Patent US3594634A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3594634A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for measuring dwell time in internal combustion engines
Assignee: Allen Electric and Equipment Co
•
Filing: 1969-01-21
•
Granted: 1971-07-20
•
Expires: 1989-01-21
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for analyzing the ignition system of an internal combustion engine, or similar system whereby the analysis is not affected by the speed of the engine. The apparatus includes a means for obtaining a digital signal indicative of the speed of the engine and a second means for generating a pulse in response to distributor point operating and then a means for counting the speed signal pulses during the duration of the distributor point pulses.
Inventors
- 👤 Don M Muller
- 👤 Lavar E Whittle
- 👤 Victor Chartrand
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 18:35
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02P; F02P17/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of measuring dwell time for an internal combustion engine when in operation, irrespective of the speed thereof comprising the steps of: deriving pulses the duration of which is determined by distributor point closing and opening; deriving signals the frequency of which is directly proportional to the speed of said engine; counting said signals during the duration of each of said pulses, providing an output thereof and indicating the numerical count in terms of dwell time.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of measuring dwell time for an internal combustion engine when in operation, irrespective of the speed thereof comprising the steps of: deriving pulses the duration of which is determined by distributor point closing and opening; deriving signals the frequency of which is directly proportional to the speed of said engine; counting said signals during the duration of each of said pulses, providing an output thereof and indicating the numerical count in terms of dwell time.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method set forth in claim 1 further including the steps of: providing programmed limit data for acceptable dwell time conditions; comparing the accumulated count output with said limit data and providing an evaluation output as a result thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of deriving signals proportional to engine speed comprises: obtaining a first signal from said engine in response to the firing of a chosen spark plug the amplitude of which is determined by the frequency of firing of said plug, then deriving from said first signal a second signal the frequency of which is proportional to the amplitude of said first signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
101 words
APparatus for measuring dwell time for an internal combustion engine comprising input circuit means coupled with said engine for generating a speed signal the frequency of which is directly proportional to the speed of said engine, said input circuit means further including means for generating a pulse having a duration which is directly proportional to the time between distributor point closing to point opening; and counting means coupled with said circuit means and being gated by said pulse to accumulate said speed signal for the duration of said pulse and means indicating the numerical count in indicia representative of dwell time.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
101 words
APparatus for measuring dwell time for an internal combustion engine comprising input circuit means coupled with said engine for generating a speed signal the frequency of which is directly proportional to the speed of said engine, said input circuit means further including means for generating a pulse having a duration which is directly proportional to the time between distributor point closing to point opening; and counting means coupled with said circuit means and being gated by said pulse to accumulate said speed signal for the duration of said pulse and means indicating the numerical count in indicia representative of dwell time.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including limit data entry means, comparator means coupled to said limit data entry means and to said counting means for comparing he numerical count representative of dwell time with limit data, and means coupled to said comparator means providing an evaluation readout.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
89 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 4 wherein said circuit means for generating a speed signal the frequency of which is directly proportional to the speed of the engine comprises: first means coupled to said engine for sensing the firing of a selected spark plug and for producing a first signal the amplitude of which is proportional to the frequency of said plug firings, oscillator means coupled to said first means for producing a second signal the frequency of which is proportional to the amplitude of said first signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-19 | 1975-01-18 | 1975-07-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-19 | 1979-01-18 | 1979-07-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-19 | 1983-01-18 | 1983-07-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |