Ignition systems for internal combustion engines

USRE30858E · kind E · reissue

Assignee

• Lumenition Limited

Inventor

• Eric H. Ford

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 27, 1978
• Grant date: Feb 2, 1982
• Expiry date: Sep 27, 1998

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

In an ignition system of an internal combustion engine the provision of a device for fast switching the primary circuit, this device including an infra-red radiation source and an infra-red radiation sensitive element, the radiation path being interrupted in timed relation to the engine revolutions whereby switching current is provided which is amplified for fast switching transistorized elements and applied to the primary winding of the ignition coil. Advance or retard of the ignition system can be achieved in relation to speed and/or load conditions on the engine by altering the line of sight between the radiation source and the radiation sensitive element in relation to a device which interrupts the radiation in timed relation to the engine revolutions.