Abstract: A starting controller for a diesel engine. The controller has a microprocor that will provide a current to the glow plugs until they are heated to the desired operating temperature and will then distribute sequential pulses to the individual plugs until the engine reaches the desired operating temperature. The system can have a latching circuit that will prevent the preglow cycle from being reinitiated until the glow plugs have been allowed to cool to a level where reinitiation will not represent a substantial degrading effect on the glow plugs.

Abstract: A glow plug comprises a heating rod with an inner heater coil and optionally at least one control coil, the heating rod being insulated from the glow plug body and is provided with a plug-type or screw terminal for the power supply voltage. Furthermore, the terminal (4) has an electronic component (6), preferably a chip, with a terminal (7) connected to the power supply voltage, a terminal (8) connected to the glow tube (1.3) and a terminal (9) connected to the body (3). The electronic component (6) is designed as a control element for switching the functioning of the glow plug between a heating function and a sensing function for measuring the ion flow in the combustion space area in proximity to the heating rod (1).

Abstract: An integrated electronic starting control system module for diesel engines which provides unique packaging with integration of a multiplicity of features previously unavailable or available only in separate control modules. Integrated into one modular device are improved glow plug and starting system control, monitoring, protection, and diagnostic features.

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: This ceramic heater is increased in bulk density and decreased in production cost by using an unsintered composite as an unsintered filling member filled in a protective pipe without application thereto of a filling pressure while preventing a heating element from deteriorating. In this ceramic heater, the heating element capable of heating by flowing electricity therethrough is disposed in the protective pipe, which is filled with the unsintered composite. In the unsintered composite, inorganic compound particles are disposed between insulating ceramic particles. In this ceramic heater, the heating element is fixed to the inner wall surface of the protective pipe with a heat-resistant glass layer. The heat-resistant glass layer is partially penetrated into the unsintered composite. The open end portion of the protective pipe is hermetically sealed with a heat-resistant sealing member while allowing extension of lead wires from the end portion of the protective pipe.

Abstract: An electrically heatable glow plug for an internal combustion engine includes a corrosion-resistant metal jacket, a compressed powder filling contained therein, and an electrically conducting coil embedded in the filling. To increase the lifetime of the heating coil, a getter material for binding the oxygen contained in the compressed powder filling is provided. The getter material can be distributed in the form of electrically nonconducting particles in the compressed powder filling. The getter material can also be applied as a coating to the coil or to the inner surface of the metal jacket.

Abstract: A ceramic heater is composed of an insulating ceramic heater body, a metallic sleeve fitted onto the ceramic heater body, a resistance heating element formed of a metal or a nonmetallic material and embedded in the ceramic heater body, and electrode leads. The length of a portion of the resistance heating element located inside the metallic sleeve is set equal to or greater than the length of a portion of the resistance heating element located outside the metallic sleeve. The resistance heating element has a heating portion which has a resistance per unit length which is twice that of the remaining portion or greater. The heating portion has a length 30 to 100% the length of the portion of the resistance heating element located outside the metallic sleeve.

Abstract: A ceramic heater element and a glow plug incorporating the novel heater element. The heater element has a base portion and a heater portion. Conductive, insulative and resistive layers extend through both the base and heater portions. An outer conductive layer is applied to the outside of the base portion to provide a highly conductive return path. This tends to limit the heating of the resistive layer in the base portion and results in better and more reliable heat concentration in the heater portion. The heater element can be assembled to form a glow plug for a diesel engine.

Abstract: A glow plug shield centrally receives a glow plug which, typically, has a silicon nitride surface. The shield and plug are spaced radially from a fuel injector disposed centrally of a cylinder head. The shield and glow plug extend into a combustion chamber where the shield has an oblique end exposing the circumferential portion of the plug which faces the injector. This shield configuration protects the glow plug from cooling by inlet air, increases the residence time of air/fuel mixture around the plug, and improves flame propagation so that plug temperature and electrical power can be reduced to extend glow plug life. The shield has a coating exteriorly and interiorly covering the portion of the shield extended into the combustion chamber. The coating is of thermally insulating, high temperature resistant ceramic material and acts as a thermal barrier to further reduce glow plug cooling.

Abstract: A glow plug has a sheath heater, a heating coil and a control coil. The sheath heater has a sheath tube having a closed leading end. The heating coil is disposed adjacent to the leading end of a projection of the sheath tube beyond a main metal shell. The control coil is connected in series to the rear end of the heating coil and arranged to be heated by the heating coil to raise the electrical resistance to control the supply of electric power to the heating coil. The projection of the sheath tube has a substantially uniform outer diameter in the axial direction and the outer diameter is between 3.0 mm to 4.4 mm. Therefore, a temperature rising characteristic at the surface of the leading end of the sheath tube has a peak temperature TP in an initial stage of energization and saturates at a temperature not higher than the peak temperature TP.

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 sheathed type glow plug preheats the combustion chamber mixture of an auto-ignition internal combustion engine. The sheathed type glow plug comprises a ceramic heating apparatus; the resistance of the ceramic heating apparatus is increased by a reduction in cross section at the point which is most accessible to the combustion chamber mixture.

Abstract: A sheathed-element glow plug for placement in the combustion chamber of an air-compressing internal combustion engine includes a sheath, a connector element for the glow current, and a tube secured in the sheath sealed at its end facing away from the sheath. A wire filament arrangement is embedded in insulating material within the part of the tube which protrudes from the sheath. The tube functions as a glow pencil. The sheath is manufactured using a first part, a second part, and an intermediate piece. The length of the intermediate piece is adjusted depending on the desired length of the sheathed-element glow plug.

Abstract: An electrically heatable glow plug for an internal combustion engine includes a corrosion-resistant metal jacket, a compressed powder filling contained therein, and an electrically conducting coil embedded in the filling. To increase the lifetime of the heating coil, a getter material for binding the oxygen contained in the compressed powder filling is provided. The getter material can be distributed in the form of electrically nonconducting particles in the compressed powder filling. The getter material can also be applied as a coating to the coil or to the inner surface of the metal jacket.

Abstract: A heater main body (300) obtained by connecting one-side ends (331, 341) of lead-out tungsten wires (33, 34) having a metal deposit (301), e.g., silver, to the ends (321, 322) of a U-shaped heating resistor (32) is embedded in a ceramic powder. The powder containing the heater main body (300) embedded therein is press-molded into a given shape and then sintered by hot pressing to thereby obtain a ceramic heating element (3) in which the other ends (332, 342) of the lead-out wires are exposed on the surface of the resultant sintered body.

Abstract: An electronic control system and a device is disclosed proving improved control and diagnostics of glow plugs as are typically energized in diesel engines prior to and during cold start and also during engine warmup, especially for motor vehicles under human operator control.

Abstract: A ceramic glow plug (A) is constituted by a metallic sheath (1); a cylindrical main metallic shell (2) having a holding part (21) which holds a rear part (11); an ceramic heating element (3) fitted into the metallic sheath (1) and obtained by connecting one-side ends (331, 341) of lead-out wires (33, 34) respectively to the ends (321, 322) of a heating resistor (32) to obtain a heater main body, embedding the heater main body in a ceramic powder, and hot-pressing and sintering the powder; a terminal electrode (4) inserted into the cylindrical main metallic shell (2) on its rear end side and insulated therefrom; and lead coils (51, 52) connected to the lead-out wires (33, 34) in such a manner that one-side ends of the coils (51, 52) are brazed respectively to those areas of the lead-out wires (33, 34) which are exposed on the bake surface with a high-purity silver-based brazing material and the other ends thereof are electrically connected respectively to the cylindrical main metallic shell (2) and the termina

Abstract: A glow plug includes a housing. A main body is at least partially disposed in the housing. The main body is supported with respect to the housing. A support member is included in the main body. A heating member is provided in the support member. A pair of lead wires are electrically connected to two ends of the heating member respectively. The lead wires extend out of the support member. An ion sensing electrode provided in the support member is operative for detecting a condition of ionization in a flame. The ion sensing electrode is buried in the support member to be prevented from being exposed to the flame.

Abstract: A glow plug includes a housing. A main body is at least partially disposed in the housing. The main body is supported with respect to the housing. An insulating member is included in the main body. A heating member is provided in the insulating member. A pair of lead wires are electrically connected to two ends of the heating member respectively. The lead wires extend out of the insulating member. At least one ion sensing electrode is provided in the insulating member. The ion sensing electrode is electrically connected to the heating member. The ion sensing electrode is operative for detecting a condition of ionization in a flame. The ion sensing electrode has a tip uncovered from the insulating member so as to be exposed to the flame. The heating member has a given portion extending between a center with respect to the electrical connection with the ion sensing electrode and an end of the heating member which is a negative side when a heating dc current is driven through the heating member.

Abstract: A cermanic heating device, such as a glow plug for use in a diesel engine, has a metallic body with a central bore, a creamic heater portion having a tapered body and a conductive core, and a conductor for electrically connecting the core. The central bore wedgingly receives the ceramic heater portion within the central bore securing electrical contact with the metallic body and positions a distal tip of the ceramic heater portion longitudinally from the metallic body.

Abstract: A rod-type flame glow plug, with a glow tube (5), an inner pole (7), a coil combination having at least one control and glow coil (4) located in series with an ignition coil (3.2) in the glow tube (5), the ignition coil (3.2) being located at the tip of glow tube (5), making in contact with the glow tube, avoids problems associated with nonuniform centering of the coils in the glow tube by the coil combination being located predominantly within a tubular component (1) made of a heat-resistant material. The inner surface of the tubular component (1) adjoins the coil combination, and the outer surface of the tubular component (1) adjoining the inner surface of glow plug (5).

Abstract: In a ceramic heater, a resistive heating element formed from a ceramic electrically conductive material is embedded in a ceramic body. The ceramic electrically conductive material has a structure in which particles of an electrically conductive ceramic phase are dispersed in a matrix ceramic phase, and contains the ceramic electrically conductive phase in a range of from 30 to 80% by weight. When a virtual circle is drawn with a certain radius in a section of said ceramic electrically conductive material, if the percentage of the area of said electrically conductive ceramic phase particles in the virtual circle is not smaller than 60%, a region enclosed by the circle is defined as an uneven distribution portion of said electrically conductive ceramic phase particles and the maximum diameter of the uneven distribution portion is set to be not larger than 5 .mu.m.

Abstract: A ceramic sintered body fitted into an inner hole through a cylindrical metal outer pipe in the state in which the front end side of the ceramic sintered body is protruded out from the front end of an metal shell, includes: a heating portion to which a positive-pole-side lead is connected in the front end side; and a positive-pole-side electrode lead-out portion having a positive-pole-side electrode portion which is extendedly provided from the positive-pole-side lead in the rear end side. Further, the outer diameter of the positive-pole-side electrode lead-out portion is set to be smaller than that of the negative-pole-side electrode lead-out portion so that the positive-pole-side lead is substantially linear and a sufficient insulation distance between the metal shell functioning as a negative-pole-side terminal and the positive-pole-side lead coil can be secured.

Abstract: An electric current self-controlling device is prepared by impregnating a porous structure of a PTC material with a fused form of aluminum in a vacuum so that it can act as a heat sensor with the contact area between the PTC material and aluminum being increased. The outer surface of the metal impregnating PTC structure is covered with insulating films of alumina and the PTC material is accompanied with an outer terminal 43 and the aluminum impregnating in the PTC material is connected with an inner terminal 44. A terminal screw 3, the current controller device 4, the heating coil 51, and a current limiting coil 52 are connected in series. Accordingly, the heating temperature of the heating coil 51 can be determined by controlling the flow of the energizing current from the terminal screw 3 with the positive temperature coefficient resistant action and nonlinear variable resistance action of the current controller device 4.

Abstract: An electro magnetic controlled platinum infrared filament ignitor has a screw nut, a top pin, an electro magnetic induction coil, a magnetic permeable bolt, a metal wrapped cylinder and a platinum filament. Heat produced by current flowing in the platinum filament actuates the ignitor. The magnetic force set up by the energized coil, and spring force drives the adjustable top pin to the position of the platinum filament. The ignitor is simple in construction with endurable long life and efficient for ignition in most gas turbines, reciprocating engines and gas burners.

Abstract: A glow pin control circuit for controlling the electrical heating energy of a glow pin, in particular for auxiliary heating apparatus in vehicles. The control circuit including a switch that alternatingly turns on and off the supply voltage in modulated and clocked manner and is situated between the supply voltage terminal (V+) on the high potential side. The glow pin (G) may be designed without a regulating filament.

Abstract: A diesel engine operated with cylinder cut-out is disclosed. The number of operative cylinders is proportional to the load on the engine. A computer stops the flow of fuel to the deactivated cylinders. The computer energizes the glow plugs of the deactived cylinders if the deactivated cylinder temperatures are below a predetermined minimum temperature before reactivating the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of prolonging the life of glow plugs comprises the steps of providing a variable displacement pump rotatably connected to a internal combustion engine; driving a hydraulic motor at a generally constant speed with the hydraulic output of the variable displacement pump and directly connecting an alternator to the hydraulic motor to energize the glow plugs with an AC current and voltage and controlling the AC current to maintain a generally constant glow plug temperature from startup and throughout the entire operating range of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A plug assembly for ignition of fuel in admixture with air within a combustion chamber which comprises an exposed heating element having a multi-turn coil of electrically conductive catalytic wire mounted in grooves formed on the surface of ceramic support structure.

Abstract: A diesel engine controller for a car is disclosed including preheating determine means for determining according to data detected during starting whether a preheating device is driven; fuel injection time determining means for deciding a fuel injection time according to the detected data; air conditioner operation determining means for determining whether the engine is overloaded or not according to the data detected when the air conditioner switch operates; idling number determining means for during engine idling, determine whether the idling number is normal according to the detected data from the transmission lever position detecting sensor; self-diagnosing means for determining whether a trouble is caused according to the detected data; and an electronic control unit for controlling the output according to respective decision results.

Abstract: A ceramic heater for a DC power source comprising an insulating ceramic sintered body, a heating resistor composed of at least two separate layers of heating resistor made of an inorganic conductive material, leads made of high-melting point metal wires and connected to each end of the layers, and electrodes made of an inorganic conductive material, each formed in a single layer or divided into a plurality of pieces and connected to the leads, the heating resistor, leads and electrodes being embedded in the ceramic sintered body.The present invention further includes six related inventions closely related with one another in regard to the above-mentioned ceramic heater and ceramic glow plugs embodied by using the ceramic heater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved glow plug controller. The glow plug controller includes an analog temperature sensor, circuitry for converting an analog temperature signal to digital form, a microprocessor for analyzing temperature and other operating parameters and for controlling glow plugs and monitoring indicators in accordance with algorithms defined in the microprocessor. The temperature and control signals from the microprocessor are converted to analog form and applied to actuate glow plugs and indicators in accordance with determinations made by the microprocessor. A specific embodiment includes a manual override for facilitating operation even if the microprocessor should fail. A false temperature input is provided so that a false temperature representation can be directly applied to the microprocessor for factory and service center testing of microprocessor operation. Glow plug operation is controlled by way of a relay and multiple, independently fused glow plug circuits.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling the temperature of a plurality of glow plugs of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is disclosed. A voltage sensor produces a signal relative to the magnitude of the sensed voltage across a glow plug. A microprocessor compares the magnitude of the sensed signal with a preselected magnitude indicative of a predetermined temperature glow plug and responsively produces a current command signal. An alternator receives the current command signal and responsively delivers alternating current to the glow plugs.

Abstract: A glow plug assembly having a shield integrally connected to a housing is disposed in and retained in a bore in a cylinder head by a clamp connected to the cylinder head. A stop surface connected to said housing is engageable with the cylinder head and establishes the location of a heating element second end in the combustion chamber. The clamp maintains the stop against the head and the orientation of the shield angled second end relative to the combustion chamber. The heating element is connected to the housing by a spacer and the housing is sealed with a filler material which blocks the transfer of fluid through the housing. The filler material maintains the housing from passing fluid between the first and second housing ends, minimizes the vibration of the electrical conductors and conducts the heat out of the glow plug.

Abstract: Glow plug with a heating rod formed of an inner pole (2) and a glow tube (5) in which there is heating element (3) which is electrically connected to the inner pole (2). At least in the area of its tip, the glow tube (5) is provided with a coating (7) of ceramic material, especially yttrium-stabilized zirconium dioxide which has a subsurface or adhesive layer (6) of NiCrAlY which is directly provided on the glow tube (5).

Abstract: Glow plug with a heating rod formed of an inner pole (2) and a glow tube (5), in which a heating element (3) is located which is electrically connected to the inner pole (2). The glow tube (5) is provided with protective coating (6) at least in the area of its tip. The protective coating is selected from the group consisting of materials which include NiCrAlY, CoCrAlY, CoNiCrAlY, NiCrAl, NiCr, NiCrFe and NiCrWCo.

Abstract: A glow plug has a heating element and a ceramic silicon nitride tip which has an outer surface. A low porosity refractory metal oxide coating covers at least a portion of the tip outer surface. A catalyst wire, with a diameter of 0.008 inches, is wrapped about and connected to the coated glow plug tip. The wire is formed of one of the platinum group metals and the wire is free of charge carrying connection to a power source.

Abstract: Glow plug with a metallic hollow body 1 in which a ceramic heating rod 2 is arranged such that it projects axially on one side of hollow body 1. The heating rod 2 is formed of a ceramic conductor 6 which is embedded in a ceramic insulator 7 and is connected to the power supply terminals, i.e., to ground via the metal of hollow body 1 and via a plug terminal 3. The contacts of the ceramic conductor 6 with the power supply terminals are formed by contact surfaces 8, 9 on the ceramic conductor 6, via which the conductor is in contact, on the one hand, with metallic hollow body 1, and with plug terminal 3, on the other hand. The contacts are preferably pressure loaded by generating a prestress between the components in contact. Preferably, metallic contact parts, for example, contact rings 10, 11, are provided at the contact points between the contact surfaces 8, 9 and the metallic hollow body 1 and plug terminal 3.

Abstract: A glow plug has a heating element having a tip formed of a preselected material includes a catalyst wire wrapped about and in intimate contact with the preselected material of the glow plug. The catalyst is formed of one of the platinum group metals, transition metals and combinations thereof and is in the form a wire with a diameter of 0.008 inches. The catalyst is free of charge carrying connection to a power source.

Abstract: A process for applying a uniformly adherent protective tantalum oxide coating on a portion of a ceramic glow plug for protecting the glow plug against the corrosive/erosive environment generated by the burning of alternative fuels in a diesel engine. The coating is tantalum oxide deposited on a silicon nitride glow plug by plasma spray deposition techniques.

Abstract: An improved glow plug controller is disclosed. The glow plug controller includes an analog temperature sensor, circuitry for converting an analog temperature signal to digital form, a microprocessor for analyzing temperature and other operating parameters and for controlling glow plugs and monitoring indicators in accordance with algorithms defined in the microprocessor. The temperature and control signals from the microprocessor are converted to analog form and applied to actuate glow plugs and indicators in accordance with determinations made by the microprocessor. A specific embodiment includes a manual override for facilitating operation even if the microprocessor should fail. A false temperature input is provided so that a false temperature representation can be directly applied to the microprocessor for factory and service center testing of microprocessor operation. Glow plug operation is controlled by way of a relay and multiple, independently fused glow plug circuits.

Abstract: A glow plug having an interior pole and a glow tube with a tip portion, a heating element located in the tip portion, and a regulating element, formed of an electrically conductive material having positive temperature-resistance coefficients, arranged in the glow tube. The interior pole of the glow plug is serially connected with the regulating element, the regulating element is serially connected to the heating element, and the heating element is serially connected with the glow tube tip in a construction for minimizing heat transfer between the regulating element and the interior pole.

Abstract: An electrically conductive ceramic glow plug for assisting in the combustion process of a compression ignition type internal combustion engine. The glow plug comprises a tubular metal outer body member adapted to be secured to a cylinder head of the engine, a lead-in wire terminal extending through the outer body member from one end thereof, and electrically conductive heating element extending through the outer metal body from the other end thereof, secured to the terminal. The heating element is an all-ceramic electrically conductive heating element, and includes a cylindrical body portion of ceramic particles having a thin path of electrically conductive ceramic particles disposed substantially coaxially with the body portion throughout its length from a heating tip at one end to the wire terminal at the other end. The ceramic heating element includes a coaxially extending pocket at the wire terminal end and the base of the pocket is exposed to the thin path of electrically conductive ceramic particles.

Abstract: An improved glow plug controller for a diesel engine is disclosed. The glow plug controller has a novel packaging, and means for facilitating rapid and inexpensive assembly. A novel two-chamber tubular housing includes a smaller first chamber having a threaded exterior surface for engagement with a threaded hole in an engine block. This first chamber communicates with a larger second chamber also defined by the housing. A connector bearing conductive connector pins is provided for sealing the open end of the larger chamber. The connector includes a pair of support rails for engaging a piece of circuit board on which glow plug circuitry resides. In assembly, the circuit board is first mounted on the support rails which are subsequently inserted into the larger second chamber when the connector is affixed to the open end of the second chamber. The connector pins are conductively coupled to glow plug circuitry on the circuit board via portions of conductive foil on a surface of the circuit board.

Abstract: An exciter for an internal combustion engine igniter plug, comprises a continuous AC charging circuit and a discharge circuit. The discharge circuit is connectable to the plug and the charging circuit includes a transformer having a primary winding connectable to an AC power source and a secondary winding connected to the discharge circuit. The discharge circuit includes a storage capacitor connected to the transformer secondary winding such that current induced in the secondary charges the capacitor at a generally constant rate. A switching device is connected in series between the capacitor and the plug; and a trigger circuit triggers the switching device in response to charge on the capacitor; with the charging circuit and trigger circuit operating to maintain a generally constant spark rate. A current multiplier is also provided to substantially increase the peak currents delivered to the plug.

Abstract: Rod flame glow plug for preheating the intake air of an autoignition internal combustion engine with a housing having a fuel connection with a metering device and an electric connection, and at least one heating rod located in the housing. The heating rod is formed of a glow tube (8) filled with an electrically insulative filling material (10) and at least one regulating coil (2) and a heating coil (1). The coils are embedded in the filling material (10) and are connected in series to one another and with the electric connection (9). The regulating coil (2) is formed of a CoFe alloy.

Abstract: It is known for a central electronic control unit in a motor vehicle to exchange data through a serial data bus with other control units, e.g. those for fuel injection, ignition timing, and braking. Prior art systems transmitted these data automatically, regardless of whether all these parameters were relevant to the actual operating state of the vehicle, thereby resulting in heavy loading of the serial bus. The present invention determines which parameters are irrelevant to the current operating state and suppresses transmission, or even calculation, of these irrelevant parameters.

Abstract: A protective control box is disclosure for providing protection for a starter system and other components of equipment, such as vehicles, incorporating internal combustion engines. Improved starter protection apparatus and circuitry using frequency to voltage conversion disables a starter motor from starting the internal combustion engine when engine speed exceeds a pre-determined level. The starter cannot be re-actuated until and unless engine speed has fallen below a second lower pre-determined speed level. The protection box includes a lockout solenoid which in turn selectively locks out the main starter solenoid in accordance with the foregoing conditions. A wait-to-start lamp and associated comparator and latching circuitry is provided for actuating the wait lamp in response to initiation of glow plug controller pre-glow operation, and for subsequently extinguishing the lamp. Once extinguished, the lamp cannot be re-actuated until and unless the ignition has been toggled.

Abstract: A method of operating a compression ignition internal combustion engine wherein (i) the engine includes a reciprocating piston operable within a cylinder for placing a combustible fuel/air charge under compression within a combustion chamber sufficient to cause self-ignition when operating at a predetermined elevated engine temperature; and (ii) a glow plug having a heating element projecting within the combustion chamber to provide sufficient heat to the compressed fuel/air charge to ignite it when starting or operating the engine below said predetermined elevated engine temperature. The method comprises (a) providing power to said glow plug and initially establishing the temperature of the heating element at a temperature exceeding 1600.degree. F.; (b) starting the engine; (c) concurrently continuing to operate the engine and maintaining the heating element temperature at least at 1600.degree. F.

Abstract: An improved glow plug controller for a diesel engine is disclosed. The glow plug controller has a novel packaging, and means for facilitating rapid and inexpensive assembly. A novel two-chamber tubular housing includes a smaller first chamber having a threaded exterior surface for engagement with a threaded hole in an engine block. This first chamber communicates with a larger second chamber also defined by the housing. A connector bearing conductive connector pins is provided for sealing the open end of the larger chamber. The connector includes a pair of support rails for engaging a piece of circuit board on which glow plug circuitry resides. In assembly, the circuit board is first mounted on the support rails which are subsequently inserted into the larger second chamber when the connector is affixed to the open end of the second chamber. The connector pins are conductively coupled to glow plug circuitry on the circuit board via portions of conductive foil on a surface of the circuit board.