Abstract: A method for preparing a non-thermal plasma reactor substrate includes disposing electrical vias on green stage first and second ceramic plates; filling the electrical vias with conductive material; and forming electrical contact via cover pads; disposing conductive material on the first ceramic plate to form an electrode plate having a main electrode portion and a terminal lead for electrically connecting the main electrode portion to the electrical vias; laminating the electrode plate and the second ceramic plate together, embedding the electrode therebetween; co-firing the plates to form a laminated co-fired embedded-conductor element; stacking a plurality of the laminated co-fired embedded-conductor elements to form a multi-cell stack, the filled electrical vias aligning in the stack to provide an electrical bus for connecting alternating elements in the stack; and disposing spacers with matching vias and via cover pads between adjacent pairs of elements to form exhaust gas passages.

Abstract: A method for preparing a non-thermal plasma reactor substrate includes disposing electrical vias on green stage first and second ceramic plates; filling the electrical vias with conductive material; and forming electrical contact via cover pads; disposing conductive material on the first ceramic plate to form an electrode plate having a main electrode portion and a terminal lead for electrically connecting the main electrode portion to the electrical vias; laminating the electrode plate and the second ceramic plate together, embedding the electrode therebetween; co-firing the plates to form a laminated co-fired embedded-conductor element; stacking a plurality of the laminated co-fired embedded-conductor elements to form a multi-cell stack, the filled electrical vias aligning in the stack to provide an electrical bus for connecting alternating elements in the stack; and disposing spacers with matching vias and via cover pads between adjacent pairs of elements to form exhaust gas passages.

Abstract: A glow sensor provides functions of both a diesel engine glow plug and an ion sensor for sensing engine combustion initiation and characteristics. A ceramic flat plate glow sensor element is carried by a tubular ceramic sleeve and insulating material in a metal shell. The element includes a ceramic flat plate having a glow tip, on an inner end with a heating element on one side and an ion sensor electrode on the other printed in electrically conductive ink. Printed conductors on both sides connect the heating element and ion sensor with an outer end of the glow sensor element for connection with an electric power source. An insulating coating protects the heating element and conductors from exposure to combustion gases. Various flat plate mounting embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A glow sensor provides functions of both a diesel engine glow plug for aiding fuel ignition during starting and low temperature operation and an ion sensor for sensing engine combustion initiation and characteristics. Compact glow sensor components may be assembled directly in combination with an engine combustion chamber defining component, such as a cylinder head, to provide a combination in which separate housings or shells for the glow sensors are not needed. Thus, the glow sensor elements and insulation may be made larger to provide greater electrical resistance in the ion sensor electrical circuit and enhance the operation of the ion sensor function. Various forms of glow sensors may optionally be used in such a combination including, for example, metal sheath type glow sensors with either isolated or non-isolated coils and ceramic rod or flat plate type glow sensors. Exemplary embodiments of glow sensor components mounted in a cylinder head are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an oval shaped catalytic converter that reduces the amount of material and number of parts that are required for permitting the catalytic converter to treat the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine and also improves the structural durability of the converter for high temperature applications by maintaining a higher mat density along the minor axis of the converter housing.