Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corp.

Robert B Hood

David M Krupp

Larry Snyder

An electronic control system for controlling the duration of operation of repetitively activated equipment produces a control signal from input signals representing the values of parameters related to the duration of operation. Timing signals generated from repetitive signals produced by the equipment are digitally shifted through a delay line at a rate determined by the control signal to establish the duration of operation of the repetitively activated equipment. The equipment may include a plurality of repetitively activated mechanisms, such as fuel injectors, which are sequentially selected and activated for the specified duration of operation.

Electronic control system

An electronic system for controlling the duration of operation of a plurality of repetitively-activated structures produces a control signal representing the duration of operation of the structures from a plurality of input signals representing the values of the parameters which control the duration of operation. The structures are activated by start pulses. The duration of operation of each structure is controlled by the time necessary to drive a corresponding start pulse through a delay line. This time in turn is controlled by the control signal. A plurality of start pulses, each of which controls the operation of a different structure, can be located at different places in the delay line at the same time. The time necessary for each start pulse to travel through the delay line can vary continuously in response to variations in the parameters which control the desired duration of operation. Various circuits are provided to prevent or ensure activation of the structures under special circumstances.

An ignition system for use with an ignition coil and a source of alternating distributor pickup signals within an internal combustion engine. The system includes a zero crossing detector responsive to the distributor pickup signals and operative to generate a first timing signal, a complex ramp generator responsive to the first timing signal and operative to generate a second timing signal, a gate responsive to the first and second timing signals and operative to generate a constant ignition coil control signal over the normal operating range of the engine, and an output amplifier responsive to the control signal and operative to control charging and discharging of the ignition coil. A voltage control circuit is employed to switch the output amplifier on when the voltage at the ignition coil exceeds a predetermined value.

Growing community of inventors

Los Altos, CA, United States of America

Robert B Hood