The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 05, 1991
Filed:
Nov. 21, 1989
Mark A Rosswurm, Columbus, IN (US);
Luigi Tozzi, Columbus, IN (US);
Cummins Engine Company, Inc., Columbus, IN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for generating a highly conductive channel for the flow of plasma current between the electrodes of an ignitor gap device are disclosed. A high voltage transformer having a high turns ratio is used to produce a high voltage spark across an ignitor gap. Subsequently, a high voltage low turns ratio transformer is used to supply a pre-plasma current signal to the ignitor gap at a predetermined time following the high voltage spark thereby ensuring that the ionized channel is developed to a more conductive state prior to introduction of the pre-plasma signal into the ignitor gap. Once the sustaining voltage for sustaining plasma flow through the channel has stabilized to a sufficiently low voltage, a high current main plasma signal is supplied to the ignitor gap thereby expanding plasma flow in the area surrounding the ignitor gap and providing a high quality ignition source for use in internal combustion engines.