Abstract: Disclosed is an ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine. The ignition apparatus includes a spark plug, an ignition coil and a controller. The spark plug has an auxiliary combustion chamber in which a discharge gap is arranged. The ignition coil is configured to apply a voltage to the spark plug. The controller is configured to perform a multiple-discharge mode in which discharge is generated at least twice, with a discharge pause period intervening therebetween, across the discharge gap within a period from a compression stroke to an expansion stroke of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes a spark plug including a prechamber in which a spark gap is located. A plug cover covers the prechamber and includes an ejection hole, which connects the prechamber to a main combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. The ignition system for the internal combustion engine is configured to apply a pre-discharge voltage that causes a pre-discharge across the spark gap during an intake stroke of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A spark plug having multiple spark gaps, where at least one of the spark gaps is located within a prechamber. The spark plug may include a first center wire assembly, a second center wire assembly, an insulator, a metallic shell, a first sparking area with a prechamber cap and a ground electrode for a prechamber spark gap, and a second sparking area with a ground electrode for a main chamber spark gap. The spark plug is designed to maximize engine performance and/or operation by utilizing the multiple spark gaps, where the prechamber spark gap may be used for certain operating conditions where such a spark gap is advantageous and the separate main chamber spark gap may be used for other conditions where a main chamber spark gap is advantageous.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of servicing a gas turbine engine having a spark plug igniter connected to a spark plug igniter socket of the engine, the method including: removing the spark plug from the spark plug igniter socket of the gas turbine engine; inserting a glow plug igniter having a base configured for matingly engaging the spark plug igniter socket; and securing the glow plug igniter to the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A pre-chamber arrangement (100) for a gas engine (1), including a pre-chamber body (20) accommodating a volume (30); and a supply device (50) for supplying a gaseous medium (52) into the pre-chamber volume (30); wherein the pre-chamber body (20) has a bottom portion (22) with channels (40) for allowing gas to flow between the pre-chamber volume (30) and a main combustion chamber (10) of the gas engine (1). Each channel (40) extends along a channel axis (C) from an inner opening (42) facing the pre-chamber volume (30) to an outer opening (44) configured to face the main combustion chamber (10). The bottom portion (22) has a curved outer surface (24). The channels (40) are obliquely arranged in relation to a radius (r) of the bottom portion (22). The bottom portion has flat surfaces (46) surrounding the outer openings of the channels.

Abstract: The magnetic valve recoil device is intended for a valve-type ignition pre-chamber having a stratification cavity connected by a stratification pipe, which a stratification valve can close, to a combustion chamber housing a primary charge, a stratification injector, and an ignition unit leading to the cavity in order to inject and ignite an initiator charge so as to ignite the primary charge via a torch ignition pre-chamber formed by the stratification valve with the stratification pipe when it is not closing the latter, the valve being otherwise kept in contact with the pipe by a magnetic field created by a magnetic field source.

Abstract: A spark plug that provides an increase in the combustion speed of an engine. The spark plug includes a center electrode, a ground electrode, an insulator, and a cover portion. In a cross-sectional area of a region surrounded by an inner wall surface of the cover portion in a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to an axial line CX of the spark plug, the cover portion includes: a narrow portion positioned on the front end side with respect to the ground electrode in the direction of the axial line CX and narrowed such that the cross-sectional area is smallest; and a cover front portion positioned on the front end side of the narrow portion and having the cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of the narrow portion and that is largest at the front end of the cover front portion.

Abstract: A combustion pre-chamber device for a spark ignition internal combustion engine is configured to engage a spark plug and be mounted to a cylinder head in communication with a combustion chamber of a cylinder of the engine. The combustion pre-chamber device includes a number of bores that open at an outer surface thereof that extend into the body and receive a coolant flow to provide cooling for a combustion pre-chamber of the combustion pre-chamber device.

Abstract: A method for mounting the drive train components of a hybrid drive including providing an automatic transmission, which comprises a transmission casing and a transmission input shaft; a hybrid head, which is premounted as a separate assembly and which has a hybrid head casing, a rotor drive element and an output element; and an electric machine, which has a stator and a rotor, wherein the hybrid head casing is connected by flanges to the transmission casing and the output element is coupled in rotation to the transmission input shaft by means of a shaft-hub connection, and wherein the electric machine is subsequently installed in the hybrid head casing, wherein the stator is connected to the hybrid head casing and the rotor is connected to the rotor drive element.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine includes a tubular housing, a tubular insulator held inside the housing, a center electrode held inside the insulator, a ground electrode disposed so as to form a spark discharge gap with the center electrode, and a plug cover fixed to a distal end portion of the housing so as to form an auxiliary combustion chamber with the housing. The plug cover is formed with at least one through hole for communicating between inside of the auxiliary chamber and outside of the plug cover. The ground electrode is formed so as to project from an inner surface of the plug cover toward the inside of the auxiliary combustion chamber.

Abstract: A laser spark plug, in particular for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, is described. A connection arrangement is provided in an end region of the laser spark plug facing the combustion chamber. The connection arrangement allow the laser spark plug to be connected to a prechamber module.

Abstract: A prechamber spark plug may have a prechamber having a pre-determined aspect ratio and hole pattern to achieve particular combustion performance characteristics. The aspect ratio and hole pattern may induce a rotational flow of fuel-air in-filling streams inside the prechamber volume. The rotational flow of the fuel-air mixture may include both radial flow and axial flow characteristics based on the aspect ratio and hole pattern. Axial flow characteristics can include a first axial direction proximate the periphery of the rotational flow and a counter second axial direction approaching the center of the rotational flow. The radial and axial flow characteristics may further include radial air-fuel ratio stratification and/or axial air-fuel ratio stratification. The rotational flow, the radial flow and the axial flow may be adjusted by alteration of the aspect ratio and hole pattern to achieve particular combustion performance characteristics in relation to a wide variety of spark gap geometries.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber where the ignition system includes a housing, an ignition device, an injector, and a pre-chamber having a nozzle disposed spaced from the proximal portion of the pre-chamber. The igniter portion of the ignition device and the nozzle of the injector are operatively supported in the proximal portion of the pre-chamber and disposed flush therewith. The igniter portion ignites the fuel in pre-chamber such that partially combusted pre-chamber products are forced through orifices in the pre-chamber nozzle and extinguish, but dispersed through the combustion chamber so as to ignite the main fuel charge therein.

Abstract: A laser spark plug, e.g., for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle or a heavy-duty gas engine, has an antechamber for receiving an ignitable medium and a combustion chamber window which separates the antechamber from a part of the laser spark plug facing away from the combustion chamber. At least one flow-guiding element is provided in the antechamber and is situated in such a way that it deflects a fluid flow, which occurs in the antechamber and moves toward the combustion chamber window, into a radially inner direction.

Abstract: Air/fuel mixture is received from a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine into an enclosure about a flame kernel initiation gap between a first ignition body and a second ignition body. Air/fuel mixture received into the enclosure is directed into a flame kernel initiation gap. The mixture is then ignited in the flame kernel initiation gap.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including a first end defining an inner passage along a first inner surface of the first end, where the inner passage has threads structured to receive a spark plug. The apparatus further includes a second end opposite the first end and extending into a combustion chamber of a cylinder, the second end defining a pre-combustion chamber along a second inner surface and threads on an outer surface structured to thread into a spark plug hole in a cylinder head, which may be an enlarged spark plug hole. The second end includes holes that fluidly couple the pre-combustion chamber of the second end with the combustion chamber of the cylinder.

Abstract: In some aspects, a spark plug includes a spark gap in an enclosure of the spark plug. The spark plug includes a passage in the interior of the enclosure. During operation of the engine, the passage directs flow through the spark gap, primarily away from a combustion chamber end of the enclosure. The passage can direct flow at a velocity of 5 meters/second or greater.

Abstract: A pre-chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the pre-chamber is part of a two-stroke combustion engine having a cylinder head with a sparkplug receptacle that has a generally frustoconical shape, and the pre-chamber is coupled to the sparkplug receptacle. The pre-chamber may include a cooling jacket with a generally frustoconical shape and a combustion chamber having an upper zone and a lower zone, which may be narrower than the upper zone.

Abstract: A pre-chamber spark plug that includes a shell. Additionally, the pre-chamber spark plug includes an insulator disposed within the shell. In a particular embodiment, a center electrode has a first portion surrounded by the insulator, and a second portion that extends from the insulator into a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber defined by the shell. In a further embodiment, a ground electrode is attached to the insulator. In particular embodiments, the ground electrode is tubular in shape and includes an inner spark surface ring spaced in surrounding relation to the center electrode to create a spark gap, an outer ring attached to the shell, and a plurality of rounded spokes connecting the inner and outer rings. In a particular embodiment, the ground and center electrodes accommodate attachment of precious metal alloys to increase electrode surface life. In another embodiment the ground electrode and insulator is coaxial to the center electrode.

Abstract: A pre-chamber spark plug that includes a shell. Additionally, the pre-chamber spark plug includes an insulator disposed within the shell. In a particular embodiment, a center electrode has a first portion surrounded by the insulator, and a second portion that extends from the insulator into a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber defined by the shell. In a further embodiment, a ground electrode is attached to the insulator. In particular embodiments, the ground electrode is tubular in shape and includes an inner spark surface ring spaced in surrounding relation to the center electrode to create a spark gap, an outer ring attached to the shell, and a plurality of rounded spokes connecting the inner and outer rings. In a particular embodiment, the ground and center electrodes accommodate attachment of precious metal alloys to increase electrode surface life. In another embodiment the ground electrode and insulator is coaxial to the center electrode.

Abstract: An ignition device for the ignition of a gas mixture in a main combustion chamber (1), in particular of an internal combustion engine, is proposed, wherein the absorber body (5) is heated by means of a laser (8). A prechamber (10) is located upstream of the absorber body (5) on the combustion chamber inner side (6) in order to improve the ignition behavior.

Abstract: An igniter for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The igniter may have a body, and a pre-combustion chamber integral with the body and having at least one orifice. The igniter may also have at least one electrode associated with the pre-combustion chamber. The at least one electrode may be configured to direct RF energy to lower an ignition breakdown voltage requirement of an air and fuel mixture in the pre-combustion chamber. The RF energy alone may be insufficient to ignite and sustain combustion of the air and fuel mixture. The at least one electrode may also be configured to generate an arc that extends to an internal wall of the pre-combustion chamber and ignites the air and fuel mixture.

Abstract: A pre-chamber for use with a spark plug or glow plug, the chamber being secured at an upper end attachable unit associated with an internal combustion cylinder. The pre-chamber is designed to promote faster ionization resulting in more efficient spark to flame ignition (due to voltage buildup being delayed until a generated spark jumps the gap), or beat to flame ignition (due to the introduction temperature of the injected plasma) and, in each instance, results in faster propagation of flame within the compressed cylinder, thereby achieving more efficient and consistent (cycle to cycle) output in combination with lower exhaust temperatures. A plurality of outlet ports are defined, such as perimeter/radially extending fashion, in an outlet end of the pre chamber body and communicate the combusted fuels as a plurality of flame outlets with a remaining volume of atomized fuel within the combustion chamber during a power outlet stroke.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus useful for the installation of a flame cone within a respective throughbore in the head of an ICE having a pre-ignition system without removal of the head from the ICE, followed by threading a spark plug into the outboard end of the flame cone. This installation is effected from a location external of the head and while the head is affixed in covering relationship to one or more combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine. The installation further comprises employing unique interconnection between the flame cone and an installation tool. The flame cone includes a rotational position indicator which is aligned with an exit port in the flame cone and which contributes to the exclusivity of mating interconnection with the tool in a manner which converts rotational movements of the tool to like rotational movements of the flame cone, hence like rotation of the location of the exit port.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including a first end defining an inner passage along a first inner surface of the first end, where the inner passage has threads structured to receive a spark plug. The apparatus further includes a second end opposite the first end and extending into a combustion chamber of a cylinder, the second end defining a pre-combustion chamber along a second inner surface and threads on an outer surface structured to thread into a spark plug hole in a cylinder head, which may be an enlarged spark plug hole. The second end includes holes that fluidly couple the pre-combustion chamber of the second end with the combustion chamber of the cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installation and functioning of a flame front type ignition system in a throughbore through the wall of the head of an internal combustion engine. The flame front ignition system employs a flame cone which is thread ably inserted within the throughbore. The inboard end of the flame cone is provided with a plurality of exit ports opening from a central channel and into the combustion chamber. The flame cone is provided with indicia on its outboard face and a marker is provided on the outer rim of the throughbore. When an indicia letter on the flame cone is aligned with the marker, the flame cone is properly installed. The depth of insertion of the flame cone is adjustable by means of spacer washers adapted to selectively adjust the dept as well as seal the flame cone in the throughbore.

Abstract: An igniter for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The igniter may have a body, and a pre-combustion chamber integral with the body and having at least one orifice. The igniter may further have a focusing device configured to direct at least one beam of light energy into the pre-combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to maximize spark plug life in pre-chamber spark plugs operating with ultra-lean mixtures and/or elevated engine BMEP is presented. Electrode erosion is reduced by spreading discharge energy over a wider surface area, maintaining fuel concentration in the spark gap, controlling gas static pressure during discharge, and maintaining safe electrode temperature. Energy is spread via a swirling effect created by periphery holes in an end cap, resulting in a lower specific energy discharge at the electrodes. Divergently configured electrodes reduce the spark voltage at high operating pressures and the energy required for ignition. The flow field generated at the electrodes prevents electrical shorts due to water condensation and avoids misfire. The center electrode insulation provides an effective heat transfer path to prevent electrode overheating and preignition.

Abstract: Method and apparatus useful in simultaneously enhancing the fuel consumption efficiency of an ICE, with concomitant enhancement of the power delivered by the engine, and reduction of undesirable exhaust emissions. One embodiment of the method of this invention includes the steps of introducing a fuel/air mixture to the main combustion chamber of the ICE, providing a flame front pre-combustion system which enhances the timely delivery of multiple flame fronts to specific locations within the main combustion chamber for substantial spontaneity of ignition and combustion of the fuel/air mixture disposed within the combustion chamber when the crankshaft is within about 5 degrees nearer top dead center (TDC) than the timing established by a standard operation map for the ICE in question and which employs a conventional spark plug disposed within the combustion chamber. Such combustion continues over that time period during which the crankshaft travels at least past TDC and into its power stroke.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes neighboring main and auxiliary combustion chambers that are separated by a partition wall including a communicating passage. Ignition of an air/fuel mixture in the auxiliary combustion chamber produces a fuel torch that is jetted into an air/fuel mixture in the main combustion chamber. Under a predetermined operation condition, timing for opening an intake valve is retarded relative to both the timing for closing an exhaust valve and the timing for top dead center of a piston on an exhaust stroke. By retarding the timing for opening the intake valve, residual gas in the auxiliary combustion that is left over from a previous cycle can be reduced.

Abstract: An ignition device which performs a spark ignition of a fuel mixture in a combustion chamber (13) of an internal combustion engine (100), comprising, a first electrode (51), a second electrode (52) which is opposed to the first electrode (51) and extends in a length allowing generation of a plurality of non-equilibrium plasma discharges, and a voltage impressing device (60, 70) which impresses voltage between the first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52) to generate the non-equilibrium plasma discharge between the first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52). With this construction, volumetric ignition is effected on the fuel mixture, and hence ignition performance for the fuel mixture is improved, making it possible to substantially expand a lean burn limit.

Abstract: An igniter for an internal combustion engine, the igniter comprising: a center electrode; an insulator disposed about the center electrode; a ground shield disposed about the insulator, the insulator having a tip portion extending past an end portion of the ground shield and a tip portion of the center electrode extending through and away from the tip portion of the insulator; and a spark gap disposed between the tip portion of the center electrode and the end portion of the ground shield.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided that basically comprises a cylinder block, a cylinder head, a piston, an auxiliary chamber partition wall and a spark plug. The auxiliary chamber partition wall is coupled to the cylinder head and extending toward the main chamber to form an auxiliary combustion chamber inside an area enclosed by the auxiliary chamber partition wall. The auxiliary chamber partition wall has at least one jet aperture through which the auxiliary combustion chamber fluidly communicates with the main combustion chamber. A tip portion of the auxiliary chamber partition wall that faces toward the piston has a smaller wall thickness than other portion of the auxiliary chamber partition wall.

Abstract: Method for installation and functioning of a flame front type ignition system in the conventional throughbore through the wall of the head of an internal combustion engine. This installation is effected from a location external of the head and while the head is affixed in covering relationship to one or more combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, there is employed a flame cone which is threadably inserted within the throughbore proximate the inboard end of the throughbore. The inboard end of the flame cone is provided with a plurality of exit ports opening from a first central channel within the flame cone thence into the combustion chamber along preselected paths. The flame cone is provided with one or more alpha letters on the outboard face of the flame cone where they are visible to a person threading the flame cone into the throughbore. Further, a marker (e.g. an arrow) is provided on the outer rim of the throughbore.

Abstract: The invention concerns an internal combustion engine with at least one engine member, the engine member including a combustion chamber (4) of a combustible mixture with fuel components and oxidants, an ignition system of the combustible mixture by an igniter (7), sequential let-through devices for the fuel and oxidant components and for the combustion products, the engine being of the supercharging type by boost pressure of the oxidant components upstream of the engine member. According to the invention, the ignition system includes a closed head (6) (12a) substantially spherical enclosing the igniter in a precombustion chamber, the head including a set of orifices (5) intended to communicate the combustion chamber and the precombustion chamber so that combustible mixture may flow into the precombustion chamber. In a variation of the invention, at least one of the let-through devices is a direct injector in the combustion chamber for, in all or in part, the fuel components and/or fuels.

Abstract: The invention concerns an internal combustion engine with at least one engine member, the engine member including a combustion chamber (4) of a combustible mixture with fuel and oxidant components fitted with a compression system (9), an ignition system (7) of the combustible mixture by an igniter, sequential let-through devices for the fuel and oxidant components and for the combustion products. According to the invention, the ignition system includes a closed head (6)(12a) substantially spherical enclosing the igniter in a precombustion chamber, the head including a set of orifices (5) intended to communicate the combustion chamber and the precombustion chamber so that combustible mixture may flow into the precombustion chamber, and at least one of the let-through devices is a direct injector in the combustion chamber for the fuel and/or oxidant components, in all or in part. A method and an application are also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ignition device for internal combustion engine, containing: a main chamber (1) designed for including a main combustible mixture, and fitted with a compression system of said mixture, and an igniter (11) containing a precombustion chamber (2) designed for receiving reactants and an ignition system (13,14) of the reactants contained in the precombustion chamber (2), said precombustion chamber (2) being defined by a precombustion chamber body (12) having a head (12a) including at least one passageway (15), said head (12a) of the precombustion chamber body separating the precombustion chamber (2) from the main chamber (1) and communicating the precombustion chamber (2) and the main chamber (1) by dint of the passageway(s) (15), characterised in that the head (12a) is coated at least partially externally with a coating layer (R) of at least one refractory material.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a main combustion chamber and a small auxiliary combustion chamber. The main chamber is formed by a cylinder, the undersurface of a cylinder head, and the crown of a piston. A main ignition unit is disposed in the cylinder head, including a main body and a spark plug. The auxiliary chamber is formed within the main ignition unit. The main and auxiliary chambers are connected via a communication passage. The piston crown includes a cavity. When a fuel injection valve sprays fuel into the cavity on compression stroke, a tumble flow of fuel gas is generated to locally form a relatively rich air-fuel mixture near the communication passage. The air-fuel mixture partly flows into the auxiliary chamber as the piston travels upwardly. The air-fuel mixture in the auxiliary chamber is ignited by the spark plug so that a combustion flame propagates into the main chamber.

Abstract: A multi-part module including a flame cone and a connector adapted to be interposed between the normal spark plug port in an internal combustion engine block and a spark plug suitable for use with the engine in question. In the method, a quantity of fuel/air mixture is captured in a chamber which also houses the electrode of a spark plug. Upon generation of a spark from the spark plug, this quantity of fuel/air mixture ignites, generating a flame which propagates through one or more channels in a flame cone interposed between the spark plug and the cylinder of the engine and exits into the cylinder through multiple directionally oriented ports, whereupon the flame fronts rapidly ignite substantially all the fuel/air mixture held within the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ignition device for internal combustion engine, containing: a main chamber (1) designed for including a main combustible mixture, and fitted with a compression system of said mixture, an igniter (11) containing a precombustion chamber (2) designed for receiving reactants and an ignition system (13,14) of the reactants contained in the precombustion chamber, said precombustion chamber (2) being defined by a precombustion chamber body (12) having a head (12a) including at least one passageway (15), said head (12a) of the precombustion chamber body separating the precombustion chamber (2) from the main chamber (1) and communicating the precombustion chamber (2) and the main chamber (1) by dint of the passageway(s) (15), characterised in that said precombustion chamber body (12) is made of a material having a thermal conductivity at 20° C. of at least 10 W/K/m.

Abstract: A flame ejector device for mounting in the spark plug aperture of an internal combustion engine whereby an inner end of the device is within the combustion chamber, the device being configured to receive a fuel-air mixture charge on the compression stroke of the piston and wherein the charge is ignited by a conventional spark plug mounted on the device, a unique arrangement and orientation of flame ejector nozzles on the inner end of the device for ejecting flame fronts toward predetermined areas within the combustion chamber to maximize fuel burning, to avoid engine knocking, and to prevent direct impingement of flame on metal portions contiguous the chamber which are susceptible to burning or heat damage.

Abstract: An igniter for ignition over a wide air/fuel ratio range. Igniter includes an igniter body including an internal cavity disposed substantially within the igniter body, an internal spark gap disposed substantially within the internal cavity, an external spark gap disposed substantially on an exposed surface of the igniter body, and a fuel charge delivery system for delivering a fuel charge to the internal cavity.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an internal combustion engine with controlled ignition having at least a combustion chamber (4), means (8, 18) for injection of fuel or an air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber (4), ignition means (7) to generate an ignition of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber (4), the ignition means (7) comprising a spark generator (13) arranged in a precombustion chamber (1) delimited by a wall (12), the precombustion chamber (1) communicating with the combustion chamber (4) through at least a port (5) formed in the wall (12), wherein the means (8, 18) for injection are adapted to inject the fuel into the combustion chamber (4) at a pressure of at least 250 bar such as to create an air fuel mixture and to make it easier for a part of this mixture to penetrate inside the precombustion chamber (1).

Abstract: A composition for forming an electrode for use in a torch jet spark plug is provided. The composition comprises a ceramic material, ceramic particles, and an electrically conductive material. The ceramic particles are dispersed within the ceramic material. At least some of the ceramic particles have a predetermined size. This predetermined size is at least as large as the thickness of the finally formed electrode. The electrically conductive material is capable of being manipulated to form ribbons around the ceramic particles and of being sintered to form the electrode. The resultant electrode has good resistance to explosive erosion mechanisms, which consequently increases the life of the torch jet spark plug.

Abstract: A pre-combustion chamber assembly for an internal combustion engine is provided. The pre-combustion chamber assembly has an inner housing defining a pre-combustion chamber, the housing having a receiver for receiving a spark plug and an inlet for fuel. A connector is provided for securing the pre-combustion chamber in a spark plug well of the internal combustion engine, the connector having a port for connecting the pre-combustion chamber with a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. An outer housing has a first end and a second end and extends around the inner housing, with a chamber being defined between the inner and outer housings. The outer housing is releasably retained around the inner housing so as to allow relative movement between portions of the inner and outer housings while maintaining the integrity of the chamber. A method of modifying an internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine incorporating the pre-combustion chamber are also provided.

Abstract: A torch jet spark plug (10) for use in a spark ignition system of an internal combustion engine. The spark plug (10) of this invention provides for ignition of an air/fuel mixture within a combustion prechamber (12) within the plug (10), which creates a jet of burning gases that are propelled through an orifice (32) into the engine main combustion chamber to increase the burning rate of the air/fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. The orifice (32) is oriented in the plug (10) so that its axis is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the plug (10), enabling the jet of burning gases to be selectively directed to any desired region within the combustion chamber, such as a region within the chamber that would not otherwise burn well compared to other regions of the chamber.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with direct fuel injection, which comprises a number of operating elements each including a combustion chamber delineated by an internal wall of a cylinderhead and a piston movably disposed in a cylinder, an injector mounted in the cylinderhead has a fuel injection nozzle which injects fuel into the combustion chamber in a cone-like pattern wherein an ignitable fuel/air mixture is formed and a spark plug is mounted on the cylinderhead within a spark plug sleeve which extends into the combustion chamber and forms, adjacent the spark plug electrodes, an ignition chamber which is in communication with the interior of the cone-like fuel spray pattern so as to receive therefrom an easily ignitable relatively rich fuel mixture which, upon ignition by the spark plug, generates a flame beam igniting the fuel mixture within the cone-like spray pattern.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a precombustion member which has a number of first ignition orifices defined therein. The precombustion member further has a precombustion chamber defined therein. The precombustion member is positioned relative to the head of the engine such that the precombustion chamber is in fluid communication with the engine's main combustion chamber via the first ignition orifices. The internal combustion engine further has a spark plug for igniting a gaseous fuel. The spark plug includes an encapsulating member which has a number of second ignition orifices defined therein. The encapsulating member defines a plug combustion chamber. The spark plug further includes a center electrode and a ground electrode which are both positioned within the plug combustion chamber. The encapsulating member is positioned relative to the precombustion member such that the plug combustion chamber is in fluid communication with the precombustion chamber via the second ignition orifices.

Abstract: A spark plug is provided for internal combustion engines in which a tapered chamber or thrust nozzle is provided that terminates at the spark gap. The thrust nozzle is provided with a plurality of openings whereby fuel/air mixture is drawn from the main combustion chamber into the thrust nozzle in contolled flow.

Abstract: A torch jet spark plug is provided which is suitable for use in a torch jet-assisted spark ignition system for an internal combustion engine. The torch jet spark plug is configured to ignite an air/fuel mixture within a combustion prechamber formed integrally within the body of the spark plug, such that a jet emanates from the prechamber and projects into the main combustion chamber of the engine, so as to enhance the burning rate within the main chamber. More particularly, the spark plug is configured so as to be relatively unsusceptible to pre-ignition, and also substantially eliminates the occurrence of internal short circuits to ground due to deposits accumulating within the prechamber. The spark plug achieves each of the above objects while having a relatively uncomplicated structure, requiring a minimal number of discrete components so as to enhance its manufacturability.