Testing apparatus for internal combustion engine ignition system

Claim 2

In combination with the ignition circuitry of an internal combustion engine having a coil with primary and seCondary windings, a capacitor for receiving and storing an electrical charge, and a solid state switch for periodically releasing the electrical charge from the capacitor and applying the same across the primary winding of the coil, testing apparatus comprising: a charge circuit including a low voltage source and a manual, normally open switch; means connecting the charge circuit across the capacitor to charge the capacitor upon momentary closing of the switch; a test circuit including indicating means responsive to a predetermined minimum voltage to supply a positive signal; and means connecting the test circuit to the secondary winding of the coil to provide a positive signal upon triggering the solid state switch if the ignition circuitry is operative.

Claim 3

The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the indicating means includes a gas-filled lamp connected across the secondary winding of the coil.

Claim 4

A portable self-contained tester for providing a work or no work diagnosis of an engine or bench-mounted solid state capacitor discharge ignition system including a coil having primary and secondary windings, a capacitor for receiving and storing an electrical charge, and a solid state switch for periodically releasing the electrical charge from the capacitor and applying the same across the primary winding of the coil, the tester comprising: a casing having a front panel; a battery mounted in the casing; first and second conductor means connected to the terminals of the battery and including means releasably connecting the conductor means on opposite sides of the capacitor; a normally opened manual switch means mounted in the front panel and interposed in the first conductor means to charge the capacitor upon momentary closing of the switch a gas-filled lamp mounted in the front panel; and means including the second conductor means releasably connecting the lamp across the secondary winding of the coil to fire the lamp upon triggering the solid state switch if the ignition system is functioning properly.

Claim 5

A portable self-contained tester for providing a work or no work diagnosis of an engine or bench-mounted solid state capacitor discharge ignition system including a coil having primary and secondary windings, a capacitor for receiving and storing an electrical charge, and a solid state switch for periodically releasing the electrical charge from the capacitor and applying the same across the primary winding of the coil, the tester comprising: a casing having a front panel; a battery mounted in the casing; first and second conductor means connected to the terminals of the battery and including means releasably connecting the conductor means on opposite sides of the capacitor; a normally opened manual switch means mounted in the front panel and interposed in the first conductor means to charge the capacitor upon momentary closing of the switch a gas-filled lamp mounted in the front panel; and means including the second conductor means releasably connecting the lamp across the secondary winding of the coil to fire the lamp upon triggering the solid state switch if the ignition system is functioning properly.

Claim 6

The tester set forth in claim 3 wherein the means releasably connecting the lamp across the secondary winding of the coil further includes a binding post mounted in the front panel, a third conductor means within the casing interconnecting the binding post and one terminal of the lamp, a fourth conductor means within the casing interconnecting the second terminal of the lamp and the second conductor means, and a high tension wire interconnecting the secondary winding of the coil and the binding post.

Claim 7

The tester set forth in claim 4 further including means grounding the casing to the second conductor.

Claim 8

A portable self-contained tester for diagnosing ignition problems in a solid state capacitor discharge ignition system of the type including an alternator for supplying an electrical charge, a capacitor for receiving and storing an electrical charge, a coil having primary and secondary windings, and a solid state switch for periodically releasing the electrical charge from the capacitor and applying the same across the primary winding of the coil, the tester comprising: a casing having a front panel; an incandescent lamp mounted in the front panel; first and second conductors connected to the terminals of the incandescent lamp; means on the first and second conductors releasably connecting the conductors to the terminals of the alternator whereby, if the alternator is functioning the incandescent lamp will glow; a battery within the casing; first and second conductor means connected to the terminals of the battery and including means releasably connecting the first and second conductor means to the opposite sides of the capacitor; a normally opened manual switch means mounted in the front panel and interposed in the first conductor means whereby momentary closing of the switch effects charging of the capacitor; a gas-filled lamp mounted in the front panel; and means including one of the first and second conductor means releasably connecting the gas-filled lamp acroSs the secondary winding of the coil; whereby, upon triggering the solid state switch, the gas-filled lamp will fire if the ignition system is functioning properly.

Claim 9

A portable self-contained tester for diagnosing ignition problems in a solid state capacitor discharge ignition system of the type including an alternator for supplying an electrical charge, a capacitor for receiving and storing an electrical charge, a coil having primary and secondary windings, and a solid state switch for periodically releasing the electrical charge from the capacitor and applying the same across the primary winding of the coil, the tester comprising: a casing having a front panel; an incandescent lamp mounted in the front panel; first and second conductors connected to the terminals of the incandescent lamp; means on the first and second conductors releasably connecting the conductors to the terminals of the alternator whereby, if the alternator is functioning the incandescent lamp will glow; a battery within the casing; first and second conductor means connected to the terminals of the battery and including means releasably connecting the first and second conductor means to the opposite sides of the capacitor; a normally opened manual switch means mounted in the front panel and interposed in the first conductor means whereby momentary closing of the switch effects charging of the capacitor; a gas-filled lamp mounted in the front panel; and means including one of the first and second conductor means releasably connecting the gas-filled lamp acroSs the secondary winding of the coil; whereby, upon triggering the solid state switch, the gas-filled lamp will fire if the ignition system is functioning properly.