With Fluid Feed Or Air Vent Patents (Class 313/120)
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Patent number: 11901705Abstract: An electrode tip assembly for a spark plug includes an electrode tip that is formed on an electrode base using an additive manufacturing process, such as a powder bed fusion technique, after which the electrode base is welded to an electrode body. The electrode base includes a welding side and an additive manufacturing side, and the electrode tip includes a plurality of laser deposition layers built on the additive manufacturing side of the electrode base.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION GMBHInventors: Andreas Zeh, Rene Trebbels, John Antony Burrows
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Patent number: 10903626Abstract: A spark plug for increasing a combustion speed of a gasoline engine may include electrodes of a spark plug, which ignite a mixture of fuel and air in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, wherein the electrodes of a spark plug are positioned at a position where a flow velocity is high, and one end portion of a body of the spark plug and an end portion of a cylinder head on which the spark plug is disposed are positioned on a diagonal line to induce a tumble flow downward and allow a flame generated at the spark plug to expand toward a center portion of the combustion chamber where turbulent flow energy is high, such that both an initial combustion speed and a main combustion speed are high.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Tae-Won Lee, Jae-Man Cho, Hong-Kil Baek, Seung-Woo Lee
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Patent number: 10418786Abstract: A corona igniter assembly 20 comprises an ignition coil assembly 22, a firing end assembly 24, and a metal tube 26 connecting the ignition coil assembly 22 to the firing end assembly 24. A rubber boot 28 is disposed in the metal tube 26 and compressed symmetrically between a coil output member 30 of the ignition coil assembly 22 and an insulator 42 of the firing end assembly 24. Thus, the rubber boot 28 fills any air gaps and provides a hermetic seal between the ignition coil assembly 22 and the firing end assembly 24 to prevent unwanted corona discharge from forming from those air gaps.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2018Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition LLCInventors: Vittorio Urciuoli, Giulio Milan, Massimo Augusto Dal Re, Paolo Pignatti
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Patent number: 10033162Abstract: A corona igniter assembly 20 comprises an ignition coil assembly 22, a firing end assembly 24, and a metal tube 26 connecting the ignition coil assembly 22 to the firing end assembly 24. A rubber boot 28 is disposed in the metal tube 26 and compressed symmetrically between a coil output member 30 of the ignition coil assembly 22 and an insulator 42 of the firing end assembly 24. Thus, the rubber boot 28 fills any air gaps and provides a hermetic seal between the ignition coil assembly 22 and the firing end assembly 24 to prevent unwanted corona discharge from forming from those air gaps.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Inventors: Vittorio Urciuoli, Giulio Milan, Massimo Augusto Dal Re, Paolo Pignatti
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Patent number: 9653885Abstract: A corona igniter assembly 20 comprises an ignition coil assembly 22, a firing end assembly 24, and a metal tube 26 connecting the ignition coil assembly 22 to the firing end assembly 24. A rubber boot 28 is disposed in the metal tube 26 and compressed symmetrically between a coil output member 30 of the ignition coil assembly 22 and an insulator 42 of the firing end assembly 24. Thus, the rubber boot 28 fills any air gaps and provides a hermetic seal between the ignition coil assembly 22 and the firing end assembly 24 to prevent unwanted corona discharge from forming from those air gaps.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: Vittorio Urciuoli, Giulio Milan, Massimo Augusto Dal Re, Paolo Pignatti
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Patent number: 9371806Abstract: A spark plug 1 includes a housing 2, an insulator 3, a center electrode 4 held inside the insulator 3 such that a distal end portion 41 protrudes, a ground electrode 5 including a standing portion 51 and an opposing portion 52, and a guide member 22 that has a guide surface 221 facing the standing portion 51 of the ground electrode 5 and functions to guide a flow of an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine to a spark discharge gap G formed between the center electrode 4 and the opposing portion 52 of the ground electrode 5. The opposing portion 52 of the ground electrode 5 has an opposing surface 521 that opposes the center electrode 4, a back surface 522 on the opposite axial side to the opposing surface 521, and a pair of side surfaces 523 and 524 that connect the opposing surface 521 and the back surface 522.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Takanobu Aochi, Takayuki Inohara, Shinichi Okabe, Masamichi Shibata, Noriaki Nishio
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Patent number: 8957571Abstract: Ionizing electrode with a cleaning mechanism including a solenoid with a bushing, a magnetic conductor, a coil housing a core having first and second ends, a return spring and a terminal for high voltage supply mounted on its body. The ionizing electrode is mounted inside the bushing and is configured so that an ionizing end and a non-ionizing end of the electrode protrude from the bushing, the non-ionizing end being fastened to the first end of the solenoid core.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Filt Air Ltd.Inventor: Yefim Riskin
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Patent number: 8796909Abstract: A ground electrode of an igniter plug has inlets for supplying cooling fluid therethrough to a first space formed between an insulator and the ground electrode, and first outlets located forward of the inlets and radially outward of the inner circumference of a ground electrode forward-end portion and adapted to discharge the cooling fluid therethrough. A second space communicating with the first space and having a second outlet for discharging the cooling fluid therethrough is formed between a forward end surface of the insulator and a surface of the ground electrode which faces the forward end surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukinobu Hasegawa, Yasushi Sakakura
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Patent number: 8747176Abstract: A method for forming a spark plug includes positioning an electrode center wire within an insulator and positioning at least one substance within the insulator and proximate the electrode center wire. The method further includes ultrasonically tamping the at least one substance to the electrode center wire.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventors: Michael S. Lynch, Steven M. Brickner
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Patent number: 8561591Abstract: Embodiments of injectors configured for adaptively injecting and igniting various fuels in a combustion chamber are disclosed herein. An injector according to one embodiment includes an end portion configured to be positioned adjacent to a combustion chamber, and an ignition feature carried by the end portion and configured to generate an ignition event. The injector also includes a force generator assembly and a movable valve. The force generator assembly includes a first force generator separate from a second force generator. The first force generator creates a motive force to move the valve between the closed and open positions into the combustion chamber. The second force generator is electrically coupled to the ignition feature and provides voltage to the ignition feature to at least partially generate the ignition event.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy E. McAlister
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Patent number: 8466607Abstract: A spark plug for internal-combustion engines includes a housing, an insulator, a center electrode, and an earth electrode. A gas guiding sections equipped with slopes that slope inwardly as they approach toward a tip side from a circumference surface of the housing and guide surfaces that are disposed on both sides in a circumferential direction of the slopes are formed in a tip part of the housing. The gas guiding sections are formed in the circumferential direction within a 90-degree range measured relative to the center of the earth joint section, which is a junction of the housing and the earth electrode, in the circumferential direction. When the spark plug is mounted to the engine, it is constituted so that the gas guiding sections are projected into a combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Denso CorporationInventors: Takanobu Aochi, Shinichi Okabe, Takayuki Inohara, Masamichi Shibata
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Publication number: 20130009534Abstract: A ground electrode of an igniter plug has inlets for supplying cooling fluid therethrough to a first space formed between an insulator and the ground electrode, and first outlets located forward of the inlets and radially outward of the inner circumference of a ground electrode forward-end portion and adapted to discharge the cooling fluid therethrough. A second space communicating with the first space and having a second outlet for discharging the cooling fluid therethrough is formed between a forward end surface of the insulator and a surface of the ground electrode which faces the forward end surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventors: Yukinobu Hasegawa, Yasushi Sakakura
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Publication number: 20120299458Abstract: A spark plug for internal-combustion engines includes a housing, an insulator, a center electrode, and an earth electrode. A gas guiding sections equipped with slopes that slope inwardly as they approach toward a tip side from a circumference surface of the housing and guide surfaces that are disposed on both sides in a circumferential direction of the slopes are formed in a tip part of the housing. The gas guiding sections are formed in the circumferential direction within a 90-degree range measured relative to the center of the earth joint section, which is a junction of the housing and the earth electrode, in the circumferential direction. When the spark plug is mounted to the engine, it is constituted so that the gas guiding sections are projected into a combustion chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.Inventors: Takanobu AOCHI, Shinichi OKABE, Takayuki INOHARA, Masamichi SHIBATA
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Publication number: 20120279468Abstract: A corona igniter 20 includes an insulator 28 surrounding a central electrode 24 and a shell 30 surrounding the insulator 28. The shell 30 presents a shell gap 38 having a shell gap width ws between a shell lower end 34 and a shell inner surface 90 or shell outer surface 92. The shell 30 has a shell thickness is decreasing toward the shell lower end 34 allowing the shell gap width ws to increase toward the shell lower end 34. The shell gap 38 is open at the shell lower end 34 allowing air to flow therein, and the shell gap width ws is greatest at the shell lower end 34. The increasing shell gap width ws enhances corona discharge 22 along the insulator 28 between the central electrode 24 and shell 30.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: John Antony Burrows, James D. Lykowski, Alfred Permuy, Keith Hampton
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Publication number: 20120049719Abstract: A spark plug comprises a main body including a sparking terminal which is an end of the main body, a center electrode disposed at a center portion of the main body, and an earth electrode installed on an external circular wall at the sparking terminal, and having an extended end extended to a position corresponding to the center electrode, an air guide hole in the shape of a sandglass and formed on the extended end of the earth electrode, and a chamfer formed on the wall of the earth electrode. With the design of the air guide hole, the mixed petroleum and air are collected in an engine, and the design of a chamfer formed on the earth electrode improves the smoothness degree of the earth electrode significantly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventor: Huei-Yuan Wu
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Patent number: 8091528Abstract: Embodiments of injectors configured for adaptively injecting and igniting various fuels in a combustion chamber are disclosed herein. An injector according to one embodiment includes an end portion configured to be positioned adjacent to a combustion chamber, and an ignition feature carried by the end portion and configured to generate an ignition event. The injector also includes a force generator assembly and a movable valve. The force generator assembly includes a first force generator separate from a second force generator. The first force generator creates a motive force to move the valve between the closed and open positions into the combustion chamber. The second force generator is electrically coupled to the ignition feature and provides voltage to the ignition feature to at least partially generate the ignition event.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy E. McAlister
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Patent number: 8053964Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Multitorch GmbHInventors: Georg Maul, Dieter Kuhnert
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Publication number: 20100102728Abstract: The cavity of a plasma jet ignition plug is configured in a stepped shape; i.e., composed of a constricted portion and a diameter-increased portion (65). The inner diameter (B) of the constricted portion is made smaller than the inner diameter (A) of the diameter-increased portion. Further, as measured along the direction of the axis O, the length (Y) of the constricted portion is made equal to or greater than the length (X) of the diameter-increased portion. This configuration suppresses a pressure loss produced when the generated plasma expands within the cavity. As a result, the energy of the plasma at the time of jetting is increased, and the igniting performance for an air-fuel mixture can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventors: Tomoaki Kato, Toru Nakamura, Yuichi Yamada
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Publication number: 20100101521Abstract: A spark plug comprising a cylindrical portion which projects into a combustion chamber from an inner wall face of an engine head when the spark plug is fixed to the engine head, wherein the cylindrical portion has one or more ventilating portion comprised of a through hole or a notch in an outer circumferential face thereof. An igniting portion projecting into the combustion chamber improves ignitability. Further, because an air-fuel mixture fed from an inlet of the internal combustion engine flows to inside of the cylindrical portion through the ventilating portion, heat of an insulator is taken away and cooled down, whereby an occurrence of pre-ignition is prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventor: Kiyoteru Mori
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Publication number: 20090102345Abstract: A spark plug 100, comprising a center electrode 3 which is extended in an axial direction, a cylindrical insulator 2 which holds the center electrode 3, and a cylindrical main metal fitting 1 which has a ground electrode 10 at a tip end portion and a tool engagement portion 8 for mounting on an engine, wherein the main metal fitting 1 has a part of a rear end side from the tool engagement portion 8 as a metal fitting-side fitting portion 9 and holds the insulator 2 in a tightly fitted state in a radial direction by the metal fitting-side fitting portion 9.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2006Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.Inventors: Nobuyuki Hotta, Eiji Kodera, Kazushige Ohbayashi, Noriyasu Sugimoto
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Patent number: 7470875Abstract: An improved glow plug for igniting fuel in a combustion chamber as well as a smart fuel supply system for glow plug applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Locust USA, Inc.Inventors: Ernest W. Wilcox, Nigel MacDonald, Robert A. Breslaure
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Patent number: 7116041Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Burton, D. Wayne Leidy, Garrett L. Scott, Thomas W. White
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Patent number: 6955154Abstract: A spark plug and fuel injector combination. The spark plug has a central channel that funnels fuel into the lower portion of the spark plug, where it is superheated. A solenoid system causes a needle valve to rise up to allow a measured quantity of fuel to be injected into a cylinder through a nozzle, where it vaporizes upon exiting the spark plug. A spring releases the needle valve to close the nozzle. The spark plug also has an ignition ring on the base. The ignition ring produces an encompassing spark, which produces complete combustion of the vaporized fuel. This produces more power and better fuel economy.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Inventor: Denis Douglas
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Patent number: 6930441Abstract: An arc gage (30) includes a non-electrically conductive housing (42) and a first electrically conductive pin (44) that is disposed therein. The first pin (44) has a first end (44A) disposed within the housing (42) and a second end (44B) disposed outside the housing (42). A second electrically conductive pin (46) that has a third end (46A) within the housing (42) and spaced apart from the first end (44A) forms a gap (52) therebetween. A fourth end (46B) of the second electrically conductive pin (46) is disposed outside the housing (42). The arc gage (30) may be a stand alone device or used as part of a spark checking device that includes a device housing a voltage generator and a wand (26) that is electrically coupled to the power terminal of a voltage generator (34) disposed within the device housing (28).Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Rex H. Allen, Kevin J. Steen
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Publication number: 20040149256Abstract: A fuel injection assembly comprising a main structure (101) for mounting on an internal combustion engine, the main structure having one or more orifices (115) for injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, and the main structure also having mounted thereon charge electrodes (105, 118) positioned to provide an electric field which passes through the flow of fuel, for charging fuel particles to improve atomisation. The main structure also has mounted thereon a spark electrode (104) adapted to provide a fuel ignition spark for the internal combustion engine. The main structure of the assembly is adapted for removable mounting, having a threaded portion (102) adapted to co-operate with a threaded aperture in the internal combustion engine, normally adapted to receive a convention spark plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2004Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventors: Anthony Osborne Dye, Harold Morser, Rachel Patience Groves Harker
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Patent number: 6748918Abstract: A fuel injector having an integrated spark plug for injecting fuel directly into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and for igniting the fuel that is injected into the combustion chamber has a valve body, which, together with a valve-closure member, forms a sealing seat. Disposed contiguously to the sealing seat is a discharge orifice, which discharges at a valve-body end face facing the combustion chamber. Provision is also made for a housing body that is insulated from the valve body, and for an ignition electrode that is connected to the housing body. In this context, a spark arc-over is produced between the valve body and the ignition electrode. The ignition electrode and the valve body are formed so that the spark arc-over occurs between the end face of the valve body facing the combustion chamber and the ignition electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Franz Rieger, Gernot Wuerfel, Stefan Kampmann
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Patent number: 6536405Abstract: A fuel injector having an integrated spark plug (1) for injecting fuel directly into a combustion chamber (72) of an internal combustion engine and for igniting the fuel that is injected into the combustion chamber (72) has a valve body (7), which, together with a valve-closure member (10), forms a sealing seat. Disposed contiguously to the sealing seat is a discharge orifice (12), which discharges at a valve-body (7) end face (73) facing the combustion chamber (72). Provision is also made for a housing body (2) that is insulated from the valve body (7), and for an ignition electrode (70a) that is connected to the housing body (2). In this context, a spark arc-over is produced between the valve body (7) and the ignition electrode (70a). The ignition electrode (70a) and the valve body (7) are formed in such a way that the spark arc-over takes place between the end face (73) of the valve body (7) facing the combustion chamber (72) and the ignition electrode (70a).Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Franz Rieger, Gernot Wuerfel, Stefan Kampmann
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Patent number: 6469424Abstract: An ignitor that energizes a hydrogen fuel into a high temperature plasma which is then injected into a mixture of fuel and oxidizer within a combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1998Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Robert W. Marable
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Patent number: 6382159Abstract: A spark plug for venting excessive engine cylinder pressure may be either pressure or temperature activated. A vent passage is created in a conventional spark plug by drilling an air vent through the housing of a conventional spark plug to a point that experiences cylinder pressures. The air vent is then sealed with a mechanical element of known structural strength and temperature response. Upon the development of excessive engine temperature, cylinder pressure, or both, the sealing element gives way, generating an air passage from the combustion chamber to the atmosphere through which cylinder pressure is vented. By venting excessive pressure, the disastrous effects of detonation, hydrolock, and other deleterious engine conditions may be avoided. Prior to the failure of the seal, the spark plug functions identically to a conventional spark plug.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: J. Michael Shifflette
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Patent number: 6240888Abstract: The invention is a decompression kit for large bore and/or high compression internal combustion engines. Specifically designed for engines such as the “Harley-Davidson®” “V-Twin®” or the “Sportster®” models, the invention vents high cylinder pressure and reduces the associated high starter torque required to turn the crankshaft when starting the engine, this in turn reduces the cranking amperage necessary to start the engine resulting in longer starter and battery life. A modified spark plug, steel tubing, and decompression valves are the main components of the invention. Cylinder pressure during the compression stroke is vented through the spark plug, tubing, and the decompression valve to make starting the engine easy.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Inventor: Rich Pilney
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Patent number: 5937813Abstract: A pressure relieving spark plug for use with an internal combustion engine. The pressure relieving spark plug functions as a conventional spark plug under normal operating conditions; however, upon the development of abnormal conditions, such as excessive combustion chamber pressures or excessive engine temperatures, the spark plug is designed relieve cylinder pressure by one or more venting stages such that damage to the engine is averted. Once actuated to one or more venting stages, the spark plug is resettable to a configuration wherein the spark plug is again capable of functioning as a conventional spark plug.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Inventor: J. Michael Shifflette
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Patent number: 5799634Abstract: An internal combustion engine spark plug provides an overpressure release mechanism to avert engine component damage as a result of hydrostatic lock caused by liquids (typically water) entering the combustion chamber under operating conditions. This spark plug incorporates predictably and adjustably weakened structural zones such that, upon encountering overpressure situations, the central portion of the plug is ejected, generating sufficient flow area to expel gasses and liquids from the combustion chamber and venting the cylinder to the atmosphere. The invention is also useful in the detection and avoidance of damage under conditions of detonation.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1997Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Inventor: J. Michael Shifflette
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Patent number: 5730100Abstract: Arrangement (2) for fuel injection and ignition of a fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber (6) in a cylinder (10) provided with a reciprocating piston (8) in a combustion engine. The arrangement includes a tubular retaining body (32) which constitutes an insulator and which is fastenable in the engine cylinder head (14), and a tubular valve housing (44) which runs axially through the retaining body and which has running through it a valve needle (48) with central fuel supply passage (50), and the end (44) of the valve housing (44) in the combustion chamber constitutes a free end provided with a valve seat (52) which accommodates a valve element (54) which is fastened in the end of the valve needle and can be applied to the seat. The valve housing (44), the valve needle (48) and the valve element (54) form together a central electrode in a single-pole ignition plug, the second electrode of which is an electrode (30) firmly attached to the piston (8) or to the cylinder (10).Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1997Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Inventor: Lars Bergsten
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Patent number: 5610470Abstract: A spark plug has a base with a bottom end portion adapted to be received and retained by a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. An insulator retains a central electrode within the base with a combustion chamber end of the electrode extending into a combustion chamber of the engine when the plug is installed in the cylinder head. The central electrode combustion chamber end includes a combustion chamber end face with a hole having the physical characteristics of an acoustically tuned pipe with an open and a closed end formed in its surface. A ground electrode is attached to the base and defines a spark gap between its inner surface and the central electrode face. The ground electrode has a hole passing through it which has the physical characteristics of an acoustically tuned pipe with two open ends.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1994Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Inventor: David Wofsey
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Patent number: 5531199Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which each cylinder is connected to sources both of air and of fuel held as a gas under pressure and in which the compression stroke, during which a full charge of air is drawn and compressed, is substantially completed before the fuel charge is then admitted and the mixture ignited to start the subsequent power stroke. The fuel may be admitted through a unit doubling as admission valve and igniter, and conventional diesel or gasoline-fuelled engines may be converted by designing that unit to fit into the conventional injector or spark plug holes. The compressed gaseous fuel may be methane, or other natural gas. The invention includes both stationary and mobile engines, especially automobile engines, and methods of operating them.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: United Fuels LimitedInventors: Peter J. Bryant, Jacob Epstein
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Patent number: 5245959Abstract: This invention relates to a novel ignition plug, for use in an internal combustion engine, that has an insulator comprising a hollow decompression chamber arranged about a central electrode, an air injection inlet and multiple outlets sized to restrain the flow of combustible gases from a combustion cylinder to the chamber when the cylinder is undergoing a compression stroke.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1992Date of Patent: September 21, 1993Inventor: Peter C. Ringenbach
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Patent number: 5113806Abstract: An improved combustion igniter for internal combustion engines is disclosed, comprising a conventional spark plug improved through the addition of (a) an upwardly facing generally vertical wire element secured to the negative cathode of the spark plug and spaced apart from the positive electrode anode of the spark plug, (b) a catalyst material proximate the vertical wire element and either secured to the spark plug body or applied to the cylinder head; and (c) an injected steam source for facilitating catalytic breakdown of vapors in the combination chamber. Preferably the wire element comprises wire of pure platinum approximately 0.018" in diameter and 1/8" in length, and the catalyst is either (1) a nickel coating disposed on the cylinder head, (2) nickel wire with platinum segments disposed thereon secured to the park plug body, or (3) sheet nickel formed in a coil and disposed in the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1991Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Inventor: George H. Rodart
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Patent number: 4967708Abstract: In lean operation of internal combustion engines having externally supplied ignition, improvement in terms of fuel consumption and emissions are obtained if the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. Because the gas exchange guide cross sections are large, the space available for installing the injection valve and spark plug is very limited, and disruptions in the course of combustion occur when the injection valve and ignition device are too far apart. By developing a fuel injection valve that has wire electrodes on the injection end to serve as an ignition device, the spark gap arcing over in the vicinity of the fuel introduced by the injection valve, optimal ignition conditions are attained even for poorly ignited fuels or when the proportion of fuel in the combustion chamber charge is extremely low (stratified charge operation).Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1988Date of Patent: November 6, 1990Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ernst Linder, Franz Rieger, Gernot Wuerfel
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Patent number: 4954743Abstract: This invention provides an igniter plug, having a plurality of grooves within an outer surface of an annular ground electrode (2), the diameter of which is reduced to about 13 mm. Each groove (6) generally has a semi-circular shape in cross section to allow air flow along the grooves (6), with the number of the grooves (6) in the range from 4 to 16, and the width of each groove is to about 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm. The semi-circular cross section of the grooves (6) makes it possible to provide a large surface for the grooves without increasing the amount of machining, thus, enhancing cooling efficiency when the air flows along the grooves.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1988Date of Patent: September 4, 1990Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Suzuki, Yuki Izuoka, Noboru Aoki
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Patent number: 4859900Abstract: An ignition plug for use in an internal combustion engine comprises a plug main body, a central electrode embedded to the inside thereof and having a tubular structure through which atmospheric air is introduced to the inside of cylinder for the complete combustion of unburnt gases and a check valve mechanism disposed within the air introduction channel for preventing the back flow of the gas from the cylinder to the channel, wherein the atmospheric air is introduced by way of a non-linear path to the central electrode so that electric discharge from the central electrode to the outside can be prevented, and a check valve mechanism comprises a gravity actuation type main check valve and a spring-biased type auxiliary check valve so that the backward flow of the cylinder gas can surely be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1988Date of Patent: August 22, 1989Inventor: Kotoo Kasai
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Patent number: 4736718Abstract: A combustion control system for internal combustion engines which includes a novel spark plug having a precombustion chamber in which a butane/air mixture injected through the plug is ignited in order to initiate and manage combustion wave propagation within the engine cylinder. The system also includes a fuel system to provide gasoline at an elevated pressure to the fuel metering system of the engine and a gaseous air/butane mixture under pressure to the spark plugs.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1987Date of Patent: April 12, 1988Inventor: Henry C. Linder
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Patent number: 4699096Abstract: The combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is provided with a vent passage. The passage is normally closed by a valve which opens in response to an opening pressure having a predetermined magnitude intermediate the magnitude of the normal combustion pressure and the pressure at which detonation occurs. The passage and the valve may be carried by either the permanent portion of the engine or a replaceable portion, such as a spark plug.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1986Date of Patent: October 13, 1987Inventor: Howard L. Phillips
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Patent number: 4644218Abstract: A spark plug adapted, in use, for association with an axial passage (38, 38', 54). The spark plug includes an insulator member (21) having an electrode (23, 23') disposed centrally thereof and projecting outwardly from one end thereof; and an electrode member (28, 47) at said one end of said insulator member surrounding and spaced from said centrally disposed electrode. The electrode member is so shaped to define, with the insulator member a pre-combustion chamber (30) surrounding the centrally disposed electrode. The electrode member has an aperture (29, 49) to receive the extreme end of said centrally disposed electrode of said insulator member. The electrode member further includes a plurality of additional separate apertures (31, 50) adjacent the central aperture (29, 49), and which allow for fluid communication between the pre-combustion chamber (30) and the associated axial passage (38, 38', 54).Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1985Date of Patent: February 17, 1987Assignee: Kirkhouse Jet Plug Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Henry A. Kirkhouse
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Patent number: 4597260Abstract: An oxygen starting assist system for a gas turbine engine which facilitates lighting or relighting the air-fuel of the engine comprising a tubular element surrounding the spark plug that directs pure oxygen to the tip of the spark plug so as to envelop an arc drawn by the spark plug without passing through the arc.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1985Date of Patent: July 1, 1986Assignee: Williams International CorporationInventors: Rollin B. Balsley, Daniel J. Morrill
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Patent number: 4513220Abstract: An ignition plug provided with a tubular center electrode through which open air is introduced into the engine cylinder to accelerate exhaust of the combustion gas from the cylinder in the exhaust stroke of an engine cycle. The tubular electrode has a double-check valve fitted therein to prevent leakage of the high-pressure gas from the cylinder when the cylinder pressure is above the ambient pressure. The valve is composed of two differently-weighted floats serially disposed in the center electrode, one of the floats being in operative position even if the other resonates with engine vibration.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1982Date of Patent: April 23, 1985Inventor: Mokichi Togashi
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Patent number: 4454445Abstract: This invention comprises an attachment for a spark plug which is to be used in place of the usual washer normally inserted between the seat of the plug and the engine block. It comprises a heat conducting sleeve which fits over the threaded end of the plug and extends part way up the body of the plug. The surface of the outer end of the sleeve conforms with the seat in the engine block, so that the sleeve can fit snugly between the engine block and the plug when the plug is screwed into the engine block. The surface of the attachment forming the seat is provided with radial grooves which permit air to pass to the threads during the intake stroke of the engine. This feature, together with the ability to conduct heat rapidly away from the plug, increasing the efficiency of the engine by providing more complete combustion and at the same time decreases the tendancy of the plug to foul and thus increases the life of the plug.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1979Date of Patent: June 12, 1984Inventor: Bernard C. Fisher
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Patent number: 4396854Abstract: An ignition plug for use in association with a cylinder of an internal combustion engine wherein within the body of the plug is a chamber having associated therewith first and second electrodes between which a spark is struck in the chamber. A supply arrangement is provided for supplying plasma medium in liquid form to wet the wall of the chamber therewith between successive firings of the plug.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1980Date of Patent: August 2, 1983Assignee: Lucas Industries LimitedInventor: Felix J. Weinberg
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Patent number: 4383198Abstract: A fuel injection spark plug for use in combination with an external source of pressurized gaseous fuel such as hydrogen or natural gas supplied to an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The spark plug comprises a peripheral plenum surrounding or integral with the metallic shell in communication with the interior of the shell for the discharge of the fuel through a plurality of longitudinal equispaced slots formed in the spark plug insulating body and valve means provided in a conduit for supplying the fuel to the spark plug, said valve means located remote from the spark plug for permitting the flow of gaseous fuel towards the spark plug while preventing the flow of gaseous combustion products in a direction away from the spark plug. The conduit embodies cooling means for cooling the conduit and gaseous fuel and combustion products contained therein to avoid premature ignition and detonation of the gaseous fuel supplied through the spark plug.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1981Date of Patent: May 10, 1983Inventor: John H. Hosking
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Patent number: 4325332Abstract: An air injection system, in a spark plug, whereby air is injected into the combustion cylinder comprising a compression chamber disposed in the body of the spark plug, a tube extending coaxially through the center of the plug having an air inlet means and communicating with both the cylinder and the compression chamber, an air inlet means disposed in the body of the plug which meters air into the tube and cylinder, and a valve means which controls the air inlet means and reduces backpressure on the valve during compression and subsequent expansion of gases in the firing cycle.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1979Date of Patent: April 20, 1982Inventor: Charles A. Hukill
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Patent number: 4326145Abstract: An improved spark plug and a compression relief adapter are described which are designed to permit a portion of the gases in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine to vent during the starting operation so as to make it easier to manually start the engine.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1980Date of Patent: April 20, 1982Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Leslie W. Foster, Henry B. Tillotson