Patents by Inventor John E. Sohnly

John E. Sohnly has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Consumable semiconductor igniter plug
    Patent number: 5434741
    Abstract: An apparatus and method extends the useful life of a low tension igniter plug by advancing a homogeneous semiconductor element as it is consumed over time by sparks between a central conductor and an outer metal shell of the plug. An insulator surrounds at least a portion of the central conductor, with the outer metal shell having a discharge end spaced to provide a spark gap with a tip of the central conductor. The homogeneous semiconductor element surrounds the tip of the central conductor and is axially positioned between the insulator and the discharge end of the outer metal shell so that it is in contact with the outer metal shell at the spark gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Unison Industries Limited Partnership
    Inventors: George F. Mulkins, Tom L. Rothenbuhler, John E. Sohnly