Abstract: A method of applying a coating to a spark plug insulator comprises the steps of forming a slurry solution and applying the slurry solution as a first coating to an insulative sleeve configured for use in a spark plug. The method further includes the step of heat treating the insulative sleeve to a temperature of between about 500 degrees Celsius and about 1000 degrees Celsius for between about 10 minutes and about 2 hour(s). Still further, the method includes the step of applying a second coating overlying at least a portion of the first coating, wherein the second coating comprises an organic binder.

Abstract: A spark plug is provided having a resistor. The resistor is made from resistor glass material containing an alkali free barium alumino-silicate glass mixed with mullite. In one embodiment, the resistor is a 15 to 30 wt % alkali free barium alumino-silicate glass and 10 to 25 wt % mullite. The resistor material provides for a greater processing kiln temperature range with reduced resistor variability and improved durability performance.

Abstract: An igniter for an internal combustion engine includes a center electrode, an insulator disposed about the center electrode, and a ground shield or a threaded portion disposed about the insulator, wherein the insulator includes a tip portion extending past an end portion of the ground shield and a tip portion of the center electrode extending through and away from the tip portion of the insulator. The igniter further includes a cap secured to the center electrode, wherein the cap extends past and covers a distal end of the tip portion of the center electrode and a distal end of the tip portion of the insulator. A spark gap is disposed between a peripheral edge of the cap and the end portion of the ground shield or threaded portion wherein the peripheral edge of the cap is spaced away from a surface of the tip portion of the insulator.

Abstract: A spark plug is provided. The spark plug has an insulative sleeve with a central axial bore and an exterior surface of a shaped tip portion. A coating is disposed on the exterior surface of the shaped tip portion and the coating comprises a transition metal compound or a combination of transition metal compounds, and an alkali metal compound. A center electrode extends through the central axial bore of the insulative sleeve. A metal sleeve is provided, wherein the insulating sleeve is positioned within, and secured to, the metal shell. A ground electrode is coupled to the metal shell and positioned in a spaced relationship relative to the center electrode so as to define a spark gap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spark plug comprising an insulative sleeve having a central axial bore and an exterior surface and a center electrode extending through the central axial bore of the insulative sleeve. The insulating sleeve is positioned within, and secured to, a metal shell that serves as a mounting platform and interface to an internal combustion engine. The metal sleeve also supports a ground electrode that is positioned in a spaced relationship relative to the center electrode so as to generate a spark gap. The insulating sleeve includes a shaped tip portion that resides in a recessed end portion of the metal shell. A coating is disposed on the exterior surface of the shaped tip portion of the insulative sleeve. The coating comprises a metal oxide, a noble metal, late transition metal, or a combination comprising two or more of the foregoing metals.

Abstract: A spark plug is provided having a resistor. The resistor is made from resistor glass material containing an alkali free barium alumino-silicate glass mixed with mullite. In one embodiment, the resistor is a 15 to 30 wt % alkali free barium alumino-silicate glass and 10 to 25 wt % mullite. The resistor material provides for a greater processing kiln temperature range with reduced resistor variability and improved durability performance.

Abstract: A method for removing particulates from a fluid, the method including the steps of: producing a laminar flow of the fluid through a single-flow passageway defined by an interior surface of an outer rotor of a centrifuge; and imparting centrifugal force on the fluid in a direction orthogonal to a direction of the flow of the fluid to capture the particulates from the fluid. The method may further comprise rotation of the centrifuge at a speed of 5,000 to 15,000 revolutions per minute. The method may also or alternatively comprise locating the interior surface between 3 and 5 inches from an axis of rotation of the centrifuge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispersing an additive from an additive cartridge disposed in a housing of an oil filter is provided. The method including the steps of: using stagnation pressure to disperse the additive from the additive cartridge; and regulating a flow rate of the additive from the additive cartridge by restricting an inlet opening of an outlet path of the additive cartridge, wherein a portion of the outlet path is formed in a surface of a first piece of a two piece connector providing fluid communication between and an interior and an exterior of the additive cartridge.

Abstract: A method of applying indicia to an item having a textured surface is disclosed herein, the method including the steps of: applying a textured paint to an exterior surface of the item; and applying the indicia to the exterior surface by an offset printing process. Also disclosed herein is a fluid filter having: a housing having an exterior surface; a textured paint applied to the exterior surface; and indicia applied to the textured paint, wherein the indicia is applied by an offset printing process.

Abstract: An oil management system to reduce and remove the amount of soot, rust or other contaminating particles in oil used in an engine, the oil management system comprising an oil filter assembly including a filter element and an additive cartridge, the additive cartridge configured to provide a means for continuously dispersing a small quantity of additive into the oil; an oxidation prevention means to prevent or diminish oxidation of metal in the oil management system; and an oil condition monitoring sensor to measure various aspects of the oil in the oil management system.

Abstract: A fluid filter such as an oil filter for a vehicle is provided. The fluid filter includes a body having a first, closed end and a second, open end. A plate is coupled to the second end, the plate having a first surface and a threaded portion having a thread pitch. A channel member has an outer edge coupled to the second end of the body, wherein the channel member defines a recess with an open side opposite the first surface of the plate. A stop member is disposed within the recess of the channel member, the stop member having a first height. A sealing member is coupled to the stop member, and the sealing member has a second height greater than the first height of the stop member.

Abstract: A fluid filter is disclosed herein, the fluid filter having a cylindrical body with a plurality of flutes disposed around its outer circumference, a cap coupled for rotation with the body having a plurality of projections disposed to engage the plurality of flutes, wherein the plurality of projections rotate past the plurality of flutes when a torque exceeding a threshold is applied to the cap.

Abstract: An improved oil filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, comprises a hollow filter housing defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet with a flow path therebetween; a mechanically active filter member disposed inside the filter housing in the flow path; and a chemically active filter member disposed inside the filter housing in the flow path. The chemically active filter member comprises a plurality of composite oil additive pellets. The plurality of pellets is interconnected to form a substantially integral permeable member, and the substantially integral permeable member is impregnated with an alkaline composition. The alkaline composition is provided to counteract acidic combustion products in lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method of applying indicia to an item having a textured surface is disclosed herein, the method including the steps of: applying a textured paint to an exterior surface of the item; and applying the indicia to the exterior surface by an offset printing process. Also disclosed herein is a fluid filter having: a housing having an exterior surface; a textured paint applied to the exterior surface; and indicia applied to the textured paint, wherein the indicia is applied by an offset printing process.

Abstract: An improved oil filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, comprises a hollow filter housing defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet with a flow path therebetween; a mechanically active filter member disposed inside the filter housing in the flow path; and a chemically active filter member disposed inside the filter housing in the flow path. The chemically active filter member comprises a plurality of composite oil additive pellets. The plurality of pellets is interconnected to form a substantially integral permeable member, and the substantially integral permeable member is impregnated with an alkaline composition. The alkaline composition is provided to counteract acidic combustion products in lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A spark plug includes an insulator having a first end, the insulator having a center axis and a center electrode coupled to the insulator and having a center electrode tip extending beyond the first end of the insulator. The spark plug further includes a ground electrode having an end spaced from an end of the center electrode, the ground electrode having a first portion extending substantially parallel to the center axis and a second portion extending at an angle from the first portion and relative to the center axis. A ground electrode tip is disposed on the second portion of the ground electrode, wherein the ground electrode tip is spaced from the center electrode tip. A ring member is operatively connected to the center electrode proximate the center electrode tip.

Abstract: A ground electrode is provided having a ground electrode body, the ground electrode body having an anchored end and a non-anchored end opposite the anchored end. The ground electrode includes a plateau extending from a surface of the ground electrode body adjacent the non-anchored end. In illustrative embodiments, the plateau is formed by removing a portion of the ground electrode body near the non-anchored end. The plateau is configured to be exposed around its periphery. A noble metal tip is fixably attached to the plateau.

Abstract: A method for forming a spark plug includes positioning an electrode center wire within an insulator and positioning at least one substance within the insulator and proximate the electrode center wire. The method further includes ultrasonically tamping the at least one substance to the electrode center wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispersing an additive from an additive cartridge disposed in a housing of an oil filter is provided. The method including the steps of: using stagnation pressure to disperse the additive from the additive cartridge; and regulating a flow rate of the additive from the additive cartridge by restricting an inlet opening of an outlet path of the additive cartridge, wherein a portion of the outlet path is formed in a surface of a first piece of a two piece connector providing fluid communication between and an interior and an exterior of the additive cartridge.

Abstract: An insulator for a spark plug is provided having an insulator tip. The insulator tip includes a feature extending radially inward from an exterior surface of the insulator tip.