Variable sensitivity timing analyzer
First Claim
1. A timing analyzer for testing ignition timing in a conventional four stroke and a DIS four stroke engine, comprising:
- a pickup having means for sensing the current level on a spark plug lead in the vehicle;
means for producing a pulse of light when the current level increases above a pre-selected threshold level; and
a variable sensitivity device having means to variably increase or decrease said threshold level in accordance with the characteristics of the engine being tested, such that the means for producing provides a pulse of light only when a pre-selected current threshold level is met for that engine.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A timing analyzer for engine diagnostic testing includes a variable sensitivity knob for testing ignition timing for both a conventional four stroke engine and a DIS four stroke engine. The timing analyzer has a pickup which is adapted to be placed around a lead from a spark plug in the engine. During spark plug firing, a current spike appears in the spark plug lead. The timing analyzer is adapted to be triggered when a current spike above a selected threshold level is detected. When the timing analyzer is triggered, a pulse of light is produced from the nose cone of the analyzer. During engine operation, the spark plugs are continuously being fired, which creates a strobe light effect from the analyzer. The timing analyzer is aimed at timing marks on the engine block, and at a single mark on the rotating flywheel, which permit the engine to be properly timed. The variable sensitivity knob for the timing analyzer is adapted to variably control the threshold level for the analyzer trigger, depending on the particular type of engine being tested. The variable sensitivity knob can select a high sensitivity to test the ignition timing of a DIS four stroke engine, or a low sensitivity to test the ignition timing of a conventional four stroke engine.
14 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A timing analyzer for testing ignition timing in a conventional four stroke and a DIS four stroke engine, comprising:
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a pickup having means for sensing the current level on a spark plug lead in the vehicle; means for producing a pulse of light when the current level increases above a pre-selected threshold level; and a variable sensitivity device having means to variably increase or decrease said threshold level in accordance with the characteristics of the engine being tested, such that the means for producing provides a pulse of light only when a pre-selected current threshold level is met for that engine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for testing ignition timing in a conventional four stroke and a DIS four stroke engine, comprising the steps of:
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sensing the current level in a spark plug lead in the engine, preselecting a threshold current level by variably increasing or decreasing the threshold level in accordance with the characteristics of the engine being tested, producing a pulse of light when the current level in the spark plug lead increases above said pre-selected threshold level. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification