Abstract: An igniter plug is disclosed for use in jet and other internal combustion engines. The igniter plug has a center electrode having a firing tip, which is mounted within an insulator which in turn is mounted within an exterior metal shell. A ground electrode is integral with or in electrical contact relationship with the metal shell and is disposed in a spaced, spark gap relation with the firing tip of the center electrode. An electrically semiconducting surface is disposed adjacent the spark gap and in electrical contact with the center electrode and with the ground electrode. The electrically semiconducting surface is formed by a sintered ceramic body having an actual density of more than 95 percent of its theoretical maximum density, and consists essentially of 67-80 wt % of silicon carbide particles and 20-33 percent by weight of grain boundary phase of alumina particles, as well as one or more sintering aids selected from magnesia, silica or calcia.

Abstract: In a spark plug insulator made of a sintered ceramic body, including aluminum nitride (AlN) or aluminum oxynitride (AlON) ceramic powder having an average grain size of 1.5 .mu.m in which the oxygen content of the aluminum nitride or the aluminum oxynitride powder is less than 2 percent by weight. Magnesium (Mg) is also present in an amount in the range from 0.01 wt. % to 5.0 wt. % where the amount of the magnesium (Mg) is calculated by converting the magnesium (Mg) to its oxidized compound (MgO). Also included is a sintering additive present in an amount up to 10 wt. % selected from the group consisting of rare earth metal compounds in which the weight percentage of the sintering additive is calculated by converting the sintering additive to its oxidized compound. The rare earth metal compound is selected from the group of yttrium oxide (Y.sub.2 O.sub.3) calcium oxide (CaO), barium oxide (BaO), strontium oxide (SrO), scandium oxide (Sc.sub.2 O.sub.2), europium oxide (Eu.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A spark plug (10), for example for an internal combustion engine, having at least one center electrode (11) (high-voltage electrode) and at least one earth electrode (12), and an insulating spark plug insulator (13) and a creepage spark gap (14) between the center electrode (11) and the earth electrode (12). The creepage spark gap (14) has a pattern of islands comprising electrically-conductive material (16) which are insulated with respect to one another and are located on the outer surface zone of the spark plug insulator (13) or on the surface zone of an insulating material wafer (17) attached to outer surface of the insulator (13) of the spark plug (10).

Abstract: An electrode material for a spark plug 10 for use in an internal combustion engine. The electrode material includes a core 20 having a high thermal conductivity for reducing the temperature of the spark plug 10 by thermally conducting heat away from the spark plug gap to a cooler part of the engine. The core 20 extends continuously from an arcing surface at an end of a spark plug electrode to the cooler part of the engine. Surrounding the core 20 is a cladding layer 22 for resisting corrosion when exposed to high temperatures caused by arcing.

Abstract: A spark plug having a positive electrode spark tip which is covered with a ery thin layer (.ltoreq.20 nanometers) of very hard NEA material having very large chemical binding energies such that most elements, including carbon and nitrogen, will not bind to its surface. The NEA material may be sapphire, or may be an n-type impurity-doped semiconductor material such as n-type AlN, cBN, or GaAlN having a bandgap exceeding 5.5 eV.

Abstract: A Double Sliding Spark Plug as a Volume Ignition System for Internal Combustion Engines causes ignition processes of the air-fuel mixture by two simultaneously conical or cylindrical sliding discharges between a conical or cylindrical high voltage electrode (1) located inside two solid insulation parts (4) and (5) and two circular low voltage electrodes (2) and (3). Those sliding discharges are on outer large conical or cylindrical surfaces of insulation parts (4) and (5) with high diameters. The outside low voltage electrode (2) is connected to a metallic body of this spark plug and to the outer conical or cylindrical surface of the outside insulation part (4). The inside cylindrical or conical low voltage electrode (3) is connected to the inner conical or cylindrical surface of the inside insulation part (5).

Abstract: An improved low voltage igniter of the type having an annular spark gap between a center electrode and annular ground electrode which is arranged coaxial with the center electrode. The spark gap is shunted by an insulator surface. Semiconducting material is deposited on the insulator surface as one or more rings which are coaxial with and spaced from the electrodes. The semiconducting rings reduce the voltage required to initiate a spark across the spark gap.

Abstract: Disclosed are high electrical charge density entities, generated in electrical discharge production. Apparatus for isolating the high charge density entities, selecting them and manipulating them by various guide techniques are disclosed. Utilizing such apparatus, the paths followed by the entities may be switched, or selectively varied in length, for example, whereby the entities may be extensively manipulated. Additional devices are disclosed for the manipulation and exploitation of these entities, including their use with a camera and also in an oscilloscope.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-contained high electrical charge density entities, generated in electrical discharge production. Apparatus for isolating the high charge density entities, selecting them and manipulating them by various guide techniques are disclosed. Utilizing such apparatus, the paths followed by the entities may be switched, or selectively varied in length, for example, whereby the entities may be extensively manipulated. Additional devices are disclosed for the manipulation and exploitation of these entities, including their use with a camera and also in an oscilloscope, as well as their use in generating RF radiation. A flat panel display is disclosed which is operated by these charge entities, up to the point of their generating electrons to strike a phosphor screen.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for obtaining energy from high electrical charge density entities. The energy may be received by the conductor of a traveling wave device positioned along the path which the propagating entities follow. Multiple traveling wave devices may be combined. Energy output from a traveling wave device may also be directed to the generation of a subsequent such entity. Thermal energy may also be obtained from an EV.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A semiconductor material having a resistance of 5.times.10.sup.2 -5.times.10.sup.4 M.OMEGA./mm is coated or baked in the form of a band on the peripheral surface of a basal part of a leg portion of an insulator of the spark plug. Preferably, at least the basal part of the leg portion, including the band, is covered with a water-repellant insulating coating. An inner wall of a metal shell of the spark plug is desirably coated with a water-repellant material at an area facing at least the peripheral surface of the basal part of the leg portion of the insulator.

Abstract: An igniter plug has a metallic shell, a front end of which has a tubular ground electrode. A hollow semiconductor tip is in the form of inversed frusto-cone shape, and placed within the tubular ground electrode. A tubular insulator is placed within the metallic shell to be in alignment with the semiconductor tip. A center electrode is placed within the insulator, a front end of the center electrode passing through the semiconductor tip to provide an annular discharge gap between the front end of the center electrode and that of the ground electrode. A low resistor layer provided on a front end surface of the semiconductor tip. An electrical resistance of the layer is determined to be smaller than that of the semiconductor tip, while a thickness of the layer is such that the layer precedes the semiconductor tip in forming a discharge path between the front end of the center electrode and that of the ground electrode only during a predetermined period after the igniter plug is initially operated.

Abstract: An igniter plug has a tubular metallic shell and an annular ground electrode each connected in series by an interfitting, and fixed by welding. The igniter plug further has a tubular insulator placed within both the metallic shell and the ground electrode, while a center electrode is placed within the insulator to be surrounded by the ground electrode. A plurality of lock arms are provided with a front end of the metallic shell, and each top end of lock arms has a pawl which is brought into an engagement with an inner wall of a groove which is provided with an inner surface of the ground electrode when the metallic shell and the ground electrode are connected, and at the same time, the insulator is brought into an engagement with an inner side of each lock arm to deter the lock arms from being flexed inwardly when the insulator is placed.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-contained high electrical charge density entities, generated in electrical discharge production. Apparatus for isolating the high charge density entities, selecting them and manipulating them by various guide techniques are disclosed. Utilizing such apparatus, the paths followed by the entities may be switched, or selectively varied in length, for example, whereby the entities may be extensively manipulated. Additional devices are disclosed for the manipulation and exploitation of these entities, including their use with a camera and also in an oscilloscope, as well as their use in generating RF radiation. A flat panel display is disclosed which is operated by these high charge entities, up to the point of their generating electrons to strike a phosphor screen.

Abstract: Disclosed are high electrical charge density entities, generated in electrical discharge production. Apparatus for isolating the high charge density entities, selecting them and manipulating them by various guide techniques are disclosed. Utilizing such apparatus, the paths followed by the entities may be switched, or selectively varied in length, for example, whereby the entities may be extensively manipulated. Additional devices are disclosed for the manipulation and exploitation of these entities, including their use with a camera and also in an oscilloscope.

Abstract: A low-voltage type igniter plug having semi-conductor structure for use in jet and other internal combustion engines comprising; the semi-conducting body mounted adjacent a spark-gap in electrically contact with both center and ground electrodes, and essentially consisting of silicon carbide particles less than 5 microns in average diameter, and alumina particles less than 1 micron in average diameter, the weight percentages of the silicon carbide particles ranging from 65 to 80, the weight percentages of the alumina particles ranging from 20 to 35, the silicon carbide particles and the alumina particles being mixed with an addition of suitable binder means, and hot pressed at the temperature above 1800 degrees Celsius, and at the pressure above 200 Kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for improving the dische regime of an electric arc produced between two electrodes. The device is characterized in that it includes means an insulating element (32), preferably spherical in shape, for increasing the resistance to the passage of the electric arc (A) between ends of the electrodes (12, 14). By using the invention it is possible to obtain an arc discharge of the critically damped type. The method and the device are preferably used in shock wave generator apparatus for hydraulic lithotripsy.

Abstract: This invention provides a creeping discharge type igniter plug, having a center electrode concentrically located within the center bore of the insulator. Near the lower portion of the center electrode is an annular space (6), formed between an outer surface of the center electrode and an inner surface of the semi-conductor ring (4). At the annular space (6), a lateral distance between the outer surface of the center electrode (2) and the inner surface of the semi-conductor ring (4), progressively decreases toward a lower end of the semi-conductor ring (4) thus, making it possible to maintain the least electrical resistance at a creeping discharge path defined from a lower end surface (3a) of the ground electrode (3) to a lower end surface (2a) of the center electrode (2) via a lower end surface (4b) of the semi-conductor ring (4).

Abstract: An electrical igniter has an outer metal shell within which extends a semiconductive tubular pellet that provides a cylindrical cavity which opens through an orifice formed by an inturned lip of the shell which forms a first electrode of the igniter. The diameter of the cavity and the diameter of the orifice are in the ratio of about 5 to 6. A second electrode extends axially within the shell into the rear end of the pellet with which it makes electrical contact. Discharge between the first and second electrodes causes a plasma of discharge products produced in the cavity to be ejected through the orifice.

Abstract: An electrical igniter has an outer shell with a tungsten forward end which forms an annular outer electrode. A central rod extends axially within the shell and has a tungsten forward end forming an inner electrode which is separated from the outer electrode by a semiconductive surface discharge path. The inner and outer electrodes both have chromium diffused into the tungsten to form surface layers that are oxidation resistant at high temperatures. The electrodes are made by placing the tungsten forward ends in a furnace in a chromium rich atmosphere between 1000 and 1200 degrees Centrigrade for between 10 to 24 hours and allowing them to cool in the furnace. Chromium is removed from the rear ends of the tungsten parts before joining them to the rear parts of the electrodes which are of different metals.

Abstract: A wear indicator for an igniter of the type having a center electrode, an annular ground electrode surrounding the center electrode, and a spark gap between the electrodes extending along a surface of a ceramic material. An annular wear indicating groove is formed in the ground electrode to indicate when the ground electrode is sufficiently eroded to necessitate replacement of the igniter. For a low voltage igniter the ceramic material at the spark gap is a semiconductor material which also is subject to erosion during use. A wear indicating groove also may be formed on the center electrode at a location which becomes exposed to indicate when the semiconductor material is sufficiently eroded to necessitate replacement of the igniter.

Abstract: A flash-spark creeps on a dielectric surface to ignite carburated gaseous xtures. A high voltage pulse is applied through the dielectric between opposite surfaces thereof. The voltage is applied between a first electrode having a smaller area abutting against a first surface of the dielectric and a second electrode having a first strip portion abutting against an opposite second surface of the dielectric and a second portion which is astride an edge of the dielectric. The strip portion ends at a position beneath the first electrode. The first surface is exposed to the carburated gaseous mixture.

Abstract: A spark plug having center and ground electrodes. One of the electrodes is covered with an insulator, a part of which includes outer and inner insulating layers. The outer insulating layer is formed of a heat-resistant and high voltage-resistant material. The inner insulating layer is formed of a material having a high dielectric constant and interposed between the outer insulating layer and the portion of the one electrode which is directed toward the other electrode.

Abstract: A hollow cathode apparatus is described, which can be rapidly and reliably started. An ignitor (30) positioned upstream from the hollow cathode (20), generates a puff of plasma (36) that flows with the primary gas to be ionized through the cathode. The plasma puff creates a high voltage breakdown between the downstream end (24) of the cathode and a keeper electrode (32), to heat the cathode to an electron-emitting temperature.

Abstract: A spark plug with a wide discharge gap includes an insulating layer formed on one or the other of its center and ground electrodes and disposed in the gap between the electrodes. The insulating layer includes an inner insulating layer of a material having a high dielectric constant and an outer insulating layer of a material having an excellent resistance to heat and high voltage, which surrounds the inner insulating layer, whereby ensuring a reduced discharge voltage, an improved ignition performance and improved heat resistance and durability.

Abstract: A spark plug with a spark electrode prepared by mixing at least a matrix material of a titanium compound (e.g., TiO.sub.2, TiC, TiN, etc.) with an electrical conductivity-imparting substance (e.g., Pt and Pd, or a mixture of Pt, Pd and a noble metal, e.g., Au, Ru, Ag, Rh, etc.) and sintering the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine disclosed herein includes a resistive semiconductor body connecting a center electrode and an earth electrode to perform a creeping discharge at low discharge voltages while keeping adequate ignition performances.According to the invention, the spark plug comprises a back electrode at the back of a discharging gap to cause the creeping discharge on surfaces of an electric insulator which is resistant to electrolytic corrosion, thereby improving the durability of the plug and eliminating the trouble of electric waves of noises.

Abstract: A plasma jet ignition plug wherein a film of semiconductor or a semiconductor oxide defines together with a first rod-shaped electrode and a second electrode a plasma cavity.

Abstract: An electrical igniter has two electrodes separated over the bore of a semiconductive annular element. One electrode is mounted at the operative tip of the igniter and has an orifice through which the bore opens from the igniter. A capillary tube extends from a supply of liquid, such as water or a hydrocarbon fuel, and opens into the cavity formed by the bore and the orifice. Small quantities of liquid are introduced into the cavity via the tube and electrical energy is applied to the electrodes to cause discharge within the cavity. The discharge causes a plasma to be ejected through the orifice, for igniting a fuel-air mixture externally of the igniter. The discharge causes vaporization and molecular disruption of liquid present in the cavity that increases the concentration of low activation energy species within the plasma and thereby improves the efficiency of ignition.

Abstract: A spark plug is disclosed which is used for an internal combustion engine such as an automobile. The spark plug has a carbonaceous resistance sandwiched between its spark rod electrode and its terminal rod in the central through hole of an elongated hollow cylindrical ceramic insulator. The spark electrode is made of a heat and spark resisting semiconductive resistance material, is sealed integrally with the carbonaceous resistance in the central through hole of the insulator, and produces a spark discharge between a grounded electrode spaced therefrom by a predetermined gap. The spark plug of the above-mentioned construction enables the intensity of a noise wave produced upon the spark discharge to be suppressed to the lowest possible level.

Abstract: A surface-discharge igniter for a gas-turbine engine has a pellet of rod shape a part at least of the pellet surface being semiconductive so that when voltage is applied between electrodes connected at either end of the pellet it causes electrical discharge along its length. The pellet may, in one arrangement, be mounted to be a tight fit within the central-section of a key-hole bore which extends axially through a ceramic block within the igniter's outer metal shell. A strip of the pellet surface is exposed along the radially-divergent section or discharge cavity of the bore and discharge along the strip generates a plasma flame within the cavity that bursts forth through an aperture in the bottom electrode at the tip of the shell. In another arrangement the rod-pellet is mounted at the end of a mineral-insulated cable, coaxially within a cylindrical cavity. The pellet may alternatively be mounted to extend transversely of the igniter and to be exposed along its length at the operative tip of the igniter.

Abstract: Surface breakdown igniter comprises a semiconductor of medium resistivity which has the arc device cathode as one electrode and has an igniter anode electrode so that when voltage is applied between the electrodes a spark is generated when electrical breakdown occurs over the surface of the semiconductor. The geometry of the igniter anode and cathode electrodes causes the igniter discharge to be forced away from the semiconductor surface.

Abstract: A surface-discharge igniter having concentric electrodes includes a gap at its operative tip which separates one of the electrodes from the exposed semiconductive surface of a semiconductive pellet that is interposed concentrically with the two electrodes. The said one electrode, which may be either the inner or outer electrode, is connected electrically to the pellet at the bottom of the gap away from the operative tip, whereas the other electrode makes contact with the pellet at, and in the region of, the exposed surface but is otherwise insulated electrically from it. Where the gap separates the inner electrode from the semiconductive surface then the outer electrode may be flared inwardly to establish its electrical connection with that surface. On the other hand, where the gap separates the outer electrode from the semiconductive surface the inner electrode may be flared outwardly, or provided with a cap that extends outwardly across the surface, to establish the connection with it.

Abstract: An improved semiconductor and semiconductor coating for alumina electrical insulating devices is disclosed. The semiconductor is prepared by applying a layer of a mixture of monoxide and sesquioxide combination to an alumina body and firing at a temperature of 2300.degree. or above thereby forming a stable spinel. The electrically-conductive monoxide can be FeO, Cu.sub.2 O, CuO, NiO, CoO or MnO. The sesquioxide can be Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ga.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ca.sub.2 O.sub.3, Mn.sub.2 O.sub.3, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 or Ti.sub.2 O.sub.3.