Electrical ignition system

Claim 2

An ignition system for igniting the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine and including a source of direct current and a spark discharge device and comprising in combination, a transformer having a primary winding and three secondary windings, namely a first secondary winding, a second secondary winding, and a third secondary winding, an electronic conductive device having current carrying output terminal means and having input terminal means for controlling the conductivity of the path oF current flow between said output terminal means, a first current path including the path between said output terminal means and said primary winding connected across the source of direct current to conduct a flow of current from the source of direct current through said primary winding, an asymmetrical conductive device poled to conduct a first induced current flow in said first secondary winding that opposes the building up of the magnetic field of said transformer during the time that current from said source of direct current is flowing in said primary winding, a first capacitor connected to be charged and discharged in synchronism with the operation of the engine, a second current path including said first secondary winding and said asymmetrical conductive device connected in series across said first capacitor to charge said first capacitor by said first induced current, first control means connected to said input terminal means of said electronic conductive device to control the flow of current from said source of direct current in said primary winding in synchronism with the operation of the engine and to cause to be interrupted said latter current flow at substantially the same time or at a time approaching the same time that said first capacitor is charged, an electronic switch having current carrying output terminal means and input terminal means to control the conductivity of the path between said output terminal means, an inductance, a second capacitor, discharge means including the path between said output terminal means of said electronic switch, said inductance and said second capacitor connected in series across said first capacitor and said second capacitor also connected in parallel with said second secondary winding and including said third secondary winding connected with said spark discharge device to discharge said first capacitor through said inductance into said second capacitor thereby causing a voltage on said second capacitor and said second secondary winding which causes a second induced current to flow in said third secondary winding to produce a spark at said spark discharge device, and second control means connected to the said input terminal means of said electronic switch to control the conductivity of the path between said output terminal means in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 3

An ignition system as defined in claim 1 wherein said first control means and said second control means include in common a magnetic control device having a primary winding and two secondary windings, one secondary winding being included in said first control means and the other secondary winding being included in said second control means and said magnetic control device being energized by current from said source of direct current conducted through said primary winding of said magnetic control device in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 4

An ignition system as defined in claim 1 wherein said electronic conductive device is a transistor, said asymmetrical conductive device is a semi-conductor diode, and said electronic switch is a thyratron tube.

Claim 5

An ignition system as defined in claim 1 wherein said electronic conductive device is a transistor, said asymmetrical device is a semi-conductor diode, and said electronic switch is a silicon controlled rectifier.

Claim 6

An ignition system for igniting the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine and including a source of direct current and a spark-discharge device and comprising in combination a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a first inductance, an electronic conductive device having current carrying output terminal means and input terminal means for controlling the conductivity between said output terminal means, a first current path including the path between said output terminal means, said first inductance, and said primary winding connected in series across said source of direct current to conduct a flow of current from said source of direct current in said inductance and said primary winding, a first capacitor connected to be charged and discharged in synchronism with the operation of the engine, an asymmetrical conductive device poled to conduct an induced current flow in said secondary winding that opposes the building up of the magnetic field of said transformer during the time that said current from said source of direct current is flowing in said inductance and said primary winding, said asymmetrical conductive device, said secondary winding and said capacitor being connected in series to charge said first capacitor by said inducted current, first control means connected across said input terminal means of said electronic conductive device to control the flow of current from said source of direct current in said inductance and said primary winding in synchronism with the operation of the engine and to cause said latter current to be interrupted at substantially the same time or at a time approaching the same time that said first capacitor is charged, an electronic switch having current carrying output terminal means and input terminal means for controlling the conductivity of the path between said output terminals, a second inductance, a second capacitor operatively connected to fire said spark-discharge device, discharge means including a path provided by said output terminal means of said electronic switch, said second inductance, and said second capacitor being connected in series across said first capacitor to discharge said first capacitor through said second inductance into said second capacitor to cause a spark at said spark-discharge device, second control means connected to the control input terminal means of said electronic switch to control said discharge means in synchronism with the operation of the engine, and energy-disposing means connected to said transformer for disposing of the energy of the remaining magnetic fields of said transformer and said inductance.

Claim 7

An ignition system for igniting the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine and including a source of direct current and a spark-discharge device and comprising in combination a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a first inductance, an electronic conductive device having current carrying output terminal means and input terminal means for controlling the conductivity between said output terminal means, a first current path including the path between said output terminal means, said first inductance, and said primary winding connected in series across said source of direct current to conduct a flow of current from said source of direct current in said inductance and said primary winding, a first capacitor connected to be charged and discharged in synchronism with the operation of the engine, an asymmetrical conductive device poled to conduct an induced current flow in said secondary winding that opposes the building up of the magnetic field of said transformer during the time that said current from said source of direct current is flowing in said inductance and said primary winding, said asymmetrical conductive device, said secondary winding and said capacitor being connected in series to charge said first capacitor by said inducted current, first control means connected across said input terminal means of said electronic conductive device to control the flow of current from said source of direct current in said inductance and said primary winding in synchronism with the operation of the engine and to cause said latter current to be interrupted at substantially the same time or at a time approaching the same time that said first capacitor is charged, an electronic switch having current carrying output terminal means and input terminal means for controlling the conductivity of the path between said output terminals, a second inductance, a second capacitor operatively connected to fire said spark-discharge device, discharge means including a path provided by said output terminal means of said electronic switch, said second inductance, and said second capacitor being connected in series across said first capacitor to discharge said first capacitor through said second inductance into said second capacitor to cause a spark at said spark-discharge device, second control means connected to the control input terminal means of said electronic switch to control said discharge means in synchronism with the operation of the engine, and energy-disposing means connected to said transformer for disposing of the energy of the remaining magnetic fields of said transformer and said inductance.

Claim 8

An ignition system as defined in claim 5 wherein said first control means and said second control means include in common a magnetic control device having a primary winding and two secondary windings one secondary winding being included in said first control means and the other secondary winding being included in said second control means and said magnetic control device being energized by current from said source of direct current conducted through said primary winding of said magnetic control device in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 9

An ignition system as defined in claim 5 wherein said discharge means includes a second secondary winding on said transformer connected across said second capacitor to discharge said second capacitor through said second secondary winding, and includes a third secondary winding on said transformer connected with said spark discharge device to cause a spark at said spark discharge device by an induced current in said third secondary winding.

Claim 10

An ignition system as defined in claim 7 wherein said first control means and said second control means include in common a magnetic control device having a primary winding and two secondary windings, one secondary winding being included in said first control means and the other secondary winding being included in said second control means and said magnetic control device being energized by current from said source of direct current conducted through said primary winding of said magnetic control device in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 11

A capacitor charging and discharging system for use in an ignition system adapted to ignite the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine, said ignition system including a source of direct current, a spark discharge device, synchronizing means, and an ignition coil operatively connected with said spark discharge device, comprising in combination, a capacitor; step-up transformer means including a magnetic core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding; semiconductor meanS including output circuit means and input circuit means to control the conductivity of said output circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to become conductive in synchronism with the operation of the engine and to remain conductive until said capacitor is substantially charged; a first subcombination including said output circuit means and said primary winding operatively connected in series, said first subcombination being adapted to be connected across said source of direct current to permit current to flow in said primary winding when said output circuit means is conductive; a semiconductive diode; a second subcombination including said secondary winding, said capacitor, and said diode operatively connected in series to charge said capacitor by a current induced in said secondary winding by said forementioned current flowing in the said primary winding; magnetic field energy storage means operatively associated with said transformer means and so arranged as to store energy and to release energy during the time said forementioned current flows in said primary winding and in cooperation with said transformer means charging said capacitor, and said magnetic field energy storage means limiting the maximum value of the said forementioned current flowing in said primary winding; semiconductor switch means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and being adapted to be connected with said synchronizing means to cause current to flow in synchronism with the operation of the engine, in said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means; and a third subcombination including said output circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and said capacitor operatively connected in series, said third subcombination being adapted to be connected with said ignition coil to discharge said capacitor through said ignition coil to cause said spark discharge device to fire in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 12

A capacitor charging and discharging system for use in an ignition system adapted to ignite the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine, said ignition system including a source of direct current, a spark discharge device, synchronizing means, and an ignition coil operatively connected with said spark discharge device, comprising in combination, a capacitor; step-up transformer means including a magnetic core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding; semiconductor meanS including output circuit means and input circuit means to control the conductivity of said output circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to become conductive in synchronism with the operation of the engine and to remain conductive until said capacitor is substantially charged; a first subcombination including said output circuit means and said primary winding operatively connected in series, said first subcombination being adapted to be connected across said source of direct current to permit current to flow in said primary winding when said output circuit means is conductive; a semiconductive diode; a second subcombination including said secondary winding, said capacitor, and said diode operatively connected in series to charge said capacitor by a current induced in said secondary winding by said forementioned current flowing in the said primary winding; magnetic field energy storage means operatively associated with said transformer means and so arranged as to store energy and to release energy during the time said forementioned current flows in said primary winding and in cooperation with said transformer means charging said capacitor, and said magnetic field energy storage means limiting the maximum value of the said forementioned current flowing in said primary winding; semiconductor switch means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and being adapted to be connected with said synchronizing means to cause current to flow in synchronism with the operation of the engine, in said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means; and a third subcombination including said output circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and said capacitor operatively connected in series, said third subcombination being adapted to be connected with said ignition coil to discharge said capacitor through said ignition coil to cause said spark discharge device to fire in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 13

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 9 wherein said semiconductor means comprising transistor means and said semiconductor switch means comprises silicon controlled rectifier means.

Claim 14

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 10 wherein said magnetic field energy storage means comprises inductance means included in said first subcombination.

Claim 15

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 10 wherein said magnetic field energy storage means comprises inductance means included in said second subcombination.

Claim 16

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 9, and including means operatively associated with said transformer means to prevent any magnetic field in said transformer means, during the period said output circuit means of said semiconductor means is non-conductive, from causing harm to said semiconductor means.

Claim 17

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 13 wherein said semiconductor means comprises transistor means and said semiconductor switch means comprises silicon controlled rectifier means.

Claim 18

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said magnetic field energy storage means comprises inductance means included in said first subcombination.

Claim 19

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said magnetic field energy storage means comprises inductance means included in said second subcombination.

Claim 20

A capacitor charging and discharging system for use in an ignition system adapted to ignite the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine, said ignition system including a source of direct current, a spark discharge device, synchronizing means, and an ignition coil operatively connected with said spark dischArge device, comprising in combination, a capacitor connected to be charged and discharged; step-up transformer means including a magnetic core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding, said windings being disposed in relation to the said magnetic core and in relation to each other so as to have substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings, whereby said leakage inductances store energy and release energy to cooperate with the mutual magnetic flux in the said magnetic core to charge said capacitor, and said leakage inductances limiting the maximum value of the current that may flow in said primary winding from said source of direct current; means connected with said primary winding and said source of direct current to control the flow of current in said primary winding from said source of direct current, said last mentioned means permitting said current to flow in synchronism with the operation of said engine and not permitting said current to flow after said capacitor has been charged; a semiconductor diode; a first subcombination including said secondary winding, said diode, and said capacitor operatively connected in series to charge said capacitor by a current induced in said secondary winding by said forementioned current flowing in said primary winding; semiconductor switch means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and being adapted to be connected with said synchronizing means to cause current to flow, in synchronism with the operation of the engine, in said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means; and a second subcombination including said output circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and said capacitor operatively connected in series, said second subcombination being adapted to be connected with said ignition coil to discharge said capacitor through said ignition coil to cause said spark discharge device to fire in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 21

A capacitor charging and discharging system for use in an ignition system adapted to ignite the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine, said ignition system including a source of direct current, a spark discharge device, synchronizing means, and an ignition coil operatively connected with said spark dischArge device, comprising in combination, a capacitor connected to be charged and discharged; step-up transformer means including a magnetic core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding, said windings being disposed in relation to the said magnetic core and in relation to each other so as to have substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings, whereby said leakage inductances store energy and release energy to cooperate with the mutual magnetic flux in the said magnetic core to charge said capacitor, and said leakage inductances limiting the maximum value of the current that may flow in said primary winding from said source of direct current; means connected with said primary winding and said source of direct current to control the flow of current in said primary winding from said source of direct current, said last mentioned means permitting said current to flow in synchronism with the operation of said engine and not permitting said current to flow after said capacitor has been charged; a semiconductor diode; a first subcombination including said secondary winding, said diode, and said capacitor operatively connected in series to charge said capacitor by a current induced in said secondary winding by said forementioned current flowing in said primary winding; semiconductor switch means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and being adapted to be connected with said synchronizing means to cause current to flow, in synchronism with the operation of the engine, in said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means; and a second subcombination including said output circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and said capacitor operatively connected in series, said second subcombination being adapted to be connected with said ignition coil to discharge said capacitor through said ignition coil to cause said spark discharge device to fire in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 22

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 17 wherein said semiconductor switch means comprises silicon controlled rectifier means.

Claim 23

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 18 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights, and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings.

Claim 24

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 18 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights, and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side and substantially filling said windows so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of the said windings.

Claim 25

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 17 and including means operatively associated with said transformer means to prevent any magnetic field in said transformer means, during the period said output circuit means of said semiconductor means is nonconductive, from causing harm to said semiconductor means.

Claim 26

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 21 wherein said semiconductor switch means comprises silicon controlled rectifier means.

Claim 27

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 22 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights, and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings.

Claim 28

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 22 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights, and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side and substantially filling said windows so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of the said windings.

Claim 29

A capacitor charging and discharging system for use in an ignition system adapted to ignite the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine, said ignition system including a source of direct current, a spark discharge device, synchronizing means, and an ignition coil operatively connected with said spark discharge device, comprising in combination, step-up transformer means including a magnetic core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding; semiconductor means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; a first subcombination including said output circuit means and said primary winding operatively connected in series, said first subcombination being adapted to be connected across said source of direct current to permit, when said output circuit means is conductive, a current to flow in said primary winding to energize said transformer means; a capacitor; a semiconductor diode; a second subcombination including said capacitor, said diode, said secondary winding, and said input circuit means operatively connected in series, said second subcombination being so arranged as to be connected with said source of direct current when said first subcombination is connected with said source of direct current to thereby cause, after said capacitor is discharged, a current to flow in said input circuit means which current causes said output circuit means to be conductive which permits said transformer means to be energized and thus causes said last mentioned current to continue to flow until said capacitor is recharged; magnetic field energy storage means operatively associated with said transformer means and so arranged as to store energy and to release energy during the time said forementioned current flows in said primary winding and in cooperation with said transformer means charging said capacitor, and said magnetic field energy storage means limiting the maximum value of the said forementioned current flowing in said primary winding; semiconductor switch means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and being adapted to be connected with said synchronizing means to cause current to flow, in synchronism with the operation of the engine, in said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means; and a third subcombination including said output circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and said capacitor operatively connected in series, said third subcombination being adapted to be connected with said ignition coil to discharge said capacitor through said ignition coil to cause said spark discharge device to fire in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 30

A capacitor charging and discharging system for use in an ignition system adapted to ignite the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine, said ignition system including a source of direct current, a spark discharge device, synchronizing means, and an ignition coil operatively connected with said spark discharge device, comprising in combination, step-up transformer means including a magnetic core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding; semiconductor means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; a first subcombination including said output circuit means and said primary winding operatively connected in series, said first subcombination being adapted to be connected across said source of direct current to permit, when said output circuit means is conductive, a current to flow in said primary winding to energize said transformer means; a capacitor; a semiconductor diode; a second subcombination including said capacitor, said diode, said secondary winding, and said input circuit means operatively connected in series, said second subcombination being so arranged as to be connected with said source of direct current when said first subcombination is connected with said source of direct current to thereby cause, after said capacitor is discharged, a current to flow in said input circuit means which current causes said output circuit means to be conductive which permits said transformer means to be energized and thus causes said last mentioned current to continue to flow until said capacitor is recharged; magnetic field energy storage means operatively associated with said transformer means and so arranged as to store energy and to release energy during the time said forementioned current flows in said primary winding and in cooperation with said transformer means charging said capacitor, and said magnetic field energy storage means limiting the maximum value of the said forementioned current flowing in said primary winding; semiconductor switch means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and being adapted to be connected with said synchronizing means to cause current to flow, in synchronism with the operation of the engine, in said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means; and a third subcombination including said output circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and said capacitor operatively connected in series, said third subcombination being adapted to be connected with said ignition coil to discharge said capacitor through said ignition coil to cause said spark discharge device to fire in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 31

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 25 wherein said semiconductor means comprises transistor means and said semiconductor switch means comprises silicon controlled rectifier means.

Claim 32

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 26 wherein said magnetic field energy storage means comprises inductance means included in said second subcombination.

Claim 33

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 25, and including means operatively associated with said transformer means to prevent any magnetic field in said transformer means, durinG the period said output circuit means of said semiconductor means is nonconductive, from causing harm to said semiconductor means.

Claim 34

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 28 wherein said semiconductor means comprises transistor means and said semiconductor switch means comprises silicon controlled rectifier means.

Claim 35

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 29 wherein said magnetic field energy storage means comprises inductance means included in said second subcombination.

Claim 36

A capacitor charging and discharging system for use in an ignition system adapted to ignite the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine, said ignition system including a source of direct current, a spark discharge device, synchronizing means, and an ignition coil operatively connected with said spark discharge device, comprising in combination, a capacitor connected to be charged and discharged; step-up transformer means including a magnetic core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding, said windings being disposed in relation to the said magnetic core and in relation to each other so as to have substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings, whereby said leakage inductances store energy and release energy to cooperate with the mutual magnetic flux in the said magnetic core to charge said capacitor, and said leakage inductances limiting the maximum value of the current that may flow in said primary winding from said source of direct current; semiconductor means including output circuit means and input circuit means to control the conductivity of said output circuit means; a first subcombination including said output circuit means and said primary winding operatively connected in series, said first subcombination being adapted to be connected across said source of direct current to permit, when said output circuit means is conductive, a current to flow in said primary winding to energize said transformer means; a semiconductor diode; a second subcombination including said capacitor, said diode, said secondary winding, and said input circuit means operatively connected in series, said second subcombination being so arranged as to be connected with said source of direct current when said first subcombination is connected with said source of direct current to thereby cause, after said capacitor is discharged, a current to flow in said input circuit means which current causes aid output circuit means to be conductive which permits said transformer means to be energized and thus causes said last mentioned current to continue to flow until said capacitor is recharged; semiconductor switch means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means of said semi-conductor switch means and being adapted to be connected with said synchronizing means to cause current to flow, in synchronism with the operation of the engine, in said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means; and a third subcombination including said output circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and said capacitor operatively connected in series, said third subcombination being adapted to be connected with said ignition coil to discharge said capacitor through said ignition coil to cause said spark discharge device to fire in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 37

A capacitor charging and discharging system for use in an ignition system adapted to ignite the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine, said ignition system including a source of direct current, a spark discharge device, synchronizing means, and an ignition coil operatively connected with said spark discharge device, comprising in combination, a capacitor connected to be charged and discharged; step-up transformer means including a magnetic core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding, said windings being disposed in relation to the said magnetic core and in relation to each other so as to have substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings, whereby said leakage inductances store energy and release energy to cooperate with the mutual magnetic flux in the said magnetic core to charge said capacitor, and said leakage inductances limiting the maximum value of the current that may flow in said primary winding from said source of direct current; semiconductor means including output circuit means and input circuit means to control the conductivity of said output circuit means; a first subcombination including said output circuit means and said primary winding operatively connected in series, said first subcombination being adapted to be connected across said source of direct current to permit, when said output circuit means is conductive, a current to flow in said primary winding to energize said transformer means; a semiconductor diode; a second subcombination including said capacitor, said diode, said secondary winding, and said input circuit means operatively connected in series, said second subcombination being so arranged as to be connected with said source of direct current when said first subcombination is connected with said source of direct current to thereby cause, after said capacitor is discharged, a current to flow in said input circuit means which current causes aid output circuit means to be conductive which permits said transformer means to be energized and thus causes said last mentioned current to continue to flow until said capacitor is recharged; semiconductor switch means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means of said semi-conductor switch means and being adapted to be connected with said synchronizing means to cause current to flow, in synchronism with the operation of the engine, in said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means; and a third subcombination including said output circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and said capacitor operatively connected in series, said third subcombination being adapted to be connected with said ignition coil to discharge said capacitor through said ignition coil to cause said spark discharge device to fire in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 38

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 31 wherein said semiconductor means comprises transistor means and said semiconductor switch means comprises silicon controlled rectifier means.

Claim 39

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 32 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights, and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings.

Claim 40

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 32 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights, and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side and substantially filling said windows so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings.

Claim 41

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 31, and including means operatively associated with said transformer means to prevent any magnetic field in said transformer means, during the period said output circuit means of said semiconductor means is nonconductive, from causing harm to said semiconductor means.

Claim 42

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 35 wherein said semiconductor means comprises transistor means and said semiconductor switch means comprises silicon controlled rectifier means.

Claim 43

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 36 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights, and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings.

Claim 44

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 36 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights, and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side and substantially filling said windows so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings.

Claim 45

A capacitor charging and discharging system for use in an ignition system adapted to ignite the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine, said ignition system including a source of direct current, a spark discharge device, synchronizing means, and an ignition coil operatively connected with said spark discharge device, comprising in combination, step-up transformer means including a magnetic core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding; semiconductor means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; a first subcombination including said output circuit means and said primary winding operatively connected in series, said first subcombination being adapted to be connected across said source of direct current to permit, when said output circuit means is conductive, a current to flow in said primary winding to energize said transformer means; a capacitor; a semiconductor diode; a second subcombination including said capacitor, said semiconductor diode, said secondary winding, and said input circuit means operatively connected in series, said second subcombination being so arranged as to be connected with said source of direct current when said first subcombination is connected with said source of direct current to thereby cause, if said capacitor happens to be uncharged when said first subcombination is connected with said source of direct current, a current to immediately flow in said input circuit means which current causes said output circuit means to be conductive which permits said transformer means to be energized and thus causes said last mentioned current to continue to flow until said capacitor is charged; semiconductor switch means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and being adapted to be connected With said synchronizing means to cause current to flow, in synchronism with the operation of the engine, in said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means; and a third subcombination including said output circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and said capacitor operatively connected in series, said third subcombination being adapted to be connected with said ignition coil to discharge said capacitor through said ignition coil to cause said spark discharge device to fire in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 46

A capacitor charging and discharging system for use in an ignition system adapted to ignite the combustible mixture of an internal combustion engine, said ignition system including a source of direct current, a spark discharge device, synchronizing means, and an ignition coil operatively connected with said spark discharge device, comprising in combination, step-up transformer means including a magnetic core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding; semiconductor means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; a first subcombination including said output circuit means and said primary winding operatively connected in series, said first subcombination being adapted to be connected across said source of direct current to permit, when said output circuit means is conductive, a current to flow in said primary winding to energize said transformer means; a capacitor; a semiconductor diode; a second subcombination including said capacitor, said semiconductor diode, said secondary winding, and said input circuit means operatively connected in series, said second subcombination being so arranged as to be connected with said source of direct current when said first subcombination is connected with said source of direct current to thereby cause, if said capacitor happens to be uncharged when said first subcombination is connected with said source of direct current, a current to immediately flow in said input circuit means which current causes said output circuit means to be conductive which permits said transformer means to be energized and thus causes said last mentioned current to continue to flow until said capacitor is charged; semiconductor switch means including output circuit means and input circuit means to cause said output circuit means to be conductive when current flows in said input circuit means; means connected with said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and being adapted to be connected With said synchronizing means to cause current to flow, in synchronism with the operation of the engine, in said input circuit means of said semiconductor switch means; and a third subcombination including said output circuit means of said semiconductor switch means and said capacitor operatively connected in series, said third subcombination being adapted to be connected with said ignition coil to discharge said capacitor through said ignition coil to cause said spark discharge device to fire in synchronism with the operation of the engine.

Claim 47

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 39 wherein said semiconductor means comprises transistor means and said semiconductor switch means comprises silicon controlled rectifier means.

Claim 48

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 39, and including means operatively associated with said transformer means to prevent any magnetic field in said transformer means, during the period said output circuit means of said semiconductor means is nonconductive, from causing harm to said semiconductor means.

Claim 49

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 41 wherein said semiconductor means comprises transistor means and said semiconductor switch means comprises silicon controlled rectifier means.

Claim 50

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 32 and including a second semiconductor diode operatively connected across said input circuit means of said transistor means and in which said third subcombination includes said second semiconductor diode.

Claim 51

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 43 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings.

Claim 52

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 43 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights, and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side and substantially filling said windows so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings.

Claim 53

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 36 and including a second semiconductor diode operatively connected across said input circuit means of said transistor means and in which said third subcombination includes said second semiconductor diode.

Claim 54

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 46 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings.

Claim 55

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 46 and in which said magnetic core includes two spaced parallel windows, having axial lengths greater than their heights, and in which said primary winding and said secondary winding are disposed side-by-side and substantially filling said windows so as to cause said windings to have said substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings.

Claim 56

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 40 and including a second semiconductor diode operatively connected across said input circuit means of said transistor means and in which said third subcombination includes said second semiconductor diode.

Claim 57

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 49 and in which said windings have substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windiNgs whereby said leakage inductances store energy and release energy to cooperate with the mutual magnetic flux in tee said magnetic core to charge said capacitor, and said leakage inductances limiting the maximum value of the current that may flow in said primary winding from said source of direct current.

Claim 58

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 49 and in which said first subcombination includes an inductance operatively connected in series with said output circuit means of said semiconductor means and said primary winding whereby said inductance stores energy and releases energy to cooperate with said transformer means to charge said capacitor, and said inductance limiting the maximum value of current that may flow in said primary winding from said source of direct current.

Claim 59

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 49 and in which said second subcombination includes an inductance operatively connected in series with said capacitor, said first semiconductor diode, said secondary winding, and said input circuit means of said semiconductor means whereby said inductance stores energy and releases energy to cooperate with said transformer means to charge said capacitor, and said inductance limiting the maximum value of current that may flow in said primary winding from said source of direct current.

Claim 60

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 42 and including a second semiconductor diode operatively connected across said input circuit means of said transistor means and in which said third subcombination includes said second semiconductor diode.

Claim 61

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 53 and in which said windings have substantially maximum leakage inductances relative to the resistances of said windings whereby said leakage inductances store energy and release energy to cooperate with the mutual magnetic flux in the said magnetic core to charge said capacitor, and said leakage inductances limiting the maximum value of the current that may flow in said primary winding from said source of direct current.

Claim 62

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 53 and in which said first subcombination includes an inductance operatively connected in series with said output circuit means of said semiconductor means and said primary winding whereby said inductance stores energy and releases energy to cooperate with said transformer means to charge said capacitor, and said inductance limiting the maximum value of current that may flow in said primary winding from said source of direct current.

Claim 63

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 53 and in which said second subcombination includes an inductance operatively connected in series with said capacitor, said first semiconductor diode, said secondary winding, and said input circuit means of said semiconductor means whereby said inductance stores energy and releases energy to cooperate with said transformer means to charge said capacitor, and said inductance limiting the maximum value of current that may flow in said primary winding from said source of direct current.

Claim 64

A capacitor charging and discharging system as claimed in claim 36 and including a second semiconductor diode operatively connected across said input circuit means of said transistor means and in which said third subcombination includes said second semiconductor diode, and further including an inductance and a third semiconductor diode operatively connected in series, said inductance and third semiconductor diode in series being operatively connected across said capacitor to provide a partial recharging of said capacitor.