US 8,662,058 B2Granted

Method and apparatus for providing electronic ignition of early automobile engines

OwnerMichael Gordon Kossorinventor

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Abstract

An electronic ignition module for vintage automobiles that utilizes existing components and wiring to retain the look and operation of the original system but with superior performance. The ignition module replaces the original roller and contacts of a vintage automobile ignition timer with modern control electronics that actuate the original coils and original spark plugs using the original wiring in the original manor. Electronic ignition operation is user programmable to emulate the original roller/timer performance or provide automatic spark advance similar to modern automobile operation for optimum power and efficiency while freeing the operator from manual adjustment of spark timing. Ignition module programming is accomplished without any external switches, buttons, jumpers or modification to the vintage automobile by simply sensing the presence or absence of ignition coils connected to the system when power is applied. The electronic ignition module resides fully contained within the confines of the original timer housing without any modifications what so ever, rendering it completely undetectable by visual inspection.

An electronic ignition system for an internal combustion engine of an early automobile, the electronic ignition system comprising in combination:

a plurality of ignition coils, a source of electrical power, an electronic circuit board assembly fully imbedded within a commutator housing of a vintage automobile in place of original roller and mechanical electrical contacts;
and
electronic circuit board assembly further comprising at least two electrical contact terminals, each electrical contact terminal interposed in series circuit relation with the primary winding of an ignition coil to the source of electrical power to the internal combustion engine;
and
sensors responsive to the rotational position of a camshaft in the internal combustion engine, a first plurality of electronic switching circuits disposed in commutator housing, each electronic switching circuit actuated by said sensors closes then opens an electrical circuit including one said electrical contact terminal, commutator housing and internal combustion engine;
and
further comprising a second plurality of electronic switching circuits disposed in commutator housing, each electronic switching circuit actuated by said sensors opens then closes an electrical circuit including said electrical contact terminal, electronic circuit board assembly, commutator housing and internal combustion engine;
and
further comprising a plurality of resistive isolation means connected in series circuit relation with said electrical contact terminals, electronic circuit board assembly, commutator housing and internal combustion engine;
and
transient voltage suppression means connected at the junction of said resistive isolation means and electronic circuit board assembly in parallel circuit relation with commutator housing;
and
transient voltage suppression means connected in parallel circuit relation between said electrical contact terminals and commutator housing.

10 more elements

Abstract

Claims6