Abstract: A multi-layer ceramic heater for igniting fuel in a diesel engine having an electrode, an insulative layer disposed over the electrode, a resistive layer disposed over the insulative layer at the tip of the heater, and a conductive layer covering the insulative layer and extending from the resistive layer over the insulative layer to the base of heater. A substantial proportion of the volume of resistive layer is located in close proximity to the tip of heater. The resistive layer has a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of electrical resistance and preferably a portion of the electrode is variably resistive for self regulation purposes. Due to the geometry of the resistive layer and the variable resistive characteristics of the resistive layer and the electrode, the heater is well suited to applications that require quick start heating as well as good afterglow properties or prolonged heating at high temperatures.

Abstract: A multi-layer ceramic heater for igniting fuel in a diesel engine having an electrode, an insulative layer disposed over the electrode, a resistive layer disposed over the insulative layer at the tip of the heater, and a conductive layer covering the insulative layer and extending from the resistive layer over the insulative layer to the base of heater. A substantial proportion of the volume of resistive layer is located in close proximity to the tip of heater. The resistive layer has a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of electrical resistance and preferably a portion of the electrode is variably resistive for self regulation purposes. Due to the geometry of the resistive layer and the variable resistive characteristics of the resistive layer and the electrode, the heater is well suited to applications that require quick start heating as well as good afterglow properties or prolonged heating at high temperatures.

Abstract: A multi-layer ceramic heater for igniting fuel in a diesel engine having an electrode, an insulative layer disposed over the electrode, a resistive layer disposed over the insulative layer at the tip of the heater, and a conductive layer covering the insulative layer and extending from the resistive layer over the insulative layer to the base of heater. A substantial proportion of the volume of resistive layer is located in close proximity to the tip of heater. The resistive layer has a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of electrical resistance and preferably a portion of the electrode is variably resistive for self regulation purposes. Due to the geometry of the resistive layer and the variable resistive characteristics of the resistive layer and the electrode, the heater is well suited to applications that require quick start heating as well as good afterglow properties or prolonged heating at high temperatures.

Abstract: A ceramic heater device for use in a glow plug for a diesel engine has a gradually varying cross-sectional composition which eliminates distinct interfacial junctions between a resistive layer, an insulative layer and a highly conductive layer. The heater is manufactured by slip casting where the proportions of conductive and non-conductive ceramic particles in a slip are varied as the slip is passed through an absorbent mold.

Abstract: A cermanic heating device, such as a glow plug for use in a diesel engine, has a metallic body with a central bore, a creamic heater portion having a tapered body and a conductive core, and a conductor for electrically connecting the core. The central bore wedgingly receives the ceramic heater portion within the central bore securing electrical contact with the metallic body and positions a distal tip of the ceramic heater portion longitudinally from the metallic body.