Abstract: An ignition aid for internal combustion engines includes a sintered refractory ceramic composite heating element having a high resistance central portion interposed between a low resistance terminal end portions. The heating element is positioned in a hollow electrically conductive body adapted to be removably inserted in an aperture in an engine. The heating element is disposed between and has its terminal end portions in electrical non-point contact with a bridge portion at one end of the hollow body and an electrode rod extending into the hollow body in sealed relation therewith. In one embodiment, the electrode rod comprises a pair of relatively movable parts, one of which is resiliently biased into engagement with the heating element by a resilient PTC resistance element electrically connecting the parts. In another embodiment, the heating element terminal portions are diffusion bonded to the electrode rod and bridge portion, respectively.

Abstract: A sintered composition used as a brush for a dynamo electric machine contains copper, carbon and silicon carbide.

Abstract: A method of producing hot pressed products, especially products of complex shapes, wherein the material from which the component is formed is hot pressed between a plurality of die parts of which at least one is of substantially uniform density and substantially compressible. This enables the shape of the die part to conform exactly or nearly so to the shape of the body being sintered throughout hot pressing, thereby resulting in obtainment of products of complex shapes.