Abstract: A spark electrode assembly has an elongate electrode with an inner insulator arranged for operable attachment to a support structure. The inner insulator surrounds the electrode with one end of the electrode positioned adjacent a ground element across a spark gap and another end of the electrode extending relative to the support structure for attachment to a source of electrical power. An outer insulator is spaced radially outwardly from the inner insulator and surrounds the inner insulator generally adjacent the end of the electrode adjacent the ground element. The inner and outer insulators cooperate to inhibit the formation of a continuous lubrication layer thereon, thereby establishing an area generally free from the lubrication layer between the end of the electrode adjacent the ground element and the support structure.

Abstract: A spark plug for use in a combustion engine, which includes a spark plug body defining a central cavity; a electrode disposed within the cavity; a spring means disposed in one end portion of the central cavity; and a plate means operatively associated at one end with the spring means and adapted to communicate at its other end with the electrode whereby when the engine starts, the respective compression and explosion strokes move the plate means in one direction against the bias of the spring and in the opposite direction by the force of the spring, which in turn moves the other end of the plate in communication with the electrode in the same manner whereby combustion carbon collected on the electrode can be effectively removed.

Abstract: The present process for the production of sparkplugs provides coated sparkplugs that are resistant to carbonization or lead fouling of the central ceramic insulator. A liquid metal carboxylate composition is applied to the insulator of the sparkplug and subjected to heat treatment at a temperature preferably above 400.degree. C. to form a durable metal oxide layer on the insulator.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine which has an electrode centrally mounted within an insulator with this insulator being mounted within an elongated housing. The outer end of the insulator is formed into a core nose with this core nose either being planar or mounded. Located directly adjacent the core nose and spaced slightly therefrom plus being spaced from the electrode is a ground ring. The electrical resistance is selected so that the spark will travel from the center electrode across the core nose and then jump the air gap at approximately the closest spacing distance from the ground ring and the core nose. The ground ring can be ported. The ground ring annular opening into the fire hole of the spark plug may be sawtoothed to form a mass of spark-emanating points.

Abstract: A spark plug is provided for an internal combustion engine and includes a center electrode having a combustion chamber end and a ceramic insulator having an end portion over which an ablative coating is formed for removing contaminants deposited thereon. The ablative coating is capable of ablating completely during sustained operation of the spark plug.