Abstract: An igniter plug having a center conductor, an insulator and a conductive outer shell. The insulator surrounds and supports the center conductor axially within the shell along a substantial portion of the length of the center conductor. The insulator is of reduced diameter toward the discharge end of the igniter and terminates short of the full length of the center conductor. The center conductor extending beyond the insulator terminates short of the discharge end of the igniter and has a discharge electrode of greater diameter than the center conductor affixed to the center conductor end. The electrode terminates at the discharge end of the igniter. A helical compression spring is fitted over the center conductor between the end of the insulator and the electrode to absorb vibrations of the center conductor and electrode.

Abstract: An ignitor probe (10) for the ignition of burners and the like. The probe includes an elongate shaft (11) having an internal bore (14) passing therethrough and first and second ends (15,25), means for coupling (12) the probe to a power source, and an electrode assembly (13) carried within the internal bore and providing a centering couple (38), the centering couple communicating with one of the ends.

Abstract: A spark discharge igniter for gas turbine engines and the like. The igniter includes a tubular metal shell and a relatively long ceramic insulator inserted in the shell and rigidly secured to the shell near one end thereof. A metal collar is fitted tightly between the insulator and shell at the end opposite the rigidly secured end. The collar is initially in the form of a split ring installed on the insulator prior to assembly of the insulator into the shell. The ring is extruded into the tightly fitting collar in the course of inserting the insulator into the shell.

Abstract: A transmission cable (30, 50) for an ignition system of a fuel burning engine has a body of electrical insulation (31, 51). The cable has embedded in its insulation either a distributed or lumped parameter capacitive element (32-34, 52-53) connected in parallel with either a distributed or lumped parameter resistive element (36, 56) which coact to increase the energy delivered to an igniter and hence to a fuel nodule. An igniter for such fuel burning engine has an electrical insulator (20, 520) and an electrode structure (130, 330, 530). The igniter may have a ceramic magnet insulator which accelerates the arc plasma and raises the arc's energy level. Arc transfer members (137-138, 537-538, 537'-538') are partially embedded in the insulator enabling long arcs to be supported.

Abstract: A transmission cable (30, 50, 70, 80) for an ignition system of a fuel burning engine has a body of electrical insulation (31, 51, 71, 81). The cable has embedded in its insulation either a distributed or lumped parameter capacitive element (32-35, 52-55, 72-75, 82-84) connected in parallel with either a distributed or lumped parameter resistive element (36-38, 56-58, 76, 86-88) which coact to increase the energy delivered to an igniter and hence to a fuel nodule. The parameter values of the capacitive and resistive elements are such as to produce first order poles with only real parts in the complex plane defining the ignition current. Other parameter values are usable where such values limit the peak ignition voltage level drop in the cable to less than 20,000 volts. A feature of this cable is that the capacitive element is structured to produce electric and magnetic field components that cancel each other, thereby also reducing radio noise induction.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for a cooking apparatus and a method of making the same are provided, the circuit being adapted to cause sparking at a first igniter for a top burner by causing current flow through the primary of a first transformer and to cause sparking at a second igniter for an oven burner by causing current flow through the primary of a second transformer. The circuit has a main circuit branch having opposed ends and being adapted to be interconnected to an electrical power source at the opposed ends thereof so as to charge a main capacitor that causes the current flow through the primaries when a gate of an SCR of the main branch is activated, the circuit having two activating circuit branches each being adapted to activate the gate.

Abstract: With the addition of a conductive means in the form of a grounded ring or member placed at the insulator means of a high voltage spark electrode structure, the required break down voltage of the spark gap can be reduced. The conductive means typically would be a ring encircling the insulator means of the electrode structure and would provide a ground as well as a mechanical support near the end of the insulator means of the electrode structure.

Abstract: Circuit arrangements for use in the generation of sparks for igniting gas at a gas burner assembly whereby the operation is controlled electrically by means of an electronic control circuit which reacts to the presence or absence of a gas flame. The circuit comprises a charging circuit for a charge storage capacitor, a spark output transformer, an SCR switching device for discharging the charge stored in the capacitor and a non-linear conductive element connected between the anode and the gate of the SCR. Therefore when the anode voltage reaches the required value a trigger signal is applied via said non-linear conductive element to the gate to trigger the discharge of the capacitor by the SCR.

Abstract: A fuel control system having a burner provided with parts for issuing fuel therefrom and an electrical ignition probe for igniting the issuing fuel by forming a spark gap with a ground electrode and creating sparking thereacross, the system having the electrically insulating member disposed adjacent the burner and carrying the ignition probe and the ground electrode in a fixed relation relative to each other to define the spark gap therebetween whereby the ground electrode is separate from the burner.

Abstract: A flare ignition system for oil well flaring of combustible gases which includes a central control unit, low voltage interconnect line and plural remote igniter units which include alternate first and second spark gaps coordinated in fail-safe operation. Coordination is carried out by pulse counting and validating circuitry which assures that one of the spark gaps will always be ignitable or alarm condition will exist.

Abstract: An electrical ignition probe having an electrode wire provided with a sparking end and an opposed end spliced to an end of an ignition wire that has electrical insulation thereon and disposed inboard of the end of the ignition wire, the probe having a rigid electrically insulating body provided with opposed ends and telescoped on the electrode wire in such a manner that the opposed ends of the body are respectively disposed inboard of the ends of the electrode wire, and an electrically insulating unit overlapping adjacent parts of the body and the electrical insulation on the ignition wire to electrically insulate the spliced ends of the electrode wire and the ignition wire. The insulating unit comprises a rigid electrically insulating tubular member having opposed ends and an opening passing through the opposed ends thereof and telescopically receiving the spliced ends and the adjacent parts of the electrode wire and the ignition wire therein.

Abstract: An electrical ignition probe having an electrode provided with a sparking end and an opposed end interconnected to an end of an ignition wire, the probe having a rigid electrical insulating one-piece body provided with opposed ends interrupted by a bore passing through the body. The body is telescoped on part of the electrode and part of the ignition wire so that the ignition wire extends from one end of the body and the sparking end of the electrode extends from the other end of the body whereby the interconnected ends of the electrode and the ignition wire are disposed in the bore of the body intermediate the ends thereof. The bore in the insulating body is substantially uniform in its cross-sectional configuration and size throughout the entire length of the insulating body.

Abstract: The solid state ignition system accurately controls the maximum primary winding current over a large range of operating voltages and selectively reduces its power consumption in response to a preselected ignition condition. The system includes an ignition transformer having a primary winding connected in series with a current regulator and a secondary winding connected with an igniter device for igniting an air-fuel mixture. A Darlington transistor is connected in series with the primary winding for blocking and permitting the flow of electrical current through the primary winding. A current regulating oscillator which controls the Darlington transistor alternately causes the transistor to be biased conductive and nonconductive. A comparator which is connected with the current sensor for sensing the primary winding current compares the sensed primary current with a preselected current.

Abstract: An electromagnetic field compensated cable having an electrically insulating casing (20, 40, 50) includes a structure (21-22, 41, 51) that effects cancellation of electric and/or magnetic field components due to current flow through the cable. One configuration includes a central twisted pair of insulated leads (21, 22) wherein only one end of each of the leads (23, 24) is terminated in a connector (25, 26). Another configuration has a central structure of conductive wire of alternating rectangular shape. (41, 51).

Abstract: An electrical ignition system for a burner in which a spark generation circuit is arranged to charge a capacitor in one sense, and in which a flame sensing device charges the capacitor in the opposite sense, a detector circuit being provided to monitor the presence and polarity of a charge on the capacitor.

Abstract: There is disclosed an igniting and flame detecting device of one rod type having an electrode used for generating a spark for firing gas from a burner and also for supplying an AC voltage for detecting a flame generated by the firing, in which a pulse generating transformer is provided for generating the spark at the electrode with its secondary coil connected in series with the electrode through a discharge tube, a flame detection transformer is provided to apply AC voltage to the flame generated by firing the gas from burner with its secondary coil connected in series with a resistor and a capacitor to form a series circuit which is connected in parallel with the discharge tube, a detection circuit is provided to detect DC voltage component produced, due to rectifying effects of the flame, across the capacitor, and a gap discharge element having a discharge starting voltage which is higher than a normal discharge starting voltage of the discharge tube is connected in parallel with the discharge tube, whereb

Abstract: A spark electrode assembly (10) for a gas range igniter system is disclosed which is low in cost, easy to assemble, and reliable in operation. The assembly comprises a resilient, electrically conductive support member 18 having a U-shaped configuration and adapted for connection to the top frame of the gas range. An integrally molded insulator member (46) is connected to the support by means of a peripheral flange portion (50) which extends through rectangular openings (38) formed in parallel leg portions (43, 44) of the support. The inward spring bias exerted by the legs of the support maintain the insulator assembled thereto. A barbed, wire connecting insert (60) is crimped to an electrical lead (58) and inserted into a bore (54) in the insulator. Barbs (64, 66) on the insert abut against the top surface of a wall (56) which extend inward radially from the internal wall of bore (54) and prevent removal of the electrical lead from the insulator.

Abstract: A spark circuit for heating equipment used on automobiles in which a switch interrupts current flow in the primary of an ignition coil. A comparator compares the actual value of current flowing in the primary against a predetermined nominal value, and current to the switch is interrupted when the values reach parity, so as to render the switch non-conductive during the interruption with resulting auto-induction in the secondary of the ignition coil.

Abstract: Gas-fired infra-red generators with porous ceramic fiber panels through the thickness of which combustion mixture flows and on the emerging surface of which it burns, have constructions that enable a group to be mounted close together, and have various arrangements to reduce the temperature of the burner mouth in which the panels are mounted. Self-contained electric ignition is also shown, as is the use of dark infra-red re-radiators in the radiation path to return energy that penetrates an article being irradiated.

Abstract: An igniter plug that has the forward insulator 80 connected to the outer electrode 24 by a metal ring 60 which is brazed at 62 to the insulator 80 and welded at 61 to the outer electrode 24.

Abstract: An igniter plug that includes a metal sleeve 10 to retain a central electrode 30 within a ceramic insulator 40 to prevent vibration of the electrode tip 35 during operation.

Abstract: To prevent excessive current flow through the control transistor of a solid-state ignition system in which the control transistor is serially connected with an ignition coil, if the power supply voltage should exceed rated value, the voltage monitoring circuit, including a Zener diode, is connected across the power supply source. The solid-state ignition system includes a control transistor which controls the conduction state of the final or output transistor. The over-voltage circuit additionally controls the conduction state of this control transistor to conductive condition if over-voltage is sensed, thereby causing changeover of the final or output transistor to blocked state. A timing circuit including a capacitor is preferably included in the monitoring circuit so that application of control voltage to the control transistor is gradual, causing changeover of the main or output transistor likewise to be gradual and preventing generation of an undesired ignition event.

Abstract: An improved spark igniter for use in a gas turbine engine wherein vent passages which are in the vicinity of the electrode are placed in communication with the ambient environment external to the engine during the ignition sequence causing fuel-air mixture to flow over the electrode as it is abstracted from the engine, thereby enhancing the probability of ignition.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an improved construction for electrodes used with a piezoelectric lighter, particularly one of the portable type which may be used by a smoker and which carries a fuel deposit.

Abstract: A selective threshold ignition circuit adaptable for use in an electronic ignition system for an engine is disclosed. A magnetic pick-up produces an AC signal about a DC reference level which has a frequency related to the rotational movement produced by the engine. A circuit receives this AC signal and produces a corresponding spark timing signal by comparing the AC signal with a DC threshold level. A selector circuit chooses a first DC threshold level for the comparing circuit which is effectively equal to the DC reference level during the period of engine start up. The selector circuit chooses a second DC threshold level which is different from the DC reference level when the engine is running and before the engine has been started. By providing a threshold level equal to the DC reference level during the engine start up mode of operation, an accurate ignition timing signal is produced during this critical period.

Abstract: A fail-safe energizing circuit for effecting the operation of a functional device, such as a relay, includes a resistor and a capacitor connected between outputs of an AC signal source which supplies an AC signal for charging the capacitor, a normally disabled silicon controlled rectifier connected in shunt with the capacitor and an operate coil of the relay and operable when enabled to provide a discharge path for the capacitor permitting the capacitor to discharge over the relay coil to operate the relay, and a control circuit operable to provide an enabling signal derived from the AC signal for enabling the silicon controlled rectifier. The energizing circuit is described with reference to an application in an automatic fuel ignition system for controlling the operation of a relay which energizes a fuel valve of the system.