US3754139A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Internal combustion engines with infra-red detection
Assignee: GUNSONS COLORPLUGS Ltd
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Filing: 1972-05-22
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Granted: 1973-08-21
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Expires: 1992-05-22
Abstract
Abstract A method of checking and/or varying the fuel to air mixture ratio of an internal combustion engine comprises measuring the intensity of the infra-red emission from the flame during combustion in the combustion chamber by an infra-red photosensitive device and feeding the signal to an indicator, such as a meter, an audible device, or a ''''magic eye'''' device, and/or to automatic control means for effecting any adjustment that may be necessary of the fuel/air mixture ratio. Apparatus comprises a ''''Colourtune'''' spark plug provided with a tubular adaptor comprising an insulating sleeve with a longitudinal slot for the lead of the plug from one end fitting over the transparent core of the plug, and the other end of the sleeve being joined to one end of a tubular metal shield the other end of which houses a detector cell for infra-red emission mounted on an insulated plug eccentrically with respect to the insulating sleeve on the opposite side of the axis to the slot for the plug lead.
Inventors
- 👤 J Swithenbank
- 👤 D Taylor
- 👤 M Bolton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 00:51
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/62; G01N21/71; G01N21/72; F; F02; F02D; F02D9/00; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/56; G01F1/64; G01M; G01M15/00; G01M15/04; G01M15/10; F02D2700/00; F02D2700/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of checking and controlling the fuel to air mixture ratio of an internal combustion engine comprising measuring the intensity of the infra-red emission from the flame during combustion in the combustion chamber by an infra-red photosensitive device, feeding the signal to an indicator means, and varying the fuel to air mixture ratio until the indicator means receives a peak signal from the infra-red photo-sensitive device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of checking and controlling the fuel to air mixture ratio of an internal combustion engine comprising measuring the intensity of the infra-red emission from the flame during combustion in the combustion chamber by an infra-red photosensitive device, feeding the signal to an indicator means, and varying the fuel to air mixture ratio until the indicator means receives a peak signal from the infra-red photo-sensitive device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein the signal from the infra-red photo-sensitive device is also fed to automatic control means for effecting such variation of the fuel to air mixture ratio as may be necessary for the indicator means to receive a peak signal from the infra-red photo-sensitive device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
83 words
Apparatus for use in checking and controlling the fuel to air mixture ratio of an internal combustion engine comprising a photo-sensitive device for measuring the intensity of the infra-red emission from the flame of combustion in a combustion chamber, an amplifier for the signal from the photo-sensitive device, an indicator for utilizing that amplified signal, and means to vary the fuel to air ratio in accordance with the signal read on said indicator, whereby the peak signal from said device may be obtained.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
83 words
Apparatus for use in checking and controlling the fuel to air mixture ratio of an internal combustion engine comprising a photo-sensitive device for measuring the intensity of the infra-red emission from the flame of combustion in a combustion chamber, an amplifier for the signal from the photo-sensitive device, an indicator for utilizing that amplified signal, and means to vary the fuel to air ratio in accordance with the signal read on said indicator, whereby the peak signal from said device may be obtained.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus as in claim 3, wherein said means to vary the ratio includes means for feeding the amplified signal from the infra-red photo-sensitive device, and automatic control means for receiving said signal and varying the fuel to air mixture ratio until the indicator means receives a peak signal from said infra-red photo-sensitive device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
139 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the photo-sensitive device is adapted to receive infra-red emission from the flame through a spark plug provided with a tubular adaptor comprising a sleeve of insulating material with a longitudinal slot for the lead of the plug, one end of the sleeve being fitted over the transparent core of the spark plug, and the other end of the sleeve being joined to one end of a tubular metal shield the other end of which houses a detector cell for infra-red emission, the detector cell being mounted on an insulated plug eccentrically with respect to the sleeve of insulating material on the opposite side of the axis to the slot for the plug lead, so that the plug lead does not lie across the path of emission from the flame to the detector cell.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as in claim 5, wherein the detector cell is connected to the core of a coaxial cable, one end of the braid of which is connected to earth, the other end of the braid being trapped between the insulated plug and the metal shield.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as in claim 5, wherein the tubular metal shield is provided with an insulating sheath.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as in claim 7, wherein the tubular metal shield is provided with an endplate at its end joined to the insulating sleeve, with a hole in the end plate in line with the detector cell.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as in claim 8, wherein the hole in the endplate is covered with a metal gauze.
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) | 1976-08-20 | 1977-02-19 | 1977-08-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-20 | 1981-02-19 | 1981-08-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-20 | 1985-02-19 | 1985-08-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |