Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for igniting spark gaps with a trigger electrode T which is located on or in one of the main electrodes H2 and is insulated with respect to this main electrode H2, wherein the trigger electrode T is electrically connected to one of the other main electrodes H1 by means of at least one voltage-switching or voltage-monitoring element and there is an air gap between the trigger electrode T and the other main electrode H1. According to the invention, the trigger electrode T forms a sandwich structure with an insulation section I and a layer which is composed of a material M with a lower conductivity than the material of one of the main electrodes, wherein this sandwich structure represents a layered dielectric with the order of a first partial capacitor CI with the dielectric of the insulation section I and a second partial capacitor CM with the material M as dielectric.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for igniting spark gaps with a trigger electrode T which is located on or in one of the main electrodes H2 and is insulated with respect to this main electrode H2, wherein the trigger electrode T is electrically connected to one of the other main electrodes H1 by means of at least one voltage-switching or voltage-monitoring element and there is an air gap between the trigger electrode T and the other main electrode H1. According to the invention, the trigger electrode T forms a sandwich structure with an insulation section I and a layer which is composed of a material M with a lower conductivity than the material of one of the main electrodes, wherein this sandwich structure represents a layered dielectric with the order of a first partial capacitor CI with the dielectric of the insulation section I and a second partial capacitor CM with the material M as dielectric.

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.

Abstract: An ignition exciter system includes an igniter, a step-up transformer, a switch device, and a spark-sustain capacitor. The igniter has a spark gap across which a spark may be generated. The step-up transformer has a primary winding that is adapted to selectively receive direct current (DC) from a DC source, and a secondary winding that is coupled to the igniter. The switch device is coupled to the primary winding and is configured to selectively operate in an ON state, in which DC may flow through the primary winding, and an OFF state, in which DC may not flow through the primary winding. The spark-sustain capacitor is coupled to the igniter and is configured to charge from a DC source when the switch device is operating in the ON state, and at least selectively discharge across the spark gap when the switch device is operating in the OFF state.

Abstract: An ablative plasma gun having a dual power source pulse generator is configured to generate a high voltage low current pulse and a low voltage high current pulse. A pair of electrodes are disposed and configured to receive the high voltage low current pulse, and to receive the low voltage high current pulse in response to the high voltage low current pulse.

Abstract: A dual power source pulse generator in power connection with a pair of electrodes having a first electrode, a second electrode and an air gap therebetween. The dual power source pulse generator includes a first pulse source producing a high voltage low current pulse across the pair of electrodes to allow dielectric breakdown, and a second pulse source electrically connected in parallel with an output of the first pulse source, and producing a low voltage high current pulse to thereby produce a current flow of high-density plasma between the same electrodes of the pair of electrodes in response to the high voltage low current pulse.

Abstract: An electrode is provided that is adapted to both pierce a barrier and providing an over-air discharge of electrical energy. In this regard, an over air discharge of electrical energy may be provided to an opposing side of a barrier. In one arrangement, the electrode includes a tapered point, which may be a hardened material, to facilitate piercing a barrier. In a further arrangement, the electrode incorporates an insulative shaft. In this arrangement, the insulative shaft electrically isolates a conductor of the electrode from a conductive barrier. Accordingly, the electrode may be utilized to pierce metallic enclosures and provide an electrical discharge for the purpose of altering the operation of electronic device within such enclosures.

Abstract: The ignition system is for use in a gas turbine engine. It comprises an ignition plug having a triggered spark gap therein.

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.

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.

Abstract: In trigger/firing arrangement in a Marx generator comprising n stage capacitors—n being a natural number greater than 1-, the same amount of spark gaps and 2(n?1) charging branches, with the spark gaps operating in a self-breakdown mode, the trigger-/firing arrangement comprises at least a pulse transformer connected to an pulse generator in at least one of the charging branches of the Marx-generator, which with the associated stage capacitor bridges a spark gap—except for the output end spark gap—a pulse transformer is disposed, whose output winding operates during charging as a charging winding and whose input winding is connected to the pulse generator in such a way that the voltage pulse generated with this pulse transformer during triggering of the pulse generator is added to the charge voltage of the associated stage capacitor and, with a corresponding polarity, generates an over-voltage sufficient for initiating self-breakdown at this spark gap.

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.

Abstract: A surge absorber includes a laminated compact of a first ceramic green sheet having a first internal electrode film extending to both sides thereof, a second ceramic green sheet having an second internal electrode film extending to both end surfaces thereof, and a third ceramic green sheet having a discharge hole. Ground external electrode layers are provided on both sides of the laminate so as to be connected with both ends of the first internal electrode film, and signal external electrode layers are further provided on both end surfaces of the laminated compact so as to be connected with both ends of the second internal electrode film. The laminated compact may also include a resistance element.

Abstract: A trigger circuit is provided for a trigger system for a Marx generator column. The column includes a plurality of metal electrode pairs wherein the electrodes of each pair are spaced to form a spark gap therebetween and a capacitor is connected across each gap. The trigger system includes a three electrode (trigatron) spark gap switch forming the first spark gap of the Marx generator column. The triggering circuit includes a trigger transformer having primary and secondary windings. The secondary winding is connected through a connecting cable to a blocking capacitor of an input circuit of the trigatron switch. A charging capacitor is connected to an oscillator power supply so as to be charged thereby to the output voltage (e.g., 345 volts) of the oscillator power supply. An electronic switch (e.g.

Abstract: A circuit for providing a follow-on current between the electrodes of a traveling spark ignitor after an initial break down between the electrodes has occurred is disclosed. The circuit may include first and second portions which, respectively, provide first and second voltages to the ignitor. The first portion may be a conventional ignition circuit. The second portion provides the follow-on current. The second portion may provide the follow-on current as a single discharge or as a multi-stage discharge.

Abstract: The electronic ignition device includes an ignition coil with a primary winding terminal and a secondary winding terminal generating a spark, a power element arranged between the primary winding terminal and ground, a protection circuit issuing a disable signal to the control terminal of the power element in preset conditions, and a voltage limiting circuit having inputs connected to the primary winding terminal and to the battery voltage, and an output connected to the control terminal of the power element. The voltage limiting circuit detects a potential difference between its own inputs and supplies to the control terminal an activation signal for the power element, in presence of the deactivation signal and when the potential difference exceeds the supply voltage by a preset value. Thereby, the voltage limiting circuit limits the voltage on the primary winding terminal to a preset value which depends upon the value of the battery voltage.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting heat from electrical devices mounted on a circuit board is disclosed. A heat sink for conducting the heat is provided that includes a pair of substantially parallel vertical legs and a horizontal member coupled between the pair of substantially parallel vertical legs to form a “U” shape. The horizontal member includes an outer surface and an inner surface both having a layer of thermal interface material. The heat sink is surface mountable to a heat sink mounting pad on a surface of a printed circuit board. The heat sink mounting pad is adjacent to and thermally coupled to a heat transfer pad of an electronic device. The heat sink is thermally coupled to the electronic device.

Abstract: An ignition system has a first capacitor connected by a switch to the primary windings of a transformer. The secondary windings of the transformer are connected via a rectifier circuit to a second capacitor. An igniter is connected to the second capacitor by a cable that also has its own capacitance. In use, the combined charge on the second capacitor and the cable is gradually increased each time that the switch is closed and charge on the first capacitor is transferred to the transformer. The charge on the second capacitor and cable keeps increasing until it is sufficient to fire the igniter.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system deriving the ignition pulse from a capacitor storing the flyback voltage induced from the fuel injector coil when the pulse supplied to the fuel injector coil is removed.

Abstract: An ignition exciter for an engine, comprising a pulse generator for generating output pulses for an igniter plug, and an oscillator for repeatedly triggering the pulse generator at a repetition rate such that each output pulse is produced before ionization caused by a preceding output pulse has substantially disappeared.

Abstract: An ignition system exciter circuit includes a storage capacitor; a charging circuit for charging the capacitor; a discharge circuit connectable to an igniter plug; and a first switching circuit for controlling discharge of the capacitor through the discharge circuit and plug; the discharge circuit comprising a step-up transformer for transforming voltage stored on the capacitor to a higher voltage across the igniter plug when the first switching circuit is closed; the transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, with the secondary winding having a first terminal that can be coupled to a first terminal of the igniter plug and a second terminal that can be coupled to a second terminal of the igniter plug; and a second switching circuit that is responsive to a voltage transition across the igniter plug and that prevents the transformer primary and secondary windings from conducting spark discharge current.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are a method and an apparatus for supplying an electrical energy to a pair of discharge electrodes spaced apart from each other to cause an electric discharge in a gap between the discharge electrodes. There are firstly provided an alternating voltage generator for generating, as the electrical energy, an alternating voltage having a frequency, and a capacitor connected to the discharge electrodes in series. The alternating voltage generator has a series resonant frequency. The alternating voltage of the alternating voltage generator is applied to the discharge electrodes through the capacitor. The frequency of the alternating voltage is set approximately to the series resonant frequency of the alternating voltage generator to cause a dielectric breakdown in and allow an electric discharge current to flow through the gap between the discharge electrodes.

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.

Abstract: A charging circuit charges a first capacitor to a first voltage and a second capacitor, via a potential divider to a second voltage smaller than the first voltage. A trigger circuit repeatedly triggers a thyristor which discharges the second capacitor into the primary winding of a pulse transformer whose secondary winding is connected across a diode in series with the first capacitor between output terminals.

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).

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.

Abstract: A corona arc circuit has a spark plug connected in series with a rectifier. A capacitor is connected in series with a spark gap and the spark plug. An electrical power source has a transformer with a primary winding providing an AC voltage and a secondary winding connected to the capacitor via the rectifier for charging the capacitor. The secondary winding is connected to the spark plug via a high voltage diode thereby providing a current path for the spark gap at a predetermined voltage and simultaneously discharging the capacitor through the spark plug via the spark gap without short-circuiting the spark gap.

Abstract: A low-energy circuit and a high-energy circuit are operatively coupled in parallel between an energy source and an igniter. The low-energy circuit is for igniting the igniter to generate sparks between electrodes of the igniter, and the high-energy circuit is for characterizing an energy of the sparks generated between the electrodes of the igniter. A spark detector detects a presence of a spark between the electrodes of the igniter, and a control circuit enables an operation of the high-energy circuit only upon detection of the presence of a spark between the electrodes of the igniter by the spark detector.

Abstract: An ignition system is provided that marries a free-running discharge circuit with a fast-charging, high voltage converter without resulting in an excessive rate of discharge. To this end, the free-running discharge circuit employs a passive switch embodied either as a spark-gap device or a passive network of semiconductor elements. A feedback circuit detects discharge events at the discharge circuit and, in response thereto, selectively enables and disables the fast-charging converter. A spark rate clock is integrated into the feedback circuit for the purpose of setting the average discharge rate to a predetermined value.

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.

Abstract: A process for producing a ceramic igniter comprising forming a slot in a green igniter body prior to densification and inserting into the slot an electrically non-conductive material is described. In addition, a ceramic igniter containing a slot insert produced by the process of the invention is disclosed. The inventon is particularly directed to single and double hairpin-shaped igniters.

Abstract: In a capacitive discharge type ignition apparatus, in which an ignition transformer is used, the impedance of the secondary winding of the ignition transformer is comparatively large. This means the power loss is large and the efficiency, in applying a high power voltage to an igniter plug, is lowered. In this invention, a low impedance bypass circuit is connected in parallel circuit with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer, so that the spark current flows through the bypass circuit. By this arrangement, the power loss in the secondary winding is made to be substantially zero. Thus, a powerful spark is generated in the igniter plug efficiently, reliably and with simple circuitry.

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.

Abstract: An improved turbine engine igniter exciter circuit. An oscillator circuit drives the primary winding of a transformer for charging a capacitor to a predetermined voltage greater than the voltage required to sustain a spark discharge at an igniter but less than the voltage required to establish a spark discharge at the igniter. A timing circuit periodically triggers an SCR to discharge a portion of the energy stored in the capacitor through the primary winding of a step up transformer to create a short duration high voltage ignition pulse for establishing the spark discharge. The remaining lower voltage energy in the capacitor sustains the spark discharge for a predetermined time.

Abstract: This high-energy ignition generator, especially for gas-turbines, of the type including an energy source (1) connected to a first circuit containing an energy storage capacitor (10), an inductor (11) and an ignition plug (12), in series, a free-wheel diode (15) being connected in parallel with the terminals of the inductor (11) and the ignition plug (12) and means of short-circuiting (16) the first circuit so as to generate sparks between the electrodes of the plug (12), is characterized in that the means of short-circuiting (16) include at least one semi-conductor switching device (17,18) controlled by means of comparison (32) of the voltage at the terminals of the storage capacitor (10) with a first reference voltage, and in that means of control (2,3,4,7; 39,40,41) of the charge of the capacitor (10) at a first rate during an initial period of time and at a second rate during a second period of time, the second rate being higher than the first, are interposed between the energy source (1) and the first cir

Abstract: An automatic electronic ignition system comprising a D.C. source, an oscillatory circuit, a charging circuit and a sparking device. The D.C. source activates the oscillatory circuit. By means of a first transformer, this oscillation induces a current signal in the charging circuit with a potential higher than that of the original oscillatory signal. Due to the arrangement of the capacitors and coils within the charging circuit, an oscillatory discharge forms within the charging circuit. This oscillatory discharge further induces an even higher potential between the two electrodes of the sparking device by means of a second transformer. This causes sparking between the two electrodes and ignites the gas from the gas nozzles. The ignited gas ionizes the air molecules between the electrodes, thus turning off the oscillatory circuit. If, for some reason, the fire goes out, then the oscillatory circuit is turned on automatically, thereby re-igniting the gas from the gas nozzles.

Abstract: An operation control apparatus, in a combustion device, comprising an operation member (4) selectively settable at a stop position (A), an ignition position (B) or an open position (C); an electric member (10) and/or (15) which is energized by an electric power source (20) when the operation member is set in its ignition position; and a limited time operation circuit for affecting the operation of the electric member (10 and/or 15), either by itself energizing the electric member or by enabling the electric member to be energized by the power source (20), for a predetermined period of time. In the apparatus disclosed, the limited time operation circuit is inoperative for affecting the operation of the electric member (10 and/or 15) while the operation member (4) is set in its ignition position (B) and the electric member is energized by the power source (20).

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.

Abstract: An ignition detector circuit includes first and second resistors connected in series between a primary winding of a coil and the ground, a comparator having a first input terminal connected to the junction between first and second resistors and a second input terminal to which a reference voltage is applied, and a capacitor and a third resistor connected in parallel between the first input terminal of the comparator and the ground.

Abstract: A combustion initiation system includes an initiating device for producing, containing and propelling a combustion initiating plasma having an energy density approaching that produced by combustion of the fuel itself, and is suitable for initiating combustion in relatively lean mixtures of various types of fuels. A high voltage power supply delivers electrical energy by a coaxial cable to the initiating device which communicates with a fuel mixture in a combustion area such as the combustion chamber of an ordinary internal combustion engine. The initiating device includes a capacitive portion for storing a large quantity of electrical energy therein derived from the power supply, and an electrode portion integral with the capacitive portion which comprises a pair of concentric, rod shaped electrodes for producing a high energy, umbrella shaped plasma discharge, using the inverse pinch technique.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with a process of and apparatus for producing relatively low energy electron beams through pulsed cold-cathode beam generation in a mode of operation involving an important intermediate region of a substantially linear depth-dose profile characteristic that reduces the sensitivity to possible voltage variations, and with improved triggering structures that significantly improve reliability and minimize erratic pulse generation and missing pulses, thus particularly adapting the process and apparatus for such stringent applications as production-line sterilization of surfaces, materials or workpieces passed by the apparatus.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A combustion initiation system includes an initiating device for producing, containing and propelling a combustion initiating plasma having an energy density approaching that produced by combustion of the fuel itself, and is suitable for initiating combustion in relatively lean mixtures of various types of fuels. A high voltage power supply delivers electrical energy by a coaxial cable to the initiating device which communicates with a fuel mixture in a combustion area such as the combustion chamber of an ordinary internal combustion engine. The initiating device includes a capacitive portion for storing a large quantity of electrical energy therein derived from the power supply, and an electrode portion integral with the capacitive portion which comprises a pair of concentric, rod shaped electrodes for producing a high energy, umbrella shaped plasma discharge, using the inverse pinch technique.

Abstract: A device for initiating combustion of fuels produces a high energy plasma jet by rapidly transferring energy from a capacitive section thereof to an electrode section integral therewith. A plurality of circular capacitor plates disposed in parallel, spaced relationship to each other within an electrically conductive, cylindrical casing filled with dielectric fluid form the capacitive section. The capacitor plates are alternately connected to the casing and to an elongate rod which extends longitudinally through the casing. One end of the rod extends outwardly from an end of the casing and includes a circularly shaped, pointed firing tip which is spaced from the end of the casing and defines one electrode of the device. The end of the casing surrounding the shaft defines the other electrode such that the initial discharge between the electrodes is in the form of a cylindrical sheet. The cylindrical sheet discharge is quickly transformed into a plasma jet by magnetic fields.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An ignition system for internal combustion engines, primarily as utilized in motorcycle type vehicles, is disclosed wherein the conventional breaker points and associated circuitry are eliminated and in their stead is incorporated a capacitive discharge circuit consisting of a step-up transformer for charging the capacitor, from a low voltage magneto, triggering circuitry to provide controlled discharge of the capacitor through the ignition transformer, and associated circuit protective components. The several components are configured in a manner such that neither the standard low voltage magneto nor the standard ignition transformer need be of special design or manufacture.

Abstract: Jet engine fuel igniters are excited with a current waveform which maintains an intermediate current value until a discharge has separated from the igniter surface. The current then rises to a higher level to provide sufficient energy for ignition of an air-fuel mixture. Ignition reliability is thus increased and the effects of erosion on the igniter surface are decreased.

Abstract: A small-sized gas ignition device comprising a self-oscillation circuit, a piezo-electric transformer which steps up the output of the self-oscillation circuit, a capacitor which accumulates the output voltage of the piezo-electric transformer, and a discharging gap which is connected in parallel with the capacitor and is adapted to discharge the accumulated voltage for performing gas ignition. With this device gas ignition is obtained with certainty by single operation requiring only a light touch.

Abstract: A combustion initiation system includes an initiating device for producing, containing and propelling a combustion initiating plasma having an energy density approaching that produced by combustion of the fuel itself, and is suitable for initiating combustion in relatively lean mixtures of various types of fuels. A high voltage power supply delivers electrical energy by a coaxial cable to the initiating device which communicates with a fuel mixture in a combustion area such as the combustion chamber of an ordinary internal combustion engine. The initiating device includes a capacitive portion for storing a large quantity of electrical energy therein derived from the power supply, and an electrode portion integral with the capacitive portion which comprises a pair of concentric, rod shaped electrodes for producing a high energy, umbrella shaped plasma discharge, using the inverse pinch technique.