Abstract: The invention comprehends a silicon nitride sintered body having consistent qualities, a process for producing the same, a ceramic heater employing the silicon nitride sintered body as a substrate and a glow plug containing the ceramic heater as a heat source. In the production of a silicon nitride sintered body through a hot press method, a sintering aid protecting agent is added to the raw material. The employable protecting agents are metallic elements such as Ta, W and Mo and compounds of the metallic elements such as nitrides and silicides. Conversion of these elements and compounds to carbides occurs preferentially to reduction of the sintering aid. Thus, it becomes possible to suppress reduction of the sintering aid in a reducing atmosphere formed, for example, of carbon monoxide, which is generated particularly when a graphite pressing die is employed.

Abstract: Glow plug with a glow tube into which an inner pole projects and which is connected via heating and control spirals to the glow tube, the control spirals being located with respect to the heating spirals such that they are uniformly heated over a major portion of their length by the heat from the heating spirals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cigar lighter, especially for a motor vehicle, comprising a heating body and a knob intended to be engaged in the heating body, this knob including a heating resistance element located in a cup and able to be supplied with electricity via a supply bimetallic strip in contact with the cup when the knob is pushed in into a heating position, and a safety device maintaining electrical contact with the cup, whatever the shape of the supply bimetallic strip, in order to continue to supply the heating resistance element as long as the knob is pushed in into the heating body in heating position, in which the electrical contact between the safety device and the cup is formed on the flank of the outer face of the cup.

Abstract: A glow plug construction for use in internal combustion engines has an annular washer seated at an open upper end of an outer shell having a crimp portion extending to an upper rim. The annular washer has a ridge-like upper surface, with a preferably curved configuration. And the crimp portion of the outer shell is contouredly bent around the ridge-like upper surface with the upper rim extending past and below an apex of the annular washer. In this manner, the crimp portion exerts a substantial crimp pressure along the annular washer. Furthermore, a crimping method produces the crimped glow plug construction by gradually moving a crimping die against the crimp portion. The crimping die has a concave annular die such that, upon exertion of the preferably hydraulic crimping force, the crimp portion is plastically bent around the annular washer and the upper rim extends past and below the apex of the annular washer.

Abstract: A glow plug assembly method and construction providing a partially assembled glow plug construction having a core body positioned in a hollow plug body with insulating support elements preventing contact between the core body and the plug body. Furthermore, a bolt fastener having a head portion and a threaded shank portion is threadedly secured into the open upper end of the hollow plug body such that a flange portion of the rod-like stud, as well as the insulating support members, are clamped together in a sealing manner.

Abstract: Heating rod with a heating element of electrically conductive ceramic material which has a heating area which is U-shaped in the lengthwise section integrally adjoining a pair of conductors, the heating element (1a) being embedded in a heating rod body (1b) of electrically insulating ceramic mass(3).

Abstract: A ceramic heater includes a silicon nitride ceramic substrate and a heating member embedded in the silicon nitride ceramic substrate. An Al-thickened layer is formed in a surface layer portion of the silicon nitride ceramic substrate. The Al-thickened layer has an Al concentration higher than that of an internal layer portion of the silicon nitride ceramic substrate. The Al-thickened layer assumes such a graded composition structure that the Al concentration increases toward the surface of the silicon nitride ceramic substrate.

Abstract: Process and circuit for heating up a glow plug of a given glow plug type in a given arrangement in an internal combustion engine to a predetermined temperature. The power supply voltage is on the glow plug via a measurement resistor (12) and a switch (11). A control and regulation unit (16) taps the voltage drop via the measurement resistor (12) and determines the heat energy supplied to the glow plug therefrom and from the likewise tapped voltage on the glow plug. The signal which occurs on the output (15) of the unit (16) controls the switch (11). After closing the switch (11) the unit (16) supplies the glow plug with heat energy which is added up in the unit (16). As soon as the heat energy which is required for heating up to a predetermined temperature and which is determined beforehand from the known parameters of the glow plug and from the starting temperature is reached, the switch is opened again via the output signal at the output (15).

Abstract: A ceramic heater extending in an axial direction to have an elongate shape includes (a) a basal body; (b) a lead wire embedded in the basal body; and (c) a heating element embedded in the basal body. This heating element includes (1) a matrix ceramic phase; (2) conductive ceramic particles dispersed in the matrix ceramic phase; (3) a portion in which an end portion of the lead wire is embedded; and (4) a reference zone in terms of concentration of a particular element (e.g., rare-earth element). The heating element may include a condensed zone in terms of concentration of the particular element. The ceramic heater can be free from the condensed zone, or at least its formation is minimized to have a thickness of not greater than 5 &mgr;m. With this, the ceramic heater is improved in bending strength.

Abstract: A glow plug includes a metallic sleeve 1; a cylindrical metallic shell 2, which holds the metallic sleeve 1; a terminal electrode 3, which is attached into the cylindrical metallic shell 2 while being insulated therefrom; a ceramic heating member 4, which is fitted into the metallic sleeve 1; and a glass coating layer 5. In the glow plug, a portion of an ion detection electrode 411 is exposed at the surface of an insulator 44 of the ceramic heating member 4. The exposed portion is coated with a glass coating layer 5, which is formed in such a manner as to extend all around the insulator 44 of the ceramic heating member 4 and has a thickness of 10-200 &mgr;m and a softening point of not lower than 600° C.

Abstract: A sintered pin heater which is made of a ceramic composite structure and which has an essentially enclosed insulating layer and an external conducting layer. The insulating layer being obtainable from 51-57 mass percent of Si3N4, 37-42 mass percent of MoSi2, 2.4-2.8 mass percent of Al2O3, and 3.2-3.6 mass percent of Y2O3. The conducting layer 13 obtainable from 38-42 mass percent of Si3N4, 53-58 mass percent of MoSi2, 1.8-2.0 mass percent of Al2O3, and 2.4-2.7 mass percent of Y2O3.

Abstract: A glow plug including a glow plug body formed from a single piece tube, the single piece tube including a plug tip area with a glow element disposed therein, a control area with a control element disposed therein, and a connection area with an inside connection lead adapted to be connected to an electrical terminal where the plug tip area has a different diameter than the control area and/or the connection area of the single piece tube.

Abstract: Igniter and spark plugs according to the invention include a tubular insulator having an axially extending passage and axially opposed sealing shoulders within the passage spaced from the ends of the insulator. A multi-part electrode assembly is disposed within the insulator, including an upper electrode joined by resistance welding to a lower electrode. A heat-expandable sleeve is carried about the upper electrode and a lower end thereof confronts a compressible gasket and the upper sealing shoulder. An enlarged head of the lower electrode confronts a sealing gasket on the lower sealing shoulder. During resistance welding, the upper and lower electrodes are displaced toward one another causing the gaskets to be compressed against the sealing shoulders of the insulator to form a gas-tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: An ion sensor glow plug assembly includes a shell for attachment to a cylinder head of a compression ignition engine and having a passageway extending axially therethrough. The ion sensor glow plug assembly also includes a center terminal disposed at least partially in the passageway of the shell and connected to a source of power to create a heating circuit. The ion sensor glow plug assembly includes a glow sheath disposed at least partially is the passageway of the shell and about the center terminal to create an ion sensing circuit. The ion sensor glow plug assembly further includes an insulator disposed at least partially in the passageway of the shell and about a portion of the glow sheath and extending axially therefrom to clean off soot on the glow sheath. The ion sensor glow plug assembly includes a coating disposed about a portion of the glow sheath between the glow sheath and the shell to isolate the shell from the glow sheath.

Abstract: In a glow plug and a spark plug, the surface of a main metal shell is coated with a chromate film in which the quantity of trivalent chrome is 95 wt % or more of the contained chrome components and which has a thickness of 0.2 &mgr;m to 0.5 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A rod glow plug comprises a glow tube, inner heating coil(s) and optionally control coil(s), and a terminal pole which leads into the glow tube, the coil(s) being connected to the terminal pole and glow tube tip, there being a stabilizer rod (10) which extends in an assembly stage from the terminal pole (9) to the glow tube tip, optionally into an opening in the glow tube tip or through it, and the stabilizer rod (10) being located essentially in the middle running through the coil(s).

Abstract: Ceramic igniters are provided that comprise two cold zones with an interposed hot zone, the hot zone having an electrical path length of from 0.51 cm to about 2 cm. Igniters of the invention can effectively diffuse power density throughout the igniter hot zone region, without producing isolated temperature gradients which can lead to premature igniter degradation and failure. The invention also provides new methods for forming ceramic igniters.

Abstract: A heating resistor containing RE2O3 (where RE represents a rare earth element) in a predetermined amount. The mole ratio of residual oxygen to RE2O3, the amount of residual oxygen being expressed on an SiO2 basis and being obtained by subtracting the amount of oxygen contained in RE2O3 from the total amount of oxygen, falls within a predetermined range. A crystal phase of disilicate or melilite serves as a predominant phase of grain boundaries. The heating resistor contains a conductive component, such as WC or TiN, which contains one or more elements selected from among Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W. The heating resistor is embedded in a substrate, yielding a ceramic heater.

Abstract: A glow plug and method for manufacturing the same. The glow plug includes a metallic sleeve 1; a cylindrical metallic shell 2, which holds the metallic sleeve 1; a terminal electrode 3, which is attached into the cylindrical metallic shell 2 while being insulated therefrom; a ceramic heating member 4, which is fitted into the metallic sleeve 1; and a glass coating layer 5. In the glow plug, a portion of an ion detection electrode 411 is exposed at the surface of an insulator 44 of the ceramic heating member 4. The exposed portion is coated with a glass coating layer 5, which is formed in such a manner as to extend all around the insulator 44 of the ceramic heating member 4 and has a thickness of 10-200 &mgr;m and a softening point of not lower than 600° C.

Abstract: A glow plug including plug body composed of an electrically insulating plastic material, a heating rod having an inner pole connected to heating elements, and optionally, control elements, and an outer pole which is electrically insulated from adjoining components of the plug body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for sealing of the terminal-side end area of the glow tube of a glow plug, this area of the glow tube (3) being crimped.

Abstract: An ion sensor glow plug assembly includes a metal shell for attachment to a cylinder head of a compression ignition engine. The ion sensor glow plug assembly also includes a center terminal at least partially disposed in the metal shell and connected to a source of power to create a heating circuit. The ion sensor glow plug assembly includes a metal glow sheath disposed at least partially in the metal shell and about the center terminal. The ion sensor glow plug assembly further includes an insulative seal disposed at least partially around the metal glow sheath to isolate the metal shell from the metal glow sheath to create an ion sensing circuit.

Abstract: This invention provides a ceramic heater comprising a core, an insulation layer and a resistance heating element of high-melting metal as embedded between the core and insulation layer, wherein the operating temperature is not less than 300° C., the insulation layer comprising a sintered compact composed of 88 to 95 weight % of Al2O3 supplemented with, as sintering aids, 3 to 10 weight % of SiO2, 0.4 to 1.0 weight % of MgO and 1.0 to 2.5 weight % of CaO and having a density of not less than 3.60 and a thickness of 100 to 300 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An ion sensor glow plug assembly includes a shell for attachment to a cylinder head of a compression ignition engine and having a passageway extending axially therethrough. The ion sensor glow plug assembly also includes a center terminal disposed at least partially in the passageway of the shell and connected to a source of power to create a heating circuit. The ion sensor glow plug assembly includes a glow sheath disposed at least partially in the passageway of the shell and about the center wire to create an ion sensing circuit. The ion sensor glow plug assembly further includes a coating disposed about a portion of the glow sheath between the glow sheath and the shell to isolate the shell from the glow sheath.

Abstract: A ceramic heater includes a cylindrical member; a ceramic heating member, which is disposed within the cylindrical member such that an end portion thereof is projected from an end of the cylindrical member; and a metallic shell, which surrounds the cylindrical member. The ceramic heating member includes a ceramic body and a U-shaped conductive ceramic element, which is embedded in an end portion of the ceramic body. A direction-changing portion of the conductive ceramic element generates heat through electrical resistance when electricity is supplied to the conductive ceramic element through electrodes connected to the end portions of the conductive ceramic element. The electrodes are disposed such that the distance L between the ends of the electrodes and the end of the metallic shell satisfies the expression L≦1 mm, where the distance L is considered negative when the ends of the electrodes are located within the metallic shell.

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: An ion sensor glow plug assembly includes a shell for attachment to a cylinder head of a compression ignition engine and having a passageway extending axially therethrough. The ion sensor glow plug assembly also includes an insulator disposed at least partially in the passageway of the shell and having an aperture extending axially therethrough. The ion sensor glow plug assembly includes a glow bulb made of an insulative material and including a heating element disposed therein. The glow bulb extends through the aperture and into the passageway of the shell and is operatively connected to a source of power to create a heating circuit. The ion sensor glow plug assembly further includes a conductive material extending axially along the glow bulb and operatively connected to a source of power to create an ion sensing circuit.

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: 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 method of assembling an igniter (24) for a gas generating composition (18) comprises providing a pair of spaced apart electrodes (40 and 42) and providing a heat ignitable material (46). A heating element (44) is spot electrical resistance welded to the electrodes (40 and 42). The heating element (44) has flattened portions (110 and 112) at the spot welds (102 and 104) and a central portion between the spot welds (102 and 104) adapted for contact with the heat ignitable material (46). A test level of electric current is directed between the electrodes (40 and 42) and through the heating element (44) and the spot welds (102 and 104) at a level effective to heat the heating element (44) and the spot welds (102 and 104). The level infrared radiation emitted by the heating element (44) and the spot welds (102 and 104) is sensed, throughout a scanned field which fully encompasses the heating element and the welds, under the influence of the test level of electric current.

Abstract: A ceramic heater has a structure in which a resistance heating element mainly composed of a metal having a high melting point is embedded in a ceramic substrate. With an average grain size for component grains of the ceramic substrate taken as dB and that for component grains of the resistance heating element taken as dH, a dH/dB ratio is adjusted to not greater than 0.8.

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: An electrical connection for a ceramic hot surface element in which the ends of the hot surface element are essentially interference fit within a pair of metallic termination sleeves, and electrical connection to the hot surface element is provided by an active metal braze which is directly chemically bonded to the metallic termination.

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 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 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: An electric cigar lighter includes a receptacle for receiving and energizing an igniting unit of an automatic electric cigar lighter, the receptacle having a pair of circuits having respectively a grounding contact and a polarizing contact both of which are engageable with the igniting unit to carry current thereto, and a heat-responsive device comprising a solid state positive temperature coefficient resistor disposed in series in one of the circuits, the resistor being adapted to receive heat from the igniting unit for limiting the current in the one circuit when the resistor attains a predetermined high temperature.

Abstract: In a ceramic heater a heating element is embedded in a basal ceramic body which is prepared with silicon nitride as a main constituent. MoSi.sub.2 particles are dispersed throughout the basal ceramic body. The MoSi.sub.2 particles have a granular diameter ranging from 0.1 .mu.m up to but not including 3.0 .mu.m. The MoSi.sub.2 particles range from 1.0% to 5.0% by weight.

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 glow plug for a diesel engine includes a heat generating coil, a control coil, a sheath, an electrode rod, and a housing. The heat generating coil serves as a heater element. The control coil is connected in series with the heat generating coil and serves as a controller for controlling power supply to the heat generating coil. The control coil has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance larger than that of the heat generating coil. The sheath accommodates the heat generating coil and the control coil to be embedded in a heat-resistant insulating powder. The sheath has an elongated small-diameter portion on a distal end side thereof and a large-diameter portion on a rear end side thereof. The heat generating coil is connected to an inner wall of a distal end of the small-diameter portion of the sheath. The electrode rod has a distal end portion to which one end of the control coil is connected.

Abstract: This invention relates to a support zone for a hairpin-style ceramic igniter, the support zone comprising AlN and SiC, and preferably alumina.

Abstract: A ceramic heater includes a heating element and a sintered body. The heating element is formed of a material containing one of a refractory metal having a melting point of 2,000.degree. C. or more, and a material including an inorganic conductive material. The sintered body of an insulating ceramics contains one of silicon nitride and silicon carbide materials. The heating element is buried in the sintered body. The insulating ceramics contains at least one kind of nitrides of Groups IIIA, IVA, and VA in the element periodic table at a ratio of 0.01 vol % to 10 vol %. A method of manufacturing the ceramic heater is also disclosed.

Abstract: A silicon-based ceramic heater suitable for use in a glow plug of a diesel engine, the heater comprising a refractory metal heating element, preferably a wire which consists essentially of tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), or an alloy of tungsten and molybdenum; a titanium nitride (TiN) coating on the heating element, which coating serves as a barrier to the diffusion of silicon and defines a coated heating element; and a sintered body, preferably consisting essentially of silicon nitride (Si.sub.3 N.sub.4), silicon carbide (SiC), or a composite of silicon nitride and silicon carbide, within which the coated heating element is embedded.

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: In an infrared radiation source containing hot-pressed molybdenum disilicide reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers as the illuminant thereof, terminal portions of the illuminant having a protective dense silica film of 5 to 20 .mu.m in thickness formed on the surface thereof which portions are to be heated at a temperature of 400 to 800.degree. C. are either set to have a current density of at most 12 A/mm.sup.2 or disposed in dry air having a relative humidity at 25.degree. C. of at most 30% (absolute humidity: 0.00588). As a result, the low-temperature oxidation phenomenon that would otherwise be developed in the terminal portions of the illuminant is suppressed. Thus, there can be obtained an infrared radiation source containing an illuminant made of molybdenum disilicide reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers and having a long serviceable life span.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a continuously energized ceramic igniter in providing a "relight" function in stovetop cooking applications.