Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes a switching circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit monitors a voltage level inputted to a switching device which is installed in the switching circuit and connected to a primary winding of an ignition coil. The control circuit includes an overvoltage protection circuit which outputs an energization inhibit signal to inhibit energization of the switching device when the monitored voltage level is higher than an overvoltage threshold level. When the monitored voltage level exceeds the overvoltage threshold level in an output duration in which the energization control signal is outputted, the overvoltage protection circuit stops output of the energization inhibit signal until the output duration expires. This enables the switching device to be protected from damage and an ignition operation to be executed at a correct timing to eliminate a risk of damage to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An ignition coil control system may include a first ignition coil including a primary coil and a secondary coil; a first switch that selectively electrically-connects the primary coil of the first ignition coil; a second ignition coil including a primary coil and a secondary coil; a second switch that selectively electrically-connects the primary coil of the second ignition coil; a pair of electrodes generating spark discharge by a discharge current generated in the first ignition coil and the second ignition coil; and an ignition controller that controls spark discharge of the pair of electrodes by adjusting an amount and a duration of the discharge current of the first ignition coil and the second ignition coil by turning the first switch and the second switch on or off according to a single pulse signal having a constant voltage including different voltages transmitted from an engine control unit (ECU).

Abstract: An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine has a primary coil and a secondary coil, a case, a high voltage connection terminal, and a conduction terminal. The high voltage connection terminal is accommodated in the case in a state being sealed by a filling resin. The high voltage connection terminal is disposed in a state inclined an aligned direction of the secondary coil and the conduction terminal, and is configured to be elastically deformable. The conduction terminal includes an engaging part for engaging a terminal distal end portion of the high voltage connection terminal and a supporting part for supporting a terminal intermediate portion of the high voltage connection terminal which is a portion closer to a connecting portion with the secondary coil than the terminal distal end portion is.

Abstract: A corona igniter assembly including an ignition coil assembly, a firing end assembly, and a dielectric compliant member is provided. The dielectric compliant member is compressed between a high voltage insulator of the ignition coil assembly and a ceramic insulator of the firing end assembly. During assembly of the corona igniter assembly, the dielectric compliant member pushes air outwards and forms a hermetic seal between the high voltage insulator and the ceramic insulation. The dielectric compliant member can have a rounded upper surface, which may improve the hermetic seal. Alternatively, or in addition to the rounded surface on the dielectric compliant member, the lower surface of the high voltage insulator can be rounded to push air outwards during assembly and provide a hermetic seal.

Abstract: An electronic gas lighting device including: a cup-shaped casing, formed by an electrically insulating material; a plurality of high-voltage outputs carried by the casing and each including a chimney-like housing carried by the casing and also formed by an electrically insulating material and a first electric contact carried by the chimney-like housing and arranged therein; and a frame element integrally and protrudingly carrying, on a first face thereof intended in use to face towards the casing, a plurality of second contacts, in number equal to the high-voltage outputs present on the casing and adapted to couple with the first contacts within said chimney-like housings, and provided on a second face thereof, opposite to the first, with a plurality of electric wires each connecting a second contact with a spark generating electrode fastenable to a cooking range; snapping fastening means to the casing being peripherally arranged on the outside of the frame element, along at least one side of the same.

Abstract: A method for controlling a corona ignition device, which comprises an ignition electrode, at which a corona discharge is produced, a resonating circuit, which contains the ignition electrode, and a high-frequency generator connected to the resonating circuit, wherein the resonating circuit is excited with an AC voltage (Ui) produced by the high-frequency generator, the frequency of said voltage being specified by a control signal (Ud) applied across the high-frequency generator, the frequency of the control signal (Ud) is changed as the control variable of a control circuit, and the phase position between the current (Ii) flowing in the resonating circuit and a voltage signal is regulated to a target value, characterised in that the target value is changed during the operation of the corona ignition device. A corona ignition device for igniting fuel in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is also described.

Abstract: A multiplexing drive circuit for an AC ignition system having a common leg that includes two switches coupled in series, and one or more dedicated legs, wherein each leg includes two switches coupled in series. The multiplexing drive circuit also includes a transformer for each of the one or more dedicated legs, each transformer having a primary winding coupled between one of the one or more dedicated legs and the common leg, and wherein each transformer has a secondary winding coupled in parallel to a spark plug, and a pulse-width modulated (PWM) switch controller configured to operate the common leg and dedicated leg switches to control characteristics of the spark discharge for the spark plug. Wherein the switch controller is capable of real time diagnostic checks by monitoring the time at which a spark discharge event takes place.

Abstract: In a spark plug ignition assembly for a spark plug, an ignition coil assembly has a steel laminated core, said core having a first core portion and a second core portion, and a primary winding around the first core portion and a secondary winding around the primary winding. A spark plug connecting member is provided for connecting the coil assembly to the spark plug. At least one of the first and second core portions has a slot therein with a magnet located in the slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corona ignition device, comprising a center electrode, an insulator surrounding the center electrode, a coil, which is connected to the center electrode, and a housing pipe, in which the coil is arranged. The housing pipe comprises a substrate layer and a conducting layer arranged radially inwardly of the substrate layer. The conducting layer is made of a material having a greater electrical conductivity than the material of the substrate layer. The conducting layer has a thickness of at least 0.1 mm. Also disclosed is a method for producing a corona ignition device, in which, to produce the housing pipe, an inner pipe is inserted into an outer pipe. The invention also relates to a corona ignition device of which the coil is surrounded by a soft-magnetic shielding.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device for an igniter comprises: a semiconductor switching device causing a current to flow through a primary side of an ignition coil or shutting off the current; and an integrated circuit driving and controlling the semiconductor switching device, wherein the integrated circuit includes: a first discharge device discharging charge accumulated on a control terminal of the semiconductor switching device and shutting off the semiconductor switching device so as to generate ignition plug spark voltage on a secondary side of the ignition coil during a normal operation; and a second discharge device slower discharging the charge accumulated on the control terminal in comparison with the first discharge device and shutting off the semiconductor switching device so that a voltage on the second side of the ignition coil is equal to or lower than the ignition plug spark voltage during an abnormal state.

Abstract: An ignition coil device includes a primary coil, a switching member, a secondary coil and a parallel circuit. The primary coil is to be connected to an external power source. The switching member switches an on state and an off state of electric power supply from the power source to the primary coil. The secondary coil generates a voltage that causes spark discharge at a spark plug as the electric power supply from the power source is switched from the on state to the off state by the switching member. The parallel circuit includes a series coil and a resistor. The series coil is connected in series with a conducting section that electrically connects the secondary coil to the spark plug. The resistor is connected to the conducting section in parallel with the series coil and having a fixed electric resistance value.

Abstract: A corona igniter assembly 20 comprises an ignition coil assembly 22, a firing end assembly 24, and a metal tube 26 connecting the ignition coil assembly 22 to the firing end assembly 24. A rubber boot 28 is disposed in the metal tube 26 and compressed symmetrically between a coil output member 30 of the ignition coil assembly 22 and an insulator 42 of the firing end assembly 24. Thus, the rubber boot 28 fills any air gaps and provides a hermetic seal between the ignition coil assembly 22 and the firing end assembly 24 to prevent unwanted corona discharge from forming from those air gaps.

Abstract: An ignition coil includes a primary coil, a secondary coil, a center core, a case, and a filler resin. A connection terminal is connected to a high-voltage-side winding end portion of the secondary coil. A cylindrical high-voltage tower section is formed projecting outside the case. A high-voltage terminal connected to the connection terminal is disposed within the high-voltage tower section. The connection terminal has a contacting portion and a conducting portion. The contacting portion comes into contact with the high-voltage terminal. The conducting portion ensures electrical conduction with the high-voltage terminal. The contacting portion comes into contact with and presses against the high-voltage terminal in an axial direction of the high-voltage tower section.

Abstract: The invention relates to corona ignition device comprising a housing, an insulator surrounded by the housing, an inner conductor leading through the insulator to an ignition tip, and a coil connected to the inner conductor, the coil comprising an elongate coil former and a winding formed from wire wound onto the coil former, wherein the coil former comprises at least one indentation filled with adhesive, and the wire crosses the indention such that wire portions which are arranged above the indentation are adhesively bonded to the coil former by means of the adhesive arranged in the indentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition device for igniting fuel in an internal combustion engine by generating a corona discharge, comprising an insulator which carries a center electrode, a coil attached to the center electrode, the coil being wound onto a bobbin and enclosed by a tube housing. According to the invention, the coil tapers toward the insulator.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus is provided with an ignition plug (101) including a first electrode (101a) that generates a high voltage by means of energy supplied by an ignition coil device (102), a second electrode (101b) that faces the first electrode (101a) through a first gap and causes in the first gap a spark discharge for igniting a fuel, and a third electrode (101c) that faces the first electrode through a second gap that is smaller than the first gap, and is connected with the second electrode (101b) by way of an electric conductor (302) having a predetermined resistance value; a control apparatus drives the ignition coil device (102) twice or more times in a single ignition process so that the ignition plug causes a spark discharge.

Abstract: An electronic ignition module for vintage automobiles that utilizes existing components and wiring to retain the look and operation of the original system but with superior performance. The ignition module replaces the original roller and contacts of a vintage automobile ignition timer with modern control electronics that actuate the original coils and original spark plugs using the original wiring in the original manor. Electronic ignition operation is user programmable to emulate the original roller/timer performance or provide automatic spark advance similar to modern automobile operation for optimum power and efficiency while freeing the operator from manual adjustment of spark timing. Ignition module programming is accomplished without any external switches, buttons, jumpers or modification to the vintage automobile by simply sensing the presence or absence of ignition coils connected to the system when power is applied.

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 object of the present invention is to provide an ignition coil for use in an internal combustion engine, offering improved water drainage performance, while achieving high waterproof performance with controlled entry of water in a plug hole. A high-voltage generating section 3 that generates a high voltage is housed inside a coil case 4. A plug hole seal 5 closes an opening in a plug hole 2 in which an ignition plug 21 is mounted. The ignition coil further includes a space portion 6 placed on an outer side portion of the high-voltage generating section 3 and an air path 9 for venting air between the space portion 6 and the plug hole 2. The space portion 9 has an open lower surface (an entirely open surface facilitates demolding).

Abstract: An ignition coil, in particular for an internal combustion engine in a vehicle, is described. The ignition coil includes a housing, a primary winding and a secondary winding, and an electronic component, a highly heat-conducting, electrically insulating, elastic heat-conducting element, which is situated between the electronic component and the housing, and a thermally and electrically insulating casting compound, which is introduced into the housing in order to fill interspaces in the housing, the heat-conducting element touching the electronic component.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition device for igniting fuel in an internal combustion engine by generating a corona discharge, comprising an insulator which carries a center electrode, a coil attached to the center electrode, the coil being wound onto a bobbin and enclosed by a tube housing. According to the invention, the coil tapers toward the insulator.

Abstract: An ignition coil device includes a primary coil, a switching member, a secondary coil and a parallel circuit. The primary coil is to be connected to an external power source. The switching member switches an on state and an off state of electric power supply from the power source to the primary coil. The secondary coil generates a voltage that causes spark discharge at a spark plug as the electric power supply from the power source is switched from the on state to the off state by the switching member. The parallel circuit includes a series coil and a resistor. The series coil is connected in series with a conducting section that electrically connects the secondary coil to the spark plug. The resistor is connected to the conducting section in parallel with the series coil and having a fixed electric resistance value.

Abstract: A multiplexing drive circuit for an AC ignition system having a common leg that includes two switches coupled in series, and one or more dedicated legs, wherein each leg includes two switches coupled in series. The multiplexing drive circuit also includes a transformer for each of the one or more dedicated legs, each transformer having a primary winding coupled between one of the one or more dedicated legs and the common leg, and wherein each transformer has a secondary winding coupled in parallel to a spark plug, and a pulse-width modulated (PWM) switch controller configured to operate the common leg and dedicated leg switches to control characteristics of the spark discharge for the spark plug.

Abstract: A gas lighting device including: a body formed by an electrically insulating material carrying a plurality of high-voltage outputs for the connection of spark generating means; a transformer accommodated in the body and including a primary winding wound around and carried by a ferromagnetic material core, a carrying element formed by an electrically insulating material and designed to contain the primary winding therein, and a secondary winding consisting of a plurality of coils externally carried by the carrying element, electrically insulated from the primary winding and essentially coaxial with the latter; the core is ring-shaped on a plane parallel to an axis (A) of the windings and consists of two half rings reciprocally coupled and arranged facing and closely adjacent to each other in the direction of the axis of the windings; a first circumferential portion of the ring-shaped core, formed by one or both of the half rings, is accommodated inside the carrying element so as to be surrounded by the winding

Abstract: A gas lighting device including: a body formed by an electrically insulating material and carrying a plurality of high-voltage outputs for the connection to spark generating means; a transformer accommodated in the body and including a primary winding wound about and carried by a ferromagnetic material core, a carrying element formed by an electrically insulating material and designed to contain within a tubular drum thereof the primary winding, and a secondary winding consisting of a plurality of coils externally carried by the drum of the carrying element, electrically insulated from the primary winding and essentially coaxial with the latter; the core is bar-shaped and accommodated inside the carrying element and the drum directly supports also the high-voltage outputs, which are integrally obtained on the drum so as to form therewith the carrying element and laterally overhangingly protrude from the drum.

Abstract: A corona igniter (20) includes an ignition coil (26) providing a high voltage energy to an electrode. The coil (26) is disposed in a housing (34) and electrically isolated by a coil filler (36) and a capacitance reducing component (38) which together improve energy efficiency of the system. The coil filler (36) includes an insulating resin permeating the coil (26). The capacitance reducing component (38) has a permittivity not greater than 6, for example ambient air, pressurized gas, insulating oil, or a low permittivity solid. The capacitance reducing compound (38) surrounds the coil (26) and other components and fills the remaining housing volume. The coil filler (36) has a filler volume and the capacitance reducing component (38) has a component volume greater than the filler volume.

Abstract: A corona discharge ignition system 20 includes an igniter 22 for receiving pulses of electrical energy each having a radio frequency. The igniter 22 emits pulses of electrical field ionizing a fuel-air mixture and providing pulses of corona discharge 24, rather than a continuous, un-pulsed corona discharge over the same period of time. The system 20 includes at least one power supply 48, 50 providing the electrical energy to a corona drive circuit 52 and ultimately to the igniter 22. The system 20 can include a variable high voltage power supply 50 and a local charge storage device 70 for providing pulses of the electrical energy to the corona drive circuit 52. The system 20 provides a robust ignition comparable to a single event corona discharge ignition system, with improved resistance to arc formation, while using a fraction of the energy.

Abstract: After a switching element 13 is turned on, a charge controller 16 determines whether or not a current detected by an excitation current detector 15 has reached a predetermined level, and turns off the switching element 13 if the predetermined level has been reached. When the excitation current is controlled to a constant level, the excitation energy stored in a flyback transformer 12 also becomes constant, and this constant energy is stored in a capacitor 22 every time the switching element 13 is turned off. The charge control section 16 repeats the on/off operation of the switching element 13 a predetermined number of times at predetermined intervals of time before discontinuing the charging operation. Consequently, a constant amount of energy is held in the capacitor 22 when the charging operation is discontinued, and the period of time from the beginning to the completion of charging also becomes constant.

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.

Abstract: A multiplexing drive circuit for an AC ignition system having a common leg that includes two switches coupled in series, and one or more dedicated legs, wherein each leg includes two switches coupled in series. The multiplexing drive circuit also includes a transformer for each of the one or more dedicated legs, each transformer having a primary winding coupled between one of the one or more dedicated legs and the common leg, and wherein each transformer has a secondary winding coupled in parallel to a spark plug, and a pulse-width modulated (PWM) switch controller configured to operate the common leg and dedicated leg switches to control characteristics of the spark discharge for the spark plug. Wherein the switch controller is capable of real time diagnostic checks by monitoring the time at which a spark discharge event takes place.

Abstract: A generator of a pseudoperiodic logic signal of mean period Tmean includes: a reference clock of period Tref, a logic memory, changing state on receipt of a pulse, a first mechanism producing a normal pulse on completion of a base time interval Tsec=K×T ref, with K an integer, a second mechanism producing a shifted pulse on completion of a modified time interval T?sec=(K±1)×Tref, and a selector capable of selecting the mechanism that produces the pulse, in such a way as to regularly include a shifted pulse so as to correct the mean period, to generate a pseudoperiodic signal. Such a generator may find application, as an example, to driving a resonator for producing a plasma spark for radiofrequency ignition.

Abstract: A rectifier comprising at least two wafers hermetically sealed within a first dielectric layer and connected to an input and an output, the rectifier further comprising a second dielectric layer overlying the first layer.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device for an igniter comprises: a semiconductor switching device causing a current to flow through a primary side of an ignition coil or shutting off the current; and an integrated circuit driving and controlling the semiconductor switching device, wherein the integrated circuit includes: a first discharge device discharging charge accumulated on a control terminal of the semiconductor switching device and shutting off the semiconductor switching device so as to generate ignition plug spark voltage on a secondary side of the ignition coil during a normal operation; and a second discharge device slower discharging the charge accumulated on the control terminal in comparison with the first discharge device and shutting off the semiconductor switching device so that a voltage on the second side of the ignition coil is equal to or lower than the ignition plug spark voltage during an abnormal state.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device for an igniter comprises: a semiconductor switching device causing a current to flow through a primary side of an ignition coil or shutting off the current flowing through the primary side of the ignition coil; an integrated circuit driving and controlling the semiconductor switching device; and a temperature sensing element sensing temperature of the semiconductor switching device, wherein the integrated circuit including an overheat protection circuit limiting a current through the semiconductor switching device to a value lower than a current through the semiconductor switching device during normal operation, when temperature sensed by the temperature sensing element is over predetermined temperature.

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.

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.

Abstract: A multiplexing drive circuit for an AC ignition system having a common leg that includes two switches coupled in series, and one or more dedicated legs, wherein each leg includes two switches coupled in series. The multiplexing drive circuit also includes a transformer for each of the one or more dedicated legs, each transformer having a primary winding coupled between one of the one or more dedicated legs and the common leg, and wherein each transformer has a secondary winding coupled in parallel to a spark plug, and a pulse-width modulated (PWM) switch controller configured to operate the common leg and dedicated leg switches to control characteristics of the spark discharge for the spark plug.

Abstract: After a switching element 13 is turned on, a charge controller 16 determines whether or not a current detected by an excitation current detector 15 has reached a predetermined level, and turns off the switching element 13 if the predetermined level has been reached. When the excitation current is controlled to a constant level, the excitation energy stored in a flyback transformer 12 also becomes constant, and this constant energy is stored in a capacitor 22 every time the switching element 13 is turned off. The charge control section 16 repeats the on/off operation of the switching element 13 a predetermined number of times at predetermined intervals of time before discontinuing the charging operation. Consequently, a constant amount of energy is held in the capacitor 22 when the charging operation is discontinued, and the period of time from the beginning to the completion of charging also becomes constant.

Abstract: A gas lighting device including: a body formed by an electrically insulating material and carrying a plurality of high-voltage outputs for the connection to spark generating means; a transformer accommodated in the body and including a primary winding wound about and carried by a ferromagnetic material core, a carrying element formed by an electrically insulating material and designed to contain within a tubular drum thereof the primary winding, and a secondary winding consisting of a plurality of coils externally carried by the drum of the carrying element, electrically insulated from the primary winding and essentially coaxial with the latter; the core is bar-shaped and accommodated inside the carrying element and the drum directly supports also the high-voltage outputs, which are integrally obtained on the drum so as to form therewith the carrying element and laterally overhangingly protrude from the drum.

Abstract: A gas lighting device including: a body formed by an electrically insulating material carrying a plurality of high-voltage outputs for the connection of spark generating means; a transformer accommodated in the body and including a primary winding wound around and carried by a ferromagnetic material core, a carrying element formed by an electrically insulating material and designed to contain the primary winding therein, and a secondary winding consisting of a plurality of coils externally carried by the carrying element, electrically insulated from the primary winding and essentially coaxial with the latter; the core is ring-shaped on a plane parallel to an axis (A) of the windings and consists of two half rings reciprocally coupled and arranged facing and closely adjacent to each other in the direction of the axis of the windings; a first circumferential portion of the ring-shaped core, formed by one or both of the half rings, is accommodated inside the carrying element so as to be surrounded by the winding

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 generator of a pseudoperiodic logic signal of mean period Tmean includes: a reference clock of period Tref, a logic memory, changing state on receipt of a pulse, a first mechanism producing a normal pulse on completion of a base time interval Tsec=K×Tref, with K an integer, a second mechanism producing a shifted pulse on completion of a modified time interval T?sec=(K±1)×Tref, and a selector capable of selecting the mechanism that produces the pulse, in such a way as to regularly include a shifted pulse so as to correct the mean period, to generate a pseudoperiodic signal. Such a generator may find application, as an example, to driving a resonator for producing a plasma spark for radiofrequency ignition.

Abstract: An electronic device can be used with a system, such as an ignition system, that operates a relatively high voltage. The device can include a signal clamping control module that can include a signal reference module and a feedback control module. The signal reference module is operable to provide a reference signal to the feedback control module. The feedback control can be configured to receive a scaled signal from a signal scaling module, wherein the scaled signal is representative of a signal at a current carrying electrode of a power transistor. Based on the comparison of the reference signal to the scaled signal, the measurement module provides one or more signals to a control signal drive module. The feedback control module provides a control electrode signal to a control electrode of the power transistor.

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

Abstract: A high voltage pulse generating circuit comprises an inductor, a first semiconductor switch and a second semiconductor switch connected in series between both ends of a direct current power supply, and a diode wherein a cathode terminal is connected to one end of the inductor whose other end is connected to an anode terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and an anode terminal is connected to a gate terminal of the first semiconductor switch. The inductor has a first coil and a second coil. A diode is connected in parallel to the first semiconductor switch, and a capacitor is connected in parallel to the first coil of the inductor.

Abstract: An ignition device includes a semiconductor switching element, a constant-current circuit, and a control section. The semiconductor switching element has a gate, a collector and an emitter, and is coupled with a primary winding of an ignition coil. The semiconductor switching element is configured to control a gate voltage and an electric current flowing between the collector and the emitter so as to control a coil current flowing in the primary winding, a voltage at two ends of a secondary winding, and an electric discharge at a plug coupled with the secondary winding. The constant-current circuit is coupled with the gate for supplying a constant current to the gate. The control section is configured to switch the semiconductor switching element by switching a supply or non-supply of the constant current to the gate based on an ignition signal.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus includes a transformer having a central core, a primary winding disposed thereabout, a secondary winding disposed outwardly of the primary winding, and an outer core or shield disposed outwardly of the secondary winding. The central and outer cores and the primary and secondary windings define a magnetic circuit through which magnetic flux flows during various phases of operation. An end-of-spark natural ringing of the secondary voltage is suppressed and limited by a control winding disposed in relation in the magnetic circuit. The control winding has a pair of terminals across which is connected a diode. The diode is oriented so that during a spark event, it is reverse biased but after the spark event it becomes forward-biased when the secondary voltage is positive so as to selectively facilitate dissipation of any residual electrical charge.

Abstract: A protection circuit can be prevented from malfunctioning due to the parasitic operation attributable to the unstable base potential of a transistor. In one embodiment, the protection circuit can be constituted by a reverse transistor system where the bases of transistors are connected to the collectors so that bases and collector potentials are the same. With the above configuration, the base potential is stabilized, and even if a parasitic potential is applied to the base as noise, malfunction associated with transistors turn on due to parasitic operation can be prevented. Since the base potential is stabilized, the protection circuit transistors turn on with greater certainty when a surge current occurs such that the surge current is absorbed by the protection circuit and flows to GND.

Abstract: A system is presented for an improved igniter and an igniter bobbin for a high voltage burner igniter that reduces parts count and simplifies assembly of the igniter used in fuel based burners for boilers, forced air furnaces and water heaters. In one aspect of the invention, the igniter bobbin of the present invention comprises two high voltage insulators and a coil bobbin of a high voltage transformer molded or otherwise integrated together into a single monolithic structure. In another aspect, the igniter bobbin may be molded from an insulative material to form the single monolithic structure that insulates the high voltage electrodes which are inserted within the high voltage insulators portion of the structure, and to insulate the primary and secondary coils that are wound onto the coil bobbin portion of the structure.

Abstract: A high energy density and high efficiency inductive ignition coil for IC engine achieved by the use of biasing magnets (14/15) located at the end (16/17) of an open-E laminated core to raise the coil energy to five times typical, i.e. of approximately 150 mj and to double the coil efficiency including novel use of coil winding structure (12/13/20/21) with a primary winding turns (Np) of between 70 and 86 and primary inductance Lp of between 700 uH and 1,100 uH, and a low turns ratio (Nt) of 53 to 67 allowing for a short, efficient, cylindrical coil, with secondary turns (Ns) of 4,000 to 5,000 turns with current of approximately 330 ma which is predominantly in the high glow and low arc discharge mode, with a special ratio R defined as Np/Nt and equal to between 1.15 to 1.45, and the coil being small and light enough to be directly mounted on the spark plugs or near the plugs in a region of high squish flow in an engine.