Capacitor-discharge electronic ignition system

Claim 1

An electronic ignition system comprising: a. a relatively low voltage first direct current source; b. power supply means coupled to said first direct current source for developing a relatively high voltage to provide a second direct current source which has a low voltage and a high voltage side; c. an ignition coil having a primary winding; d. a charge storage capacitor connected between said high voltage side of said second direct current source and said primary winding; e. a controllable discharge path for said charge storage capacitor including a controlled rectifier for substantially instantaneously discharging said capacitor and for creating a high voltage surge in said primary winding; f. a distributor having a plurality of points; g. means connecting said distributor points across said first direct current source; h. circuit means connected between the control element of said controlled rectifier and said distributor points for rendering said controlled rectifier conductive when the points of said distributor open after having been closed, thereby to apply a low voltage pulse to the control element of said controlled rectifier and to discharge said storage capacitor; and means including a capacitor connected continuously in series between said control element of said control rectifier and ground to reduce negative voltage surges in the circuit to said control element.