Abstract: A spark plug and method for making. The spark plug comprises a center electrode, an insulator surrounding the center electrode, and a metallic shell surrounding the insulator. The spark plug also includes a ground electrode engaged with the metallic shell. The ground electrode has a first surface facing the center electrode for defining a spark gap and a second surface opposite the first surface. A cross-section of the ground electrode between the first and second surfaces includes a first zone of a non-noble metallic base material extending a distance from the second surface toward the first surface and a second zone of a blend of the non-noble base material and a noble metallic material extending from the first zone to the first surface. A method of making the spark plug includes the step of disposing a quantity of noble metallic material on an electrode blank formed of a non-noble metallic base material.

Abstract: A spark plug and method for making. The spark plug comprises a center electrode, an insulator surrounding the center electrode, and a metallic shell surrounding the insulator. The spark plug also includes a ground electrode engaged with the metallic shell. The ground electrode has a first surface facing the center electrode for defining a spark gap and a second surface opposite the first surface. A cross-section of the ground electrode between the first and second surfaces includes a first zone of a non-noble metallic base material extending a distance from the second surface toward the first surface and a second zone of a blend of the non-noble base material and a noble metallic material extending from the first zone to the first surface. A method of making the spark plug includes the step of disposing a quantity of noble metallic material on an electrode blank formed of a non-noble metallic base material.

Abstract: A spark plug and method for making. The spark plug comprises a center electrode, an insulator surrounding the center electrode, and a metallic shell surrounding the insulator. The spark plug also includes a ground electrode engaged with the metallic shell. The ground electrode has a first surface facing the center electrode for defining a spark gap and a second surface opposite the first surface. A cross-section of the ground electrode between the first and second surfaces includes a first zone of a non-noble metallic base material extending a distance from the second surface toward the first surface and a second zone of a blend of the non-noble base material and a noble metallic material extending from the first zone to the first surface. A method of making the spark plug includes the step of disposing a quantity of noble metallic material on an electrode blank formed of a non-noble metallic base material.

Abstract: A method of using laser energy for treating a metal work-piece to modify chemical properties of a surface of the metal work-piece. The method includes the step of applying a material to a surface of a metal work-piece. The material is corrosive with respect to the surface. The method also includes the step of improving a resistance to corrosion of the surface by initiating a chemical reaction between the corrosive material and the surface with a laser.

Abstract: A PTFE seal and method of fabrication therefor includes preparing a mixture of PTFE resin powder and a susceptor material which is then compacted and sintered by exciting the susceptor material with microwave energy. Preferably, the compaction and sintering of the mixture is carried out in a continuous process and a vacuum is drawn on the mixture in the heating zone to extract any air from the mixture. The sintered mixture is advanced, preferably continuously, to a cutting zone where PTFE wafers are cut from the sintered mixture, preferably while the mixture is still warm.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing PTFE material includes preparing a mixture of PTFE resin powder and a susceptor material which is compacted and sintered by exciting the susceptor material with microwave energy. Preferably, the compaction and sintering of the mixture is carried out in a continuous process and a vacuum is drawn on the mixture in the heating zone to extract any air from the mixture. The sintered mixture may be advanced, preferably continuously, to a cutting zone where the PTFE material may be cut to any desired length preferably while the mixture is still warm to produce anywhere from thin wafer PTFE components to long tubular PTFE hose, or the like.

Abstract: A PTFE seal and method of fabrication therefor includes preparing a mixture of PTFE resin powder and a susceptor material which is then compacted and sintered by exciting the susceptor material with microwave energy. Preferably, the compaction and sintering of the mixture is carried out in a continuous process and a vacuum is drawn on the mixture in the heating zone to extract any air from the mixture. The sintered mixture is advanced, preferably continuously, to a cutting zone where PTFE wafers are cut from the sintered mixture, preferably while the mixture is still warm.

Abstract: A PTFE seal and method of fabrication therefor includes preparing a mixture of PTFE resin powder and a susceptor material which is then compacted and sintered by exciting the susceptor material with microwave energy. Preferably, the compaction and sintering of the mixture is carried out in a continuous process and a vacuum is drawn on the mixture in the heating zone to extract any air from the mixture. The sintered mixture is advanced, preferably continuously, to a cutting zone where PTFE wafers are cut from the sintered mixture, preferably while the mixture is still warm.