US1314908A - Spark-observer - Google Patents

Description

E. M. SIMS.

SPARK OBSERVER. APPLICATION man DEC-21. ma.

Patented Sept. 2, 1919;

A TTORNE Y UNITED T T PATENT OFFICE EMMETT M; sIMs, or LOUIS ILLE, KENTUCKY} SPARK-OBSERVER. I

To all who???) it may concern: I

Be it known that HI, EMMETT MARVIN IMspa citizen of the United States, residing in'the city of Louisville, county of J efferson, and State of Kentucky, have invented a new and useful Spark-Observer, of

which the following is a specification.

This invention relates 130 means for observing aspark in the ignitlon circuitof an internal combustion motor.

"In-internal combustion, or explosive motors,"in which power is obtained by the eX- pl'osion of a gaseous mixture within the cyl inders ofthe motor, the explosive'mixture is usually ignited by means of an electric spark.

A high tension electric current in jumping across a gap in its circuitwill produce a spark capable ofigniting a combustible gas. A spark plug is a device adapted to be removably' positioned in an opening in the wall of a cylinder of an internal combus tion motor, by means of which an electric spark may be produced within the cylinder. The electric conductor, known as the firing pin,\leading through the plug, to the gap, is

well insulated from the body of the plug and the conductor leading from the gap is connected to thebody otthe plug which in turn is grounded'on'the frame of the motor. One pole of the source of electric current, usually a magneto generator, is grounded on the frame of the motor and the other pole connected with a device styled a timer, or distributer. A wire leads from a segment on the timer to a connection with the firing pin of a corresponding spark plug. The timer rotates in synchronism with the motor and closes the respective circuit at the proper moment to cause a spark in the respective cylinders. Experience has shown that many motor troubles may be diagnosed by observing the quality of the spark. As the spark which ignites the charge is within the cylinder, it cannot be seen, consequently another spark, either in series or in parallel with the ignition spark must be caused where it can be seen. Mechanicians are in the habit of placing a tool, such as a screw driver upon the end of the firing pin of the plug andbringing the end thereof closeto the motor and observing the spark which occurs. Plugs have been produced with a second gap in the body thereof, opening or window being provided thgi-ough which the spark may be 0 served. Devices have'been produced which are provided with.

a spark gap and which may be attached to the spark plug, being interposed between it and the ignition lead coming from the timer.

These devices serve their purpose, but an ob reconnection w1t a motor covers the motor, to obtain access to the spark; plug or the ,devlces associated with.

them.

a device which maybe located in any convenient p0s1t1on,-1n a motor vehicle, on the 3 dash board thereof, where it will be within convenient reach of the chauffeur, and

wherewith the motor may be tested under;

service conditionswhile the vehicle is movvice, such as characterized, which will be economical in construction, easily operated,

Y Patented Sept. 2, 1919 -Application filed DecemberQI, 1918. Serial No. 267,780. A l

An object of this invention is to providef A further object is the provision of a destruction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying draw ng, which forms a part of this specification; wherein 18 set forth an embodiment of the invention.

but itis tobe understood that such changes a and modifications may be resorted to as come within the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawing wherein similar reference characters designate like parts in the several views, Figure 1, is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 2 a rear elevation thereof.

The invention comprises a panel board -10 adapted to be secured by suitable means such as screws 11- in any desired position. A flange -12- projecting inward from the ends and top of the board serves to space it from the wall against which it is placed, thus affording room for connections which are to be made on the back thereof. The panel is provided with a sight opening or window 13. Pwo binding posts 14, 15- are positioned respectively on each side of the window. Electrodes -16, 17- are secured respectively to the binding" posts 14, 15, and extend toward each other, their adjacent ends being separated by a spark gap l8 which lies opposite the window, through which it may be hserved. A ground wire 19 attached to the binding.

post, 14, is led to a 'conn'ectionfwith the frame A plurality of connecting means which comprise nuts -2 0- threaded on screws 21, the screws being integral with posts 22-- erected on the face'of theboard, are positioned on the rearofthe panel one; to correspond with each cylinder of the motor,and an 'insulated connecting wire 23- extends from each of them to and is Connected with the spark plug of a; corresponding cylinder of the motor.

If now, when the motorisrunning a con-' nectionr'is established between the ground wire 19, and one of thewires 28, the high tensionelectric currentwill divide at a spark frameand to the generator.

front panel and provided with a tip 25+ whereby it may be engagedwith either one 7 of the posts 22 erected on the panel asshown in "dotted lines in Fig, 1, each of the posts 22 being provided with a perforation 26 Y for its reception. The posts 22 are held in position by the nuts 20. 'It is to be under stood that the'top of the flexible connector is inserted in one of the posts 22 only'when it is desired to ascertainthe character of the copie s of .thisfpatent may be obtained for spark .in' the cylinder, and that this can be donelwithout stopping the'car, or of the chaufl'eur having toleave his seat. Then not" in use, the tip may be placed in a hole 27 in the upper edge of the panel.

which 1 are When the spark gaps are properly adjusted, a clear blue white spark will'be seen. i-

regular spark indicates a good spark plug. 7

An irregular spark indicates defective insu-c 1 lation, usually in the spark plug. If the -motor is exploding irregularly and the spark is clear, it indicates that the mixture is poor. If there is a knock? in the motor it will be intensified when the observer is plunged in on the circuit,ethus the cylinderin which it occurs may be located.

that any thereto can make and usethe same, I

I "claim 1. In combination withlthie powerplantof v, Having thus descr bed 'my inventionso one skilled. in the art; pertaining a motorvehicle, a panel board,ja pair of.

electrodes mounted thereon and hav1ng a spark gap betweentheir adj acent terminals, 7 a plurality-of posts erected on said board,

said pos ts being connected respectively with corresponding spark plugs in the motor, a i flexible connector attached to one of said electrodes andadapted to be connected with any 'one' ofs'aid'posts, the other electrodebef f 7 ing grounded.

In combination with a multi-cylinder internal combustion :motor, a panel board, a

pair of electrodes mounted thereon and have ingfla spark gap between their adjacent ends, a flexible connector provided wlth a'tipcon;

nected to one of said electrodes, the/(otherv electrode being grounded-onthe motor, a

plurality-of posts erected on the panel, each of said posts having a perforation. adapted V j 75 to receive 'the tip of the flexible connector,

and each of the posts being connected with a corresponding spark plug in the motor. r v

. EMMETT M. SIMS.

five cents each, by addressing the "Commissioner of Patentap V Washington, .D. G."' V s V e

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