Abstract: A locking device having a connection element (11) that is securely connected to the hook base (1) but can rotate is provided. On the connection element (11), a coil spring (17) is supported that is compressed after setting the bobbin case (5) on or in the hook base (1). Through a slight tilting movement, the bobbin case (5) or the bobbin (7) could be pushed and guided over the connection element (11) and then held by the force of the spring (17) in the locking position.

Abstract: A steering unit (1), for a steer-by-wire ship control system, comprises a steering wheel (3), a controller (11) that is connected to the electronic controller of the ship control system (ECU) via a CAN bus, a sensor (10) for detecting an angular position of the steering wheel (3), and a unit for generating mechanical resistance in the steering wheel (3), in which the unit for generating mechanical resistance in the steering wheel (3) is an electric motor (8) and the shaft (2) of the steering wheel (3), that is rotationally fixed to the steering wheel (3), is rotationally fixed to the rotor (7) of the electric motor (6), and the stator (8) of the electric motor (6) is rotationally fixed to the housing (5) of the electric motor (6).

Abstract: A mechanism for dropping down and picking up an anchor in a controlled manner, the anchor having a chain with one end connected to a capstan in a releasable and retractable manner, an arm section to which the chain is connected from its other end, and a tip section, the mechanism of the present invention comprises a movable carrier which guides the anchor a certain distance as the anchor leaves the marine vehicle and is picked up onto the same.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for fixing floating bodies (1), in particular boats, to a landing body (2) with at least two holding booms (5) which are fixed to respective mooring means (4) by means of fittings (3) functioning as coupling elements, in each case at one end on the floating body (1) and at the other end on the landing body (2). In order to create advantageous conditions, it is proposed that at least one of the holding booms (5) be fixed, at least at one end, to the respective mooring means by the fitting (3) functioning as a coupling element so as to be rotationally fixed or rotationally resilient about an at least approximately vertical axis (7) with an adjustable and fixable angular offset (?).

Abstract: A multifunction anchor comprises an anchor shank to selectively work with one of a dual-fin fluke set, a four-leaf fluke set, and the spear fluke set. A user can choose one of the fluke sets that suits current anchoring conditions to assemble with the anchor shank to anchor a vessel.

Abstract: An amphibious small boat, including rowing/fishing/motor/sailing boats, canoes and kayaks has a removable, retractable wheeled undercarriage enabling the craft to be trailered or managed singlehandedly on the ground; or the undercarriage retracted inboard. The canoe and kayak undercarriage is easily removed. Working loads are distributed to the fabric of the craft. The boat undercarriage can be manually lever-controlled and the lever anchors the undercarriage. A motorized actuator is also given. An elevated towing hitch is used with all embodiments, and includes a safety, breakaway link for highway needs. Signal/running lights are included with the small boat embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for constructing a unit adapted to float in a body of water, the method comprising the steps of: providing a cavity in the unit such that the cavity is open to the environment surrounding the unit, wherein at least a portion of the cavity is adapted to be located below a still water surface when the unit floats in the body of water, and determining a first value of at least a first parameter relating to required hydrostatic properties for the unit. The present invention also relates to a unit adapted to float in a body of water. The unit comprises a cavity such that the cavity is open to the environment surrounding the unit. At least a portion of the cavity is adapted to be located below a still water surface when the unit floats in the body of water. Moreover, the present invention relates to a use of a cavity in a unit adapted to float in a body of water.

Abstract: A rotation indicator device comprises a body having a bore, whereby the body is adapted to be releasably mounted on a polygonal fastener or other multi-angled component in any selected position. At least part of the body which defines the bore is formed of a resilient material of suitable grip and flexibility characteristics, such as silicone rubber material, and the bore has an edge margin which is of a tapered profile in cross-section so that the body can be snugly mounted onto the fastener or other component without any relative rotation occurring between the device and the fastener or other component.

Abstract: A method for producing a single-crystal thin film includes, for example, applying a chemical solution containing raw materials for a single-crystal thin film composed of (BaxSryCaz)TiO3 (wherein x+y+z=1.0) by spin coating on a thin film composed of BaZrO3 formed on a MgO(100) surface of a MgO(100) substrate and subjecting the applied chemical solution to heat treatment at a temperature at which orientation occurs, thereby epitaxially growing a single-crystal thin film composed of (BaxSryCaz)TiO3.

Abstract: A method for minimizing particle generation during deposition of a graded Si.sub.1-xGe.sub.x layer on a semiconductor material includes providing a substrate in an atmosphere including a Si precursor and a Ge precursor, wherein the Ge precursor has a decomposition temperature greater than germane, and depositing the graded Si.sub.1-xGe.sub.x layer having a final Ge content of greater than about 0.15 and a particle density of less than about 0.3 particles/cm.sup.2 on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separating a surface layer of a diamond, which comprises implanting ions into a diamond to form a non-diamond layer near a surface of the diamond; and etching the non-diamond layer in the diamond by applying an alternating-current voltage across electrodes in an electrolytic solution; and a method for separating a grown layer of a diamond, which further comprises the step of growing a diamond by a vapor-phase synthesis method, after forming a non-diamond layer according to the above-described method. The invention is applicable to various single-crystal and polycrystal diamonds. More specifically, even with a large single-crystal diamond, a portion of the single-crystal diamond can be efficiently separated in a reusable form in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A method of making a group III nitride-based compound semiconductor includes providing a semiconductor substrate comprising group III nitride-based compound semiconductor, polishing a surface of said semiconductor substrate such that said polished surface includes an inclined surface that has an off-angle ? of 0.15 degrees or more and 0.6 degrees or less to one of an a-face, a c-face and an m-face of the semiconductor substrate, providing a stripe-shaped specific region on the polished surface, the specific region comprising a material that prevents the growth of the group III nitride-based compound semiconductor on its surface, and growing a semiconductor epitaxial growth layer of group III nitride-based compound semiconductor on the polished surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An improvement to a method and an apparatus for growing a monocrystalline silicon ingot from silicon melt according to the CZ process. The improvement performs defining an error between a target taper of a meniscus and a measured taper, and translating the taper error into a feedback adjustment to a pull-speed of the silicon ingot. The conventional control model for controlling the CZ process relies on linear control (PID) controlling a non-linear system of quadratic relationship defined in the time domain between the diameter and the pull-speed. The present invention transforms the quadratic relationship in the time domain between the diameter and the pull-speed into a simile, linear relationship in the length domain between a meniscus taper of the ingot and the pull-speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying solid edible particulates to an exposed surface of an edible substrate. The apparatus includes a particulate supply, a metered dosing system, a conduit through which the measured particulates are to the edible substrate, an applicator nozzle to direct the measured particulates from the conduit onto the exposed surface of the substrate, and a vacuum system that supplies a directed stream of air to transfer the particulates from the dosing system through the conduit and the nozzle. The particulates are ejected at a velocity sufficient to cut through air currents between the nozzle and substrate, but insufficient to fully penetrate the exposed surface of the substrate, to deposit and adhere a substantial amount of the particulates in a desired pattern onto the exposed surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing active materials, such as adhesives, onto articles, such as absorbent articles or release paper, using a coater with a multitude of applicators. The applicators coat a surface (roll) with a multitude of beads of the active material. The apparatus also includes a specific coating blade, which contacts the surface with the active material at a certain angle and thereby coats the surface even better.

Abstract: A mask adhesion unit for a deposition apparatus includes a magnetic assembly, a cap plate spaced apart from the magnetic assembly, and a magnetic control unit between edges of the magnetic assembly, and the cap plate. A deposition apparatus using the same is capable of adhering a substrate and a mask assembly together using the mask adhesion unit to improve deposition precision, while preventing deformation of a slit of the mask assembly.

Abstract: A coater for coating a material with a solution or a suspension includes an access door and a process port separately openable within a housing. A rotating coating drum is removably connected with respect to the coater and the coater is configured for exchange of drums having a wide range of production capacities.

Abstract: A device for the deposition of layers, includes a frame (10) provided with a housing (12), the frame further including: a table (22) for bearing an object to be manufactured and provided with a mobile plate (52) and first movement element (48), a material dispenser (20) for placing the material on the table (52) for manufacturing the object, provided with second movement element (34, 36, 38) for at least one vessel (40), at least one nozzle (42) and at least one extrusion member (44); a compacting element (23), and a control member (25) for controlling the material deposition on the table (22). At least the plate (52) and the end of the nozzle (42) are provided inside the housing (12), while at least the table movement element (48) and the dispenser movement element (34, 36, 38) and the control member (25) are provided outside the housing (12).

Abstract: An atomizer (2) with a rotary atomizing head (4) is mounted on the front side of a housing member (6) in which an air motor (3) is accommodated. A primary external electrode (8) is located around the outer peripheral side of the housing member (6) in such a way as to encircle the housing member (6). A secondary external electrode (10) is located on the front side of the housing member (6), in a position closer to the rotary atomizing head (4) than the primary external electrode (8). A first high voltage (V1) in the form of a direct-current voltage is supplied to the primary external electrode (8) from a first high voltage generator (11). On the other hand, a second high voltage (V2), in the form of a pulsating voltage (V2p) consisting of a series of intermittent pulses in a range lower than the first high voltage (V1), is supplied to the secondary external electrode (10) from a second high voltage generator (12).

Abstract: Provided is a tissue piece treating apparatus comprising an automatic controlling means for feeding back the temperature of the treatment liquid or molten paraffin in the bath inside detected by a temperature sensor to switch a heating mode and a cooling mode alternately to control the temperature; a heating means for turning OFF in an air-cooling fan of the ultrasonic vibrator and ON in a plane heater at the heating mode, thereby transferring the heat generated by the ultrasonic vibrator and the plane heater; and, a cooling means for turning ON in the air-cooling fan of the ultrasonic vibrator and OFF in the plane heater at the cooling mode, thereby blocking the heat transfer from the ultrasonic vibrator and the plane heater to the bath inside. These means can suppress the excessive heating of a tissue piece so that they can suppress the heating modification of the tissue piece.

Abstract: An electric circuit is applied to an object having a curved surface. The curved surface of the object is divided into sections, and the circuit is applied one section at a time. The circuit is formed between layers of dielectric material. The dielectric is applied by a computer-controlled device, which controls the position of a spray head and the rotation of the object, such that the spray head is held substantially perpendicular to the surface of the object at all times, and such that a controlled thickness of dielectric material can be deposited. The fine-featured circuits formed by the invention are rugged, and can be used on objects intended to be exposed to harsh environments.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a substitute component for bone, including the processes of: provision of a chemical spray including at least three of calcium chloride, hydrogen phosphate, hydrogen carbonate and water to form a combined solution; reaction and precipitation of the combined solution onto a substrate; allowing the precipitated particles to form a porous structure on the substrate; applying substantially isostatic pressure to the porous structure to form a compressed structure; and (optional) providing one or more through-holes in the compressed structure to promote osteoinduction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatuses for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. In one embodiment, a CVD reactor is provided which includes a reactor lid assembly disposed on a reactor body and containing a first showerhead assembly, an isolator assembly, a second showerhead assembly, and an exhaust assembly consecutively and linearly disposed next to each other on a lid support. The CVD reactor further contains first and second faceplates disposed on opposite ends of the reactor body, wherein the first showerhead assembly is disposed between the first faceplate and the isolator assembly and the exhaust assembly is disposed between the second showerhead assembly and the second faceplate. The reactor body has a wafer carrier disposed on a wafer carrier track and a lamp assembly disposed below the wafer carrier track and containing a plurality of lamps which may be utilized to heat wafers disposed on the wafer carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a dielectric layer includes a process chamber configured for disposing a substrate therein, a gas inlet for delivering a mixture gas to the process chamber, and an RF generator for producing a plasma from the mixture gas. The plasma includes an oxygen-containing element and a fluorocarbon-containing element. The apparatus also has a heating element configured for maintaining the chamber temperature at a desired process temperature, for example, at 800° C. or lower, and a connector to a vacuum pump for maintaining a process pressure. The apparatus is configured for using the plasma to convert a surface portion of the substrate into an oxidized dielectric material.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber having an inner space where a process is carried out with respect to a substrate and an exhaust unit for exhausting substance in the inner space to the outside. The exhaust unit includes a first exhaust plate located at an upstream of an exhaust path of the substance, the first exhaust plate having first exhaust holes, and a second exhaust plate located at a downstream of the exhaust path, the first exhaust plate having second exhaust holes. The first exhaust plate is disposed outside a support member, and the second exhaust plate is disposed below the first exhaust plate generally in parallel to the first exhaust plate. The exhaust unit further includes first covers for selectively opening and closing the first exhaust holes and second covers for selectively opening and closing the second exhaust holes.

Abstract: Machine (1) for the plasma treatment of containers (3), which comprises: a chamber (5) suitable for receiving a container (3) to be treated, a cover (8) defining a nozzle (9) in the extension of the chamber (5); a duct (14) for depressurization the container (3), which duct opens into the nozzle (9) and connects the latter to a vacuum source (15); a first valve (19) having a closed position, in which it closes off the depressurization duct (14), and an open position, in which it brings the nozzle (9) and the vacuum source (15) into communication; a duct (27) for pressurizing the container (3), separate from the depressurization duct (14), this pressurization duct (27) emerging in the nozzle (9) beyond the depressurization duct (14) and connecting the nozzle (9) to a pressure source (28); and a second valve (29) having a closed position, in which it closes off the pressurization duct (27), and an open position, in which it brings the nozzle (9) and the pressure source (28) into communication.

Abstract: A device vaporizes organic materials onto a substrate surface to form a film.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a particulate material, including: a metering apparatus including: a reservoir for receiving particulate material; the reservoir having an opening for discharging the particulate material into a vaporizing chamber; a rotatable wire wheel brush disposed in the reservoir; wherein the dimensions of the reservoir and the wire wheel brush are selected so that the wire wheel brush cooperates with the interior walls of the reservoir to fluidize the particulate material and wherein a metered portion of the particulate material is entrained in the tines of the wire wheel brush and subsequently forcefully released into the reservoir opening; and a flash evaporator that receives and vaporizes the metered material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatuses for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. In one embodiment, a wafer carrier track for levitating and traversing a wafer carrier within a vapor deposition reactor system is provided which includes upper and lower sections of a track assembly having a gas cavity formed therebetween. A guide path extends along an upper surface of the upper section and between two side surfaces which extend along and above the guide path and parallel to each other. A plurality of gas holes along the guide path extends from the upper surface of the upper section, through the upper section, and into the gas cavity. In some examples, the upper and lower sections of the track assembly may independently contain quartz, and in some examples, may be fused together.

Abstract: An at least partially open sided outdoor animal shelter structure to condition animals, when positioned within the structure, to a desired physiological state by controlling the environment in the structure, the structure including a floor to support animals, side supports, a water impervious canopy supported by the side supports, the canopy being supported above at least part of the floor, the canopy allowing at least some ambient light to pass therethrough and into the structure, and wherein there are ways in which to control the temperature and/or airflow under the canopy in a passive manner such as by a movable shade cloth, that in one condition is located intermediate of the canopy and the animals to offer shade to the animals when in the structure and in at least one other condition is retracted from being positioned to offer shade to such animals.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a watering system configured to provide water to livestock. The system includes a water basin defining a trough configured to retain water, a reservoir mounted to the water basin, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive and retain water above the water basin. A water path is defined from the reservoir to the trough, wherein water within the reservoir is configured to pass into the water basin through gravity. A first heating element configured to heat water within the reservoir. A second heating element is configured to heat water within the trough, wherein the second heating element is separate and distinct from the first heating element.

Abstract: A cat litter containment enclosure system with four walls that locates a litter container at an elevated level preferably on a shelf where a cat enters the enclosure from a port in a front panel and hops or jumps to a second level for access to a litter container. The enclosure can contain a second pad located on the second level near the litter container so that the cat's paws are cleaned as the cat exits the enclosure. The top and front panel of the enclosure can be hinged for easy access for cleaning and/or inspection. Translucent vent holes can also be supplied on the enclosure for air and light. The pet can enter either from the front, or in other embodiments from the side of the enclosure.

Abstract: A wall mountable tank system for holding live flora or fauna includes an integrally formed tank including a rear panel, a bottom panel, and at least one of a front panel, first side panel, and second side panel. The panels define a tank interior for containing the flora or fauna. The rear panel includes a mounting portion having a receiving groove. A mounting member capable of being fixedly coupled to a vertical mounting surface is provided. The mounting member includes a tongue portion receivable in the receiving groove for engaging the mounting member to the tank.

Abstract: An endless flow fish tank, which occupies relatively little space, yet allows instinctively swimming fish to swim comfortably. Aerated water is pumped in one direction through a swim chamber, and water returns through a space between inner and outer container, through return flow piping, or through a second swim chamber which also serves as a return flow chamber.

Abstract: A small animal structure includes several modular units slideably interconnected to form a maze and at least one end cap secured to at least one modular unit. The modular units have a common bottom edge defining an open bottom of the small animal structure. A combination of a small-animal structure and a small-animal cage includes modular units slideably interconnected to form a maze. The modular units have a common bottom edge defining an open bottom of the small-animal structure. The small-animal structure is mounted on a floor of the small animal cage.

Abstract: A method to massage and groom a four-legged animal includes the steps of providing a paw shaped glove, of selecting a vibrator that produces vibrations that are like by the animal and have a selected frequency and magnitude and that produces a sound liked by the animal and having a selected magnitude and frequency, of mounting the vibrator on the glove, and of massaging and grooming the animal with the glove.

Abstract: A canine exercise and mobility product, kit, and system is disclosed. The product may include a reconfigurable canine exercise, and mobility, apparatus. The apparatus may be reversibly reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. A contact element may be attached to a platform in the first configuration, to contact an underlying surface, and to allow the platform to tilt, and/or to wobble, while the canine stands or leans on the platform. The platform may be configured to be held by human user to control an amount, and/or a rate, of tilt, and/or wobble. A translational element may be attached to the platform in the second configuration to support the platform in a substantially stable manner, and to allow the platform to translate across the surface while supporting at least a portion of the canine's weight.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an animal potty chair, particularly for a dog or cat, to be used indoor and/or outdoor to aid civilization of domestic animals and to improve quality of life for millions of families with animals. The animal potty chair comprising: (1) a defined space to guide an animal to release waste to a designated area; (2) a supporting mean covered with a mesh for an animal to stand and to release waste (3) a sealer-adaptor of the toilet; (4) a receptacle mean for animal waste; (5) a sensor to monitor an animal to come to a designated place; (6) a signal to indicate that an animal is/was at a designated place. The current invention has caused the revolutionary transformation of a pet from an accident-causing animal to a civilized non-human member of the family. There will be no more wet urine paw tracks left anywhere in the owner's house. Solid wastes stay on the top of the mesh, semi-liquid or loose feces fall into the toilet.

Abstract: An animal control system, including at least one transducer assembly intimately associated with an animal, and at least one control unit, wherein the control unit contains at least one assembly that includes on-board data, and the control unit is configured to a) receive data from the transducer assembly, and b) assess the received data with respect to the on-board data, and c) formulate and transmit a command to an appropriate transducer assembly; the system characterized in that the control unit is functionally separated from both actuation of the command and from the transducer assembly or assemblies.

Abstract: A retractable animal leash combined with a pepper spray dispenser includes: a housing having a first side and a second side; a handle at the first side of the housing; a dispenser region in the handle, adapted to retain the spray canister; and an attachment for the leash at the second side of the housing. A tube provides a path for spray from the spray canister to pass through the housing and out the second side of the housing. A trigger activates the spray canister and has a safety cover. A reel with a brake allows the leash to extend and urges the leash to retract.

Abstract: An adjustable pet raincoat and a method of using the raincoat are disclosed. An adjustable pet raincoat comprises one or more foldable torso covers and an inflatable head cover. Each torso cover has one or more sections and can be fully extended or folded. A torso cover can also be attached to another torso cover to form a bigger one to fit the size of a pet. Torso straps and a chest strap are attached to torso covers and used to anchor the pet raincoat on a pet. In a further embodiment, sections of a torso cover are connected to their neighboring sections only at their middle part of divided lines to allow flexible use of each section.

Abstract: A system for the generation, storage and use of Brown's gas comprising at least one Brown's gas generator, in communication with an electricity supply and water supply; at least one first storage chamber, in fluid communication with the generator, for storing the Brown's gas generated from said generator; and Brown's gas application means in communication with said at least one first storage chamber, wherein said generator and first storage chamber are located proximate the Brown's gas application means. For example, the Brown's gas may be used for the production of hot water, for the production of chilled water and as fuel in an incineration unit.

Abstract: Turbocharged or supercharged spark ignition engine. The engine includes a source of methanol for direct injection of methanol into the engine and for delivering a portion of the methanol to a reformer for generating a hydrogen-rich gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling system (1) in a motor vehicle with a cooling circuit in which at least one internal combustion engine (2), one pump (3) and one cooling device (4) are arranged, wherein a short circuit line (5) which bypasses the pump (3) is provided, which connects a pressure side to an intake side of the pump (3), a valve device (6) which can be switched between at least two positions is provided in the region of the short circuit line (5), in the first position the entire coolant flow flows through the short circuit line (5) and in the second position preferably the entire coolant flow flows through the internal combustion engine (2) and not through the short circuit line (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine, comprising a cylinder block and a cylinder head, with at least one first cooling jacket (1) being arranged in the cylinder block' and at least one second cooling jacket (2) being arranged in the cylinder head, and a cooling fluid can flow through the cooling jackets (1, 2) substantially in the longitudinal direction of the internal combustion engine, and with both the cylinder block and the cylinder head having separate inflows (6, 8) and outlets (7, 9) for the cooling fluid which communicate with the respective cooling jacket (1, 2) in the cylinder block and cylinder head. In order to ensure even cooling especially of thermally loaded regions of the cylinder head, it is provided that at least one flow transfer (10, 11) is arranged between the first cooling jacket (1) of the cylinder block and the second cooling jacket (2) of the cylinder head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure pump for a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, having at least one inlet valve device with a valve element, a valve seat for the valve element, and an actuating tappet which can positively push the valve element in an opening direction. In order to create a high-pressure pump for a fuel system of an internal combustion engine which can be produced even more cost-effectively and which has a lower level of wear and therefore a longer service life, it is proposed that the valve element have a positioning mechanism which centers the valve element on the valve seat when the valve element comes into contact or is in contact with the valve seat.

Abstract: A power unit for a small-sized vehicle that includes a valve operating system equipped with a hydraulic valve operation mode change mechanism capable of changing the operational mode of an engine valve, and a clutch device disposed between a crankshaft and a shift mechanism so as to switch hydraulically between connection and disconnection of power transmission, wherein a discharge outlet of one oil pump (209) driven by power transmission from the crankshaft is connected in common to a valve operation mode change mechanisms (63, 64) and a clutch device (102). This enables the hydraulic system to be made compact while avoiding any increase in the overall bulk of the power unit, thus providing a power unit suitable for a small-sized vehicle.

Abstract: Variable valve activation system for internal combustion engines includes a first arm, a link mechanism, a swing cam, and a variable mechanism, which continuously varies lift amount of an engine valve. The link mechanism includes a second arm rotatably linked with the first arm for transmitting the movement of the first arm to the swing cam. The variable mechanism includes a first gear provided concentrically with a swing shaft of the first arm and a second gear provided to the second arm concentrically with the link pin so as to engage with the first gear. The rotation of the first gear causes the second arm to swing and varies the swing position of the swing cam with respect to the engine valve, and in a state the first gear is in a halt or stopped position, the first arm causes the second arm to swing in a swing direction of the first arm.

Abstract: A distributor is configured with an outer housing that has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are adjustable in angular orientation relative to each other. Movement of the second portion relative to the first portion changes ignition timing in the distributor. The movement can be caused by rotation of a thumbwheel such that ignition timing can be changed without mechanical tools. The first and second portions also can comprise visual or tactile markings such that ignition timing can be changed without a timing light. The outer housing can be used in multiple applications simply by changing a length of a shaft housing member that houses a distributor shaft and a gear that is mounted to the distributor shaft.

Abstract: There is provided a spark plug for an internal combustion engine, including: a center electrode extending in the direction of an axis of the spark plug and having a core of higher thermal expansion coefficient than that of a front end thereof, the center electrode including a flanged portion radially outwardly protruding on a rear side thereof and a cylindrical portion located closer to a front end of the spark plug than the flanged portion and being smaller in diameter than the flanged portion; an insulator having an axial hole in the direction of the axis to retain the flanged portion in the axial hole with the cylindrical portion held in a loose-fit state in the axial hole; and a metal shell accommodating the insulator, wherein the spark plug satisfies the following condition: Cb<Cf where Cb is a difference between an inner diameter of the axial hole and an outer diameter of the cylindrical portion at an arbitrary axial position B in the direction of the axis; and Cf is a difference between the inner di