Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Ronald L Colling

Myron U Trenne

Timothy R Schlax

Joseph C Kindermann

A magnetic pickup type electrical signal generator is mounted in cooperative relationship with the movable member of each fuel injector of an associated fuel injected-spark ignited internal combustion engine. In response to the initiation of actuation of the movable member to inject fuel into the combustion chamber of the corresponding engine cylinder, the magnetic pickup signal generator produces an output signal to which an associated electronic ignition system is responsive to produce an ignition spark creating potential. Each ignition spark creating potential is directed to the spark plug of the engine cylinder into which fuel is being injected by the actuated fuel injector.

Ignition system for use with fuel injected-spark ignited internal

The output signal pulses of a constant frequency oscillator are counted between successive timing signals, each of which corresponds to a cylinder of an associated internal combustion engine. The total number of pulses counted during each count period is stored and employed to derive an engine speed advance binary code representation of the number of pulse counts corresponding to the predetermined number of degrees ignition spark engine speed advance for the speed at which the engine is operating. Vacuum advance binary code representation of the number of pulse counts corresponding to the predetermined number of degrees ignition spark vacuum advance is also produced and added to the engine speed advance binary code representation. The difference between the sum of the engine speed and vacuum advance binary code representations and the stored total number of pulses counted during the previous count period and the running total of pulses being counted during the present count period are applied to a comparator circuit which produces an output ignition initiating signal upon the detection of an equality. The oscillator circuit output signal pulses are also counted in another counter circuit between successive ignition initiating signals. The total number of pulses counted between successive ignition initiating signals is employed to derive a dwell initiating signal.

Digital electronic ignition spark timing system

The throttle of a vehicle mounted engine is biased toward its closed position by a return spring, is linked to manual throttle positioning means through a lost motion spring having a greater spring constant than that of the return spring and is provided with a rigid link having a pair of spaced apart stops. The driven member of a clutch extends between the two stops to engage one or the other and override the manual throttle positioning means to position the throttle. Means are provided for generating a signal indicative of clutch driven member position; and an actuator is engaged with the clutch driving member to drive the driven member, when the driving and driven members are engaged, in response to the driven member position signal and an override signal. The vehicle has a brake system, means to generate a signal indicative of brake actuation and means to disengage the clutch driven and driving members upon receipt of the brake actuation signal.

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Millington, MI, United States of America

Ronald L Colling