Abstract: The present invention is for a new kind of sparking device. It is especially suitable for counterstroke engines in which two pistons are working against each other in a common cylinder bore. The invention is for a sparking device for combustion engines which makes it possible to change the distance between the electrodes of the sparking device both with a stopped engine and during operation. The invention also makes it possible to position the sparking device in the center of the cylinder bore and combustion space. The two electrodes are mounted separated from each other in the cylinder wall so that they are opposite to each other and have their centre axis essentially aligned with each other. A linear displacement of one of the electrodes thus means that the distance between the tips (14, 15) of the electrodes is changed.

Abstract: An integrated power module for generating thermal and electrical power is provided within a housing which includes inlets for fuel and for air, a reformer chamber, a fuel cell stack, and a combustion chamber. Oxygen-containing gas, such as air, is introduced into the module along a path in one direction in heat exchange relationship with reaction products produced in the reaction chamber traveling in an adjacent path, preferably in an opposite direction, to preheat the incoming oxygen-containing gas. A nozzle having an injector for the fuel and for the oxygen-containing gas delivers these gases to the interior of the reformer chamber, where ignition is supplied by a suitable device. The reaction products from the reformer chamber are fed to a fuel cell which will consume certain of the reaction products, such as hydrogen gas, with oxygen provided from the reaction chamber acting as an oxidizing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method extends the useful life of a low tension igniter plug by advancing a homogeneous semiconductor element as it is consumed over time by sparks between a central conductor and an outer metal shell of the plug. An insulator surrounds at least a portion of the central conductor, with the outer metal shell having a discharge end spaced to provide a spark gap with a tip of the central conductor. The homogeneous semiconductor element surrounds the tip of the central conductor and is axially positioned between the insulator and the discharge end of the outer metal shell so that it is in contact with the outer metal shell at the spark gap.

Abstract: A spark gap producing apparatus that introduces an auxiliary gap in the electrical path between the spark source and the spark plug of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The spark apparatus can be permanently installed such that it maintains a reliable auxiliary gap. Alternatively, it may be installed in a motorized form such that it can be computer controlled. the computer would control the gap size and, therefore, the capacitance of the spark gap apparatus. Thus, depending on the efficiency needs of the engine, the computer would compensate. In still another embodiment, the driver himself would have direct manual control over the gap size. Since spark "hotness" is controlled by the gap size, the driver would have complete control over the efficiency and power of the engine.

Abstract: The invention comprises a spark booster for use in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine. Two embodiments of the invention are disclosed. Each embodiment comprises two electrically conductive members which are spaced from each other to define a spark gap, a bi-metal disk for varying the size of the gap in response to variations in engine temperature, manual adjustment for adjusting the spark gap independently of temperature, and an inspection window for visually observing the spark gap. In addition to the foregoing features, one embodiment also includes apparatus for varying the size of the gap in response to the load on the engine and its speed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder, a combustion chamber externally of the cylinder and communicating with the cylinder, and spark ignition means, which preferably comprises a first electrode supported in a central region of the combustion chamber and a spark plug having a single electrode extending into the combustion chamber and defining with the first electrode a spark gap, for initiating from said central region of the combustion chamber combustion of a fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber.