Abstract: The centrally located ignition source in a combustion chamber is an electrical conductor spanning the general center of the combustion chamber, with a spark gap at the general center of the conductor. The device may be offset from the combustion chamber centerline, and/or the spark gap may be offset from the conductor center, as required. The centrally located ignition source is particularly well suited for use in an opposed piston engine having a rotary sleeve valve mechanism, with the conductor rotating with the sleeve valve and crossing the combustion chamber between the two pistons. An arcuate commutator section may be disposed upon the exterior of the rotary sleeve valve, with a contact finger making electrical contact between the electrical energy source and the commutator section to supply electrical energy to the ignition source. The device is also suitable for use in stationary installations, e.g., gas furnace combustors, etc.

Abstract: In an ignition electrode arrangement for a cylinder in an internal combustion engine, for example an Otto engine, a cylinder head (3) bears a first electrode (7) and a second electrode (8) which interact with one another. At least the first electrode (7) is arranged on an ignition means (6) fastened in the cylinder head. According to the invention, the second electrode (8) is movable relative to the cylinder head (3) and the first electrode (7) in order to make it possible to change the spark gap. The second electrode (8) can be mounted on the cylinder head (3) itself or on the ignition device (6). The size of the spark gap is controlled during operation by the ignition system of the engine.