The low tension winding of the ordinary type of magneto is short-circuited by a breaker which opens at certain points of each revolution with the result that a high voltage is generated across the high tension winding at the moment of the break, and a spark produced across the spark gap in the cylinder to which it is connected. The quality of this spark, or in other words the heat value, depends among other factors upon the particular position of the armature in relation to the magnetic field at the moment the spark is produced. As the armature in this type of magneto is in a favorable position for obtaining a spark twice every revolution, two sparks can be obtained per revolution. The timing of the spark is accomplished by opening the breaker earlier or later, by shifting the breaker housing naturally with the unavoidable result that if the position of the magnetic field remains stationary, the relative position between armature and field at the moment of the break must vary. Since, however, as explained above, the quality of the spark depends upon this relative position, it is apparent that a good spark, can, with a stationary magnetic field, be produced only at one particular timing. [Illustration: Fig. 111. Side Elevation of “Mea” Magneto, Showing the Magnets, and Cradle in Which the Magneto Swings When Advanced and Retarded. ] [Illustration: Fig. 112. Longitudinal Section of “Mea” High Tension Magneto. ] The result of these conditions are known to everybody familiar with automobiles. They are the difficulty of cranking a motor on one of the average high tension magnetos, if the spark is fully retarded, and of operating the motor on the magneto at very low speed, particularly when it is overloaded, as for example, in hill climbing. Attempts have therefore been made to obtain the spark, independent of the timing, always at the same favorable position of the armature. The distinct innovation and improvement incorporated in the Mea magneto consists in bell shaped magnets (Fig. 111) placed horizontally and in the same axis with the armature, instead of the customary horse-shoe magnets placed at right angle to the armature.