Patent ID: 6334418
Filing Date: 2002-01-01
Classification: F02M,Y02T

Abstract:
A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder having therein a respective spark plug having a pair of electrodes and a respective piston, the piston in each cylinder moving axially in a stroke, the stroke having a top position proximal to the respective electrodes and a bottom piston distal from the respective electrodes, the internal combustion engine using a petroleum based fuel having a flash point of at least 5Â° F., the method comprising the steps of:providing a control means attached to the engine, the control means controlling the energizing of the electrodes in the spark plugs wherein the electrodes are energized on a continuous basis or on an intermittent basis, the control means further controlling the introduction of fuel into the cylinders, energizing the electrodes of all of the spark plugs continuously by the control means until the electrodes are heated to a temperature greater than the flash point of the fuel, introducing fuel into the respective cylinders by the control means when the respective piston is approximately at the top of the stroke such that the fuel ignites and forces the respective piston to the bottom of the stroke, wherein the engine is started, energizing the electrodes of the respective spark plugs intermittently by the control means on a timing basis, introducing fuel into the respective cylinders by the control means, wherein the fuel in the respective cylinders is ignited by the intermittent firing of the electrodes to operate the engine, and wherein the fuel is continued to be introduced into the respective cylinders in a desired sequence and the respective electrodes are continued to be energized sequentially, and wherein the engine operates normally using the fuel.