US2605636A - Device for use in timing ignition systems - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 5, 1952 G. B. TIPPETT 2,605,636

DEVICE FOR USE IN TIMING IGNITION SYSTEMS Filed July 19, 1951 //VVENTOR.' GEORGE B. T/PPE7'7] 11/5 9 TTOEl/E Y Patented Aug. 5, 1952 UNITED STATES TENT OFFICE Davies FonUsE IN TIMING IGNITION SYSTEMS George B. Tippett, St. Louis, Mo. Application July 19, 1951, Serial No. 237,588v 8 Claims. (Cl. 73-116) The present invention relates to a novel device for use in the timing ofan ignition system, especially the ignition system'of, an internal combustion engine, and is a continuation in part of my co-pendingapplication, SerialNumbe'r 169,- 018, filed on the 19th dayof June 1950, now Patent No. 2,602,328. v

As set forth in said applicatiomit is' common knowledge that one of the critical requisites for most efiicientandsmooth engine performanceis that the ignitionsystem' be so timed, that the sparkplugs will fire as the pistons reach the end. of. their compression strokes It. also common knowledge, particularly among automobile'inechanics and the like, that an engine timing operation requires not only'patience and considerable skill, but further, that even a, skilled and, patient mechanic has no definite assurance that" the final distributor adjustment decided upon by him, is the best. obtainable.

The distributor controls thefiring of the engine sparkv plugs, as. understood, so that prior to use of the device disclosed in my said co-pending application, most mechanics would depend upon their sense of hearing, as they manipulated the distributor, in order to determine which setting thereof seemed to produce paramount engine performance.

The primary is to provide for may be used by determining perfect object of the present invention the, mechanic a device which him for quickly and positively distributor adjustment. Further objects of the invention are to provide a device which, while in use during a timing operation, will visibly demonstrate to the mechanic whether the distributor itself is in need of repair; whether the ignition coil is functioning improperly, whether the condenser is defective; and whether the valves need attention, all as will appear hereinafter. V a V The objectives set-'f orth above correspond to those of the device; disclosed in my co-pending application aforesaid "The latter device has found greatfavonmjthe automotive repair in dustry, and many ofthe features thereof have been retained herein. v

However, as will appear, the instant device provides additional features and advantages, over and above those disclosed my prior invention.

In performing the'timing operation, the present device is substituted'forany one of the spark plugs, it being commonknowledge that if one plug fires at the proper ;tiine,the remainder of them will also, because of crankshaft design, and soon. I V

The device includes a removable adapter pro- 2 vided with a threaded portion corresponding to the lower threaded portions of certain spark plugs. i V I That is to say, the'deviceis adapted for use in ignition timing of any known internal combustion engine, including airplane engines. Obviously however, there are differences in the size of spark plugs, so that the invention contemplates the use of adapters whereby it can be employed in the timing of every type of internal combustion engine: r V

The principal features of the invention include the provision, of meanswhereby the mechanic can quickly determine th end of the compression stroke, and-jean thus quickly adjust the distributor, regardless of the pressure developed by the piston? I In other words, the instant invention, similar to my said previously disclosed invention, is designed to attain its objectives when applied to any conventional internal combustion engine, without taking into consideration the amount of pressure developed by the pistons on the compression stroke.

That is to say, the device comprising the invention may be used in timing all automobile engines Without requiring any adjustment of the parts incorporated in the device. Only when applied to an engine having a known high compression potential, such as an aeroplane engine, may an adjustment berequired. Simple means are provided for such an adjustment, as will appear.

In the prior device, means are provided to visibly indicate to the mechanic just when the piston reaches its uppermost point of travel.

In addition, the instant device incorporates a vertically slidable indicator bar which automatically provides positive means for determining the end of the compression stroke, and means for the guidance of the mechanic in regulating the spark moment, as will be seen;

Another improvement incorporated in the present device,- compris'es rotary mounting means for the plug whichis to be. engaged by the socket on the free end of a spark plug wire, when the device is in-use: L

Other features'and'adva'ntages will be apparent or referred to in the course of the detailed description of the invention to follow, reference being .had also to the accompanying drawing,

wherein the improved construction is illustrated.

In said drawing:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the device comprising the present invention;

Fig. 2 is afront elevational View thereof;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view thereof, with an intermediate portion of an included conductor rod being broken away;

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately on line 44 in Fig. 1;

Figs. 5 and 6 are horizontal sectional views taken respectivelyon lines 5--5 and 6-6 in Fig. 2;

Figs. '7, 8 and 9 are horizontal sectional views taken respectively on lines 1-'!, 8-8, and 9- in Fig. 2;

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a plunger member;

Figs. 11 and 12 are elevational views of the upper end portion of said plunger member;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a spark element associated with said plunger member.

In Figs. 1 through 4, the device embodying the present invention is designated as a whole, by numeral 20.

It includes a tubular metallic member 22, the lower end portion of which is threaded externally as at 24, and terminates in an inwardly projecting annular flange portion 26, as shown in Fig. 4. I

Numeral 28 indicates a circular central opening in said flange portion, and numeral 30 indicates a similar opening in an annular abutment element 32, these openings being in alignment, as shown.

Element 32 is formed of semi-rigidmaterial; the external diameter thereof conincides with the internal diameter of the bore 34 in tubular member 22; and it is positioned in the latter against flange 26, for a purpose to be explained.

Reciprocable in bore 34 is a plunger 36, the lower end portion 38 of which normally is seated against abutment element 32'. The upper end or head portion 40 of said p lunger, is seen to best advantage in Figs. 10 to 12 inclusive. It terminates in an upward extension 42 of reduced diameter, whereby to provide an annular shoulder 44 which serves as a seat for the lower end of a compression spring 46.

A transverse groove 48 is formed in extension 42 and theupper end of head portion 40, as shown. Centrally of said head portion, and extending downwardly from the bottom of groove 48, is a drilled socket 50, adapted to receive the depending non-circular stem 52 of a spark element generally designated 54, and shown per se in Fig. 13. j

In addition to said stem, element 54 includes a body portion 56 merging into an arcuate segment 58, the latter preferably terminating in a pointed end 60.

The upper end portion of tubular member 22 is internally threaded, as at 62, to receive a screw plug 64 provided with a kerf for adjustment purposes, as will appear.

Metallic tubular member 22 is enclosed throughout its length. with the exception of its threaded lower end 24, within a hollow casing generally designated 65. Casing 66 is molded into the preferable configuration shown from a suitable plastic, or other insulative material, such as fi-ber.

In the embodiment shown, tubular member 22 is press-fitted into the longitudinal bore 68 of said casing. It is to be understood however, that set screw means, or other suitable means, may be employed to maintain said member in position within casing 66.

Thesaid casing includes an upper knob section 10, integrally formed with a depending sleeve section 12, the latter being provided with a laterally extending annular flange portion 14, as particularly seen in Fig. 4.

Registering elongated slots 16 and 18, are provided respectively in tubular member 22 and sleeve section 12. Numeral indicates a metallic rod, the lower end portion of which is supported in flange 14, and the upper end portion of which is supported in knob 10.

As portrayed particularly in Figs. 2 and 9, said I rod is positioned adjacent pointed end 60 of the spark element 54, so that a spark gap obtains between said elements, as numeral 82 indicates.

The upper end of rod 80 terminates in a horizontally disposed portion 84, which as seen in Fig. 6, extends radially outwardly to contact an annular metallic band 86.

Said band is mounted for rotation in a peripheral groove 88 provided in knob 10, and has welded or otherwise rigidly secured thereto, a plug 89 whichv projects laterally therefrom.

The configuration of plug 88 is such that the conventional socket on the spark plug end of a wire leading from the distributor may be removably snapped into place thereon.

In this connection, the advantage aiforded by the rotatable band arrangement should be apparent from an inspection of Fig. 6. There it it seen that plug 89 may be manually rotated from its full line position to any other selected position circumferentially about the device, as suggested by the broken line positions illustrated.

It is noted however, that in every position se-' lected, band 86 remains in contact with portion 84 of. rod 80.

Numeral 9|] designates anindicator bar slidable in a rectangular longitudinal opening 92 providedin knob 70.. Said bar is of rigid insulative material, preferably plastic, and terminates at its upper end in a suitable enlargement 94, which may be of spherical configuration as illustrated.

The lower end portion of said bar is recessed as at'96, to define a horizontally disposed edge 98 for a purpose to appear. The lowermost or bottom edge of said bar is designated by numeral 99. Opening 92 is so located that the portion of bar 98 projecting below knob 18 is contiguously disposed relative to sleeve 12, and slidable therealong.

From the foregoing it should be evident that indicator bar 9 0 may be manually depressed until further downward movement thereof is arrested by the enlargement 94 thereon.

Suitable yielding frictional means are provided for maintaining said bar in position against fortuitous displacement. For example, an ordinary spring-pressed ball assembly I00. such as that illustrated in Figs. 2 and 5, has been found highly efficient for this purpose. Obviously, other means may be employed.

The device thus far described provides an efiicient, lightweight and compact instrument which eliminates all guesswork in performing a timing adjustment, as will be explained.

It is noted that the spark element 54 is maintained in place by spring 46, and that should said element become worn, replacement is a simple operation. All that is required is the unscrewing of member 84, removal of spring 46, the elevation of said element and withdrawal thereof through slots 16 and I8, and the insertion of a new element 54.

There are some variationsin thedesign of spark plugs, as is understood. That is to say,

- bar Elli. The latter, because of the diameters of the lower threaded sparkplug extremities of one engine may vary relative to those of another engine. 1 i

To this end, the invention contemplates the use of hollow adapters, such as that'indicated generally by numeral H12, for positioning the device on various makes of engines. An adapter includes an internally threaded cup portion I04 to engage the externally threaded lower end portion 24 of sleeve 22, as illustrated in Fig.4.; and an externally threaded depending portion I05, the diameter of which coincides with that of the spark plug to be removed. Manifestly, each adapter is identical in every respect, except that the external diameter of the depending portion Hi6. may vary slightly. 7

In use, the device replaces one of the spark plugs of the engine to be timed; That is to say, a spark plug having been removed, and a proper adapter having been affixed, the device is screwed into the spark plug opening.

Thereupon, the socket on the end of the wire normally leading from the distributor to the removed spark plug, is snapped onto plug 39. This attaching of the socket is greatly facilitated by the rotatable mounting of the plug supporting band 85, which arrangement also provides .for unobstructed visibility, as should be manifest. Next, bar 9% is depressed by manual pressure applied to member 9 until edge as is disposed a short distance above spark element 5 The engine is now set in operation. As the related piston rises on the compression stroke, the pressure engendered forces. plunger 36 upwardly against the force of spring 48.

It is noted that said spring i compressed only sufiiciently to normally seat said plunger against abutment 32, and that screw 64 is not primarily an adjustment screw, but rather a means to compensate for reduced resiliency of spring 45 resulting from repeated use of the device, as is understood.

At the same time it is to be understood, that when the device isv to be employed in the timing of a motor having a known high compression potential, rotation of screw 66 to increase the resistance of spring ie is recommended.

The first time plunger 35 is forced upwardly, arcuate segment 58 engages edge 58 to elevate bly liiil, will remain in such elevated position as the plunger descends on the power stroke-,. under the influence of spring 46.

On succeeding compression strokes of the piston, segment 58 merely contacts edgettmomentarily, Without disturbing the position of bar 90, as should be manifest. The device 20 will fire in lieu of the spark plug for which ithas been substituted, so that aspark will flash across gap '82 at the firing moment, during the reciprocation of plunger 3? Obviously however, the flash is visible. Therefore it is an easy matter for the mechanic to manipulate the distributor until the flash occurs as se ment 58 passes recess 96 on the compression stroke of the piston.

That is to say, since ignition moment is immediately prior to the very end of the compression stroke, the mechanic may easily adjust the distributor until he observes that the spark flash occurs as segment 58 moves upwardly past bottom edge 99 of bar 58.

Thus, the primary objective of the invention is easily and quickly attained, with the engine running. And, as explained hereinbefore, it is only the detent .assemthe ideal time for the necessary to apply the 'device to one, cylinder.

thus reducing the .timejrequire-d to .a'fminimum. The rotatable mounting means for plug 83 is particularly advantageous, in that the wire from the distributormaybe'swung clear'of' the front face of'the device, so that a complete view of the flashis presented. I

The provision or. "slidable indicator'b'ar 90 affords a final checkmeans whereby the mechanic may verify his distributor adjustment. In other words, by placing a thumb or finger gently on enlargement 94, and at the same time observing the flash, the mechanic'may perceive bysense f touch also, whether the flash occurs an instant before segment 58 momentarily touches edge 98. T

The provision of semi-rigid abutment element 32 is also considered important, in that it affords protection against injury to the bottom of plunger portion 36, and simultaneously prevents member 54 from striking against the bottom of slot it-l8.

Similar to th device disclosed in my co-pending application, the present device may be utilized to obtain other important information,

For example, should the spark flash fluctuate very rapidly, a worn distributor shaft is indi cated. Should however, the spark flash fluctuate unevenly, a worn valvev is indicated. .Sp'arks flashing off the arcuate segment 58 but not across gap 82, are indicative of"aide fective condenser.

In view of the foregoingitshould be manifest that the present invention provides an improved device for facilitating the difficult operation, of timing an internal combustion engine, so that following removal of device It, and replacement of the spark plug, a mechanic is positive that the engine timing is as perfect as can bej attained. Obviously; the; invention may admit of slight modifications without departing from the principles thereof. Therefore I do not desire to be limited to the precise structuralvdetails illustrated and described, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims hereunto appended.

1. In a device. for use i'nftiming the ignition system of an internal combustion engine: a tubular metallic member the lower endportion of which is externally threaded and terminates in an inwardly projecting annular flange portion; a centralcircularopeningin the latter; an annu lar abutment element or semi-rigid material positioned in the bore of said tubular member against said flange. portion; a central circular opening in said element in alignment with the opening in said flange portion; a plunger .reciprocable in said bore, the lower end portion of said plunger being normally seated against said abutment ele-' ment; a spark element removably supported in the upper end portion of said plunger; 2. compression spring interposed between a screw plug in the upper end of thetubular member and an annular shoulder provided on the upper end of said plunger; a hollow casing of insulative material enclosing all but said externally threaded lower end portion of the tubular member said casing having an enlarged knob portion at the top thereof; an elongated slot formed in said tubular member and a similar slot in registrytherewith formed in said casing for accommodating vertical movements of a laterally extending portion of said spark element which projects through and beyond said registering slots; a conductor rod supported in said casing adjacent the free end portion of said spark element; an

indicator bar slidably mounted in the upper knob portion offsaid casing, said bar including an upper end projecting above and a lower end projecting below said knob portion, and being positionable to set said lower projecting end thereof. for indicating a relative position in the plunger stroke where the spark occurs; means for. frictionally maintaining said bar in position against fortuitous displacement thereof 1 a plug member. adapted to receive the socket on the free end of a spark plug wire; andmanually rotatable means for supporting said plug member and for maintaining a constant conductive relation between said plug and said rod.

2. In a device for use in timing the ignition system of an internal combustion engine; a tubular metallic member the lower end portion of which is externallythreaded and terminates in an inwardly projecting annular flange portion; a central circular opening in the latter an annular abutment element of semi-rigid material positioned in the bore of said tubular member against said flange portion; a central circular opening in said element inlal'ignment with the opening in said flange portion; a plunger reciprocable in said bore, the lower end portion of said plunger being normally seated against said abutment element; a spark element removably sup.- ported in the upper end portion of said plunger; a compression spring interposed between a screw plug in the upper endof the tubular member and an annular shoulder provided on the upper end of said plunger; a hollow casing of insulative material enclosing all but said externally threaded lower end portion of the tubular member, said casing including anupper knob section, and a depending sleeve section integral therewith, the latter provided with a laterally extending peripheral flange portion an elongated slot formed in said tubular member and a similar slot in registry therewith formed in said casing for accommodating vertical movements of a laterally extending portion of said spark element which projects through and beyond said registering slots; a metallic rod the lower end portion of which is supported in said'flange portion and the upper end portion of which is supported in said knob section a spark gap obtaining between, thespark element and said rod; an indicator bar slidably mountedin' a rectangular longitudinal opening provided ,in and knob portion, said bar including an upper end projecting above and a lower end projecting below said knob portion, and being positionable to set said lower projecting end thereof for indicating a relative positionin the plunger stroke Where the spark occurs; means for frictionally maintaining said bar in position against fortuitous displacement thereof; a plug member adapted to receive the socket on the free end of a spark plug wire; and manually rotatablelmeans for supporting said plug member and for maintaining a constant conductive relation between said plug and said. rod. l

3." The device set forth in claim 2"wherein the the plunger reciprocable in the bore of said tubular member includes: a head portion terminating in anupward extension'of reduced diameter to form said annular shoulder providing a seat for the lower end of said compression spring; a transverse groove formed in said extension and the upper end of said seat portion; and a drilled socket centrally of said head portion and extending i downwardly from the bottom of said groove for receiving a depending non-circular stem portion of the said removably supported spark element. g

4. The device set forth in claim 3 wherein said spark element comprises: a fiat body portion adapted to be positioned withinsaid transverse groove of the head portion of said recited plunger; the depending non-circular stem portion aforesaid integrally formed withv the fiat body portion; an arcuate portion merging into said body portion; and a pointed portion formed on the free end of said arcuate portion.

5. The device set forth in claim 2 wherein the upper end of said metallic rod terminates in a horizontally disposed portion extending radially outwardly into constant contact relationship with said manually rotatable means for supporting said plug member.

6. The device set forth in claim 2 wherein the indicator bar slidably mounted in the knob portion of said casing terminates at its upper end in an enlargement of spherical configuration, at its lower end in a bottom horizontal edge, and wherein said lower end portion is recessed to provide a horizontally disposed edge portionat a predetermined distance above the said bottom edge.

7. The'device set forth in claim 2 wherein the manually rotatable means for supporting a plug member adapted. to receive the socket on the free end of a spark plug wire and to maintain a constant conductive relation between said plug and said metallic rod comprises: an annular band of metallic material to which said plug is rigidly attached, and a peripheral groove provided in the knob section of said casing wherein said band is mounted for rotation.

8. The device set forth in claim 2 wherein the said externally threaded lower end portion of the tubular member which'is not enclosed by said casing member provides means for attaching thereto a selected adapter of the character described, whereby said deVice may be mounted on an internal combustion engine in lieu of a spark plug removed therefrom.

GEORGE B. TIPPETT.

REFERENCES CITED" UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Kreisel l Jan, 10, 1928 Number

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