Patents by Inventor Paul Tinwell
Paul Tinwell 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).
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Publication number: 20220082074Abstract: An ignition unit producing an ignition in a combustion chamber includes an electrode that has a tip section that is exposed to the combustion chamber when the ignition unit is fitted on a combustion engine. The electrode forms part of a microwave resonating structure that radiates a microwave field into the combustion chamber when a microwave excitation signal is applied to the electrode. A winding is electrically coupled to the electrode. The winding and the electrode form part of a radiofrequency resonator that radiates a radiofrequency field into the combustion chamber when a radiofrequency excitation signal is applied to the winding. A microwave signal path transfers the microwave excitation signal from a signal input connector on the ignition unit to the electrode. The microwave signal path includes an inductive portion and a capacitive coupling structure adapted to provide a capacitive coupling from the inductive portion to the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2019Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Paul TINWELL, Thomas CHARLES, Alexandre KERMORVANT
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Publication number: 20180331507Abstract: A spark ignition device includes a ceramic insulator with a metal shell surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic insulator. A ground electrode is attached to the shell. The ground electrode has a ground electrode sparking tip spaced from a central sparking tip by a spark gap. A first terminal is arranged in electrical communication with the central sparking tip and is configured for electrical connection with a power source. The device further includes a second terminal configured for electrical connection with the power source. The second terminal is spaced from the first terminal, with the second terminal being arranged in electrical communication with the first terminal. A heater element brings the first terminal in electrical communication with the second terminal and completes an electrical circuit. The heater element has a resistance greater than the first and second terminals thereby producing a significant source of heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: JOHN BURROWS, PAUL TINWELL, ROBIN CLARKE
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Patent number: 10027092Abstract: A spark ignition device includes a ceramic insulator with a metal shell surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic insulator. A ground electrode is attached to the shell. The ground electrode has a ground electrode sparking tip spaced from a central sparking tip by a spark gap. A first terminal is arranged in electrical communication with the central sparking tip and is configured for electrical connection with a power source. The device further includes a second terminal configured for electrical connection with the power source. The second terminal is spaced from the first terminal, with the second terminal being arranged in electrical communication with the first terminal. A heater element brings the first terminal in electrical communication with the second terminal and completes an electrical circuit. The heater element has a resistance greater than the first and second terminals thereby producing a significant source of heat.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: John Burrows, Paul Tinwell, Robin Clarke
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Patent number: 9957948Abstract: An ignition unit produces an ignition in a combustion chamber of a combustion engine in the following manner. The ignition unit comprises a radiofrequency resonator that radiates a plasma-creating radiofrequency field into the combustion chamber. The ignition unit further comprises a microwave resonator that radiates a plasma-boosting microwave field into the combustion chamber. In an embodiment, the microwave resonator has an output surface to which the combustion chamber is exposed when the ignition unit is fitted on the combustion engine. The radiofrequency resonator may comprise an electrode that is at least partially embedded in the microwave resonator. The electrode may have a tip that is located at a distance from the output surface so that the microwave resonator provides a barrier between the tip and the output surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: APOJEEInventors: Paul Tinwell, Andre Agneray
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Publication number: 20170152830Abstract: An ignition unit produces an ignition in a combustion chamber of a combustion engine in the following manner. The ignition unit comprises a radiofrequency resonator that radiates a plasma-creating radiofrequency field into the combustion chamber. The ignition unit further comprises a microwave resonator that radiates a plasma-boosting microwave field into the combustion chamber. In an embodiment, the microwave resonator has an output surface to which the combustion chamber is exposed when the ignition unit is fitted on the combustion engine. The radiofrequency resonator may comprise an electrode that is at least partially embedded in the microwave resonator. The electrode may have a tip that is located at a distance from the output surface so that the microwave resonator provides a barrier between the tip and the output surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2015Publication date: June 1, 2017Inventors: Paul TINWELL, Andre AGNERAY
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Patent number: 9304059Abstract: A spark plug assembly has a ceramic insulator with a metal outer shell surrounding at least a portion of the insulator. A ground electrode is operatively attached to the outer shell and a center electrode having an elongate body extends through the insulator. The center electrode and the ground electrode provide a spark gap. A force sensor is received about the insulator. An annular inner shell is received between the outer shell and the insulator, wherein the inner shell has a surface configured to confront the insulator along an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: John A. Burrows, Paul Tinwell
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Patent number: 8860291Abstract: A spark plug having an integral gasoline combustion sensor is disclosed. The spark plug includes a center electrode assembly with a terminal stud at one end and a center electrode with a sparking surface at an opposite end; a generally tubular insulator surrounding the center electrode assembly; a shell surrounding the insulator and having along its length a turn-over on a first end, a barrel having an outer surface and barrel shoulder on a gasket flange thereof, a threaded portion, and a ground electrode; and a piezo sensor assembly located on the barrel shoulder proximate the outer surface of the barrel which includes a lower electrode contact, a piezo transducer, an upper electrode contact, an isolator having a convex upper surface, and an upper bushing which is attached to the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: Benjamin L'Henoret, Jan Haag, John A. Burrows, Robin Clarke, Paul Tinwell
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Publication number: 20140202413Abstract: A spark ignition device includes a ceramic insulator with a metal shell surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic insulator. A ground electrode is attached to the shell. The ground electrode has a ground electrode sparking tip spaced from a central sparking tip by a spark gap. A first terminal is arranged in electrical communication with the central sparking tip and is configured for electrical connection with a power source. The device further includes a second terminal configured for electrical connection with the power source. The second terminal is spaced from the first terminal, with the second terminal being arranged in electrical communication with the first terminal. A heater element brings the first terminal in electrical communication with the second terminal and completes an electrical circuit. The heater element has a resistance greater than the first and second terminals thereby producing a significant source of heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: John Burrows, Paul Tinwell, Robin Clarke
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Patent number: 8707922Abstract: A spark ignition device includes a ceramic insulator with a metal shell surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic insulator. A ground electrode is attached to the shell. The ground electrode has a ground electrode sparking tip spaced from a central sparking tip by a spark gap. A first terminal is arranged in electrical communication with the central sparking tip and is configured for electrical connection with a power source. The device further includes a second terminal configured for electrical connection with the power source. The second terminal is spaced from the first terminal, with the second terminal being arranged in electrical communication with the first terminal. A heater element brings the first terminal in electrical communication with the second terminal and completes an electrical circuit. The heater element has a resistance greater than the first and second terminals thereby producing a significant source of heat.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Federal Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: John Burrows, Paul Tinwell, Robin Clarke
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Publication number: 20130312505Abstract: A spark plug assembly has a ceramic insulator with a metal outer shell surrounding at least a portion of the insulator. A ground electrode is operatively attached to the outer shell and a center electrode having an elongate body extends through the insulator. The center electrode and the ground electrode provide a spark gap. A force sensor is received about the insulator. An annular inner shell is received between the outer shell and the insulator, wherein the inner shell has a surface configured to confront the insulator along an axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: John A. Burrows, Paul Tinwell
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Patent number: 8578762Abstract: A spark plug assembly includes an insulator having an upper shoulder and a lower shoulder and a metal annular outer shell having an outer surface and a cavity bounded by an inner surface. The inner surface has a flange extending inwardly to confront the lower shoulder of the insulator. The outer shell has a proximal end and an opposite fastening end. The fastening end has an external threaded region and an annular sealing seat extending outwardly adjacent the flange. The outer shell has an annular shoulder extending radially between the sealing seat and the proximal end. The proximal end has a turnover axially confronting the upper shoulder of the insulator. A sensor assembly is received about the outer shell between the shoulder of the shell and the turnover. The sensor assembly is responsive to send a signal in response to relative axial movement between the insulator and the outer shell.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: John A. Burrows, Paul Tinwell
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Patent number: 8505366Abstract: A spark plug assembly has a ceramic insulator with a metal outer shell surrounding at least a portion of the insulator. A ground electrode is operatively attached to the outer shell and a center electrode having an elongate body extends through the insulator. The center electrode and the ground electrode provide a spark gap. A force sensor is received about the insulator. An annular inner shell is received between the outer shell and the insulator, wherein the inner shell has a surface configured to confront the insulator along an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: John A. Burrows, Paul Tinwell
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Patent number: 8196459Abstract: The spark plug comprises: —a central electrode (2), —an insulating core (6) bearing the central electrode (2), —an external body (8) in which the insulating core (6) is mounted and which has a region (18) where the external body (8) is crimped onto the insulating core (6), and—a force sensor (30). The force sensor (30) is mounted at the periphery of the external body (8) between, on the one hand, a bearing element (38) secured to a first peripheral region of the external body (8) and, on the other hand, a second peripheral region (24) of the external body (8). The second peripheral region (24) of the external body (8) is further away from the crimping region (18) than the first peripheral region. The bearing element (38) is prestressed against the force sensor (30).Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventors: Alain Ramond, Paul Tinwell
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Patent number: 8026654Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine and method of construction therefore includes a housing with an insulator secured therein. A center electrode is mounted within the insulator. A ground electrode extends from the housing with a portion of the ground electrode defining a spark gap across from the center electrode. The center electrode has a firing tip, wherein a resistance weld joint initially bonds the firing tip to the center electrode and a continuous bead of overlapping first weld pools formed substantially from the material of the firing tip further bonds the firing tip to the electrode. A continuous bead of overlapping second weld pools formed radially outwardly from the first weld pools forms a rounded shoulder surface extending from the first weld pools to an outer surface of the center electrode.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Jay Kowalski, Paul Tinwell
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Patent number: 7973459Abstract: A spark plug having a particular firing end configuration that satisfies numerous dimensional ranges for improved performance. The spark plug generally includes a shell, an insulator, and center and ground electrodes, with the electrodes each having a copper core for improved thermal conductivity and a noble metal insert for improved erosion and corrosion resistance. The noble metal insert for the center electrode is preferably in the form of a cylindrical Ir-based tip, which is received within a complimentary recess formed in the center electrode. The noble metal insert for the ground electrode is in the form of a flat Pt-based pad attached to a surface of the ground electrode. Various dimensional ranges are provided for the various components of the spark plug assembly, both individually and in combination with other dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition (U.K.) LimitedInventor: Paul Tinwell
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Publication number: 20110139107Abstract: A spark ignition device includes a ceramic insulator with a metal shell surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic insulator. A ground electrode is attached to the shell. The ground electrode has a ground electrode sparking tip spaced from a central sparking tip by a spark gap. A first terminal is arranged in electrical communication with the central sparking tip and is configured for electrical connection with a power source. The device further includes a second terminal configured for electrical connection with the power source. The second terminal is spaced from the first terminal, with the second terminal being arranged in electrical communication with the first terminal. A heater element brings the first terminal in electrical communication with the second terminal and completes an electrical circuit. The heater element has a resistance greater than the first and second terminals thereby producing a significant source of heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventors: John Burrows, Paul Tinwell, Robin Clarke
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Patent number: 7923909Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine and method of construction therefore includes a housing with an insulator secured therein. A center electrode is mounted within the insulator. A ground electrode extends from the housing with a portion of the ground electrode defining a spark gap across from the center electrode. At least a selected one of the center electrode or ground electrode has a platinum or platinum-based alloy firing tip. A resistance weld joint bonds the firing tip to the selected electrode and defines a lower surface of the firing tip that is embedded a first distance beneath an outer surface of the selected electrode. A continuous bead of overlapping laser weld pools is formed over an outer periphery of the firing tip. The overlapping weld pools extend a second distance beneath the outer surface of the selected electrode, with the second distance being greater than the first distance.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.Inventor: Paul Tinwell
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Publication number: 20110037372Abstract: A spark plug having an integral gasoline combustion sensor is disclosed. The spark plug includes a center electrode assembly with a terminal stud at one end and a center electrode with a sparking surface at an opposite end; a generally tubular insulator surrounding the center electrode assembly; a shell surrounding the insulator and having along its length a turn-over on a first end, a barrel having an outer surface and barrel shoulder on a gasket flange thereof, a threaded portion, and a ground electrode; and a piezo sensor assembly located on the barrel shoulder proximate the outer surface of the barrel which includes a lower electrode contact, a piezo transducer, an upper electrode contact, an isolator having a convex upper surface, and an upper bushing which is attached to the barrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2008Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Benjamin L'Henoret, Jan Haag, Johan A. Burrows, Robin Clarke, Paul Tinwell
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Publication number: 20100186489Abstract: A spark plug assembly has a ceramic insulator with a metal outer shell surrounding at least a portion of the insulator. A ground electrode is operatively attached to the outer shell and a center electrode having an elongate body extends through the insulator. The center electrode and the ground electrode provide a spark gap. A force sensor is received about the insulator. An annular inner shell is received between the outer shell and the insulator, wherein the inner shell has a surface configured to confront the insulator along an axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: John A. Burrows, Paul Tinwell
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Publication number: 20100186490Abstract: A spark plug assembly includes an insulator having an upper shoulder and a lower shoulder and a metal annular outer shell having an outer surface and a cavity bounded by an inner surface. The inner surface has a flange extending inwardly to confront the lower shoulder of the insulator. The outer shell has a proximal end and an opposite fastening end. The fastening end has an external threaded region and an annular sealing seat extending outwardly adjacent the flange. The outer shell has an annular shoulder extending radially between the sealing seat and the proximal end. The proximal end has a turnover axially confronting the upper shoulder of the insulator. A sensor assembly is received about the outer shell between the shoulder of the shell and the turnover. The sensor assembly is responsive to send a signal in response to relative axial movement between the insulator and the outer shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: John A. Burrows, Paul Tinwell