Abstract: A ceramic article is disclosed. The article is composed of from 6 to 50 percent of particulate ZrO.sub.2 having an ultimate particle size less than 2 .mu.m, from 50 to 94 percent of particulate Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, from 1/4 to 3 percent of MnO.sub.2 and from 1/4 to 3 percent of TiO.sub.2.

Abstract: A semi-conducting ceramic is disclosed. The ceramic consists essentially of from 50 percent to 72 percent of silicon carbide particles, from 25 percent to 47 percent of silicon nitride particles and a modified silicon oxynitride glass bonded to the silicon carbide particles and bonding the silicon nitride particles together.An improvement in a method for producing an article which comprises silicon carbide particles dispersed in a matrix is also disclosed. The method includes the step of firing or sintering the article to convert the matrix to a densified ceramic with the formation of a liquid phase. The improvement involves embedding the article, prior to firing, in a cover material which contains powdered silicon and maintaining a nitrogen or an inert atmosphere in contact with the cover material during firing. The amount of silicon in the cover material and the composition of the atmosphere are such that the silicon carbide particles are protected against oxidation.

Abstract: An improved high voltage igniter connector for aircraft applications. An insulator projecting from the cable connector extends into a tubular insulator in the igniter. An electrical contact at the free end of the connector insulator is urged into contact with a center electrode terminal in the igniter. A resilient annular first seal is formed between the connector and an end of the igniter insulator. A resilient annular second seal is located between the connector insulator and the interior wall of the igniter insulator near the free end of the connector insulator to increase resistance to flashover at the connector.

Abstract: A method for producing a sintered reaction bonded silicon nitride ceramic reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers is disclosed. The method comprises mixing powdered silicon having an average particle size not greater than 5 .mu.m with from 3 to 7 percent each of MgO and CeO.sub.2 and from 10 to 35 percent of silicon carbide whiskers, from 15 to 50 percent of silicon nitride or from 10 to 35 percent of silicon carbide whiskers and from 15 to 50 percent of silicon nitride, pressing a shape from the resulting mixture, and heating the shape in a nitrogen atmosphere at a pressure of about 1 atmosphere absolute. The MgO and CeO.sub.2 serve as sintering aids. Other suitable sintering aids include 2 to 8 percent of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, 6 percent of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 and 2 percent of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 2 to 8 percent of MgO, BeO, HfO.sub.2 or ZrO.sub.2 and 1 to 5 percent of CaO.

Abstract: Electrically semi-conducting and conducting open celled ceramic networks and methods for producing them are disclosed. The ceramic network is formed by impregnating an organic foam material with a semi-conducting or conducting ceramic composition, and firing the impregnated material to burn out the foam and to vitrify the ceramic. The semi-conducting or conducting ceramic composition may comprise, on a solids basis, from 45 to 80 percent of a lead-free ceramic frit, from 5 to 15 percent of mono aluminum phosphate, from 6 to 45 percent of a silicone resin, from 0.2 to 13.2 percent of a conducting carbon compound, and an organic solvent or water in an amount sufficient to form a dispersion having a viscosity ranging from 300 to 3000 centipoises, and, in the latter case, from 0.5 to 7 percent of a detergent.

Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing a spark plug electrode having a substrate formed from a first metal and a spark gap surface area formed from a second metal, such as a precious metal. The spark gap surface area is formed by heating the portion of the first metal at which the spark gap surface is to be formed with a plasma arc and applying the second metal as a consumable welding electrode, cooling the first metal and the applied second metal, and, optionally, shaping the second metal to form a desired surface configuration.

Abstract: A wear indicator for an igniter of the type having a center electrode, an annular ground electrode surrounding the center electrode, and a spark gap between the electrodes extending along a surface of a ceramic material. An annular wear indicating groove is formed in the ground electrode to indicate when the ground electrode is sufficiently eroded to necessitate replacement of the igniter. For a low voltage igniter the ceramic material at the spark gap is a semiconductor material which also is subject to erosion during use. A wear indicating groove also may be formed on the center electrode at a location which becomes exposed to indicate when the semiconductor material is sufficiently eroded to necessitate replacement of the igniter.

Abstract: A package structure is disclosed. The structure comprises a lid and a base, both of a flexible material which is relatively reistant to elongation and compression. The lid and the base are movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The lid has a central, substantially planar lid panel, and lid channel means which is integral with, and extends about a major portion of the periphery of, the lid panel. The base has a generally flat base panel, and a stepped base wall which is integral with, and extends completely around the periphery of, the base panel. When the lid and the base are in a closed position, the channel means and the step of the stepped base wall abut one another. The structure also includes a base insert adjacent the base panel, interior of said stepped wall. The insert is sufficiently stiff and extends into sufficiently close proximity with opposed portions of the base that it is operable to strengthen the base against flexing.

Abstract: A spark igniter is disclosed. The igniter comprises a metal shell having a firing end which terminates at its lower end in an annular ground electrode, an insulator, a center electrode and a plurality of inserts embedded within and bonded to the metal shell. The insulator is sealed within the metal shell and has a central bore within which the center electrode is sealed and a surface extending inwardly toward the bore from the ground electrode. The center electrode has a firing end which is in spark gap relation with the ground electrode of the metal shell and is so positioned that a spark discharge between the firing end and the ground electrode occurs along the inwardly extending surface of the insulator. The inserts are composed of an oxidation and erosion resistant material, for example iridium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, tungsten or an alloy or ductile alloy of one of the foregoing metals.

Abstract: A ceramic consisting essentially of from 1 to 15 percent of glass and 99 to 85 percent of a mixture of particulate Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and particulate ZrO.sub.2 is disclosed. ZrO.sub.2 is present in a sufficient amount, usually from 1/4 to 6 percent based on the weight of the ZrO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, to strengthen the ceramic significantly, by comparison with an otherwise identical ceramic where the particulate ZrO.sub.2 is replaced either by the glass or by particulate Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. The glass constitutes a vitreous phase bonding the particulates into a dense, gas impervious structure, and can be a calcium magnesium silicate glass containing from 45 to 80 percent of SiO.sub.2, from 8 to 55 percent of CaO and MgO, and not more than 15 percent of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: A paint cup assembly for a suction feed paint spray gun having an improved drip free vent. An annular groove forming a tortuous vent passage in the lid is covered by a gasket which seals the lid to the paint cup. Removal of the gasket provides access to the vent passage for cleaning. In a modified embodiment, a valve is provided selecting either a direct vent passage or a tortuous drip free vent passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique mobile outdoor display cabinet which can be utilized, for example, to store and display automotive replacement parts at service stations. The display cabinet includes an open ended container adapted to contain a supply of the goods to be displayed, and a cover pivotally attached to the container for closing the open end of the container. The cover is counterweighted to stabilize and maintain the cover in either a closed position or an open position. The container includes a stop surface for limiting the pivotal movement of the cover in one direction to define the open position. In accordance with the present invention, the cover is provided with a panel section which, when the cover is in the open position, is spaced above and extends over the open end of the container to shelter the open end and protect the interior of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a compressor and a motor on an air receiving tank. One end of a compressor base is provided with legs which rest on the top of the tank and an opposite end of the compressor base is provided with a tongue which is connected to an adaptor on the tank. Preferably, the adaptor is a check valve which is threaded into a tank opening. The motor is attached to the compressor base adjacent the legs for pivoting towards and away from the compressor to maintain tension on a drive belt interconnecting the motor and the compressor. An optional ratchet mechanism restricts the motor to pivoting only away from the compressor to maintain a minimum tension on the drive belt.

Abstract: An improved control to establish ignition timing in a spark ignited internal combustion engine near optimum efficiency without knock and/or anomalous combustion. The control operates in response to a detected ion and charged particle current in the engine exhaust and to timing pulses from the engine. When the engine is operating under steady state conditions and retarded from the point of incipient knock and/or anomalous combustion, there is very little time change in the averaged exhaust current data. When incipient knock or anomalous combustion is approached, scatter in the averaged exhaust current data significantly increases. The detected scatter in the averaged exhaust current data is used to optimize engine operation for each combustion chamber.

Abstract: A ceramic consisting essentially of from 1 to 15 percent of glass and 99 to 85 percent of a mixture of particulate Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and particulate ZrO.sub.2 is disclosed. ZrO.sub.2 is present in a sufficient amount, usually from 1/4 to 6 percent based on the weight of the ZrO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, to strengthen the ceramic significantly, by comparison with an otherwise identical ceramic where the particulate ZrO.sub.2 is replaced either by the glass or by particulate Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. The glass constitutes a vitreous phase bonding the particulates into a dense, gas impervious structure, and can be a calcium magnesium silicate glass containing from 45 to 80 percent of SiO.sub.2, from 8 to 55 percent of CaO and MgO, and not more than 15 percent of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.