Abstract: A small diameter spark plug configuration is provided, the configuration has been found to provide additional volume for the insulator member. That is, by limiting the overall number of threads on the intermediate portion along with a limit of the overall diameter of the spark plug, additional volume of insulator material may be achieved in an interior cavity of a metal shell of the spark plug. This additional volume enables a portion of the insulator member to have a larger diameter and hence greater material thickness. The larger diameter of the insulator provides enhanced dielectric properties and protects internal components of the spark plug from high combustion chamber temperatures while simultaneously providing a robust attachment of the spark plug with an engine head.

Abstract: An igniter for an internal combustion engine, the igniter comprising: a center electrode; an insulator disposed about the center electrode; a ground shield disposed about the insulator, the insulator having 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; and a spark gap disposed between the tip portion of the center electrode and the end portion of the ground shield.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for monitoring the flow of particulate matter within an exhaust gas stream. In one exemplary embodiment, a particulate matter sensor for an exhaust system of an engine is provided. The particulate matter sensor includes a casing having an attachment feature for mounting the particulate matter sensor to the exhaust system. The particulate matter sensor also includes an insulator disposed within the casing. The particulate matter sensor further includes a sensing rod having a hollow portion extending between a first end and a second end of the sensing rod. The first end of the sensing rod is supported by the insulator and the second end of the sensing rod extending away from the insulator. The particulate matter sensor still further includes an electrical connector assembly engaging the first end of the sensing rod. The electrical connector assembly is configured to transmit a signal generated by the sensing rod.

Abstract: A filter assembly configured to be incorporated into an exhaust treatment device, the filter assembly comprising: a plurality of channel frames secured to each other, each channel frame defining a perimeter for supporting a filter element, the perimeter surrounding a portion of the filter element.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate methods and devices for measuring flow rate of particulate matter within an exhaust gas stream. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a sensor for detecting and monitoring particulate matter within an exhaust flow path of an engine is provided. The sensor includes a housing having an attachment for mounting the sensor. The sensor also includes a sensing rod supported by an insulating base. The sensing rod is attached to the housing and includes a probe adapted to be placed within the exhaust flow path. The probe includes a section having an increased surface area per unit length as compared to at least one other section of the probe. The sensing rod is configured to detect particulate matter flowing through the exhaust component and generates a signal based thereupon. The sensor further includes an electrical connector in communication with the sensing rod.

Abstract: A spark plug casing includes a single-piece shell having a nut portion, first and second tubular portions and a converging shell portion, which are configured to be removed from a cylinder head as an integral device. The first tubular portion extends from the nut portion and has a first cross-sectional size. The second tubular portion has a second cross-sectional size less than the first cross-sectional size. The converging shell portion is coupled between the first and second tubular portions. The casing further includes a ground strap having a third cross-sectional size less than the second cross-sectional size. The ground strap is received within an end portion of the second tubular portion opposite the converging shell portion, such that the ground strap and the cylinder head are in a spaced relationship with respect to each other for preventing carbon buildup from binding the ground strap to the cylinder head.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine, the spark plug having an elongated center electrode having a center electrode tip at one end and a terminal proximate to another end of the center electrode; an insulator surrounding a portion of the center electrode, the insulator having a channel formed in an exterior surface of the insulator; and a jamb nut surrounding the insulator, the jamb nut being aligned with the channel such that a distal end of the jamb nut does not contact the insulator.

Abstract: A spark plug comprises a shell having a substantially cylindrical threaded portion for threadable engagement in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, an insulator disposed coaxially in the shell, a center electrode disposed coaxially in the insulator, a side ground electrode having a first end coupled to the shell and a second end facing an end of the center electrode to define a spark discharge gap therebetween, and an electrode tip portion secured to either the side ground electrode or the center electrode proximate the spark discharge gap. The tip portion is formed from an alloy comprising from about 60 to about 70 percent by weight iridium, from about 30 to about 35 percent by weight rhodium, from 0 to about 10 percent by weight nickel, from about 3500 to about 4500 parts per million tantalum, and from about 100 to about 200 parts per million zirconium.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter assembly configured to be incorporated into an exhaust treatment device, the diesel filter assembly comprising: a ceramic media disposed about a center support defining an outlet flow path; a pair of end supports secured to the center support and the ceramic media; and an end cone secured to one of the pair of end supports.

Abstract: A method for dispersing an oil additive into an oil passing through a filter, the method including the steps of: filling a first cavity of an additive cartridge with an additive; locating the additive cartridge within a housing of the filter, the additive cartridge being located within a flow path through the filter, the additive cartridge having a second cavity without any additive disposed therein, the second cavity defining a first fluid path through the additive cartridge and the oil must pass through the second cavity in order to exit the filter; and metering the additive through an opening in the additive cartridge, the opening providing a second fluid path into the additive cartridge.