US4558280A — Ignition secondary analyzer

Claim 1

Independent Claim 170 words

Apparatus for analyzing the secondary ignition circuit of a spark ignited internal combustion engine to identify the location of faulty portions of the circuit, said circuit having induction coil means for generating sparking voltage pulses repetitively, and distributor means for cyclically distributing said voltage pulses to respective spark plugs in a predetermined order, said apparatus comprising: measuring means coupled to said secondary ignition circuit for producing measurement signals indicating the amplitude of respective voltage pulses of one polarity developed at a single point in said secondary ignition circuit for respective spark plugs in each engine cycle, integrating means responsive to said measurement signals for producing a comparison signal indicating the average measurement signals developed for all spark plugs, offset means for producing an offset signal, comparator means for comparing successive measurement signals with said comparison signal and producing a fault signal when a said measurement signal differs from said comparison signal by more than said offset signal, and indicating means responsive to a said fault signal for indicating a fault.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 170 words

Apparatus for analyzing the secondary ignition circuit of a spark ignited internal combustion engine to identify the location of faulty portions of the circuit, said circuit having induction coil means for generating sparking voltage pulses repetitively, and distributor means for cyclically distributing said voltage pulses to respective spark plugs in a predetermined order, said apparatus comprising: measuring means coupled to said secondary ignition circuit for producing measurement signals indicating the amplitude of respective voltage pulses of one polarity developed at a single point in said secondary ignition circuit for respective spark plugs in each engine cycle, integrating means responsive to said measurement signals for producing a comparison signal indicating the average measurement signals developed for all spark plugs, offset means for producing an offset signal, comparator means for comparing successive measurement signals with said comparison signal and producing a fault signal when a said measurement signal differs from said comparison signal by more than said offset signal, and indicating means responsive to a said fault signal for indicating a fault.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 181 words

Apparatus for analyzing the secondary ignition circuit of a spark ignited internal combustion engine to identify the location of faulty portions of the circuit, said circuit having induction coil means for generating sparking voltage pulses repetitively, and distributor means for cyclically distributing said voltage pulses to respective spark plugs in a predetermined order, said apparatus comprising: measuring means coupled to said secondary ignition circuit for producing measurement signals identifying the peak amplitude of respective voltage pulses of one polarity developed at a single point in said secondary ignition circuit for respective said spark plugs in each engine cycle, integrating means coupled to said secondary ignition circuit for producing a comparison signal identifying the average peak amplitude of voltage pulses of said one polarity developed for all said spark plugs, offset means for producing an offset signal, comparator means for comparing successive measurement signals with said comparison signal and producing a fault signal when a said measurement signal differs from said comparison signal by more than said offset signal, and indicating means responsive to a said fault signal for indicating a fault.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 181 words

Apparatus for analyzing the secondary ignition circuit of a spark ignited internal combustion engine to identify the location of faulty portions of the circuit, said circuit having induction coil means for generating sparking voltage pulses repetitively, and distributor means for cyclically distributing said voltage pulses to respective spark plugs in a predetermined order, said apparatus comprising: measuring means coupled to said secondary ignition circuit for producing measurement signals identifying the peak amplitude of respective voltage pulses of one polarity developed at a single point in said secondary ignition circuit for respective said spark plugs in each engine cycle, integrating means coupled to said secondary ignition circuit for producing a comparison signal identifying the average peak amplitude of voltage pulses of said one polarity developed for all said spark plugs, offset means for producing an offset signal, comparator means for comparing successive measurement signals with said comparison signal and producing a fault signal when a said measurement signal differs from said comparison signal by more than said offset signal, and indicating means responsive to a said fault signal for indicating a fault.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 46 words

Apparatus according to claim 2 further including threshold means coupled to said secondary ignition circuit for producing a fault signal when said peak amplitude of voltage pulses of said one polarity for a respective spark plug in an engine cycle is less than a predetermined amplitude.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 134 words

Apparatus according to claim 3 further including second measuring means coupled to said secondary ignition circuit for producing second measurement signals indicating the peak amplitude of respective voltage pulses of polarity opposite said one polarity developed at said single point in respect to respective said spark plugs in each engine cycle, second integrating means coupled to said secondary ignition circuit for producing a second comparison signal indicating the average peak amplitude of voltage pulses of said opposite polarity developed in respect to all said spark plugs, second offset means for producing a second offset signal, and second comparator means for comparing successive second measurement signals with said second comparison signal and producing a fault signal when a said second measurement signal differs from said second comparison signal by more than said second offset signal.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 32 words

Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said indicating means includes synchronized means responsive to a said fault signal for indicating the spark plug in respect to which said fault signal is produced.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 45 words

Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said indicating means comprises display means coupled to said comparator means, said threshold means and said second comparator means for indicating from which of the three said fault signal arose and thereby indicating the nature of the corresponding fault.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 105 words

Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said measuring means comprises diode means for passing signal pulses corresponding to said one polarity, first capacitance means for storing the signals passing said diode means, and discharge means operable when enabled for discharging said capacitance means, and said integrating means comprises second capacitance means of substantially greater capacitance than said first capacitance means, and equalizing means operable when enabled for momentarily coupling said second capacitance means to said first capacitance means for equalizing the signals stored in each, and said apparatus further includes timing means for sequentially enabling said indicating means, said equalizing means, and said discharge means.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 33 words

Apparatus according to claim 3 where in said indicating means includes synchronized means responsive to a said fault signal for indicating the spark plug in respect to which said fault signal is produced.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 41 words

Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said indicating means comprises display means coupled to said comparator means, and said threshold means for indicating from which of the two said fault signal arose and thereby indicating the nature of the corresponding fault.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 105 words

Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said measuring means comprises diode means for passing signal pulses corresponding to said one polarity, first capacitance means for storing the signals passing said diode means, and dicharge means operable when enabled for discharging said capacitance means, and said integrating means comprises second capacitance means of substantially greater capacitance than said first capacitance means, and equalizing means operable when enabled for momentarily coupling said second capacitance means to said first capacitance means for equalizing the signals stored in each, and said apparatus further includes timing means for sequentially enabling said indicating means, said equalizing means, and said discharge means.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 32 words

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said indicating means includes synchronized means responsive to a said fault signal for indicaing the spark plug in respect to which said fault signal is produced.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 105 words

Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said measuring means comprises diode means for passing signal pulses corresponding to said one polarity, first capacitance means for storing the signals passing said diode means, and discharge means operable when enabled for discharging said capacitance means, and said integrating means comprises second capacitance means of substantially greater capacitance than said first capacitance means, and equalizing means operable when enabled for momentarily coupling said second capacitance means to said first capacitance means for equalizing the signals stored in each, and said apparatus further includes timing means for sequentially enabling said indicating means, said equalizing means, and said discharge means.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 105 words

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said measuring means comprises diode means for passing signal pulses corresponding to said one polarity, first capacitance means for storing the signals passing said diode means and discharge means operable when enabled for discharging said capacitance means, and said integrating means comprises second capacitance means of substantially greater capacitance than said first capacitance means, and equalizing means operable when enabled for momentarily coupling said second capacitance means to said first capacitance means for equalizing the signals stored in each, and said apparatus further includes timing means for sequentially enabling said indicating means, said equalizing means, and said discharge means.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 134 words

Apparatus according to claim 2 further including second measuring means coupled to said secondary ignition circuit for producing second measurement signals indicating the peak amplitude of respective voltage pulses of polarity opposite said one polarity developed at said single point in respect to respective said spark plugs in each engine cycle, second integrating means coupled to said secondary ignition circuit for producing a second comparison signal indicating the average peak amplitude of voltage pulses of said opposite polarity developed in respect to all said spark plugs, second offset means for producing a second offset signal, and second comparator means for comparing successive second measurement signals with said second comparison signal and producing a fault signal when a said second measurement signal differs from said second comparison signal by more than said second offset signal.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 32 words

Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said indicating means includes synchronized means responsive to a said fault signal for indicating the spark plug in respect to which said fault signal is produced.

Claim 18

Independent Claim 212 words

A method for analyzing the secondary ignition circuit of an internal combustion engine to identify the location of faulty portions of the circuit, said circuit having means for generating a succession of high voltage outputs from a coil, and means for distributing said outputs to a plurality of portions of said circuit in a predetermined order, each said portion including a spark plug, said method comprising: measuring the voltage of each output of said coil; storing a first reference voltage which is indicating the average of the positive components of said measured output voltages; storing a second reference voltage which is indicating the average of the negative components of said measured output voltages; comparing each successive measurement of the output of said coil with said reference voltages and generating data to identify faults in said circuit if the positive component of said output exceeds said first reference voltage by a predetermined differential, if the negative component of said output exceeds said second reference voltage by a predetermined differential, or if the negative component of said output is less than a predetermined amplitude; identifying the portion of said circuit to which each said output is distributed; and displaying said data to identify the location of any faulty portions detected by said comparing means.

Claim 19

Independent Claim 212 words

A method for analyzing the secondary ignition circuit of an internal combustion engine to identify the location of faulty portions of the circuit, said circuit having means for generating a succession of high voltage outputs from a coil, and means for distributing said outputs to a plurality of portions of said circuit in a predetermined order, each said portion including a spark plug, said method comprising: measuring the voltage of each output of said coil; storing a first reference voltage which is indicating the average of the positive components of said measured output voltages; storing a second reference voltage which is indicating the average of the negative components of said measured output voltages; comparing each successive measurement of the output of said coil with said reference voltages and generating data to identify faults in said circuit if the positive component of said output exceeds said first reference voltage by a predetermined differential, if the negative component of said output exceeds said second reference voltage by a predetermined differential, or if the negative component of said output is less than a predetermined amplitude; identifying the portion of said circuit to which each said output is distributed; and displaying said data to identify the location of any faulty portions detected by said comparing means.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 16 comprising analyzing each said output to identify the type of fault detected, if any, and displaying the types of faults identified.

Claim 21

Independent Claim 134 words

A method for analyzing the secondary ignition circuit of a spark ignited internal combustion engine to identify the location of faulty portions of the circuit, said circuit having induction coil means for generating sparking voltage pulses repetitively, and distributor means for cyclically distributing said voltage pulses to respective spark plugs in a predetermined order, said method comprising: measuring the amplitude of respective voltage pulses of one polarity developed at a single point in said secondary ignition circuit for respective spark plugs in each engine cycle and producing measurement signals indicating said amplitudes, deriving a comparison signal indicating the average measurement signals developed for all spark plugs, comparing successive measurement signals with said comparison signal, and indicating a fault when a said measurement signal differs from said comparison signal by more than a predetermined differential.

Claim 22

Independent Claim 134 words

A method for analyzing the secondary ignition circuit of a spark ignited internal combustion engine to identify the location of faulty portions of the circuit, said circuit having induction coil means for generating sparking voltage pulses repetitively, and distributor means for cyclically distributing said voltage pulses to respective spark plugs in a predetermined order, said method comprising: measuring the amplitude of respective voltage pulses of one polarity developed at a single point in said secondary ignition circuit for respective spark plugs in each engine cycle and producing measurement signals indicating said amplitudes, deriving a comparison signal indicating the average measurement signals developed for all spark plugs, comparing successive measurement signals with said comparison signal, and indicating a fault when a said measurement signal differs from said comparison signal by more than a predetermined differential.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 144 words

A method for analyzing the secondary ignition circuit of a spark ignited internal combustion engine to identify the location of faulty portions of the circuit, said circuit having induction coil means for generating sparking voltage pulses repetitively, and distributor means for cyclically distributing said voltage pulses to respective spark plugs in a predetermined order, said method comprising: measuring the peak amplitude of respective voltage pulses of one polarity developed at a single point in said secondary ignition circuit for respective said spark plugs in each engine cycle and producing measurement signals indicating said amplitudes, deriving a comparison signal indicating the average peak amplitude of voltage pulses of said one polarity developed for all said spark plugs, comparing successive measurement signals with said comparison signal, and indicating a fault when a said measurement signal differs from said comparison signal by more than a predetermined differential.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 144 words

A method for analyzing the secondary ignition circuit of a spark ignited internal combustion engine to identify the location of faulty portions of the circuit, said circuit having induction coil means for generating sparking voltage pulses repetitively, and distributor means for cyclically distributing said voltage pulses to respective spark plugs in a predetermined order, said method comprising: measuring the peak amplitude of respective voltage pulses of one polarity developed at a single point in said secondary ignition circuit for respective said spark plugs in each engine cycle and producing measurement signals indicating said amplitudes, deriving a comparison signal indicating the average peak amplitude of voltage pulses of said one polarity developed for all said spark plugs, comparing successive measurement signals with said comparison signal, and indicating a fault when a said measurement signal differs from said comparison signal by more than a predetermined differential.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 37 words

A method according to claim 19 further comprising indicating a fault when said peak amplitude of voltage pulses of said one polarity for a respective spark plug in an engine cycle is less than a predetermined amplitude.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 97 words

A method according to claim 20 further comprising measuring the peak amplitude of respective voltage pulses of polarity opposite said one polarity developed at said single point in respect to respective said spark plugs in each engine cycle and producing second measurement signals indicating the last-mentioned peak amplitudes, deriving a second comparison signal indicating the average peak amplitude in respect to all said spark plugs, comparing successive second measurement signals with said second comparison signal, and indicating a fault when a said second measurement signal differs from said second comparison signal by more than a predetermined differential.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method according to claim 21 further including indicating the spark plug in respect to which a fault is indicated.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 15 words

A method according to claim 22 further including indicating the nature of an indicated fault.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 80 words

A method according to claim 19 further comprising measuring the peak amplitude of respective voltage pulses of polarity opposite said one polarity developed at said single point in respect to respective said spark plugs in each engine cycle and producing second measurement signals indicating the last-mentioned peak amplitudes, comparing successive second measurement signals with said second comparison signal, and indicating a fault when a said second measurement signal differs from said second comparison signal by more than a predetermined differential.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method according to claim 24 further including indicating the spark plug in respect to which a fault is indicated.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 15 words

A method according to claim 25 further including indicating the nature of an indicated fault.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method according to claim 20 further including indicating the spark plug in respect to which a fault is indicated.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 15 words

A method according to claim 27 further including indicating the nature of an indicated fault.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method according to claim 19 further including indicating the spark plug in respect to which a fault is indicated.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1988-12-09	1989-06-10	1989-12-10	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1992-12-09	1993-06-10	1993-12-10	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1996-12-09	1997-06-10	1997-12-10	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Ignition secondary analyzer

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