US4380224A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ignition system for an internal combustion engine
Assignee: Bendix Corp
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Filing: 1981-07-31
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Granted: 1983-04-19
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Expires: 2001-07-31
Abstract
Abstract An ignition system for an internal combustion engine that provides automatically advanced timing over a predetermined range of engine speeds. The ignition system includes a timing circuit (100) that controls the resistance and hence voltage across a capacitor (53) that biases a switch in the trigger circuit (50) of the system. The transistor (125) is operated in its active region so that the transistor (125) operates as a variable resistor. As the resistance of the transistor (125) decreases with increasing engine speed the timing of the system advances. The predetermined speed at which the advance begins is determined by zener diode (119) in series with the base of the transistor (125). The maximum advance of the system is limited by a resistor (94) in series between the transistor (125) and the capacitor (53) of the trigger circuit (50). The transistor (125) is operated in its active region by a transistorized circuit that receives its power from the main storage capacitor (27) of the ignition system.
Inventors
- 👤 Howard E. Van Siclen, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:25
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02P; F02P5/00; F02P5/04; F02P5/145; F02P5/155; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
In combination with a internal combustion engine ignition system having at least one spark plug, means for firing the spark plug including a first solid state electronic switching device, and a triggering circuit for switching the first electronic switching device for firing the spark plug comprising: a second solid state electronic switching device, pulse generating means for generating a succession of electrical trigger pulses in timed relation to the speed of the engine crankshaft to trigger the second switching device electrically conductive which switches the first switching device conductive, means for biasing the second switching device, and means for automatically controlling the voltage of the bias means, the improvement wherein the means for controlling the bias means comprises: a transistor connected in parallel with said voltage biasing means; and means for operating said transistor in the active region of its operating characteristics wherein its resistance varies.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
In combination with a internal combustion engine ignition system having at least one spark plug, means for firing the spark plug including a first solid state electronic switching device, and a triggering circuit for switching the first electronic switching device for firing the spark plug comprising: a second solid state electronic switching device, pulse generating means for generating a succession of electrical trigger pulses in timed relation to the speed of the engine crankshaft to trigger the second switching device electrically conductive which switches the first switching device conductive, means for biasing the second switching device, and means for automatically controlling the voltage of the bias means, the improvement wherein the means for controlling the bias means comprises: a transistor connected in parallel with said voltage biasing means; and means for operating said transistor in the active region of its operating characteristics wherein its resistance varies.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The ignition system recited in claim 1 wherein the bias means comprises a capacitor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The ignition system recited in claims 1 or 2 wherein the means for operating said transistor in the active region comprises: means for receiving electrical energy from said ignition system and means for providing an output signal to said transistor above a predetermined voltage level.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ignition system as recited in claim 3 wherein said output signal varies as a function of engine crankshaft speed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The ignition system recited in claim 3 wherein said means for providing an output signal above a predetermined voltage level comprises: a Zener diode in series with the base of said transistor, said Zener diode operative to conduct at said predetermined voltage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The ignition system recited in claim 1 or 2 including a resistor in series between the transistor and the biasing means to limit the maximum advance of the system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
215 words
An internal combustion engine ignition system including at least one spark plug, means for firing the spark plug including a first solid state electronic switching device, and a triggering circuit for switching the first electronic switching device for firing the spark plug comprising: a second solid state electronic device, electromagnetic pulse generating means for generating a succession of electrical trigger pulses in timed relation to the operating cycle of the engine and which increase in amplitude with an increase in engine speed to make the second switching device electronically conductive for switching the first device, voltage bias means connected between the pulse generating means and the second switching device to advance with increase in engine speed the time in the engine cycle the second switching device is made conducting, and means for controlling the voltage of the bias means independently of pulse amplitude to control the time in the engine cycle the second switching device is conducting to control spark timing, the means for controlling the voltage on the bias means being connected in parallel with the bias means and including: a transisitor connected in parallel with said voltage biasing means; and means for operating said transistor in the active region of its operating characteristics wherein its circuit resistance varies during operation of the engine.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
215 words
An internal combustion engine ignition system including at least one spark plug, means for firing the spark plug including a first solid state electronic switching device, and a triggering circuit for switching the first electronic switching device for firing the spark plug comprising: a second solid state electronic device, electromagnetic pulse generating means for generating a succession of electrical trigger pulses in timed relation to the operating cycle of the engine and which increase in amplitude with an increase in engine speed to make the second switching device electronically conductive for switching the first device, voltage bias means connected between the pulse generating means and the second switching device to advance with increase in engine speed the time in the engine cycle the second switching device is made conducting, and means for controlling the voltage of the bias means independently of pulse amplitude to control the time in the engine cycle the second switching device is conducting to control spark timing, the means for controlling the voltage on the bias means being connected in parallel with the bias means and including: a transisitor connected in parallel with said voltage biasing means; and means for operating said transistor in the active region of its operating characteristics wherein its circuit resistance varies during operation of the engine.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The ignition system recited in claim 7 wherein said biasing means is a capacitor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
199 words
An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: at least one spark plug, means for firing the spark plug including a first solid-state electronic switching device and a triggering circuit for switching the first electronic switching device, said triggering circuit comprising a second solid-state electronic switching device having a gate circuit, electromagnetic pulse generating means for generating a succession of electrical trigger pulses in timed relation to the operating cycle of the engine and which increase in amplitude with an increase in engine speed to make said second switching device electrically conductive to switch said first switching device, and means for preventing a portion of the trigger pulses from going to said second switching device and for varying the portion of the trigger pulse going to the second switching device, said means for preventing and varying the portion of the pulse going to the second switching device comprising: a parallel circuit comprised of a transistor connected in parallel with a capacitor, said parallel circuit connected to the gate circuit of said second solid state switching device; and means for operating said transistor in the active region of its operating characteristics wherein its circuit resistance varies during its operation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
199 words
An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: at least one spark plug, means for firing the spark plug including a first solid-state electronic switching device and a triggering circuit for switching the first electronic switching device, said triggering circuit comprising a second solid-state electronic switching device having a gate circuit, electromagnetic pulse generating means for generating a succession of electrical trigger pulses in timed relation to the operating cycle of the engine and which increase in amplitude with an increase in engine speed to make said second switching device electrically conductive to switch said first switching device, and means for preventing a portion of the trigger pulses from going to said second switching device and for varying the portion of the trigger pulse going to the second switching device, said means for preventing and varying the portion of the pulse going to the second switching device comprising: a parallel circuit comprised of a transistor connected in parallel with a capacitor, said parallel circuit connected to the gate circuit of said second solid state switching device; and means for operating said transistor in the active region of its operating characteristics wherein its circuit resistance varies during its operation.
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) | 1986-04-18 | 1986-10-18 | 1987-04-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-04-18 | 1990-10-18 | 1991-04-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-04-18 | 1994-10-18 | 1995-04-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |