US3639788A - High-impedance power for engine ignition and exhaust-system particulate removal - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention discloses unitary assemblies employing novel means for generation, via ferroelectrics, of timed engineignition impulses and of high-impedance impulses for removing particulate pollutants entrained in exhaust gases.

Description

- United States Patent 1151 3,639,788

Horan 51 Feb. 1, 1972 HIGH-IMPEDANCE POWER FOR 3,101,420 8/1963 l-lufford et al.

ENGINE IGNITION AND EXHAUST- 3,208,443 9/1965. Hurwitz SYSTEM PARTICULATE REMOVAL 3,211,949 9/1965 Slaymaker et al.

3,332,409 7/1967 Hoover [72] lnventor. JohnJ.lloran,W1llowGrove,Pa. 19090 3389275 6/1968 Brothers u 221 Filed: Mar.ll, 1970 3,539,841 11/1970 Riff .310/s.7x 211 AppLNo; 18,419

Primary Examiner-J. D. Miller 1 Assistant Examiner-Mark O. Budd [52] U.S.Cl ..310/8.l, 123/1148 BA, 315/55, Y

317/79 [51] Int. Cl. ..II01V 7/00 57 ABSTRACT [58] Field ofSearch ..3l0/8,8.l,8.3,8.7;3l7/79,

317/81, 624.14; 123/ 148 BA; 315/55, 209; This invention discloses unitary assemblies employing novel 313/128, 142, 143, 144 means for generation, via ferroelectrics, of timed engine-ignition impulses and of high-impedance impulses for removing [56] References Cited particulate pollutants entrained in exhaust gases.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 64 Claims, 55 Drawing Figures 2,856,564 10/1958 Derwin "31018.7 ux

24J.16O 1301?- GOP 9R 1 1 J 127R EglBJ PATENTED FEB were saw our 12 m @009 @m M wvov :v

, wvwm mm" mm 0W. 6 w

mam Mm vm mmvmmm Aav r A m I PATENTEDFEB nave 3.639788 SHEEI 030! 12 m: 295: 5: Eb mwv 6w HIGH-IMPEDANCE POWER FOR ENGINE IGNITION AND EXHAUST-SYSTEM PAR'IICIILA'IE REMOVAL RELATED APPLICATIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The first patent listed above, among other disclosures, introduced the concept of piston timing of piezoelectric ignition systems. In the next, new means for stressing the transducer were introduced. In the third, I provided further stressing ar rangements for limiting and controlling the application of force to the element and added further advances in the art of piston timing.

In the Background and Summary of the copending application,the shortcomings of the prior arts in both magnetic and ferroelectric ignition systems were discussed. Most ignition systems derive high-impedance energy in a highly wasteful manner by interrupting inductive circuits. Usually they consist of a group of interacting assemblies connected by wiring. Both the wiring interconnections and the many mechanical and electrical parts render them highly vulnerable to failure, especially in the presence of dust or moisture or when exposed to temperature extremesThey are limited in cyclic rate by the decreasing margin of time available for building up coil voltage between successive discharge impulses. Attempts to develop ferroelectric systems have not succeeded in displacing any magnetic systems in current engine manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In this and the copending application, Iolfer new ferroelectric systems that overcome prior difficulties in single and multicylinder ignitionsystems and have the additional capability of serving as power supplies for electrostatic particle separation from exhaust systems. In addition to the almost total elimination of mechanical friction achieved by the bucklingcolumn mechanisms, I have introduced arc-submergence and electronic means for switching with greater energy-efliciency and reliability. I have also found and shown that one of the chief causes of failure of ferroelectric ignition systems has been the failure to recognize that the recovery impulse is an increment of high-impedance energy that must be delivered into a suitably matched load. Either open circuiting or short circuiting of this impulse in the manner of prior workers can result only in the kinds of capricious behavior that have prevented the adoption of ferroelectric ignition systems to date.

I have noted that catalytic combustors designed for completion of combustion of gaseous products exhausted by the engine are poisoned by particulates, which contain metals such as lead. The use of electrostatic particle collectors has been proposed. However, the cost of the kind of power supplies required for stepping up battery voltage to the level required by these devices is prohibitive. Fortunately, these ignition systems provide efticient energy conversion from mechanical to high-impedance electrical. Depending on various design parameters, either the squeeze or the recovery impulse of the transducers can provide the high-impedance output for ignition and either one may charge the particle collector. Thus, none of the high-impedance energy developed by the transducers needs to be wasted.

While mechanical energy may be stored in any elastic member, it is most easily handled by the buckling columns because of their simplicity, load-limiting behavior, lowmechanical friction, and well oriented motions that they provide for timely actuation of ancillaries. Energy-delivery contacts, if simply mounted on elastic members, would arc prematurely as do ordinary series gaps, so all air and moisture should be excluded from gaps and switch points. Dielectric baths delay arcing and permit quick reduction of series impedance between transducer and spark-plug gap. Sott" vacuums are also far superior to air; but their deionization time is often appreciable. Hard" or high vacuums best resist premature breakdown and provide the most efi'icient reduction in impedance.

The overall output impedance, including series resistance and switching and timing means, as well as the spark-plug gap, must remain at maximum until the instant when a spark is desired, when the total impedance must fall to a level barely above that of the spark gap. The piston-switching means in the above patents did this but required modification of the spark plug and piston.

The principal new matter in this continuation in part relates to the enclosure of mechanisms suitable for firing multicylinder engines, together with the necessary rectifiers and switching means in vacuo. FIGS. 36-53 are new.

The apparatus described herein will coact with ordinary spark plugs without piston activation. The sudden changes in load impedance are accomplished in phase with cam motion, the switching of the impedance level being accomplished herein via various mechanical, electrical, and mechanoelectrical triggering means.

The unitary assemblies disclosed herein for firing both single-cylinder and multicylinder engines may be easily installed or removed and can be mounted in whole on appropriate test apparatus. They can be coupled to appropriate cams or shafts having suitably phased motion. They will function in the wettest or diniest environments where conventional mechanisms BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Because the drawings are oriented primarily toward clarity of graphic presentation, the parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a sectional elevation of one form of the piezoelectric ignition control system employing a buckling column for energy storage and switching; and

FIG. 2 is a view from above of the principal portion thereof.

FIG. 3 is a sectional elevation of a variation of FIG. I, in which the column serves to switch the firing voltage without itself being in the circuit; and

FIG. 3A is a structural variation of the column of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation of a form of the invention disclosing a dual-phase dielectric and in which the switching is done on the ground-retum side of the system, the release pulse being discharged via a load; and

FIG. 5 is a partly sectioned endwise view.

FIG. 6 is a sectional elevation of a variation upon FIG. 4 wherein the release pulse is dissipated via a lamp.

FIG. 7 is a sectional elevation of a variation upon the ground-circuit switching devices seen in FIGS. 4 through 6.

FIG. 8 is a sectional elevation employing rectifier means for leading off the release pulse, a plural-phase dielectric, and a variation upon the hot-line switching devices of FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 9 is a sectional elevation illustrating alternative switching means and FIG. 10 is a partly sectioned end view of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. I1 is a sectional elevation of a form of the invention having rectifiers paired back to back against a pole of the terroelectric; and

FIGS. 12 and 12A are alternative schematic diagrams thereto pertaining.

FIGS. .13 and 14 are a sectional elevation-and a circuit diagram of a form usinga rectifier-for carrying off the release charge and having a triggered spark gap for delivering the ignition pulse. II I I f FIGS. Hand 16 are 7 gram of aform like that of FIGS. l3 and 14, except that a triga sectional elevation and a circuit diagered flash tube is used instead of a spark gap.

no. 155 resembles FIG. except for the rm that the control ortrigger electrode of the tube is physically movable. I FIG. I7 is a fonn that uses a lever in a dielectric medium in 'pl aceo f thebuckling column but electrically resembles FIGS. '1 and 3; and itmight alternativelyxesemble FIGS. 4 and 7 I ,electrically with rerouting ofthe connections.

FIG; I8is a'form that uses a lever in a dielectric medium but electrically resembles FIG.8. If the arm touched a spark gap,

f it would resemble FIGS. 13 and 14 electrically. It could resem- -.ble FIGS. 15 and 16 electrically with a further change from.

I spark gap to triggered flash tube or could resemble FIG. 11 electrically if a rectifier is provided and switching is modified.

FIG. 19 is a simplification of FIG.:18, eliminating switching and dielectric fluid atsomecost in performance.

I FIGS. ;20 and 2lare alternative schematic representations ofFIG.19. j h FIG. 22 is a further simplification of FIG. 8, now eliminating the rectifier; and

FIG. 23 isa schematicrepresentation of FIG. 22, while FIG.

I 24 shows the pattern. of camexcursion most desirable with nos. 22 and 23;

FIGS. 25 and. 26'are, jrespectively, a sectional elevation and a schematic of a unitary ferroelectric ignition apparatus embodying a rectifier and atriggered spark gap. I I I FIGS.;27 and 28 are, respectively, a sectional elevation and I a schematic of a unitary ferroelectric ignition apparatus I ,1 resembling that of theprior figures b'ut employing a flash tube. I FIG. 29 continues the trend of the figures immediately preceding with a schematic diagram of an ignition apparatus I employing a'high-voltage thyratron. I

1 FIG'. 30 carries thedesign trend further with a schematic diagram of a similar apparatus employing a high-vacuum or har "tubes I FIGS. 31 and 32 are, respectively, a sectional view and a 'schematic pursuing the design trend ofthe six preceding 1 figures except that a special ki'ndof high-voltage diode is used.

FIG. 33 combines a detail of a magnetically timed variation of the'ferroelectric ignition apparatus with a schematic of the complementaryfiring circuit.

i FIG; 34 illustrates a further magneticallytimed variation of .anignitionapparatus: e 1 II z I FIG. 35 is a schematic illustrationbf a form of grid control I I for. a ferroelectric ignition apparatus.

} FIG. 36 is a sectional elevation of an apparatus like that of FIG. 8 but modified to enable the mechanism to be contained v in a vacuum instead of a dielectric fluid.

FIG. 37 is a sectional elevation of a multicylinder version of piezoelectric ignition system, the switching mechanism again functioning in a high vacuum, and I I FIG. 38 is a transverse section therethrough.

FIG. 39 is'a sectional elevation of another multicylinder version employing a metallic housing instead of the glass one of a FIG. 37. I

I FIG. 40 is a sectional elevation of another multicylinder version in which the transducers themselves are enabled to be placed outside the evacuated housing.

FIG. 41 is a'sectional elevation of another multicylinder version, in which all switching is performed by a nutating member, the transducers again being outside theevacuated glass housing.

FIG. 42 is a sectional elevation of a fifth multicylinder ver- I sion, again with an evacuated glass housing and external transducersf I .FIGS. 43 and 44 are, respectively, a sectional elevation and a transverse cross section of a sixth multicylinder version,

again in glass and with external transducers, but with ignition- I impulse switching performed electronically.

FIGS. 45 through 48 are, respectively, an elevation of a multicylinder version with an evscuated metallic chamber and external transducers, firing-impulse switching again being,

electronic;

' FIG. 46 is a'transverse view of the control-grid arrangement.

on the nutating plate; 7

FIG. 47 is a circuit diagram for an 8-cylinder version; and

FIG. 48 shows analtemative circuit for a 4'-cylinder system. I

FIG. 49 is a sectional" elevation of a multicylinder ignitionsystem in an evacuated metallic housing, with enclosed electronic switching, rectifiers, and transducers.

FIG. 50 is a schematic diagram of a single-cylinder version having polarity-inversion, capacitor-storage, and I impulse combination features. 1 I I FIG. 51 is a schematic-of high-impedance single-element system in which both output polarities are electronically switched into separate loads.

FIG. 52 is a schematic ofa 'system resembling that of FIG. I 52 except that two transducers are arrangedin mechanical se- I ries and electrical parallel.

FIG. v53 is a schematicofa system the impulse is delivered to aload suchas'an electrostatic precipitator I I without switching, only the recovery irnii'tilge bej swi h d tofireasparkplugf DESCRIPTION FTI-IE EMBODIMENTS I Referring now 1, there is seen a unitaryIigniti on system wherein element 21, preferably a cylinder of a high- I dynamic-strain'type of ferroelectric, such as is represented by the PZT-4 formulation of polarized lead titanate zirconat'e,

conductors 30 and 31 to the inside wall of forms the major part of the housing. Buckling column 35 not only transmits to 35'it fits into'a pocket in the-insulating ceramicplug 40, which hasa very slight venting groove'4l to permit reciprocal mo-,

tion thereof in the liquid dielectric-'42 with which tube 34 is filled-When the clearance is ample or the fluid is compressible no groove is needed. A wide variety of dielectric fluids 42 is available. These include the silicones, liquid or dual-phase.

etc. Pushrod 47 I hydrocarbons and fluorocarbons, reciprocates in an axial opening in shaft adapter 45 and is sealed by O-ring 46. Shaft adapter45 is retained in tube 34 by I U-pin 56. The surfaces of cam 48 are lubricated by tiny oil I vents 99, drilled axially and transversely through shaft 37 and communicating with the extraneous engine. When cam 48 rotates against the end of pushrod 47, column 35 first compresses switch 32, then delivers the compressive load via base portion 27 to ferroelectricelement 21', which,-

develops a high voltage between its face electrodes 22 and 23. The polarity of the voltage is the same as that of its original polarizing voltage which was impressed during manufacture. The element will function just as well if his turned end-forend, reversing the output polarity. When compressed, switch 32 flattens, lifting finger 33 off the tube wall 34, thus unshorting ferroelectric 21 so. that'it may developand hold a hi gh firing voltage under axial compression. Guide plate 36, which does not carry the column load, maintains alignment of II column 35 and finger 33 and may be 'of ceramic or plastic.

the piezoelectric via base portion 27' the compressive'force it receives from"- push rod 47 but also servesas aconductor forthe electrical I charge that will be' delivered by piezoelectric element 21in I response'to that force. The source of energy is cam 48cm;- toured-into shaft 37. At the right or camming end of column For a column having an oblong cross section, as column 35 preferably does, the transverse deflection under axial load will be parallel to the short sides of its cross section and may be consistently predetermined in direction by various means, including the imposition of very slight, perhaps invisible, bend, kink, or other asymmetry anywhere along its length, by angling one or both of its end surfaces, etc. As cam 48 rotation proceeds toward maximum interference and compression and column 35 bottoms" at its left end, it begins to buckle in the middle as its load arrives at and exceeds the ordinary columner load values. The midpoint contact 58 of column 35 moves upwardly under the influence of asymmetry built into the column in the direction of ignition contact 59, which communicates, via insulated 60 wire 61 conductor, with the middle electrode of spark plug 63. 1nsulation60 is formulated of an elastomer that is resistant to heat and to attack by hydrocarbon solvents.

Since the left electrode 22 of element 21 communicates with ground via end block 26, tube 34, and either shaft adapter 45 and shaft 37 or screw 53 or an optional ground strap, the engine casting 65 continuously holds the ground electrode of spark plug 63 at ground potential. Thus, the making of contact between the midpoint 58 of column 35 and contact 59, which is a function of the phasing of cam 48'with the system axis, times the firing of spark plug 63.

In this first embodiment, the dielectric fluid 42 is the hydrocarbon engine fuel, which may enter tube 34 via conduit adapter 50. It departs via conduit adapter 51 on its way to the carburetor. These identical adapters have been sweat-sob dered in place over tube 34. Thus any products of decomposition of the dielectric, caused by possible slight arcing at switch 32, finger 33, or contacts 58 and 59 are continuously flushed away via circulation of the fuel supply into the engine. The volume of any such products would be so exceedingly small that it might not be detectable by careful filtration. Danger of fuel explosion is absent once the tube 34 has been filled with fuel to the exclusion of air. If desired, tube 34 may be incorporated into the bottom of the fuel tank or into the carburetor, perhaps as the float tank, together with means for preventing accidental draining or a warning label with necessary instructions.

in FIG. 2, the rotation of cam 48 is seen to be clockwise. Therefore, counterclockwise rotation of tube 34 about cam 48 advances spark timing. The desired setting may be retained by tightening screw 53 at the outward end, with indicator point 54 positioned in the desired relationship to scale 55. Counterclockwise rotation of an appropriately designed cam will produce a similar effect.

Although wire conductor 61 may be conventionally terminated at the end of insulating cable 60 to slip onto the top of spark plug 63, the system is illustrated with a sealing elastomeric grip sleeve 68 for waterproofing the connection. Further protection may be gained by tightening clamp 69 over sleeve 68. By protecting the plug in this manner, and providing for engine breathing in the manners illustrated in the abovementioned patents for wet engines, protection may be gained against immersion even in vigorously turbulent saline water. Where not immersed, sleeve 68, if used, would need to be made of a high-temperature elastomer.

Sawtooth cam 48 permits rapid release of pressure upon the ferroelectric 21 so that the full value of the weaker relaxation impulse, which as an opposed polarity, normally appears at the spark-plug electrodes while densecombustion and heavy ionization still remain in the engine cylinder, keeping the zone electrically conductive and able to drain off the secondary pulse while it is being generated. Roller cam followers, though normally advantageous, tend to modify cam kinematics and delay the release pulse, which, if used up in the combustion chamber, will get the system ready for another cycle but will otherwise interfere with subsequent cycles. The release pulse might be carried off via the ferroelectric itself, since it is not a good insulator, or by leakage elsewhere in the system during the relatively slow engine-starting cycles; but, for maximum reliability, both the squeeze and release mechanical cycles are best followed by immediate and virtually complete electrical discharge.

The conductivity of the ferroelectric may be increased further so that it will self-discharge between cycles and this will be done in another embodiment. However, at very low speeds and during manual starting, such a self-discharge property may be detrimental in that it may cause excessive energy to be robbed from the squeeze pulse, especially at higher temperatures, since the conductivity usually increases with tem perature. Conversely, at maximum engine speeds and loads, the release pulse may not have enough time to drain completely, reducing the value of the squeeze pulse and possibly causing the engine to miss.

In this embodiment, the column 35-cam 48 relationship is such that, when the ignition pulse is switched into conductor 61, the dropofl portion of the cam contour then releases the compression load from column 35, which relaxes, allowing finger 33 of switch 32 to reestablish contact between conductor 31 and tube 34, and thus short circuit the release charge. Again, the dielectric fluid enables holding switch clearances at a minimum and keeping the assembly small.

As in most of the cases to follow, cam 48 and its shaft 37, or only the cam, may be designed to be an integral part of the ignition apparatus or alternatively of the engine.

The shape and structure of the column and of the tube, or counterstructure, make it economical to shield the entire ignition system against electromagnetic radiation during switching and discharge, as well as to exclude dust and moisture, the enemies of all ignition systems; and they further make it more convenient than ever to couple the ignition system with sparkadvance controls and with shutoff means that operate by delivering the spark out of phase with the engine.

Referring now to FIG. 3, certain approaches alternative to those just seen will be observed. Element 21 is contained within insulating ceramic cylinder 77. The prestressed oil-can V type of shorting switch 32A bridges temporarily between the fired-on conductive coating 31A, which covers the end of ceramic insulating plate 24, and column 35A. Column 35A is guided at the left by guide 36A and it has a pin 25 for holding switch 32A in place.

At the right, column 35A is sealed by O-ring 46A in shaft adapter 47A, which is secured to tube 34A by U-pin 56A. As the pressure in Column 35A builds up because of relative rotation of cam 48A on shaft 37A against cam follower 49A borne on the end of column 35A, the switch 32A flattens, disconnecting itself from conductor means 31A and thus disconnecting electrode 23 of element 21 from grounded column 35A. Wire conductor 64A, soldered on the underside of ceramic plate 24 to conductor 31A, leads upwardly into chamber 94. Hot-line conductor 61A travels to the center electrode of spark plug 63 (omitted here).

Grounded column 35A has arm 72 spotwelded to it near the left end; and arm 72 in turn carries at its tip insulated contactor 71. When column 35A buckles, contactor 71 bridges between the aforesaid conductors 64A and 61A, delivering the ungrounded firing potential to the spark plug. As in the prior instance, the grounded side is continuous via end plug 26A, tube 34A, etc.

Timing adjuster 73, whose portion is responsive to the r.p.m. of the engine, via a governor or other auxiliary device well known to the art, may be moved perpendicular to the plane of the paper in order to advance or retard the timing.

FIG. 3 discloses another departure that is equally applicable to other embodiments herein. This is the use of a two-phase dielectric fluid, 42A, 142. Certain fluorocarbons and hydrocarbons, for example, boil at much lower temperatures than do silicones and other fluids generally used for removing heat from electronic equipment. In these fluids the transition to vapor, 142 occurs well below the decomposition temperature and often below the boiling point of water. This fact permits such equipment to benefit from what is known as ebullient cooling, that is, by boiling, there being generally sharp in- I ni. new1. q aser srmin syste s the ver e.

' lm yn a d s mvq s position is ca bqmlw ic maybe partlyjn a conductive f v7 creases, in, theenthalpy offluids passing to, the ,vapor phase142 '(i.e:, steamvs; water); The fact that the dielectric strength of certain of the relatively inert fluorocarbons remains at a useful level in the vapor phase accounts for thebracticability of the ebullientcoolingprocess in electronic equipment. do not vlhe rinz l protection per sc. Wcscck ,1 rather, to control en- ;ii nings io wc cmploy tluidsol high-dielectric strength in "a. 'sn synf h, n tcnt atgr qi sw caus P ficiently small. Eventhough the duration and the amount of current, andthus the total energy,'are' very small; the intensity fas ls m o r attlmavsry n n eninn fliqfln 'Pl t q na e i piednc spfdsc mbn at dna fa c mpanies flieqb ti nn Passes 9.53 en i e f l-, h 9ug =.thenpit e ,as -l nd2J5 neanswe stol h pr lem-C ra ienbfflsisi b henthnn tne s n the m m ne b t via i n al nenirsula ng filt rs sanqthe -twit ihe aid. of-yibralie mums filte s 55- mad tofl a ,bend dn-p a e fine iel t in ns ha l pe -sel p yu than f tmor e en if al- -,lnuesi qflnat nund nt e mg l mit Sia-nqi-hfilfa Placingthe ,foatn where. mechanical motion tends to circulate fluid is "a practical expedient-Thus, the veryfact that column-35A tends .to buckle causesthe fluid to acquire; motion, Since. the fluid possesses, inertia, i t;- ;tends- .to resist;.-such .motiom. and while being displaced acquires kinetic energy of motion, thus forcing some circulation relativetdfilteFISSSwliether the filter is q el ch impur ie email e ene a ed b wins w l drain d n nt e sensin ta e e n v t a d fie n x w th n th chamber and along'its walls, instead of remaining supported in Pari ian- 1Andnthezpn s nce twnn as assures flmtt 10mm might dispe se o ctiv zpa t cles nwa s rph e d ele qw pts t e y w: ro etof q r ul o and. w h ng-means, wh effect mayabe further, enhancedby ,foam filter 155 or otherporousparticlenpinsinwan i it er ed rm a i here New? e fet i t dsfiwh ntaiu no carbon- Other requirements are that the ,liquidsnot ionize-under any anticipatable conditions ,and .that; they notnreact gchemically with thecontacts or with ,other-materials-in the: chamber. They mustnotfidecomposetinto ,metallieior, other conductive particles; Preferably they should be ,nontoxiq;nonflammable; and incapable ofsupportin ombustionybutideal properties may not beachievable.

FltlLLiA isillustrative of .thefact that atwide range of strucv tural variations: of;v nonlinear force-transmission members .is

tram conductoi'78i 1' 1 possible. The slender reedrswitch extension72 'of member 35A has an' excursionthat-is not n'ecessarily in direct proportion to column deflection-i. If the contacts it may touch-are "movement is limited by their presence; but the-excursi'onfdf thermiddle ofithe column need n'ot besignificantlyafiectedP I 1,: Referring now,to*F|G: 4-; electrode-22' ofi'ferroelectric 21 faces conductive coating ,76,':=which has been fired onto' insu t latingceramic' cnd plug 58. The conductive pathle'ads via'c'ontductor-75, firedonto the exterionwalloi insulating" ceramic cylinder 77810 conducto'r' l8 on the' interi'orwallbf elongated insulating cylinder 79, which may be of ceramic or plastic.

Conductoh78 is i; interrupted at midle'ngth of cylinder 79,

where contacts 43mm 44* a'reslightly-separated. "Opposite them is "insulated-V08: shorting contact 718 "oh' coluin'ri lis B, the remainder of int rruptea-eanduaar' 78' th'ereafier leading to cylinder "34B.-= Ih'ese conductors aregenerally glazedsilver .frits which have beenfired onto the ceramics at elevated temperature; ILess-expen'sively coated 'plastics may used whatever' they are not located in'a high-force'zone.

lThe ceramic 24B=betweencolumri35B and electrode 23 of the elemental is quitefdifi'i'ent from the plain insulating plate-24' seen i'n th'e prior figu 'f Body '24B"is*made of a' lossy barium titanatecapa'ci't'or-type materia so'ith here ISbdth capacitance and-resistive leakage between-its opposite c itductors' 3'lBnand 83. Swit'ch' fingr33B short 'circuits'conductors 83 and -78 to ground via column 358 whentlie'coluriiifis not 'loaded.-When*cam 488 on shaft 37B applies aloadJto tweet thefcolunin and conductors and- 18" is imam-limes by the 'flatt'e'iiing'pf the disc-pom g H switch-32B and the consequent detach'rn nto mg 3313 *Since electrode 123 is 'always incommu cation 'With theunjgrounded center electrodepf 'eittran eous s ark plug 63 "(iiot shown), via cOndu'cto'rsBIB andKIB'inin'su r1608; when colur'rin 35B buckles 'in the pide't e'rmineddi ction oftlie row, with insulated 70B contact "7 lBshdiitihi to ground th'e midwayinterruption of conductor 78, column 35B again times the rk na unst nqf i s Pha -wi a 48,13"

In the end view','FlG; '5, it is seen that scale SSH-maybe engraved on the movable ignitionasystem rather than 'onfth stationary engineasheretofore.:1 s c 1,: s a eferring now to FIG. 6, there is seen an ign tion system wherein the columnBSC is continuously ;in::circuit iwith the side ,otT .ferroelectric;v 2,1 :WhiCh Will5beC0mei grounded when columnGSQbuckles so muc h in-the direction of the arrow that its'contact 58C completes contacrwithrcontact otjtiming adjusterJSC; Column: 35C is restrained laterally at itsl'eft end 1 by ceramic guide 36C1and-at its right by :ceramic plug- '40 in shaft adapter45C-rs-iv J; vi

Tin'iingcontacte59ccmay be moved radiallyinward int'o the tube'LMCtoadva'nce the-spark timing as'a-functionof the displacement to thez-rightaof the adjuster finger 54C: -There".is a stop; positionzon ithe:ssparloadvancetvindicator scale- 556, wherein." the contact-590isret'arded by camming beyond the reach of bucklingicolu'mnBSCpasIimited by the radial excursion of cam 48C. Engihes*mayalsd be stopped by simply re tarding or advancing'the spark muchthat 't'is badly out of phase with pistonrpositio 1 The'aleft-endelect'rode 2 of element, tinuouslyiin series'with s'park plug'63 (not'tshowii) via conduc tor 618. It is also seen thatl as long as column 35Cis not under loadand switch SZCisriot compressed by it; theeletnntzlis shunted via finger SBC intoneon-lamp 92,- through whi'ch all release-pulses will be almost completely discharged down to a relatively negligible extinction: value.'- When-"- column 35C is loaded, finger 33C parts contact with bulb 92. Thus, most of the rele'ase pulse energyi passes' into an energy-dissipating device, in this'casethe bulb 92,'and is unavailable for arcing in thexdielectric flll. The maintenance of low-arcing potentials withinwthe fluid-reduces contamination by carbon as-miter breakdown products' and enhances longevity of fluid 42B.

I The lossy capacitor 248 of FIG. 4 and the neon tube of FIG. 6 are each examples of energy dissipating means, simple resisters and inductors also having value, provided that they are not afiorded sufficient time in circuit to steal much energy from the squeeze pulse. Outside exposure of the tip of lamp 92, as seen in FIG. 6, may aid diagnosis of possible failures of system components. Except for the fact that the ground circuit is switched by column 35C, the structure of FIG. 6 bears some similarity to that of FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the mechanical termination of this system at the right includes a bolting flange 95 and an O-ringsealed 46D projecting end 87 of column 35D. The conductive path from the left electrode 22 of ferroelectric 21 moves to the right in the manner of FIG. 4 via electrode means 76D and conductors 75D and 78D along inner wall of insulating cylinder 79D to contact 43D opposite the midpoint contact 580 of grounded column 35D. The right electrode 23 communicates with conductor 31D.

In the absence of columnar force, spring switch 32D short circuits the release charge of ferroelectric 21 via conductors 75D, 78D, 30D, and 31D. High pressure in column 35D fiattens and opens switch 32D. It also isolates column 35D from direct communication with electrodes 22 and 23. As the grounded column becomes more heavily loaded and then begins to buckle in the direction of the arrow, its center contact 58 receives from contact 43D for delivery to ground the potential now existing at the left electrode 22 of element 21, causing the spark plug at the remote terminus (not shown) of conductor 61D to fire. Spark may be advanced or retarded by moving the assembly toward or away respectively from the approach to the end 87 of column 35D of an extraneous camming means.

Referring now to FIG. 8, column 35E is grounded at its right end and isolated electrically at its left end. It is pennanently sealed at the right by flexible metallic diaphragm 160, which is welded to both column 35E and the inner end surface of hous- I ing 34E. The right end of column 35E is seated within and is guided by roller-type cam follower 49E, which in turn moves in a hole in block 161 under the action of cam 48E. Contact 71E at column midpoint is insulated by layer 70E beneath it. Contact 71E joins conductors 64B and 6113 via contacts 43F. and 44E when column 35E buckles under load.

There is no release switch in this embodiment. Instead, there is an encapsulated diode rectifier stack 105 having a very high-peak reverse voltage (PRV or PIV) characteristic, preferably on the order of about 25 kilovolts.

It was stated above in connection with another embodiment that the polarity orientation of the ferroelectric 21 was uncritical, as it is when the device is switched mechanically. That is still true of the version of FIG. 8. However, the rectifier polarity here should be so oriented with that of the ferroelectric 21 that the forward-current path of the rectifier will accommodate the energy of the release impulse but will block electrical energy transmission during the squeeze portion of the cycle.

The series of diodes that make up the stack rectifier 105 have a uniformly small conductive cross section area in order that rectifier 105 will have a very low-current capacity. It is not that a low-forward current capacity is particularly desired, although the energy transmitted is minute; it is that every reasonable precaution must be taken to keep the normal reverse-current conductivity at a minimum because of the relatively slow rate at which the high-firing voltage builds up in the ferroelectric 21 and because the firing energy itself is so small. Other things being equal, rectifiers able to conduct large values of forward current are generally less able to hold back some flow of reverse current.

Although it may be desirable that the individual diodes in rectifier stack 105 also be designed to have a low-initial transient reverse current, such as may result from the storage of minority carriers in the junction zones of the diodes and the necessity for sweeping them out, this appears to be of less consequence than the normal reverse current because, during the sweepout time, the voltage across ferroelectric 21 will not yet normally have been built up high enough to force much reverse current through the stack.

In FIG. 8 and some of the other subsequent figures, the use of rectifiers and other means either in place of or in addition to switching contacts reduces the amount of energy available for arcing and generating conductive impurities in the dielectric fluid. But FIG. 8 goes further in the effort to endow these systems with longevity. It departs from the single-chamber two-phase system of FIG. 3, replacing it with a two-phase system which is substantially a vapor-phase 142 system in the switching compartment within tube 345. It carries the liquid phase 42A stored in the rechargeable lower antechamber 122 that is cut into block 121. Communication between compartments is via port 123. Leakproof welded diaphragm assures against exchange of atmospheres which might otherwise be produced via the slight pumping action of O-ring seals. Diaphragm construction is, of course, also applicable to the other embodiments herein.

Refen'ing now to FIGS. 9 and 10, although the column still delivers the force to ferroelectric element 21, it is not called upon to do the switching. Camshaft 37F is a part of this embodiment, being packed 46F against leakage and keyed 111 to be driven externally of an engine, to which it may be secured by suitable clamping means. Column 35F is prevented from moving laterally of the cam in a direction transverse to the paper by a pair of roll pins 112, the lower of which appears in the section drawing.

The square shanked portion 113 of shaft 37F below upper bearing 115 keys the grounded switch contactor 116 to shunt both contact fingers 117, 118, as seen in the drawing, and alternately once each revolution to ground the upper one 117.

Grounding both at an appropriate instant while column 35F is unstressed short circuits the release charge developed in the ferroelectric 21. Grounding only contact finger 117, which leads from the right electrode 23 of the element 21, an appreciable part of a revolution later, as, for example, 180, when the column 35F shall have become nearly fully bowed, completes the ignition firing circuit, since the left electrode 22 of the element 21 is continuously in circuit, via conductor wire 61F, with the middle electrode of spark plug 63 (not shown).

As seen in the phantom lines at the lower center of FIG. 9, the buckling column might again alternatively have been employed as in FIG. 5 to close the ignition circuit instead of using projection 119 and finger 117 for this purpose.

Referring now to FIGS. 11, 12, and 12A, the latter two are nearly identical schematic representations of FIG. 11. They differ only in that the polarity arrangement of the ferroelectric 21 in FIG. 12A is opposite from that of FIG. 12; so the polarities of rectifiers 105 and are reversed between the schematics. Rectifier 105, seen in prior FIG. 8, is employed here in an identical manner. The distributed resistance in rectifier 105 and the conductors may again, as in FIG. 8, be augmented by other energy-dissipation means, including such as were shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 (24B and 92 respectively). This resistance is lumped as R-I on the right of FIGS. 12 and 12A. The same is true of subsequent figures in which release-charge energy may be dissipated in conductors of small cross section or in discrete components included in the system.

Composite column 356 has a plurality of component members, all tending to bow outwardly a more or less equal amount at any given overload. Electrical contact is completed at only one point, however, via contact 58G.

Column 356 is tipped with an O-ring-sealed 46G roller cam follower 496. Contact 58G triggers the discharge when it establishes a through connection via contact 596 between rectifier 125 and ground, represented by tubular housing 346. Again in the ground line, as in other figures herein, there will be more distributed resistance, which is lumped here as R-2.

at the instantwhen switch 586, 59G is closed to complete the firing circuit into spark .plug 63. Since the release charge apferentiation between the functions of the rectifiers is not intended to deny the of a common rectifiertype having characteristics high enough and well enough balanced for use in both applications. a

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, rectifier 105 is again employed todivert and dissipate the release-chargeof element 21, while barring the flow of squeeze energy. It is connected between the junction-of right hand electrode 23 andconductor 31H, to the latter of which its lead is soldered at 57,,and ground at the right. The distinctive novelty here is the' triggered spark gap 135, which has a trigger electrode 138 in addition to gap electrodes 136 and 137, either of which can be oriented toward the element 21.1These spark gap electrodes are hidden in FIG. 13,only thecontact 59H, and terminals 140 and 141 leading to the respective electrodesbeing visible.

1 Energization of the trigger electrode 138 by the highsqueeze voltage of ferroelectric 21 causes 'an initial flow of current between that electrode and the one of opposite polarity, the ground side in this case. The resultant ionization which is localized causes the firing pulse to make the transit between the principal electrodes 136 and 137. A small-wattage resistor 139 or asufficient-value of distributed resistance in the conductors, including column 35H, is in series with the trigger column 35H to perform its switching function in air, particularly if dust can be prevented from settling on a shunting path. I-Iowever, even inthis case, I prefer theperformance obtainable with fluid dielectrics. v I

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, which likewise contain high-voltage rectifier 105 aligned to block squeeze pulses ac-' cumulating in ferroelectric 21 and to conduct release pulses,

flash tube 127, preferably is of the elongated path type having a high-voltage arcovervalue, such as is seen in sparsely filled gas tubes. It has a third or trigger electrode 130 in addition to is, therefore, initially short-circuited electrically via plug 149,

lever 144, and contact 134.

When pin 145 lifts lever 144 of contact 134, the short circuit is removed from element 21, whose last prior release charge had been drained to ground thereby. When lever-144 has advanced inwardly through the fluid42 until cam 147 has fully squeezed element 21 via plug 149, insulated 70K contact 71K completes the circuit from grounded element 21 via conductor 64K'and contact 43km contact 44K and conductor 61K, leading to center contact 62 of the spark plug (not shown) to ignite the mixture in the combustion chamber. 7

Although advance and retard :controlscan be built in elsewhere, pin ,145 itself may be moved either \vay,,via its own, thread, to advance or retard the spark. Plug 150, sealed by 0- ring 151, has its outersurface threaded for adjustment of squeeze via ceramic disc 38Lof. the ferroelectric 21 at the right end of FIG. 17. It will be seen that this unitary ignition system is electrically similar to FIGS. 1 and 3. It would be electrically similar to FIGS. 4 and 7 if the interruption closedby the lever were between the ferroelectric21 and ground, as, for example, if the lever arm 144 were insulated from an ungrounded ferroelectric and if an insulated contact on the advancing lever arm were to ground the element.

Referring now to FIG. .18, the lever-powered system resembles that of FIG. 8 electrically','with the same rectifier 105 similarly situated so as to block squeeze pulses. Rectifier 105 is in series between grounded tube 34L and contact 43L, as revealed by dotted-line interconnections. As in FIG. 17, contact 43L, at the end of I squeeze motion by lever 144L, is directed via insulated 70L contact 71L to discharge element 21 into spark plug 63 (not shown) via conductor 61L.

This system can be converted to one electrically analogous to that of FIGS. 13 and 14 if contact 70L is'made totouch the trigger electrode of a' spark gap.- It can be converted in the manner of FIGS. 15 and 16 if contact 70L completes circuit into the trigger electrode of a flash tube having a high-voltage arcover value. or it'could become electrically similar to that of FIG. 11, plus either FIG. 12 or 12A, provided that rectifier 125 is similarly wired in and if contact 70L ismade to close I the circuit from rectifier 125'to ground as do contacts 58G principal electrodes 128 and 129 that are concealed within the a tube 127. The trigger electrode 130 need not necessarily be contained within the gas chamber itself. When it is located outside the glass envelope, as here, the current flow via contact 58] and trigger electrode 130 is negligible and there is a minimum of contact arcing. If desired, fluid may be dispensed 'with. The tube needs a deionization orrecovery period after firing sufficiently brief to prevent'premature conduction of the next subsequent impulse, even at high-engine speeds. Porous filter 1551 is squeezed by deflection of column 35], promoting limited cyclic circulation of fluid 42.! therethrough.

FIG. 15A difi'ers from FIG. 15 primarily in that trigger elec- .trode 178-is movable. Of semicylindrical contour and having ing ferroelectrics heretofore, but without accomplishing the ends of this disclosure. Dielectric fluid 42 is a circulating hydrocarbon fuel, as in FIGS. 1 and .2, sealed in via O-ring 46K, located'in an opening in housing 34K that admits ad-' justable threaded actuator pin 145. Pin 145 moves reciprocably in the direction of the arrow in'response to an exand 59G in FIG. 11. Generally speaking, most of the electrical circuits shown herein to be feasible with buckling column systems can be derived via levers and other devices for acquiring mechanical advantage. Thisfact does not negate the advantages characteristic of buckling column systems. I

Referring now to FIGS. 19, 20, and 21, it is seen that, whereas FIG. 8 was a constructive elaboration upon preceding forms for performance improvement, a reversal of the elaboration trend may have some merit in certain applications where cost saving is paramount. Certain numerals in these figures now bear M suffixes instead of the letter E" that was used to distinguish parts that had been modified for use in FIG. 8. In every case the M suffix indicates that the changes in the details were direct consequences of the simplification made here.

- In this form, the high-voltage rectifier 10s remains in the system. However, the fluid dielectric and the switch are dispensed with. This change involves a distinct reversal of relationship among the ferroelectric 21, the rectifier and the cam 488. The reversal may be especially noted in FIG. 20, wherein the anode-cathode orientation of the rectifier is reversed'so that it will be continuously conductive during the compression of element 21, the squeeze pulse thereby being completely drained. It is seen in an alternative form in FIG. 21, wherein the relationship between element 21 and rectifier is the same as in FIG. 20, buttheir common relationship to ground and to the center electrode 62 of spark plug 63 is now reversed also.

The effect is that the squeeze pulse no longer appears at the spark plug 63; but the release impulse does. Firing now occurs later in the cam cycle, after dropoff, making it necessary to rephase engine and cam. The energy available for firing the spark plug is much less than when the squeeze pulse is utilized. The reduction in energy available at the spark plug may result in a lesser firing reliability, particularly under marginal conditions, unless certain steps toward compensation are taken.

:Column 35E may be stiffened to increase the load on the ferroelectric so as to increase both squeeze-pulse and releasepulse energy. Along with the heavier column cam 48E may be given a greater rise and the diameter of the element and its length both may be increased to utilize the greater squeeze force without overstressing the element. Such changes will im-. pose a still greater workload on rectifier stack 105, which will already bear the increased electrical and thermal burdens of disposing of the stronger squeeze impulse. Such resistors as may be in series with rectifier 105 for handling waste power will likewise carry a heavier load. Thus, the conducting areas of the individual diodes in diode stack 105 must be greater for equivalent life. More energy will be wasted and more heat must be disposed of.

Because the potential developed during compression release is less than that of compression, the peak inverse voltage (PIV) requirement upon rectifier 105 will be lessened only if the gross polarizing potential has not been increased, though this is unlikely, because the element will probably have to be longer and thus require a higher polarization voltage so as to lift the release-pulse amplitude to the voltage level of the squeeze potentials utilized in other embodiments.

The fact that, when shorted or shunted, a ferroelectric has a lesser effective Young's modulus during compression than when open-circuited means that the element, size for size, will offer a less stiff reaction to the column during compression but will itself be mechanically stiffer during release by virtue of the effective open-circuiting of the diode stack. One might then expect it to develop a greater release impulse in a shorter interval than heretofore. This system requires that the element have maximum quality and minimum lossines's.

Because even the best ferroelectrics have some conductivity and, therefore, sufier some power loss via self-shunting, the elastic recovery of column 35M and element 21 must not be impeded. One stop might be the elimination of roller cam follower 49E in favor of a flat-ended or sharp-edged bottom surface of the column (as in FIG.22), so that the stress transition in the column will take place with maximum abruptness. Such a change will increase rubbing wear rates of column and cam and may require harder and more expensive alloys, finish, and heat treatment, together with first-quality, continuous lubrica tion Before the advent of the buckling-column principle, which is far less critical dimensionally and less wasteful of energy than were the former high-friction, high-wear-rate,

lever and wedge systems, use of the compression release characteristic of the element would have greatly magnified the problems in way of reliability and longevity. The cam 48E in FIG. 19 retains the sawtooth contour skin to those seen in plan in FIGS. 2 and 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 22, 23, and 24, there is a further simplification marked by further important though small changes in some of the retained parts, which, when modified for this embodiment, now carry the suffix N. There being now no longer a rectifier, element 21 needs a means, illustrated in FIG. 23 as resistance I39N for enabling discharge of the slowly built squeeze voltage while squeeze is increasing. Resistance 139N may be a discrete resistor or its value may be distributed. It is shunted between electrodes 22 and 23 and has a value just sufficient to keep element 2lN discharging at a rate equal to that of input of squeeze energy. Resistance I39N might preferably be a shunt resistance value built into a lossy transducer 21N, were it not for the fact that lossy elements are much more susceptible to self-overheating and selfdestruction at high-engine r.p.m. There is greater likelihood at high r.p.m. that a partial charge will remain on element 2lN when the cam dropofi' point is encountered, causing precancellation of all or part of the release charge.

Full discharge of the squeeze impulse becomes easier to assure, especially. when the engine has a wide speed range, if the cam, instead of having the simple sawtooth contour seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, has the pattern defined in FIG. 24, in which, after compression tenninates its rise at C, the extended flat between C and A gives the element some time for discharge of its squeeze charge, prior to the instant of cam fall-off, designated as A-A. A speedy release, maximized by the elimination of former roller cam follower 49E, now enables fastest possible generation of a maximumJevel release impulse, with the least possible time for resistance 139N to rob some of the release energy being generated.

Through the cam may have a vertical dropofi as shown, the elastic recovery of column 35N and element 21N still take a little time; but the very low inertia of the slender column and its tendency to jump when released enables the still element 21N to recover its uncompressedlength the more quickly. Thus, if cheapness is the governing consideration, as in toys and toy engines, the system of FIGS. 22 and 23 will be the lightest in weight and cost the least, while still being functionable.

As in most other cases herein, cam 48E may, at choice, be incorporated either as part of the voltage generating apparatus or as a part of theextraneous engine.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, rectifier is again engaged in blocking the transmission therethrough of electrical energy generated by piezoelectric 21 during the squeeze pulse but it will shunt all release half-cycle impulses through itself and through any otherresistive means that may be in series with it.

The principal electrodes 140] and 141? of high-voltage spark gap device form terminals of an ionizable gap in series between the ferroelectric 21 and spark plug 63. Electrode i is directly connected to the center electrode 62 of spark plug 63, while the other principal electrode 141? has the potential associated with electrode 23 of the ferroelectric. With current-limiting resistor I39? interposed between electrode 23 of the ferroelectric and the trigger electrode 59? of the spark gap device 135?, the potential at electrode 59F differs from the voltage-magnitudes associated with the other two electrodes thereof under most conditions of energy flow, even the slightest. Thus, there is no need for a mechanical triggering switch associated with column 35], since at the calibrated column load value, trigger electrode 59? can promote local ionization with respect to one or both of the principal electrodes 140F and 141?, following which the breakdown spreads through the gap between the principal electrodes and becomes general, without the waste of energy that would occur in a simple-series gap.

Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, there is shown a unitary ignition system closely resembling the triggered flash device of FIGS. 15 and 16. The difference lies in the omission of trigger electrode switch contacts and the substitution therefor of a permanent connection to a trigger electrode from the ground side of the circuit, though, alternatively, the trigger electrode may lead from the hot side. A current-limiting resistor 139R is shown inserted between ground and the trigger electrode. Ordinarily a resistor will not be required unless the trigger electrode 130R actually projects through the glass envelope. More than likely in such a case, other detail design parameters would need to be changed in order to keep the tube from flashing over prematurely into conduction at a lower voltage. In the case portrayed, the resistor has slight effect.

As indicated in the summary, it is desirable that there be a way of preventing the trigger electrode, when paralleled with one of the principal electrodes, from carrying current to the virtual exclusion of the other. In the case of the flashlamp, locating the trigger electrode outside the envelope constitutes a highly effective barrier to current flow. In a case of this type the trigger electrode may have an effect that is, largely capacitive and efi'ective primarily because of the precipitously changing waveform in the output of the ferroelectric. However, if the trigger electrode has good conductive access to the ionized plasma, the use of auxiliary means for restricting elec-

Claims (63)

1. Apparatus for generating and timing the delivery of highvoltage impulses to an extraneous high-impedance load, said apparatus comprising: a stiff ferroelectric transducer having high-electrical and mechanical impedance, said transducer being polarized to generate said impulses between opposite electrical poles thereof when subjected to cyclically applied compressive forces between opposing surfaces thereof; a pair of mutually insulated output conductive paths for such delivery, said paths each being adapted for an electrical communication link between a respective one of said poles and said load; a mechanism, including a reaction member and a force member, for transmittal of said forces against said surfaces, said mechanism being aligned for coaction with an extraneous input source of mechanical energy, said force member being configured and aligned to deform elastically and to store energy therein when said force is being transmitted therethrough, the mechanical strain in said transducer being primarily a function of the compressive force delivered thereto rather than of the type of deformation occurring in said force member; and switch means interposed in one of said paths in series with said load, said switch means being aligned for conductive closure in response to elastic deformation of said force member.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1, including also high-voltage polarity-discriminating and high-impedance electrical energy dissipating means for diversion of reverse-polarity electrical energy generated in said transducer.

3. An apparatus as in claim 1, including also an auxiliary member of said mechanism constituting part of said switch means, said auxiliary member being movably responsive to deformation of said force member for conductively actuating said switch means.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1, said switch means being an electron device having a pair of transmitting electrodes separated by a barrier means.

5. An apparatus as in claim 4, one of said electrodes having been processed to promote electron emission therefrom.

6. An apparatus as in claim 4, including also a control-electrode means for disabling said barrier upon the application thereto of an appropriate triggering stimulus, said force member being poised for alignment upon deformation thereof to force delivery of said stimulus.

7. An apparatus as in claim 4, said electron device including a switching aid that it normally nonconductive and interposed to isolate one of said electrodes, said aid being poised for conductive actuation thereof responsive to elastic deflection of said force member.

8. An apparatus as in claim 7, said isolated electrode being a control electrode.

9. An apparatus as in claim 8, including also a high-value resistance interposed between said control electrode and one of said transmitting electrodes.

10. An apparatus as in claim 9, said one transmitting electrode being a cathode.

11. An apparatus as in claim 1, said force member being subject to elastic compression in the direction of force transmission therethrough.

12. An apparatus as in claim 11, said force member being subject to flexure during transmission therethrough of said compressive forces between opposing surfaces of said transducer.

13. An apparatus as in claim 12, said force member being configured as a column and being subject to elastic lateral buckling thEreof during axial transmission of said forces therethrough.

14. An apparatus as in claim 13, the lateral flexure of said column being greater in magnitude than the axial compressive yield thereof when said force has risen to the value that enables said transducer to generate said impulse.

15. An apparatus as in claim 11, said force member having an elastic, nonlinear deformation characteristic for limiting the compressive force directionally transmissible therethrough against said transducer.

16. An apparatus as in claim 15, the ratio of force to deflection of said force member decreasing as the force being transmitted therethrough increases toward a level appropriate for generation of said impulse.

17. An apparatus as in claim 1, said force member being normally isolated electrically from said transducer poles.

18. An apparatus as in claim 17, said force member being conductively linked to one of said poles during said delivery.

19. An apparatus as in claim 1, said force member being continuously linked conductively to an electrode of said transducer.

20. An apparatus as in claim 1, at least a yielding portion of said force member being housed within a sealed enclosure, said switch means also being enclosed therein. 21, An apparatus as in claim 20, said force member being located inside said enclosure.

22. An apparatus as in claim 21 said force member being aligned to receive external force via a wall of said enclosure said wall also being subject to yielding under said force.

23. An apparatus as in claim 20, said enclosure being subject to elastic yielding of a wall thereof under an externally applied mechanical force, said yielding being aligned and coacting with the elastic yielding of said force member.

24. An apparatus as in claim 20, a wall of said enclosure intervening between said force member and said transducer.

25. An apparatus as in claim 20, said transducer also being positioned within said enclosure.

26. An apparatus as in claim 20, the space within said enclosure having been conditioned in contact to have a dielectric-breakdown strength much higher than that of the atmosphere.

27. An apparatus as in claim 26, said space being occupied by a dielectric fluid having average density and molecular weight significantly higher than the corresponding properties of air.

28. An apparatus as in claim 27, the fluid in said enclosure being at least predominantly in liquid phase.

29. An apparatus as in claim 27, the fluid in said enclosure being at least predominantly in vapor phase.

30. An apparatus as in claim 27, said enclosure having inlet and outlet ports for circulation therethrough of said fluid.

31. An apparatus as in claim 20, said enclosure having been evacuated to a low contained gas pressure.

32. An apparatus as in claim 20, said enclosure having been evacuated to a high vacuum.

33. An apparatus as in claim 20, said enclosure including metallic shield means in way of escape therefrom of electromagnetic radiation.

34. An apparatus as in claim 20, said enclosure constituting part of said reaction member.

35. An apparatus as in claim 20, said reaction member forming an enclosure for said force member and transducer.

36. An apparatus as in claim 1, one of said paths including a control electrode and a pair of spaced transmitting electrodes, said transmitting electrodes being blocked from conducting by an intervening energy barrier, the magnitude of said energy barrier being susceptible to variation responsive to relative motion of said force member.

37. An apparatus as in claim 1, one of said paths including a control electrode and a pair of transmitting electrodes, said transmitting electrodes being blocked from conducting by an intervening energy barrier, the interaction between said control electrode and at least one of said transmitting Electrodes being responsive to relative motion of said force member.

38. An apparatus as in claim 37, the position of at least one of said electrodes being responsive to the deformation of said force member.

39. An apparatus as in claim 37, at least one of said electrodes being supported upon said force member.

40. An apparatus as in claim 37, the electrostatic potential upon at least one of said electrodes being responsive to the deformation of said force member.

41. An apparatus as in claim 37, part of the energy received by an electrode arriving via a magnetic medium.

42. An apparatus as in claim 37, including also mechanical switching means responsive to motion of said force member for electrically linking an electrode to said transducer.

43. An apparatus as in claim 1, the mechanical response of said transducer to said forces being generally independent of the deformation contour assumed by said force member.

44. An apparatus as in claim 1, including also means for inversion of electrical energy generated at opposite polarity by said transducer during cyclical release of said compressive forces and for in-phase combination of said inverted energy with said impulses.

45. An apparatus as in claim 44, including: rectifier means aligned to divert electrical energy of said opposite polarity from delivery, capacitor means for storing diverted electrical energy, and switching means aligned to couple said stored energy into said impulses in polarity orientation therewith.

46. An apparatus as in claim 45, said stored energy being injected via at least one electrode for triggering discharge of said impulses.

47. An apparatus as in claim 1 said switch means being in electrical series with said load.

48. An apparatus as in claim 47, including means for time-phasing adjustment of conductive closure of said switch means.

49. An apparatus as in claim 1, said load including an electrostatic precipitator adapted for particulate removal from the exhaust system of the engine supplying said energy.

50. An apparatus as in claim 2, said means including an electrostatic precipitator adapted for particulate removal from the exhaust system of the engine supplying said energy.

51. Apparatus for generating and timing the delivery of high-voltage impulses to extraneous high-impedance loading means, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of ferroelectric transducers polarized to generate said impulses between opposite electrical poles thereof when subjected to cyclically applied compressive forces between opposing surfaces thereof; respective conductor means for delivery of said impulses from said poles to said loading means; mechanical support structure for reacting respective surfaces of said transducers against said forces; forcing means configured and aligned for deforming elastically and storing energy therein when force is being transmitted therethrough to respective transducers, at least a deflecting portion of said forcing means being contained within a sealed enclosure; and switching means conductively responsive to deflection of said portion and also contained within said enclosure, said switching means being respectively interposed in said conductor means in series with said transducers.

52. An apparatus as in claim 51, said enclosure having been evacuated to a high vacuum.

53. An apparatus as in claim 51, wherein the forcing means comprises individual components for each respective transducer, said components being arrayed for deflection in continuous sequence by an extraneous energy source characterized by relative movement in a predictable path.

54. An apparatus as in claim 51, wherein the sequence of impulse delivery is enabled by the motion of an auxiliary member, said motion being responsive to sequential motion of said components.

55. An apparatus as in claim 52, said switching means being In accordance with claim 6.

56. The combination of apparatus as in claim 51 and energy dissipation means in accordance with claim 2.

57. An apparatus as in claim 52, said enclosure including also an enabling switching means for completing an electrical connection to said apparatus, and electrical communication means thereinto for enabling remote control of said connection.

58. The combination of a plurality of apparatus in accordance with claim 1, the force members thereof being in a sealed enclosure, said force members being arrayed for deflection in continuous sequence by an extraneous energy source characterized by relative movement within a predictable path.

59. The combination in accordance with claims 32 and 58.

60. The combination in accordance with claims 6, 32, and 58.

61. The combination in accordance with claims 7, 32, and 58.

62. The combination of claim 61, including also a high-impedance electrical energy dissipating means for diversion of electrical energy not delivered as part of said impulses.

63. An apparatus as in claim 60, including also a member responsive with nutating motion to energy supplied by said source., said last member being an electrode support.

64. An apparatus as in claim 58, including also a member responsive with nutating motion to energy supplied by said source, said last member including a switching aid for diverting impulses of opposite polarity from delivery to said load.

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