Abstract: A glaze layer 2d of the spark plug has the composition comprising 1 mol % or less of a Pb component in terms of PbO; 25 to 45 mol % of a Si component in terms of SiO2; 20 to 40 mol % of a B component in terms of B2O3; 5 to 25 mol % of a Zn component in terms of ZnO; 0.5 to 15 mol % of Ba and/or Sr components in terms of BaO or SrO; 5 to 10 mol % in total of at least one alkaline metal component of of Na, K and Li in terms of Na2O, K2O, and Li2, respectively, where K is essential; and further, 0.5 to 5 mol % in total of one or two kinds or more of Mo, W, Ni, Co, Fe and Mn in terms of MoO3, WO3, Ni3O4, Co3O4, Fe2O3, and MnO2, respectively.

Abstract: A spark plug includes: a metal shell defining a front side having an outer periphery formed with a screw section which has a nominal size smaller than or equal to M12; a center electrode; a conductive seal layer; a terminal metal fitting fixed to the center electrode via the conductive seal layer; and an insulator formed with a through hole. The terminal metal fitting has a Vickers hardness in a range from 150-300 Hv. The terminal metal fitting includes: a front end section having an outer diameter, and embedded in the conductive seal layer, and a small diameter section disposed on a rear side of the front end section and having an outer diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the front end section. The through hole has an inner diameter different from the outer diameter of the small diameter section in a range from 1.0-1.4 mm.

Abstract: Spark plug with an electrically insulating ceramic insulator (1), a metallic spark plug body (2), a ground electrode (3) and a middle electrode (4) which is located centrally in a hole (5) of the ceramic insulator (1), around the ignition-side end area on the periphery of the middle electrode (4) a peripheral tip (10) being formed which encompasses the middle electrode (4) in an annular manner.

Abstract: An ignitor assembly for a fossil fuel-fired power generation system includes an elongate electrode, a tube sub assembly, and a coupling sub assembly, and an insulator sub assembly. The coupling sub assembly cooperates with other structural elements of the ignitor assembly and the respective windbox in which the ignitor assembly is installed to operably couple the elongate electrode to an external electrical power source. The ignitor assembly includes a contact socket secured by crimping to a lead of the external electrical power source which is biased into an electric current communicating disposition with the electrode rod of the ignitor assembly.

Abstract: A spark plug cap for facilitating the fitting/detaching operation of a spark plug with a built-in pressure sensor, and a method of easily fitting the spark plug with a built-in pressure sensor are provided. The spark plug cap is provided with a cylindrical part of glass-containing PBT, a grommet provided with a cable passing groove, and an ignition coil unit provided with a high voltage terminal. The cylindrical part includes a first engagement part engageable with a spark plug fastening tool on one end, a second engagement part of a metal material engageable with a hexagonal part of the spark plug with a built-in pressure sensor on the other hand, and a groove-shaped clamp part on the outer side surface. By engaging the hexagonal part with the second engagement part to attach the cylindrical part to the spark plug, holding a sensor output cable by the clamp part, and fitting and fastening the spark plug fastening tool in the first engagement part, the spark plug is fitted into an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A spark plug device includes a structure for modification of an arc, the modification including arc rotation. The spark plug can be used in a combustion engine to reduce emissions and/or improve fuel economy. A method for operating a spark plug and a combustion engine having the spark plug device includes the step of modifying an arc, the modifying including rotating the arc.

Abstract: The glaze layer 2d of the spark plug 100 includes oxides of: 15 to 60 mol % of a Si component in terms of SiO2; 22 to 50 mol % of a B component in terms of B2O3; 10 to 30 mol % of a Zn component in terms of ZnO; 0.5 to 35 mol % of Ba and/or Sr components in terms of BaO or SrO; 1 mol % or less of an F component; 0.1 to 5 mol % of an Al component in terms of Al2O3; and 5 to 10 mol % in total of at least one of alkaline metal components of Na, K and Li, in terms of Na2O, K2O, and Li2, respectively, wherein Li is essential, and the amount of the Li component is 1.1 to 6 mol % in terms of Li2O.

Abstract: A pressure sensor-incorporating spark plug including a groove 17e for accommodating an output cable 27 formed on a side surface of a hexagonal portion 17a. A U-shaped member is bent into a tubular shape to obtain a fixing member 31. After the fixing member 31 and the output cable 27 passing through the fixing member 31 are placed in the groove 17e, the fixing member 31 is crimped in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5(a), so that the fixing member 31 is deformed to fit the wall surface of the groove 17e. Thus, the output cable 27 is nipped by the fixing member 31, and the fixing member 31 is held within the groove 17e of the hexagonal portion 17a. As a result, the output cable 27 is fixed to the hexagonal portion 17a.

Abstract: A spark plug having a tubular metallic housing has an internal conductor arrangement including a refractory erosion. The refractory erosion resistor is designed either as a wound wire resistor or a filament-like thin-layer resistor.

Abstract: An insulator for spark plug comprises an alumina-based sintered body comprising: Al2O3 as a main component; and at least one component (hereinafter referred to as “&bgr; component”) selected from the group consisting of Ca component, Sr component and Ba component, wherein the alumina-based sintered body comprises particles comprising a compound comprising the &bgr; component and Al component, the compound having a molar ratio of the Al component to the &bgr; component of 4.5 to 6.7 as calculated in terms of oxides thereof, and has a relative density of 90% or more.

Abstract: In a spark plug, an annular seal packing is arranged in a gap defined between an insulator and a fitting. Electrically insulating oil is filled in an oil-retaining section of the gap that is located on the distal side of the packing. The oil-retaining section of the gap is the continuous section having a width ranging from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm and an axial length of 2 mm or more from the packing. The filled insulating oil is retained within the oil-retaining section of the gap by its surface tension while it is in a liquid state.

Abstract: A sparking plug for a combustion engine, includes a metal shell with an externally threaded end part for screwing into a tapped hole in a cylinder head. The shell supports, on the inside, an insulating body, through which there passes a central electrode capable of being connected to a high tension. An annular chamber is delimited by an interior surface in the region of the threaded end part of the shell and the exterior surface of the end of the insulating body. The sparking plug also has at least one pressure sensor, and is designed to subject this sensor to the pressure of an associated combustion chamber when the sparking plug is in place. The pressure sensor is installed in the threaded end part of the shell delimiting the annular chamber radially out from the internal surface of this end part such that the geometry of the annular chamber is not altered by the presence of the sensor.

Abstract: A metal member 55 (with a zinc plating layer 56 for prevention of corrosion) having a sliding expected surface that is expected to slide with the other member is immersed into a chromating bath containing a mixture of trivalent chromium salt and a complexing agent for trivalent chromium. And a chromate coat 57 having a film thickness of 0.2 to 0.5 &mgr;m and composed of trivalent chromium at 95 mass % or more of chromium component contained is formed at least on the sliding expected surface. Thereinafter, its chromate coat 57 is subjected to the heat treatment at temperatures from 85 to 255° C., thereby enhancing the sliding property of the chromate coat 57. As a result, the metal member 55 with chromate coat can be easily slid with the other member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved spark plugs for igniting a fuel charge in an internal combustion engine, and is particularly concerned with an improved spark plug construction which improves combustion pressure and fuel mileage and diminishes exhaust pollution. The spark plug includes a center electrode and a ground electrode. In one embodiment, the ground electrode has an elongate edge that extends past the major dimension of the center electrode. The elongate edge can either be positioned substantially tangentially to or within a “zone” outside of the center electrode's periphery. Preferably, the edge of the center electrode and the lower interior edge of the ground electrode will be presented towards one another such that the edges are or are among the closest portions within the sparking region.

Abstract: A spark plug device includes a structure for modification of an arc, the modification including arc rotation. The spark plug can be used in a combustion engine to reduce emissions and/or improve fuel economy. A method for operating a spark plug and a combustion engine having the spark plug device includes the step of modifying an arc, the modifying including rotating the arc.

Abstract: A lead-free glaze that can be fired at a low temperature, a spark plug for which it is used, and a spark plug production method are provided. The lead-free glaze is for coating onto ceramic materials. This lead-free glaze contains 16-49 wt % of SiO2, 15-35 wt % of B2O3, 0-10 wt % of Al2O3 and 0-10 wt % of ZnO. A spark plug is provided that comprises coating the lead-free glaze onto the surface of an insulator and firing.

Abstract: A sparkle suppression circuit to protect the contact terminals of operation light bulbs contains at least a power supply, a driving circuit, a sensor circuit, and a control circuit. The power supply provides the power needed for the suppression circuit. The sensor circuit detects sensor signals of the operation light bulb and to output the sensor signals. The control circuit receives and processes the sensor signals and thereby generates a driving signal to a driving circuit so as to control the switch of the operation light bulb. When the control circuit detects abnormal sensor signals, it sends out a driving signal to turn off the switch of the operation light bulb, terminating the power output.

Abstract: A spark plug having an electrode connected via a terminal stud to an ignition lead and having a resistor arranged between the electrode and the ignition lead, the resistor having increased temperature resistance.

Abstract: A ceramic sheathed element glow plug has a tubular metal casing holding a ceramic U-shaped heating device cantilevered at its end facing the combustion chamber, and on the end remote from the combustion chamber, it has a terminal pin for applying a voltage to the ceramic heating device. In the metal casing, a ceramic bushing and a ring follow the ceramic heating device at the end remote from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A spark plug according to this invention includes an insulator having a center through-hole formed therein, a center electrode held in the center through-hole, a metallic shell holding the insulator by swaging, and a ground electrode electrically connected to the metallic shell and defining a spark discharge gap in cooperation with the center electrode. The metallic shell has a male-threaded portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of a front end portion of the metallic shell, and a tightening portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the metallic shell, located at a rear side with respect to the male-threaded portion. The tightening portion has a width-across-flats W of not greater than 14 mm. A cushion material is filled into a space defined by the metallic shell and an insulator to form a cushion-material charged portion. The cushion-material charged portion has an axial length L of from 0.5 mm to 10.0 mm inclusive and a thickness M of from 0.5 mm to 1.3 mm inclusive.

Abstract: In an installation structure of a glow plug with a combustion pressure sensor, a seat surface is provided in an installation hole formed in the engine so as to penetrate from outside into a combustion chamber of the engine. A contact surface is formed in the glow plug. The glow plug is partly inserted into the installation hole and is fixed via a ring shaped gasket to the engine so that the glow plug comes in pressurized contact with the engine in an axial direction of the installation hole. With the installation structure mentioned above, the elastic member is elastically more deformable in an axial direction of the installation hole than a portion of the glow plug on which the combustion pressure sensor is mounted.

Abstract: A spark plug retains a resistor and has formed on alumina-based insulator a glaze layer, in which the glaze layer contains Pb component in a content of 1 mol % or less in terms of PbO, contains Si component, B component, Zn component, Al component, Ba component and/or Sr component, and contains F component in a content of 1 mol % or less. In addition, the glaze layer contains one kind or more of alkaline metal components, with Li component being necessary, and further contains one kind or more of phosphate ion, sulfate ion, fluoride ion and chloride ion in a content of 0.5 to 10 mol %. The glaze layer has a Vickers hardness Hv of 100 or more, shows excellent strength, especially impact resistance in spite of a reduced content of Pb component.

Abstract: A spark plug having a tubular metallic housing in which an insulator is embedded, a rod-shaped internal conductor configuration being arranged in the insulator. The internal conductor configuration includes a terminal stud, a current-limiting resistor embedded in a conductive contact compound, a contact pin and a center electrode. The current-limiting resistor has two regions of unequal diameter. The diameter is smaller in the region nearer the combustion chamber than in the region farther from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present application is to provide a spark plug where a marking layer 2m under a glaze layer 2d can form a color stably, even if the Pb amount is decreased in the glaze layer. The glaze layer 2d is formed on an insulator 2 of the spark plug, and the marking layer 2m is formed under the glaze layer 2d. The glaze layer 2d contains, e.g., 1 to 25 mol % of a Zn component in terms of Zno and 5 mol % or lower, e.g., 1 mol % or lower of a Pb component in terms of PbO. On the other hand, the marking layer 2m is adjusted in kinds and amounts of metallic element components in such manners that a tint seen through the glaze layer 2d is 3 or lower in brightness specified by JIS:Z8721 as well as 3 or lower in chroma specified by JIS:Z8721, or 4 or lower in the brightness specified by JIS:Z8721 as well as 2 or lower in the chroma specified by JIS:Z8721.

Abstract: A spark plug comprises: a center electrode (3); an insulator (2) provided around the center electrode (3); a metal shell (1)provided around the insulator (2); a ground electrode (4) disposed in opposition to the center electrode (3) so as to form a spark discharge gap; and a sealing-material layer (61) comprising a sealing material, wherein the sealing material comprises talc, and the sealing material is filled in a space between the inner face of the metal shell (1) and the outer face of the insulator (2), so as to seal the space, wherein the sealing material has a filling density of 1.5 g/cm3 to 3.0 g/cm3, or the sealing-material layer (61) comprises at least one of an inorganic material and a silicone binder in an amount of 2 to 7 wt %.

Abstract: A resistor-containing spark plug 100 has an alumina insulator 2 coated with a glaze layer 2d, the glaze layer 2d has a lead component content of 1 mol % or lower in terms of PbO and containing a silicon component, a boron component, a zinc and/or alkaline earth metal component, and an alkali metal component. The insulator has, in an axially central position thereof, a projection part protruding from the outer circumferential surface thereof and extending in a circumferential direction. That main body of the insulator which is located adjacent to the projection part on the rear side thereof, which is the side opposite to the front side facing the center electrode in the axial direction, has a base portion having a cylindrical outer circumference. The outer circumference of the base portion is covered with the glaze layer which, when examined by the method as provided for in JIS B 0601, gives a surface roughness curve having a maximum height Ry of 10 &mgr;m or smaller.

Abstract: A spark plug comprises: a center electrode (3); an insulator (2) provided around the center electrode (3); a metal shell (1) provided around the insulator (2); a ground electrode (4) disposed in opposition to the center electrode (3) so as to form a spark discharge gap; and a sealing-material layer (61) comprising a sealing material, wherein the sealing material comprises talc, and the sealing material is filled in a space between the inner face of the metal shell (1) and the outer face of the insulator (2), so as to seal the space, wherein the sealing material has a filling density of 1.5 g/cm3 to 3.0 g/cm3, or the sealing-material layer (61) comprises at least one of an inorganic material and a silicone binder in an amount of 2 to 7 wt %.

Abstract: A glaze layer 2d of the spark plug has the composition comprising 1 mol % or less of a Pb component in terms of PbO; 25 to 45 mol % of a Si component in terms of SiO2; 20 to 40 mol % of a B component in terms of B2O3; 5 to 25 mol % of a Zn component in terms of ZnO; 0.5 to 15 mol % of Ba and/or Sr components in terms of BaO or SrO; 5 to 10 mol % in total of at least one alkaline metal component of of Na, K and Li in terms of Na2O, K2O, and Li2, respectively, where K is essential; and further, 0.5 to 5 mol % in total of one or two kinds or more of Mo, W, Ni, Co, Fe and Mn in terms of MoO3, WO3, Ni3O4, Co3O4, Fe2O3, and MnO2, respectively.

Abstract: A spark plug 100 has a glaze layer 2d formed on a surface of an alumina based insulator 2 contains 1 mol % or less of a Pb component in terms of PbO. The glaze layer 2d comprises 35 to 55 mol % of a Si component in terms of SiO2; 15 to 35 mol % of a B component in terms of B2O3; 5 to 20 mol % of a Zn component in terms of ZnO; 0.5 to 20 mol % of a Ba component in terms of BaO; and 10 to 15 mol % in total of at least one alkaline metal component of Na, K and Li, in terms of Na2O, K2O and Li2O, respectively.

Abstract: A spark plug derives an extended lifetime because a large plurality of sharp edges are provided on the center electrode, the ground electrode, or both to enhance spark propagation. In a first embodiment, the ground electrode has a conventional cantilever shape, but the center electrode extends into coplanar relation to a distal surface of the electrode so that sparks propagate from the cylindrical side walls of the center electrode. In variations of the first embodiment, the number of cantilevered ground electrodes is increased, with the ground electrodes being circumferentially and equidistantly spaced about the center electrode. In another embodiment, the ground electrode has an annular configuration and includes a cylindrical annular wall spaced radially outwardly of the cylindrical sidewall of the center electrode, in concentric relation to the center electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spark plug having a glaze layer on the insulator thereof, wherein the glaze layer has a reduced Pb content, is capable of being fired at a relatively low temperature, exhibits excellent insulation properties, and can have a smooth surface.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing ignition device (10) for use in a spark ignition system of an internal combustion engine. The device (10) generally includes a body (14) having a longitudinal axis of symmetry and an internal chamber (12). Disposed in the chamber (12) adjacent one end of the body (14) is an orifice (44) that vents the chamber (12) to the exterior of the body (14). An electrode (18) and an optical pressure transducer (24) are present within the body (14). An optical cable (22) is connected to the transducer (24) for transmitting an optical pressure signal. Means (20) is provided for conducting a current to the electrode (18) via the optical cable (22).

Abstract: The present invention is an improved igniter assembly for electrical ignition of a gas burner. The improved igniter assembly includes an electrode mantle that has a wavy surface.

Abstract: In a side ground electrode type of spark plug, sizes of discharge members are optimized to reduce a useless portion in discharging to improve discharge wear resistance. A first discharge member mainly comprising Ir alloy is welded to the central electrode. A second discharge member comprising Ir metal circle plate is welded to the ground electrode, wherein a side surface of the first discharge member confronts a surface of the second discharge member to form a spark discharge gap G≧0.2 mm, D (a width of the first discharge member)≧1.6 mm. |A−D|≦(G+0.5 mm). A is a width of the second discharge member. Moreover, D≦5.0 mm. A maximum cross-sectional area of weld portion between the first discharge member and the central electrode ≦8 mm2. This weld portion has distance L to the second discharge member. L≧G.

Abstract: A high efficiency spark plug includes a ground electrode having formed of a wire having a circular cross section. The ground electrode has a pair of stanchions and a loop extending over the center electrode of the spark plug. The loop has a center circular portion and a pair of curved portions which form a gap between the two sides of the loop generally equal to the diameter of the wire.

Abstract: A spark plug derives an extended lifetime because a large plurality of sharp edges are provided on the center electrode, the ground electrode, or both to enhance spark propagation. In a first embodiment, the ground electrode has a conventional cantilever shape, but the center electrode extends into coplanar relation to a distal surface of the electrode so that sparks propagate from the cylindrical side walls of the center electrode. In variations of the first embodiment, the number of cantilevered ground electrodes is increased, with the ground electrodes being circumferentially and equidistantly spaced about the center electrode. In another embodiment, the ground electrode has an annular configuration and includes a cylindrical annular wall spaced radially outwardly of the cylindrical sidewall of the center electrode, in concentric relation to the center electrode.

Abstract: A metal member 55 (with a zinc plating layer 56 for prevention of corrosion) having a sliding expected surface that is expected to slide with the other member is immersed into a chromating bath containing a mixture of trivalent chromium salt and a complexing agent for trivalent chromium. And a chromate coat 57 having a film thickness of 0.2 to 0.5 &mgr;m and composed of trivalent chromium at 95 mass % or more of chromium component contained is formed at least on the sliding expected surface. Thereinafter, its chromate coat 57 is subjected to the heat treatment at temperatures from 85 to 255° C., thereby enhancing the sliding property of the chromate coat 57. As a result, the metal member 55 with chromate coat can be easily slid with the other member.

Abstract: A resistor seal composition useful in resistor spark plugs, comprises glass, at least one metal oxide, at least one filler material, and a branched or straight chained zirconium carboxylate. The glass comprises a strontium borate glass and/or a borosilicate glass. Metal oxides include aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, and zirconium oxide. Filler materials include silicon dioxide and mullite.

Abstract: In a spark plug, molten portions formed by bonding by laser welding a leading end of an Ir alloy element to a leading end of a Ni base alloy base element of a ground electrode to overlap with each other, where Ir alloy and Ni base alloy are mixed with each other, are located outside a region within which the spark is regularly discharged. Another leading end of the Ni base alloy base element is fixed to the housing and both of the Ir alloy element and the Ni base alloy base element extend perpendicular to a housing so that another leading end of the Ir alloy element may face a leading end of the center electrode with the spark discharge gap therebetween.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine comprising a center electrode having a shank portion which is fluted. The flutes have at least one edge which protrudes through an opening in a ground electrode of the spark plug. The principle use is for lean burn natural gas engines, however any air-fuel mixtures 14 will benefit from this invention. For example, propane or dual fuel engines may have spark plugs with this invention.

Abstract: A spark plug includes a center electrode, an insulator provided outside the center electrode, a metallic shell provided outside the insulator, a ground electrode disposed to face the center electrode, and a spark discharge portion fixed on at least one of the center electrode and the ground electrode for defining a spark discharge gap. The spark discharge portion is formed from a noble metal alloy containing a main component element selected from among Ir, Pt, and Rh, and at least one additional component element differing from the main component element. In the noble metal alloy, the additional component element is distributed such that stripes of high concentration regions and low concentration regions extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of voltage application.

Abstract: In a glow plug and a spark plug, the surface of a main metal shell is coated with a chromate film in which the quantity of trivalent chrome is 95 wt % or more of the contained chrome components and which has a thickness of 0.2 &mgr;m to 0.5 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A fixing sleeve (2) for a spark plug (1) comprising coolant passages (3) which are arranged in the wall of the fixing sleeve (2) and which are oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction of the spark plug, wherein the fixing sleeve (2) comprises a metallic material whose thermal conductivity is over 60 W/m° C., preferably over 80 W/m° C.

Abstract: An insulator for spark plug comprises an alumina-based sintered body comprising: Al2O3 (alumina) as a main component; and at least one component (hereinafter referred to as “E. component”) selected from the group consisting of Ca (calcium) component, Sr (strontium) component and Ba (barium) component, wherein the alumina-based sintered body comprises particles comprising a compound comprising the E. component and Al (aluminum) component, the compound having a molar ratio of the Al component to the E. component of 4.5 to 6.7 as calculated in terms of oxides thereof, and has a relative density of 90% or more.

Abstract: In a spark plug of the invention, as the top end edge of a terminal 13 is located within a middle trunk portion 2g of the insulator 2 with a longer reach of the screw portion 7, it acts as a support against fracture, more likely causing the problem of strength. Thus, the wall thickness of the middle trunk portion 2g at a position corresponding to the top end edge of the terminal 13 is sufficiently secured to be 0.42 or larger, based on the value of (D−d)/D, whereby it is possible to prevent the inconvenience such as fracture of the insulator, particularly, the middle trunk portion 2g from occurring owing to some strong force of bending, impact or torque applied on the insulator 2, when the spark plug is attached.

Abstract: The sintered ceramic body of this invention is a cylindrical insulator having a through hole used for spark plugs, which is characterized by comprising alumina as a main component and Sn component in an amount of 0.05-2 wt % as SnO and can be manufactured by a step of preparing a slurry by mixing a raw material powder comprising alumina as maakessmain component and Sn component in an amount of 0.05-2 wt % as SnO, water and a binder; a step of preparing a granulated powder from the slurry, a step of packing the granulated powder in a prescribed mold and pressing it to form a compact having the same shape as sintered ceramic body to be prepared and a step of sintering the compact.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine is constituted by an insulating member (20) having an axial hole (26) formed along a central shaft (18); a rod-shape central electrode (12) accommodated in the axial hole; and a ground electrode (16) with which an igniting portion (16a) opposite to the outer surface (12a) of the central electrode is formed. In the spark plug, application of voltage between the central electrode and the ground electrode such that the polarity of the central electrode is made to be positive causes discharge to occur between the central electrode and the ground electrode. The spark plug satisfies at least one of the following conditions (a) and (b).

Abstract: In a spark plug, a main gap is formed between the center electrode and the ground electrode, and an auxiliary gap is formed between the center electrode and a projecting inner edge formed at an open end portion of the metallic shell. The inner wall surface of the metallic shell extending from a terraced portion toward the tip end of the metallic shell is tapered such that the diameter of the inner wall surface decreases toward the tip end of the metallic shell by an amount of 0.6 mm or more. Through reduction of a gas volume defined by the insulator and the inner wall surface of the metallic shell, entry of high temperature combustion gas can be reduced to thereby decrease a thermal load imposed on the insulator, while entry of carbon can be minimized to thereby prevent contamination. Accordingly, heat resistance and contamination resistance can be significantly improved, and thus the range of operation of the spark plug can be widened.

Abstract: A spark plug is installed in an internal combustion engine to monitor engine performance. The spark plug includes an outer shell having a central longitudinal axis and defining a first bore extending along the central longitudinal axis. The outer shell also includes a second bore that is offset from the central longitudinal axis. An insulative core is positioned in the first bore and defines a third bore concentric with the first bore. A first electrode is positioned in and has a firing end extending beyond the third bore. A second electrode including a firing surface is located adjacent to the firing end of the first electrode. A sensor is located within the third bore.

Abstract: The present invention is designed to increase performance of most internal combustion engines by raising the compression in the combustion dome without having to go through the common process of removing engine parts and machining off material at the gasket surface of the cylinder head. This is done by the spark plug obtaining volume in said dome by extending the spark plug's threaded section deep into the chamber area without contacting the piston. Most sparks plugs could be extended from ¼″ to 1″ deeper before interfering with the piston. Adjustable locking nuts on the threaded portion of the spark plug would allow the user to adjust the amount of compression increase and eliminate the need to manufacture a separate spark plug for each different engine application. Currently three different thread diameters are mainly used in spark plug manufacturing, 14 mm, 12 mm, and 10 mm.