a combination an ignition system of capacitor discharge type and a multispark system is disclosed. A first control signal is generated for turning on a first switching device a predetermined time before an ignition timing to store energy in an energy storage coil and turning off the first switching device at the ignition timing. A multispark control signal is generated for turning on a second switching device from the ignition timing and turning on and off the first and second switching devices alternately for a predetermined spark period. A second control signal is generated for turning on the first switching device upon the turning off of the second switching device to store energy in the energy storage coil and then turning off the first switching device to charge a capacitor with the energy stored in the energy storage coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Morino, Yasuhito Takasu, Kozo Takamura, Masato Somiya
  • Patent number: 5053913
    Abstract: An exciter circuit for a gas turbine engine ignition system. A high voltage supply continuously charges a storage capacitor. A plurality of silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) are connected in series between the storage capacitor and a high voltage conditioning circuit. A multi-section protective network is connected in parallel with the series connected SCRs. Individual network sections are connected across separate ones of the SCRs. The SCRs are normally non-conducting and are periodically triggered to discharge the storage capacitor into the conditioning circuit. An igniter plug is connected to the output of the conditioning circuit. The protective network divides the voltage of the storage capacitor equally across the SCRs when the latter are non-conductive thereby reducing the voltage stress to which each of the SCRs is subjected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Unison Industries Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Roy Lozito, Steve Kempinski, Michael A. Crough, Bruce E. Dolmovich
  • Patent number: 5025498
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the triggering sequence in capacitive ignition systems for internal combustion engines. The induction achieved by a flywheel magneto usually results in three voltage wave halves, of which two (A,B) have one polarity and an intermediate one (C) has an opposite polarity. In the present case, the first voltage halfwave (A) is used for triggering voltage and the subsequent halfwave with opposite polarity (C) for the charging voltage. The subsequent last voltage halfwave is suppressed (B") to a level below the triggering level. This is achieved by arranging an inhibiting circuit (11-15) for the conventional triggering circuit (8,9,10) by charging (11) a further capacitor (12) during the charging phase itself, the capacitor (12) maintaining control voltage for a further thyristor (15) or triac, which is arranged to short-circuit the triggering voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: SEM AB
    Inventor: Nils A. Agren
  • Patent number: 4839772
    Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of ignition voltage to a spark plug within an ingition system of an automobile includes an integrated circuit inverter for converting DC power source voltage into a high frequency voltage which is stepped-up by a transformer and rectified to charge a capacitor. The charge stored on the capacitor is discharged by applying a trigger pulse to a silicon controlled rectifier, through a high voltage ignition coil for igniting the spark gap of a spark plug. The trigger pulse is produced by a timing control circuit which utilizes a pre-existing timing signal of the ignition system to produce the trigger pulse. The secondary voltage of the ignition coil produces between 20,000 and 60,000 volts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Bang H. Mo
    Inventors: Hyeong I. Choi, Keh-Kun Choi
  • Patent number: 4565519
    Abstract: An electronic ignition system for a gas burner is battery operated. The battery voltage is applied through a DC-DC chopper to a step-up transformer to charge a capacitor which provides the ignition spark. The step-up transformer has a significant leakage reactance in order to limit current flow from the battery during initial charging of the capacitor. A tank circuit at the input of the transformer returns magnetizing current resulting from the leakage reactance to the primary in succeeding cycles. An SCR in the output circuit is gated through a voltage divider which senses current flow through a flame. Once the flame is sensed, further sparks are precluded. The same flame sensor enables a thermopile driven main valve actuating circuit. A safety valve in series with the main gas valve responds to a control pressure thermostatically applied through a diaphragm. The valve closes after a predetermined delay determined by a time delay orifice if the pilot gas is not ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Forest J. Carignan
  • Patent number: 4561707
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: McCulloch Corporation
    Inventor: Robert V. Jackson
  • Patent number: 4535380
    Abstract: An ignition system adapted to generate high frequency and high energy arcs between electrodes effective to initiate combustion of fuels, such as manufactured or natural gas, supplied for heating purposes to residential furnaces, appliances and the like, the ignition system including low voltage control circuitry enabling the use of high voltage breakover devices in high voltage pulse generator circuitry incorporated in the ignition system without requiring the use of high voltage switches for controlling the conduction of the high voltage breakover devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Frederick J. Geary
  • Patent number: 4479467
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Burrows, David T. Cavil
  • Patent number: 4329628
    Abstract: A spark generator of the relaxation oscillator type operates on only one half of the cycle of the applied alternating current. By providing a gating circuit that triggers through a threshold switch means from a capacitor charge, it is possible to fire a silicon controlled rectifier on the same half cycle as the charging of an energy storage capacitor. The circuit can be operated by means of a diode and switch, or by an asymmetric current conducting element such as a silicon controlled rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Bohan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4288834
    Abstract: A breakerless magneto ignition system having a stator assembly including an ignition coil and core. A solid state gate turn-off switch (GTO) is connected by its anode-cathode electrodes in circuit with the primary winding of the ignition coil for conducting primary current. A solid state switching component is connected in circuit with the control electrode or gate of the GTO and with a capacitor which is charged by current generated in the primary winding in one direction as a result of magneto rotation. The stator assembly includes a trigger coil circumferentially spaced from a leg of the core of the ignition coil a distance approximately equal to the edge distance of the magneto to provide a trigger pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: R. E. Phelon Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bob O. Burson
  • Patent number: 4247880
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Assignee: Yamatake-Honeywell Company Limited
    Inventor: Shuji Morio
  • Patent number: 4203052
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Jon H. Bechtel