Beam-controlled ignition
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• An infra-red lamp and photo-electric cell replace the conventional type of cam-operated contact-breaker mechanism in an ignition system that was demonstrated at the Motor Show by the Autocar Electrical Equipment Co. Ltd., 77/85 Newington Causeway, London. 8E1. The system is produced by a subsidiary concern, Lumenition Ltd. of the same address.
Coil output is controlled by a series of three transistors to which infra-red light is beamed division, Norwich; northern division. Wakefield; body repair depot, Manor Park. Bonallack Vehicles Ltd.: vehicle sales division, contract hire division, Forest Gate; Bonallack and Sons Ltd remains the major company, with head office at Basildon. from the cell through a segmented rotor driven at camshaft speed. When the beam is broken by a segment, a high voltage current is produced by the coil in the normal way. The infrared lamp and cell are assembled in a sealed unit in the distributor.
It is claimed that spark energy is uniform at all speeds, which is of special importance with regard to air pollution because it reduces the likelihood of misfiring. As there are no wearing parts the system is maintenance free, and other claimed advantages include freedom from damage from reversed polarity or earthing of the coil terminals. Its first cost would be low if it were produced in quantity.