Abstract: The invention relates to a spark plug for igniting a combustible gas mixture in an internal combustion engine, comprising an ignition electrode (4), an electrical supply line (5), to which the ignition electrode (4) is connected, an insulator body (6), through which the supply line (5) is passed, a housing head (2), which rests in sealing fashion on the insulator body (6) and bears an outer thread (3) for the purpose of screwing it into an internal combustion engine, a tube housing (9), which is fixed on the housing head (2), surrounds the insulator body (6) and has a hexagon head (13). The invention provides that the tube housing (9) surrounds an insulator body holder (7), which is welded to the housing head (2) and presses the insulator body (6) with a prestress against the housing head (2).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a spark plug which has more excellent impact resistance with electrical conductivity and airtightness kept excellent. In the invention, each of first and second electrically conductive sealing layers (17) and (19) is made of electrically conductive glass containing a glass component and a metal component. The metal component at least contains a Cu—Zn alloy which contains Cu as a first component, and Zn as a second component.

Abstract: A spark plug of an internal combustion engine, in particular for use in Otto-cycle gas engines, comprising an insulator body, a base central electrode, at least one ground electrode and at least one swirl chamber, wherein the electrodes of the spark plug are surrounded by a wall, which in particular is in the form of a surface of a cylinder, of the swirl chamber, wherein at least one ground electrode carrier arrangement (8) with a plurality of inwardly facing, preferably flat ground electrodes (9) or a plurality of ground electrode carriers (6) each with inwardly facing, preferably flat ground electrodes (9) is or are arranged at the wall (13) of the swirl chamber (3).

Abstract: A spark plug (10) having an elongated ceramic insulator (12) includes numerous design features in various strategic locations. At least the ground electrode (26) is fitted with a rimmed, hemispherical metallic sparking tip (56) which controls rogue electrical arcing (62) and facilitates attachment techniques due to increased surface contact with the ground electrode (26). The various features of the spark plug (10) cooperate with one another so that the physical dimensions of the spark plug (10) can be reduced to meet current demands of newer engines without sacrificing mechanical strength or performance.

Abstract: A spark plug (10) having an elongated ceramic insulator (12) includes numerous design features in various strategic locations. At least the ground electrode (26) is fitted with a rimmed, hemispherical metallic sparking tip (56) which controls rogue electrical arcing (62) and facilitates attachment techniques due to increased surface contact with the ground electrode (26). The various features of the spark plug (10) cooperate with one another so that the physical dimensions of the spark plug (10) can be reduced to meet current demands of newer engines without sacrificing mechanical strength or performance.

Abstract: A spark plug having a particular firing end configuration that satisfies numerous dimensional ranges for improved performance. The spark plug generally includes a shell, an insulator, and center and ground electrodes, with the electrodes each having a copper core for improved thermal conductivity and a noble metal insert for improved erosion and corrosion resistance. The noble metal insert for the center electrode is preferably in the form of a cylindrical Ir-based tip, which is received within a complimentary recess formed in the center electrode. The noble metal insert for the ground electrode is in the form of a flat Pt-based pad attached to a surface of the ground electrode. Various dimensional ranges are provided for the various components of the spark plug assembly, both individually and in combination with other dimensions.

Abstract: There is provided a spark plug wherein an insulator and a metallic shell, when observed in a section made by a plane including an axis of a spark plug, have therebetween a gap of less than 0.45 mm at a more front end side than an engagement position of a packing and a first insulator stepped portion, and the gap is provided axially from a most front end side engagement position of the packing and a first insulator stepped portion as a starting point to a finishing point that is apart from the starting point by 1.2 mm or more toward the front end side while being apart from a front end surface of the metallic shell by 7.9 mm or more toward a rear end side.

Abstract: A spark plug assembly (22) includes a center electrode (34) having a high performance metal sleeve (50) attached at its sparking end. The sleeve (50) is fitted to a tenon on the end of the center electrode (34) and fixed in place by a weld line (58) produced by laser beam pulses (56). The weld line (58) is applied by overlapping a plurality of spaced-apart beads in a single, continuous circumscribing line. The sleeve (50) is permitted to expand and contract under the influence of thermal cycling without constraint except for the fixation weld line (58). Therefore, the sleeve (50) does not experience stress build-ups resulting from differing rates of thermal expansion relative to the center electrode (34), which is preferably made from a nickel or other composition dissimilar to that of the high performance metal sleeve (50). Various ground electrode (30, 60) configurations are possible.

Abstract: A spark plug (10) having an elongated ceramic insulator (12) includes numerous design features in various strategic locations. At least the ground electrode (26) is fitted with a rimmed, hemispherical metallic sparking tip (56) which controls rogue electrical arcing (62) and facilitates attachment techniques due to increased surface contact with the ground electrode (26). The various features of the spark plug (10) cooperate with one another so that the physical dimensions of the spark plug (10) can be reduced to meet current demands of newer engines without sacrificing mechanical strength or performance.

Abstract: Here in is disclosed a system of heat removal for the electrode part of a sparkplug that is used in the internal combustion engine. This is so as to use electrodes that have a very large mass as compared to the smaller, to very small electrodes, as in the case of using precious metals. Here in is further disclosed a sparkplug that is made using recycled parts from old used sparkplugs.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine includes: a cylindrical insulator as defined herein; a center electrode as defined herein; a cylindrical metal shell as defined herein; and a ground electrode as defined herein, an annular gasket receiving portion projecting radially outward being provided on a rear end side of the externally threaded portion of the metal shell, and a metallic gasket capable of abutting against the gasket receiving portion being provided on the outer periphery of the metal shell, wherein the gasket has a solid annular shape, an inside diameter of the gasket is smaller than an outside diameter of the externally threaded portion, and a groove portion whose depth coincides with the direction of the axis is provided over an entire circumference of the gasket.

Abstract: A spark plug configured such that a noble-metal tip is welded to each of a front end portion of a center electrode and a distal end portion of a ground electrode. The noble-metal tip of the center electrode or the ground electrode, whichever has a weld metal zone having a greater projected area where an electrode base metal and a metal of the noble metal tip are fused together, is made greater in exposed length of the noble-metal tip. In a preferred embodiment, the projected area of the weld metal zone and the exposed length of the noble-metal tip on the ground electrode side are made greater than those on the center electrode side.

Abstract: A spark plug for a motor vehicle internal combustion engine, substantially elongated in shape, and including: two coaxial electrodes of an inner central electrode and an outer base electrode enclosing the central electrode; and an electrically insulating annular block, interposed between the central electrode and the base electrode and including an annular shoulder. The insulating annual block includes an annular groove located at the shoulder.

Abstract: A small-sized spark plug is provided which ensures the stability in the location of production of sparks between center and ground electrodes. The center and ground electrodes have joined thereon cylindrical members such as noble metal chips which are opposed to each other through a spark gap. The cylindrical members are so oriented to have longitudinal center lines extend parallel in misalignment with each other. This orientation results in shorter and longer intervals between end surfaces of the cylindrical members. The sparks are concentrated between portions of edges of cylindrical members located apart the shorter interval, thereby resulting in the stability in the location of production of the sparks.

Abstract: A spark plug is provided with a metal shell and a ceramic insulator to support therein a center electrode. The ceramic insulator includes a front portion with a stepped outer surface, a middle portion, a rear portion and a shoulder portion defined between the middle and rear portions. A difference between the outer diameters of the middle and rear portions of the ceramic insulator is 1.8 mm or smaller. The metal shell includes a radially inward protrusion to retain thereon the stepped outer surface of the ceramic insulator and a rear end portion crimped onto the shoulder portion of the ceramic insulator. An inner circumferential surface of the crimped shell portion has a region held in contact with the insulator shoulder portion with a radially innermost point of the crimped shell portion being spaced radially apart from the ceramic insulator and axially apart from the insulator shoulder portion.

Abstract: There is provided a spark plug of an internal combustion engine, including a cylindrical metal shell, an insulator retained in the metal shell and having a through hole in an axial direction of the spark plug and a center electrode fitted in the through hole of the insulator. The insulator includes a rear body portion, a middle body portion and a large-diameter portion located between and protruded radially outwardly from the rear and middle body portions to define a rear shoulder section connected to the rear body portion and a front shoulder section connected to the middle body portion. For strength improvements, the insulator has a first glaze layer extending over the rear body portion and the rear shoulder section of the large-diameter portion and a second glaze layer extending over at least part of the middle body portion from some point on the front shoulder section of the large-diameter portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spark plug (1), comprising a longitudinal bore (3) formed in a housing (2) for receiving an insulator (9), with the housing (2) having a first bore (10) for receiving a pressure measuring device (11). In order to enable performing simultaneous pressure and optical measurements in the combustion chamber in the simplest possible way and without changing the cylinder head it is provided that a second bore (21) is arranged in the housing (2) for receiving a light guide which opens into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A spark plug has an optical window for sensing combustion processes in an Otto engine. The optical window is located in the central electrode of the spark plug and has at least one lens exposed to the combustion chamber, as well as at least one flexible optical fiber which can conduct light through the spark plug from the lens to an analysis system.

Abstract: A spark plug, in particular for use in internal combustion engines, includes a spark plug casing and a ground electrode carrier casing. The ground electrode carrier casing has at least two ground electrode carrier casing portions having mutually different materials and/or the ground electrode carrier casing is of a different material from the spark plug casing.

Abstract: A spark plug including: an insulator having a through hole extending in an axial direction, the through hole including, a first portion and a second portion provided on a rear end side of the first portion, the second portion having a larger diameter than that of the first portion; a center electrode provided in the first portion; an external terminal provided in the second portion; and a sintered ceramic resistor provided in the second portion. The sintered ceramic resistor is formed from a sintered body of a conductive ceramic, connecting the center electrode and the external terminal electrically, and having a length in an axial direction of 40% or more of a length in an axial direction of the second portion of the through hole.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a spark plug having a discharge portion made of a precious metal tip, in which peeling of the precious metal tip from a surface of the discharge portion can be suppressed while spark abrasion, oxidation abrasion and abnormal abrasion of the discharge portion can be suppressed.

Abstract: In a first embodiment a spark plug satisfying the relations: t?0.3 mm and St/Sw?7 in which t is the axial-direction shortest distance between a leading end surface (41a) of a precious metal tip (41) and a joint portion, St is the surface area of the precious metal tip (41) and a joint portion (43) between the precious metal tip (41) and the ground electrode body (4a), and Sw is the area of the joint portion (43) between the ground electrode body (4a) and the precious metal tip (41). In a second embodiment, the spark plug satisfies the relations t?0.3 mm and La>Lb; and in a third embodiment the spark plug satisfies the relations t>T and La>Lb, where T, La and Lb are as defined in the specification. The relation t?0.3 mm is specific to the first and second embodiments, and the relation St/Sw?7 is specific to the first embodiment only.

Abstract: A spark plug including: a external terminal; a center electrode; an insulator having a through hole as defined herein and containing alumina ceramics; and a conductive seal. The conductive seal contains base glass, a conductive filler and from 0 to 10 weight % of an insulating filler, and the base glass contains Si, B, Ca, Al, Na and K components in amounts defined herein. Also disclosed is a spark plug including a center electrode; an external terminal; a first conductive seal; a second conductive seal; a resistor provided as defined herein; and an insulator having a through hole as defined herein. The center electrode and the external terminal are bonded to the first conductive seal and the second conductive seal, respectively, in the through hole. The first and second conductive seals each contains base glass, a conductive filler and amounts of an insulating filler as defined herein.

Abstract: An ignition device such as a spark plug having ground and center electrodes, at least one of which includes a firing tip formed from an alloy containing iridium, rhodium, tungsten, and zirconium. With the inclusion of tungsten and zirconium in the alloy, the percentage of rhodium can be kept relatively low without sacrificing the erosion resistance or reduced sparking voltage of the firing tip. In one embodiment, the firing tip contains 2% rhodium, 0.3% tungsten, 0.02% zirconium, and the balance iridium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combustion promoting device for an internal combustion engine which derives high combustion efficiency and high power from the internal combustion engine. The combustion promoting device is provided with a combustion promotion inductor formed of a super alloy having excellent heat resistance and thermal conductivity. The combustion promotion inductor is adapted to absorb high-temperature heat generated when an explosion stroke takes place. This absorption of the high-temperature heat allows the combustion promotion inductor to be maintained in a pre-heated state at all times, thereby serving as a kindler (a promoter generating a spark). As a result, the combustion promotion inductor rapidly increases the temperature of an air-fuel mixture introduced again after an exhaust stroke to reinforce the explosive force concomitant with the thermal expansion, thereby allowing the internal combustion engine to obtain high power.

Abstract: A spark plug including a noble metal tip bonded to at least one of a front-end portion of a center electrode and an end portion of the ground electrode opposing the center electrode. The noble metal tip contains from 5 to 40 wt % of Rh; from 1 to 20 wt % of at least one of Ir, Re and Ru; from 0.2 to 3 wt % of Ni; and 37 wt % or more of Pt.

Abstract: A spark plug insulator having high dielectric strength, high density, and an optical property that allows the passage of light.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine is provided which has a center electrode made up of an oxidation resistant alloy-made portion and a thermal conductive metal-made portion. The oxidation resistant alloy-made portion occupies at least a top portion of the center electrode exposed outside a porcelain insulator. The thermal conductive metal-made portion is exposed to a portion of an outer periphery of the center electrode which faces a insulator mount portion of a spark-mounting shell through the porcelain insulator in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the center electrode, thereby facilitating transfer or dispersal of heat from the center electrode to the mounting shell through the porcelain insulator to ensure a desired heat range.

Abstract: A spark plug includes a metal shell, an insulator, a center electrode, a ground electrode, a first noble metal chip, and a second noble metal chip. The metal shell has a threaded portion with an outer diameter of equal to or less than 14 mm for installing the spark plug to an internal combustion engine. The parameters in the structure of the spark plug, such as an end surface area S of the first noble metal chip, a length A of the first noble metal chip, an end surface area Q of the second noble metal chip, a length B of the second noble metal chip, an air pocket size L, a space G of a spark gap, a ratio L/G, and a thickness T of the insulator, have suitable dimensional ranges determined through experimental investigation. The structure ensures high performance and a long service life for the spark plug.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a higher-durability spark plug provided with a center electrode and a side electrode. At least one of the center electrode and the side electrode includes a precious metal member facing a spark discharge gap between the electrodes. A sweating phenomenon of the precious metal member can be suppressed while spark abrasion, oxidation abrasion and abnormal abrasion of the precious metal member are suppressed. The precious metal member contains Ir as a main component, and smaller amounts of Rh, Ru, and Ni.

Abstract: A spark plug and method of manufacturing the same, the spark plug including a metal housing holding an insulator therein, the metal housing having a threaded portion formed on an outer circumferential surface of a frontward portion of the metal housing in a crimp portion formed at a rear end of the metal housing and crimping the insulator in the axial hole of the metal housing. Furthermore, the rear-end portion of the threaded portion has a hardness that is higher than that of the crimp portion.

Abstract: A spark plug has an elongated body of substantially circular cross-section with a center axis. A wedge shaped center electrode extends from one end of the body and a wedge shaped ground electrode is arranged in close proximity to the center electrode. Each of the electrodes includes an elongated knife edge. The knife edges extend radially with respect to the center axis but lie in different parallel planes that are perpendicular to the axis. The two knife edges of the electrodes are spaced apart from each other and extend perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a metal shell, a porcelain insulator, a center electrode, a main ground electrode, and auxiliary ground electrodes. Each of the auxiliary ground electrodes has an inner side surface facing the center electrode through the porcelain insulator to define an auxiliary spark gap between itself and a nose of the porcelain insulator so as to occupy a minimum distance between the porcelain insulator and the auxiliary ground electrode. This avoids a great local increase in electrical field strength on the auxiliary ground electrode to minimize excessive discharge within the auxiliary spark gap to enhance carbon fouling resistance and durability of the spark plug.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine sparkplug and glow plug are constructed to conduct and transmit visible combustion generated light from the inner combustion chamber to the combustion chamber and engine exterior by means of an visible light conducting, transmitting, high temperature stable, inert and electrically insulating material. that surrounds or is adjacent to the central electrode.

Abstract: A spark plug includes a metal shell, an insulator, a center electrode, a ground electrode, and a terminal fixed to the insulator. The dimensional parameters in the structure of the spark plug, such as a maximum diameter A of the terminal and a diameter B of the insulator satisfy a dimensional relationship defined through experimental investigation. The structure facilitates an attachment of a plug cap to the spark plug.

Abstract: A ground electrode has one end portion fixed to a metal housing, a bent portion provided at an intermediate portion thereof, and the other end portion positioned in a confronting relationship with a center electrode to form a spark discharge gap. The ground electrode contains either Ni or Fe as a main component and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of Cr and Al. A cross-sectional area S of the ground electrode is not less than 2 mm2 and not greater than 3 mm2. An average value D of crystal grain diameters in a thickness direction is not less than 100 ?m at least at the bent portion.

Abstract: Spark plug devices are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.

Abstract: A spark plug is provided which ensures the reliability of a weld between a noble metal chip and a ground electrode as well as higher durability and ignitability of fuel. The ground electrode is joined to a metal shell, after which the noble metal chip is laser-welded to the ground electrode. The laser welding is achieved by emitting laser beams around an interface between the noble metal chip and the ground electrode outside a given angular range within which the metal shell will be an obstruction to the traveling of the laser beams. Specifically, the laser beams are emitted without any optical interference with the metal shell. This permits the angle between the orientation of each of the laser beams and the surface of the ground electrode to be minimized regardless of the metal shell, thus ensuring a desired depth of the fused portions in the noble metal chip.

Abstract: A ground electrode for a spark plug has a through hole located adjacent a firing end of the electrode, with a precious metal firing tip extending through the hole. The firing tip is compressed axially to define a bulging portion extending radially outwardly from its longitudinal axis to mechanically retain the firing tip within the through hole. The firing tip additionally has an enlarged head or otherwise expanded portion at each axial end of the tip to provide a second mechanical interlock of the tip to the ground electrode. The firing tip can then also be welded to further strengthen its connection to the ground electrode. A method of manufacturing the ground electrode and a spark plug containing the ground electrode is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for detecting spark in an igniter for a gas turbine engine. An igniter generates a plasma, or spark, somewhat similar to an automotive spark plug. In the invention, an inductive pick-up is positioned adjacent the igniter, to detect current pulses in the igniter, to thereby infer the presence of spark. The signal produced is small, and requires amplification. However, the environment is hot, often exceeding 400 degrees F. The invention utilizes an amplifier composed of passive components, in the form of an RLC circuit.

Abstract: A spark plug according to the invention includes a metal shell that has a threaded portion with an outer diameter of 10 mm or less, or equal to 12 mm, an insulator, a center electrode, and a ground electrode. The spark plug has an improved structure in which an end portion of the insulator tapers toward an end thereof that protrudes from an end of the metal shell, and dimensional parameters, including a space G of the spark gap in the spark plug, a taper degree of the end portion of the insulator that is represented by an outer diameter difference (D?D0) in the end portion, and a size T0 of the air pocket formed in the spark plug, each have an effective range determined based on the experimental investigation results from the inventors. The structure ensures high insulation properties and high ignition capability of the spark plug.

Abstract: A spark plug is disclosed as including a metal shell 10 formed with first and second bores 10c, 10d and a stepped section 10e between the first and second bores, and a porcelain insulator 20 having a largest-diameter section 20d, which is accommodated in the first bore and a small-diameter section 20e accommodated in the second bore. The first and second bores of the metal shell have a dimensional relationship, lying in a value equal to or less than 1.8 mm, which is expressed as (D1?D2)/2 where D1 represents an inner diameter of the first bore of the metal shell and D2 represents an inner diameter of the second bore of the metal shell.

Abstract: A method of making a metallic shell for a spark plug. The metallic shell includes a multi-stepped through hole, an intermediate tubular portion, a tip end side tubular portion and a base end side tubular portion. The through hole includes a large diameter hole section, an intermediate diameter hole section and a small diameter hole section. The method includes the steps of cutting a metal pipe that is used as a starting material to a predetermined length and thereby preparing a pipe-shaped blank, and subjecting the blank to a deformation process and thereby forming the blank into the metallic shell. A spark plug and a method of making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spark plug for a gas engine includes a ground electrode body and a center electrode body. A ground electrode of the ground electrode body is welded on a surface of a ground electrode base material opposing to the center electrode body. The ground electrode protrudes toward the center electrode body. The ground electrode is made of a material containing iridium or platinum as a main component. The ground electrode base material is made of a heat-resistant nickel alloy. The ground electrode is impacted in a recess of the ground electrode base material. The spark plug satisfies a condition 0.3?h/H?0.5 when H represents the thickness of the ground electrode base material in an intrusion direction of the ground electrode, and h represents an intrusion length of the ground electrode that defines a length of the ground electrode impacted in the ground electrode base material in the intrusion direction.

Abstract: A spark plug which satisfies ?B?0.8 mm, ?B/?A?1.4, and 0.5 mm?C?1.2 mm, where ?A (mm) is the diameter of a distal end portion (51) formed of a noble metal tip (51b) of a center electrode 3; ?B (mm) is the diameter of a discharge portion (52) formed of a noble metal tip (52b) of a ground electrode (4); and C (mm) is a projection length of the discharge portion (52) from an electrode base metal surface (4a).

Abstract: A spark plug includes a ceramic component, whose surface is at least in part coated with a glaze, with the glaze containing 0.6% to 4% by weight of fluoride and 6% to 11.2% by weight of zinc oxide.

Abstract: A spark electrode assembly has an elongate electrode with an inner insulator arranged for operable attachment to a support structure. The inner insulator surrounds the electrode with one end of the electrode positioned adjacent a ground element across a spark gap and another end of the electrode extending relative to the support structure for attachment to a source of electrical power. An outer insulator is spaced radially outwardly from the inner insulator and surrounds the inner insulator generally adjacent the end of the electrode adjacent the ground element. The inner and outer insulators cooperate to inhibit the formation of a continuous lubrication layer thereon, thereby establishing an area generally free from the lubrication layer between the end of the electrode adjacent the ground element and the support structure.

Abstract: A spark plug includes a metallic housing, an insulator fixed in the metallic housing, a center electrode fixed in the insulator, a ground electrode opposed to the center electrode via a spark discharge gap, and a protective coat formed on the surfaces of a metallic housing and a gasket. The protective coat includes a galvanized film formed on the surfaces of the metallic housing and the gasket and a chromate film successively laminated on the galvanized film. The chromate film is hexavalent chromium-free and contains trivalent chromium as a major component. The chromate film has a film thickness not smaller than 0.05 ?m and not greater than 0.18 ?m, and the chromate film contains a metallic component which is robust against oxidation compared with zinc. Furthermore, the chromate film has a film hardness equal to or less than 1 GPa in the temperature range from a room temperature to 180° C.

Abstract: A spark plug is disclosed. The spark plug has a ceramic insulator body and a center electrode that is housed at least partially in a bore in the insulator body. The center electrode is sealed off from the insulator body by at least one sealing ring surrounding the center electrode that contains material that is plastically deformable by compression.

Abstract: A system for detecting spark in an igniter for a gas turbine engine. An igniter generates a plasma, or spark, somewhat similar to an automotive spark plug. In the invention, an inductive pick-up is positioned adjacent the igniter, to detect current pulses in the igniter, to thereby infer the presence of spark. The Inventors have found that this approach is effective, despite the fact that the inductor is surrounded by grounded shielding intended to suppress rf interference, and to protect personnel from high voltages present. The shielding is intended to block the very signals which the invention detects.