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:
Dec. 02, 1997
Filed:
Aug. 21, 1996
Joel Franklin Downey, Kokomo, IN (US);
Delco Electronics Corp., Kokomo, IN (US);
Abstract
A circuit for providing a synchronizing signal based on detected ignition voltages in a coil-per-plug ignition system. In this type of ignition system, each spark plug has its own step-up transformer, typically packaged in close proximity to the spark plug itself. Normally, the plugs are fired individually to extend plug life, but according to this invention, at least two of the plugs are fired concurrently during engine cranking. During such operation, the circuit senses the voltages at the primary transformer windings of two different spark plugs to identify the respective spark plug firings, and the synchronizing signal is produced based on the sequence of the identified firings.