US4092968A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Engine ignition system
Assignee: Cameron International Corp
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Filing: 1977-02-09
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Granted: 1978-06-06
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Expires: 1997-02-09
Abstract
Abstract An optical electronic ignition system for industrial internal combustion engines. Light reflective markers on an optical timing disc rotated by the engine are sensed by a timing module to generate an electric pulse for initiating each spark. Each pulse simultaneously energizes optical scanners in separate distributor modules for each combustion chamber. Only the scanner scheduled to fire by reflective alignment of a separate distribution marker located elsewhere on the timing disc will trigger a related capacitive discharge ignition circuit associated with the related combustion chamber. More than one scanner may be scheduled for simultaneous firing. A single conductor carries both uniform capacitor charging current and trigger signals to the capacitive discharge ignition circuit associated with each combustion chamber. An inductive loop in the low voltage lead to an ignition coil in a capacitive discharge ignition circuit provides a signal for operating a timing light. Indicators are provided for continuously monitoring operation of various portions of the ignition system.
Inventors
- 👤 Fred Douglas Stover
- 👤 George Carl Thatcher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 04:07
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02P; F02P3/00; F02P3/06; F02P3/08; F02P3/0807; F02P3/0838; F02P7/00; F02P7/06; F02P7/073
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
An ignition system for a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine comprising, in combination, a timing disc, means for rotating said timing disc in synchronism with the engine, first sensor means scanning a predetermined track on said timing disc as said timing disc is rotated for generating first signals in response to predetermined portions of said track, a separate second sensor means and a separate capacitive discharge circuit means associated with each combustion chamber in the engine, said second sensor means scanning predetermined tracks on said timing disc as said timing disc is rotated for selectively generating second signals in response to the sensing of predetermined portions of such scanned tracts during the occurrence of such first signal, each of said capacitive discharge circuit means including a storage capacitor, an ignition coil having a primary winding and electronic switch means for discharging said capacitor through said primary winding, means for charging said capacitor, and means responsive to a second signal from a second sensor means for triggering the electronic switch means in said capacitive discharge circuit means associated with such second sensor means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
183 words
An ignition system for a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine comprising, in combination, a timing disc, means for rotating said timing disc in synchronism with the engine, first sensor means scanning a predetermined track on said timing disc as said timing disc is rotated for generating first signals in response to predetermined portions of said track, a separate second sensor means and a separate capacitive discharge circuit means associated with each combustion chamber in the engine, said second sensor means scanning predetermined tracks on said timing disc as said timing disc is rotated for selectively generating second signals in response to the sensing of predetermined portions of such scanned tracts during the occurrence of such first signal, each of said capacitive discharge circuit means including a storage capacitor, an ignition coil having a primary winding and electronic switch means for discharging said capacitor through said primary winding, means for charging said capacitor, and means responsive to a second signal from a second sensor means for triggering the electronic switch means in said capacitive discharge circuit means associated with such second sensor means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
76 words
An ignition system for a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for charging the capacitor in each capacitive discharge circuit means includes conductor means connected for supplying a charging current to such capacitor, and wherein a second signal from a second sensor means is applied to the associated capacitive discharge circuit means on said conductor means connected to charge said capacitor in such capacitive discharge circuit means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
114 words
An ignition system for a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine, as set forth in claim 2, further including a D.C. power source, and wherein said means for charging the capacitor in a capacitive discharge circuit means includes means for supplying a limited current from said power source through a connected conductor means to such capacitor, and wherein said second sensor means associated with such capacitive discharge circuit means decreases the voltage on such connected conductor means in response to the sensing of said predetermined portion of the track sensed by such second sensor means during the occurrence of such first signal, such voltage decrease on such connected conductor means comprising a second signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
An ignition system for a multiple combustion engine, as set forth in claim 1, and including a plurality of illuminated indicator means, and wherein a different one of said indicator means indicates a failure of said first sensor means, each of said second sensor means and each of said capacitive discharge circuit means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
85 words
An ignition system for a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine, as set forth in claim 1, and further including an inductive loop for each capacitive discharge circuit means, means mounting each inductive loop in a series circuit with the electronic switch means, the capacitor and the ignition coil primary winding in a capacitive discharge circuit means whereby current flowing in such series circuit when such electronic switch means is triggered establishes a field about such inductive loop for triggering a remote engine timing light.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
An ignition system for a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine, as set forth in claim 1, and further including a first explosion-proof chamber enclosing said timing disc and said first and second sensor means, and a plurality of second explosion-proof chambers, each of said second chambers enclosing a different one of said capacitive discharge circuit means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
205 words
An ignition system for a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine comprising, in combination, a timing disc, means for rotating said timing disc in synchronism with the engine, a separate sensor means and a separate capacitive discharge circuit means associated with each combustion chamber in the engine, each sensor means including a light source and a light detector, said sensor means scanning predetermined tracts on said timing disc as said timing disc is rotated for selectively generating trigger signals in response to the selective detection of predetermined areas on said timing disc tracks by said light detectors, each of said capacitive discharge circuit means including a storage capacitor, an ignition coil having a primary winding and electronic switch means for discharging said capacitor through said primary winding, conductor means connected to each capacitive discharge circuit means for charging the capacitor in each such capacitive discharge circuit means, said trigger signal from a sensor means consisting of a voltage decrease on the conductor means connected to the capacitive discharge circuit means associated with such sensor means, and means in each capacitive discharge circuit means responsive to a voltage decrease on the connected conductor means for triggering said electronic switch means in such capacitive discharge circuit means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
205 words
An ignition system for a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine comprising, in combination, a timing disc, means for rotating said timing disc in synchronism with the engine, a separate sensor means and a separate capacitive discharge circuit means associated with each combustion chamber in the engine, each sensor means including a light source and a light detector, said sensor means scanning predetermined tracts on said timing disc as said timing disc is rotated for selectively generating trigger signals in response to the selective detection of predetermined areas on said timing disc tracks by said light detectors, each of said capacitive discharge circuit means including a storage capacitor, an ignition coil having a primary winding and electronic switch means for discharging said capacitor through said primary winding, conductor means connected to each capacitive discharge circuit means for charging the capacitor in each such capacitive discharge circuit means, said trigger signal from a sensor means consisting of a voltage decrease on the conductor means connected to the capacitive discharge circuit means associated with such sensor means, and means in each capacitive discharge circuit means responsive to a voltage decrease on the connected conductor means for triggering said electronic switch means in such capacitive discharge circuit means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
109 words
An ignition system for a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine, as set forth in claim 7, and further including timing means for periodically energizing said light sources in said sensor means each time a trigger signal is to be generated, said timing means including a second sensor means positioned to scan a predetermined outer track on said timing disc, said predetermined outer track having a separate predetermined area for each engine combustion chamber, said second sensor means generating a strobe signal in response to the detection of each of said separate predetermined areas, and means responsive to each strobe signal for simultaneously energizing said sensor means light sources.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
An ignition system for a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine, as set forth in claim 8, and including a plurality of illuminated indicator means, and wherein a different one of said indicator means indicates a failure of each of said sensor means and each of said capacitive discharge circuit means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
148 words
An ignition system for a spark ignited internal combustion engine comprising, in combination, an ignition coil having primary and secondary windings, a storage capacitor, electronic switch means having input, output and control terminals, means connecting said capacitor, said primary winding and said input and output terminals of said switch means in a closed series circuit whereby energy stored in said capacitor is discharged through said primary winding when said switch means is triggered by a signal applied to said control terminal, a conductor connected to said capacitor, means for applying a constant current to said conductor for charging said capacitor, means responsive to a predetermined voltage change on said conductor for applying a trigger signal on said gate electrode of said switch means, and means for periodically causing such predetermined voltage change on said conductor in synchronism with the engine when sid switch means is to be triggered.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
148 words
An ignition system for a spark ignited internal combustion engine comprising, in combination, an ignition coil having primary and secondary windings, a storage capacitor, electronic switch means having input, output and control terminals, means connecting said capacitor, said primary winding and said input and output terminals of said switch means in a closed series circuit whereby energy stored in said capacitor is discharged through said primary winding when said switch means is triggered by a signal applied to said control terminal, a conductor connected to said capacitor, means for applying a constant current to said conductor for charging said capacitor, means responsive to a predetermined voltage change on said conductor for applying a trigger signal on said gate electrode of said switch means, and means for periodically causing such predetermined voltage change on said conductor in synchronism with the engine when sid switch means is to be triggered.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
63 words
An ignition system for a spark ignited internal combustion engine, as set forth in claim 10, wherein such predetermined voltage change is voltage drop, and wherein said means for periodically causing such predetermined voltage drop includes second switch means connected to decrease the voltage on said conductor when closed and means for periodically closing said second switch means in synchronism with the engine.
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) | 1981-06-05 | 1981-12-05 | 1982-06-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-06-05 | 1985-12-05 | 1986-06-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-06-05 | 1989-12-05 | 1990-06-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |