Extended spark capacitor discharge ignition system

Abstract

To combine the advantage of a capacitor discharge ignition system, in which the spark intensity is essentially independent of engine speed even at high speeds of the engine, and the extended spark discharge of electromagnetic coil storage ignition by interrupting current through an ignition coil, an ignition event control circuit--for example a breaker contact, optical or electromagnetic transducer or the like--controls a discharge circuit through a capacitor which, after having been charged, suddenly and abruptly discharges through the ignition coil to generate an ignition event. Triggering of the ignition event also initiates repetitive energization of the ignition coil, under control of a frequency generator, which is then connected to the ignition coil to repetitively cause current flow, and abrupt interruption thereof, so that the spark duration, initiated for discharge of the capacitor, is extended. To provide for sufficient ignition energy upon starting, the starting switch can be connected to override the charge circuit to the capacitor so that current flow through the ignition coil, alone, stores sufficient electromagnetic energy for generation of the spark; the slight delay incurred thereby, and the longer current flow time to store sufficient electromagnetic energy is acceptable for operation of the engine under starting conditions.