Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laminated decorative wood drum shell with incorporated lugs having a smooth central cavity and the unique laminating process involved in the fabrication. A variety of hardwoods in varying colors and thickness will be use to construct the drum shell. Conventional threaded inserts will be inserted into the top and bottom of the lugs providing an attachment means for the top and bottom drum hoops or rims eliminating other attachment hardware while reducing the overall weight of the completed drum yet increasing both the structural integrity and durability, and enhancing the overall tonal quality of the drum. The top drumhead skin can be tightened separately from the bottom allowing for separate tuning of the heads.

Abstract: An embedded igniter for internal combustion engines consisting of a multiple ignition system with separate control for individual pairs of igniters that has been designed to replaces the spark plugs of internal combustion engines. This device allows for a more complete burn of the fuel/air mixture within the combustion chamber. The embedded igniter system will consist of one or more igniter units consisting of a pair of rectangular tantalum bars with iridium electrode pins at the ends. The paired igniter pins are encased in alumina ceramic, a high dielectric/high temperature housing positioned around the combustion chamber holding and insulating the electrodes relative to their position in reference to the combustion chamber. One or more igniter units may be incorporated around each cylinder opening of a head gasket made from a composite of polyamide, carbon fiber and copper or equivalent material or may be incorporated into an internal combustion engine that does not require a head gasket.