Patent ID: 6104143
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: F02P

Abstract:
A method for energizing an igniter plug for initiating combustion of a combustible material comprising the steps of:a) providing an energy source having a signal output;b) coupling the signal output from the energy source to first and second capacitors to charge the capacitors during a charging cycle, the first and second capacitors being charged to respective predetermined voltage magnitudes;c) coupling a voltage on one side of the first capacitor to an igniter plug electrode, said igniter plug providing a spark if the voltage at the igniter electrode exceeds an igniter plug threshold; andd) sensing the voltage on one of the first and second capacitors and in response to a sensing of a sufficient voltage on said one of the first and second capacitors, reversing a polarity of the voltage on said second capacitor to increase the voltage coupled to the igniter electrode to a level above the igniter threshold, the voltage level being greater than the predetermined respective voltage magnitudes of the first and second capacitors.