Abstract: An ignition lead that includes at least one terminal assembly having a replaceable terminal contact that provides a simple means of replacing worn contacts without removal and replacement of the entire ignition lead. The terminal assembly includes the replaceable contact which threads onto a contact body located within a tubular insulator. A retaining ring attaches to the contact to hold the insulator in place over the contact body. The contact can include a groove that extends around the contact to receive the retaining ring. Replacement of the contact involves removing the retaining ring from the groove in the contact, sliding the insulator off the terminal assembly, unthreading the worn contact, threading on a replacement contact, reassembling the insulator onto the assembly, and then securing the insulator in place by snapping the retaining ring back into the groove on the replacement contact.

Abstract: Igniter and spark plugs according to the invention include a tubular insulator having an axially extending passage and axially opposed sealing shoulders within the passage spaced from the ends of the insulator. A multi-part electrode assembly is disposed within the insulator, including an upper electrode joined by resistance welding to a lower electrode. A heat-expandable sleeve is carried about the upper electrode and a lower end thereof confronts a compressible gasket and the upper sealing shoulder. An enlarged head of the lower electrode confronts a sealing gasket on the lower sealing shoulder. During resistance welding, the upper and lower electrodes are displaced toward one another causing the gaskets to be compressed against the sealing shoulders of the insulator to form a gas-tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: An improved igniter and cable connector assembly for turbine engines. An igniter mounting adapter is secured to the engine. The igniter slides into a hole through the adapter and is retained by an enlarged head on the igniter. An annular seal is positioned around a high voltage terminal on the igniter head and a terminal on the cable connector is positioned against the igniter terminal. The cable connector is secured to the adapter, for example, by either a clamp assembly or a coupling nut or a quick release connector. As the cable connector is secured to the adapter, the seal is compressed between the igniter and connector insulators and, optionally, the connector terminal is rotated and pressed against the igniter terminal to establish a reliable electrical contact. The connector and igniter terminals preferably have mating conical or spherical surfaces, one of which may be an annular segment to provide an increased electrical contact area.