Abstract: In order to obviate the necessity for design compromise of spark plugs with respect to their operating temperature, so that the ceramic insulator (18) of the spark plug will rapidly reach the temperature at which deposits thereon will inherently burn off (about 400.degree. C.-450.degree. C.) while not becoming so hot as to cause spurious glow ignition within the combustion chamber of an internal combustion (IC) engine, the end portion of the insulator is formed with a central opening (19/3) within which a metal core (24) is included which has a temperature coefficient of expansion such that, at temperatures below between 400.degree. C.-450.degree. C. it is spaced by a narrow gap (25) from the inner surface of the insulator (see FIG. 1) but, as the spark plug becomes hot, the gap 25 closes (FIG. 2), thereby providing good heat transmission from the insulator to the center electrode structure (21, 23, 24) and thereby maintaining the insulator at a temperature below that at which it might glow.

Abstract: The load P on an artificial hip joint produces a bending moment on the endoprosthesis shaft composed of a shaft proper (1), a collar (2) fitting the resection plane and a cone (3) for carrying the femur ball (14). The extra load B thereby provided on the medial side of the femur is relieved by providing means for resisting the tension force A of the bending moment by providing the shaft with cavities (11) separated by ribs (12) as well as by a median longitudinal rib (broken lines).The bone grows into the cavities thus securing the area against the tension effects. Additional cavities (9) and wedge-shaped nubs (7) and (5) similarly oppose forces A and/or B. Hollows (10) on the underside of the collar (2), as well as the cavities (11) and (9), also oppose twisting forces.

Abstract: A medical prostheses suitable for implant use comprising a cured fiber reinforced triazine resin shaped body. The fiber reinforcement is preferably a fabric formed from two dimensionally oriented fibers. The preferred fibers are high strength carbon fibers. The prosthesis is particularly useful for the fabrication of joints, for example hip joints, as well as for support and connecting elements suitable for implantation.