Jacob's and IONs

[Shannen Durphey]

This is a patent for a Jacobs ignition system.
http://www.patents.ibm.com/cgi-bin/viewpat.cmd/3827418

I've watched the Jacobs spark patterns on an automotive scope, and
they are similar to an MSD multi-spark system.  I'm not one to trust
manufacturer's promotional literature.  Is there anyone here that can
give me a rough translation of this (Jacobs) system with respect to
mfgr's claims "senses when the flame goes out, and restrikes the
plug"?  How would this system react to detonation?

Shannen