Modulated ignition system

Abstract

An AC powered ignition system employs a rectangular wave power source and a logic circuit for controlling igniter firing. Such logic circuit intermittently interrupts the flow of DC bias current in active stages of the AC power source and activates an electronic switch to charge the output winding of the AC power source and the primary winding of an ignition transformer by means of a DC source, and then discharge such windings into a capacitor at the same time as the AC power source provides its alternating current output by deactivating such electronic switch. Large transient intermodulated currents and voltages result thereby to provide high energy firing levels to igniters in a fuel burning engine. Provisions are made to include a second capacitor in series with the output and primary windings and/or a second electronic switch that prevent residual charge in the AC power source from appearing as a voltage or current during periods between igniter firing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.