MXPA00008606A - Identifiable marking compositions and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides for marking an object with a composition that can later be used to identify the source of the composition. In one embodiment, the composition is a substance that is visually conspicuous and includes a taggant having a chemical code which can link the substance to a discrete source. One source of the substance can be a personnal use size container from which the substance may be expelled as a spray or stream propelled by an appropriate pressurized propellant also contained in the container.

Description

SPARK PLUG PROVIDING IMPROVED OPERATING FEATURES Technical Field The present invention relates generally to spark plugs for burning the fuel charge in an internal combustion engine, and relates in particular to an improved spark plug construction which v. improves combustion pressure, mileage • Fuel and decreases exhaust contamination by exhaust as compared to spark plugs of the prior art.

Background of the Invention 15 The spark plugs of the prior art are well known. Such spark plugs typically include a central electrode and a grounding electrode separate from the • central electrode. When sufficient electrical potential is provided through space, a spark jumps through space. This spark can be used to burn an air-fuel mixture inside an internal combustion engine. U.S. Patent No. 5,051,651 gives details of a "cylindrical hole" that is created around the central electrode by means of the * coating of the external grounding electrode. U.S. Patent No. 5,051,651 asserts that the "seeds of ignition" multiply within this cylindrical hole. The grounding electrode, 5 in all examples, has a "substantially concave internal surface that complements the radial face of the central electrode" (Column 8, line 33). This creates a concentric curved surface that has an internal radius equal to "the sum of the radius of the central electrode • 10 and a spark gap can be almost equal to the radius of the cylindrical hole "(Column 1, line 54) As seen in Figure 13 of the Patent 5,051,651, and in the language of independent claim # 18, the invention deals specifically on areas of spark shock and where "at least a portion of each of the internal orthogonal sides is provided with a concave surface having a • curve that complements the axial face of the center electrode. "20 Since all sparks travel along shorter paths, from the center electrode to the ground electrode, the effective surfaces of U.S. Patent No. 5,051,651 are similar to other concentric annular designs (patents # 1,748,338; # 1,942,242; # 1,912,516; # 5,430,346; ? # 5,280,214) where the grounding electrode is formed as a complement to the radius centered on the same axis as the central electrode. U.S. Patent No. 5,051,651, in the functional core where spark 5 actually jumps, functions similarly to the other concentric annular designs. However, the Applicant believes that the concentric annular designs have not shown operating benefits over the standard spark plug designs. f 10 Reference is also made to the Patent No. 5,612,586, in which particular importance is given to the elimination of the common 90 degree bend to standard spark plugs. Prior art patents above include some advantageous features. However, there remains a need for an improved spark plug design that provides improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Brief Description of the Invention The present invention relates to the use of a spark plug that provides corners at the edge in a tangential relationship with the central electrode. Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved spark plug.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved spark plug ground electrode. • A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved spark plug exhibiting improved fuel efficiency. A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved spark plug which exhibits an improved combustion pressure.

• A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved spark plug that provides less contamination. The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from of reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20 Figure 1 is a top view of a portion of a first embodiment of the present invention shown in a full view in Figure 1. Figure 2 is a side plan view of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 1, being one spark plug 10.

Figure 3 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode 51 and a central electrode 20, used in a second embodiment f of the present invention, which could be considered a "forked" configuration, with two tangential relationships and a vertex. Figure 4 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode '52 and a central electrode 20, used in a third embodiment f 10 of the present invention, which includes three segments and three tangential relations and two vertices ( vertices Figure 5 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode 53 and a central electrode 20, used in a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with six segments, up to five vertices, and at least four tangential relations. • Figure 6 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode 60 and a central electrode 20, used in a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with four segments, three vertices, and four tangential relations. Figure 7 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode 70 and a central electrode 20, used in a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a "closed box" configuration, with four tangential relations and four vertices. • Figure 8 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode 80 and a central electrode 20, used in a seventh embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a "closed hexagonal box" configuration, with six tangential relationships and six vertices. ^ ß 10 Figure 9 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode 90 and a central electrode 20, used in an eighth embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a "straight electrode" configuration. alone "deviation", with a tangential relationship Figure 10 is a top view of three electrodes, two grounding electrodes 100, 101, and a central electrode 20, used in a ninth embodiment of the present invention, which could be 20 considered a "double deviated straight electrode" configuration, with two tangential relationships Figure 11 is a top view of three electrodes, two grounding electrodes 110, 111, and a central electrode 20, used in one tenth embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a configuration of "double electrode in T", with two tangential relations. Figure 12 is a top view of three • electrodes, two grounding electrodes 120, 121, 5 and a central electrode 20, used in an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a configuration of "double deflected T-electrode", with two tangential relations . Figure 13 is a top view of four • 10 electrodes, three grounding electrodes 130, 131, 132 and a central electrode 20, used in an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a "triple triangulated T-electrode" configuration, with three relationships tangential Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a typical central electrode 20, shown below a cross-sectional view of a portion of a grounding electrode 140, including an edge of the lower corner directed toward the central electrode in20 a tangential relationship. Figure 15 shows a grounding electrode 150 which provides a simple curved convex edge presented to the center electrode 20, with a tangential edge relationship. The cross section of the electrode ground connection is rectangular.

Figure 16 shows a simple straight edge presented to the central electrode. A tangential edge relationship is shown. The cross section of the electrode • The ground connection is rectangular. Figure 17 shows the use of four grounding electrodes 170, 171, 172 and 173 which combine to present multiple simple straight edges presented to the center electrode 20. No tangential edge relationships are shown in this figure, • 10 although there could be four edges in the reference area in Figure 26. The cross section of each of the four electrodes is rectangular. Figure 18 shows a ground connection electrode of triangular shape 180 having three edges and three vertices to the central electrode 20. Three tangential edge relationships are shown. The tangential section of each linear segment of the electrode • Earth connection is substantially rectangular. Figure 19 is similar to the one shown in shows Figure 11, and shows a triangular-shaped grounding electrode 190, but with a triangular central electrode 195. Three tangential edge relationships and three vertices are shown in this figure. Figure 20 is an open end design including a grounding electrode 200 having three curved edges and two vertices to the central electrode 20. Three "curved" tangential edge relationships are provided under this configuration. Note that a tangential relationship may be a "straight" tangential relationship or may include a "curved" tangential relationship. Figure 21 is an open-ended design that includes a grounding electrode 210 having three straight edges and two vertices to the central electrode 20. The three tangential edge relationships and two vertices are shown in this figure. Figure 22 is an open-ended design similar to that shown in Figure 21, except with a central electrode 225 substantially formed equalizing the geometry of the grounding electrode 220, which in this case is square. Three tangential relationships are shown. Figure 23 shows a "forked" design in which there are two curved tangential edge relationships, with a single vertex in it. It shows a grounding electrode 220 and a central electrode 230. Figure 24 shows two grounding electrodes 240, each with a "projection of broken wires of cable body" at its end, which serves to substantially surround the projection of the central electrode 20. Four tangential relationships are shown and two vertices in this figure. Figure 25 shows a curved concave edge • simple presented to the central electrode 20 by a 5 grounding electrode 250. Figure 26 is a side view illustrating various positions 1, 2, and 3 in which a grounding electrode 260 can be placed in relation to the central electrode, with those 3 portions 1, 2 and 3 with f 10 inside a "zone". The positions within the zone are provided so that any of the positions expose the lower edge of the grounding electrode to the outer edge of the central electrode, which, in the opinion of the inventor at the time of placement, can create a "chimney" effect for the intake gases. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional, side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 (taken through the central longitudinal axis of the center electrode 20) with the bottom edges of the grounding electrode 270 previously presented above the electrode in a substantially tangential relationship to the peripheral projection to the central electrode. Figure 28 is a view similar to Figure 25 27, but the cross section of the grounding electrode 280 has been modernized to offer less resistance to frontal propagation of the flame. Figure 29 is a view similar to that of Figure 28, but the grounding electrode 290 has been reduced to a single edge, and supported by an arc, as seen in the electrode design shown in Figure 25. Such a design could also be applied in view of Figure 15. The cross section could be in any other way than shown, having an edge (straight or otherwise) as the surface closest to the upper edges of the central electrode. Figure 30 shows an embodiment that includes multiple grounding electrodes 300, 301, and 302 (a fourth grounding electrode, not shown) can also be used which provides multiple straight edges presented to the upper part of the electrode central via a right angle upwards and inwards. It is not believed that the angle is as important as the final position of the edges of the tips of the elongated members. Figure 31 is a side cross-sectional view of a configuration generally similar to that shown, for example, Figure 1, except that the cross-section of the grounding electrode 310 has a "diamond" shape having edges to the upper circular edge of the central electrode 20. This design could better promote the flow of the flame resulting from the ignition of the spark due to the • bevels above and below the edges of the grounding electrode. Figure 32 is a modification of that shown in Figure 1, except that a single bevel is provided on the upper surface of the grounding electrode 320. This could gain some of the • 10 benefits of the design shown in Figure 31, but apparently it would be easier to manufacture. Figure 33 is a view of one embodiment that includes a grounding electrode that is similar to that of Figure 1, except that one has been cut simple slit in central electrode 335 to improve spark efficiency. Figure 34 is a side, cross-sectional view of a similar mode to that of Figure 1, including a grounding electrode 340, 20 except that a "reduced" section is provided at the top of the center electrode 345, creating a discharge of "fine wire" to the central electrode. Figure 35 shows the edge of a grounding electrode 350 presented from above, a through single rods (as shown) or multiple rods (not shown) that support the "important" edge. A the central electrode 355 has a bevel at the tip. Figure 36 shows a configuration in which it includes a "maximized edge-to-edge presentation" of the two edges defined by the central and grounding electrodes 355, 360, respectively. Although possibly more expensive to manufacture than other modes, this one designed has a less protected edge-to-edge spark to the combustion chamber. It is abelieved that the small sizes of the electrodes serve to reduce the blockage to the incoming fuel charge and the existing flame core. Figure 37 is a view of a spark plug having a grounding electrode 370 similar to that of Figures 1 and 2, except that a chisel-tipped central electrode 375 is used. Figure 38 is a view of a spark plug that it has a single point central electrode 385, with a grounding electrode 380 being similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 39 is a view of a series of central electrode configurations that can be used with other electrodes ground connection within this description, including a 395-A chisel point, a 395-B pyramid tip, a 395-C V-groove, a 395-D corrugated center, a 395-E polygon, a single point 395 -F, multiple edges 395-G, a beveled point 395-H, a hollow cylinder 395-1, a polygon • Hollow 395-J, and a reduced configuration 395-K. Figure 40A and B are top and side plan views, respectively, of a configuration including a T-shaped central electrode 405 having T-shaped ends each defining an edge and a pair of grounding electrode 400, 401 ^ 10 defining each one in the same way an edge. The edges of the central electrode are presented to the edges of the grounding electrodes in a one-to-one relationship. Figures 41A and 41B are top and side plan views 15, respectively, of a configuration including an L-shaped central electrode 415 and a grounding electrode 410, with edges • curved tangential. Note that two segments could be used as in Figures 40A and 40B, or 20 more than two segments could be used, any with this configuration of Figures 40A / 40B. Figures 42A / 42B show a configuration including a central electrode 425 and a grounding electrode 420, combining to form three tangential relationships.

Figure 43 is a configuration which includes a central electrode 20 and a grounding electrode 430, which provides separation • vertical and horizontal between the two referred to as Gl and 5 G2, respectively. Preferably Gl is greater than or equal to 0 and G2 is greater than or equal to 0. This is another way of illustrating the "zone" concept of Figure 26. Figure 44 is a top plan view, illustrative ß 10, of an exemplary central electrode 20 and two exemplary grounding electrodes 440, 441, further illustrating the tangential relationship which is a feature of the present invention. As can be seen, a "tangential" relationship does not include only the "case 1" relation of elements 20, 440, but also the "case 2" relation of elements 20, 441. • Figure 45 is a view upper on the ground, illustrative of an exemplary central electrode 20 and a two-tooth grounding electrode 450, which is similar to that shown in Figure 3 but has short teeth, which provide two tangential relationships 453, 454, as shown in case 2 of the example in Figure 44. An intermediate vertex 455 is also shown.

Figure 46 is a "wide box" configuration which is similar to that of Figure 1, except that instead of having four tangential relationships, the • four edges of the grounding electrode 460 is 5 outside the projection of the central electrode, and in the "zone" of Figure 26. In the opinion of the inventor at the time of placement, this provides additional space under the concept of " admission load flow "illustrated in Figure 26. ^ P 10 Figure 47 is a" wide hairpin "configuration that is similar to that in Figure 3, except that instead of having two tangential relations, the two edges of the grounding electrode 470 are outside projection of the exemplary central electrode 20, and in the "zone" of Figure 26. In the opinion of the inventor at the time of placement, this provides additional space under the concept of "load flow of • admission "illustrated in Figure 26. Figure 48 illustrates what is believed to be a The difference in the properties of the concentric and non-concentric electrode, which shows a concentric grounding electrode 480, an "open" grounding electrode 481, each in association with a typical central electrode 20. As As can be seen, the inventor believes that the open electrode surface tends to encourage propagation of the flame flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 5 Generally described, the present invention is directed towards the use of a spark plug having a conventional central electrode and one or more grounding electrodes, each of which defines at least one trailing edge. lower corner that is • oriented substantially tangentially in relation to the periphery of the substantially round, lower electrode. A configuration contemplated under the present invention can be referred to as a "box" spark plug, shown in Figures 1 and 2. The "box" spark plug uses an electrode that is substantially in the form of a square that seems to "circle" the center electrode. • of the spark plug, when viewed from above. However, in fact, as shown in Figure 2, the box does not surrounds the electrode at the center of the spark plug, since there is a gap (0.025"(0.635 mm) in the case of a test) defined between the upper round end surface of the central electrode and the plane in which the lower surfaces directed towards below the members of divided teeth are found.

As can be seen, the electrode 30 includes two end teeth 32, which initially diverge but then eventually converge. Both • end teeth 32 each include two segments 34 of substantially equal length. Two of these segments could be considered as "divergent" segments 34, and the other two could be considered as "convergent" segments 34. This would mean that each tooth includes a "divergent" segment and a segment # 10"convergent". A "Elbow" could be considered as the connection of the divergent segment of a particular segment to its corresponding convergent segment. Such elbows (two in the version of Figure 1) are shown as being substantially in a vertical plane extending through the central longitudinal axis of the central tooth. • It could be considered that the grounding electrode has three vertices, a main vertex 20 and two internal vertices in the form of an elbow 41. It can be understood that the cross sections of the segments 34 are substantially rectangular, being in a 0.050"configuration. (1.27 mm) in width and 0.050"(1.27 mm) in thickness.

The cross section provides four corner edges (at least not near the folds) substantially linear, directed outwards, (also shown in Figure 14). It is believed that the relationship of at least the • edges of the inner lower corner in relation to the central electrode 5 provides better performance. Such a relationship will be referred to as a tangential relationship, with four tangential relationships provided in the configuration of Figure 1, one for each segment 34. It should be understood that the central electrode as shown in Figure 2 should be referred to in this application as a central electrode extending "towards above". However, this is for reference purposes only and should not be understood as limiting. In operation, such an electrode can be oriented in many different directions while it is being used. • Other Modes 20 Other modes of grounding electrode under the present invention were contemplated. Figure 3 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode 51 and a central electrode 20, used in a second mode of the present invention, which could be considered a "forked" configuration, with two tangential relations and one vertex. Figure 4 is a top view of two • electrodes, a grounding electrode 52 and a central electrode 20, used in a third embodiment of the present invention, which includes three segments and three tangential relations and two vertices ("aka vertices." Figure 5 'is a top view of two electrodes, a connection electrode earth 53 and a • 10 central electrode 20, used in a second embodiment of the present invention, with six segments, up to five vertices, and at least four tangential relationships. Figure 6 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode 60 and a central electrode 20, used in a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with four segments, three vertices, and four tangential relations. Figure 7 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode 70 and a central electrode 20, used in a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a "closed box" configuration, with four tangential relations and four vertices. Figure 8 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode 80 and a central electrode 20, used in a seventh embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a "closed hexagonal box" configuration, with six • tangential relationships and six vertices. Figure 9 is a top view of two electrodes, a grounding electrode 90 and a central electrode 20, used in an eighth embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a "single-straight" electrode configuration. 10 deviation ", with a tangential relationship. Figure 10 is a top view of three electrodes, two grounding electrodes 100, 101, and a central electrode 20, used in a ninth embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a configuration of "straight electrode of double deviation", with two tangential relations. Figure 11 is a top view of three electrodes, two grounding electrodes 110, 111, and a central electrode 20, used in one tenth embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a configuration of "double electrode in T", with two tangential relations. Figure 12 is a top view of three electrodes, two grounding electrodes 120, 121, and a central electrode 20, used in an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a configuration of "double deviated T-electrode", with two tangential relations. • Figure 13 is a top view of four electrodes, three grounding electrodes 130, 131, 132 and a central electrode 20, used in an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which could be considered a "triple" configuration triangulated T-electrode ", with three relationships F 10 tangential. Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a typical central electrode 20, shown below a cross-sectional view of a portion of a grounding electrode 140, including an edge of the lower corner directed toward the central electrode in a tangential relationship. Figure 15 shows a connection electrode to F ground 150 which provides a simple convex curved edge presented to the central electrode 20, with a ratio of tangential edge. The cross section of the grounding electrode is rectangular. Figure 16 shows a simple straight edge presented to the central electrode. A tangential edge relationship is shown. The cross section of the grounding electrode 25 is rectangular.

Figure 17 shows the use of four grounding electrodes 170, 171, 172 and 173, which combine to present simple straight edges • multiple presented to the central electrode 20. No tangential edge relationships are shown in this figure. The cross section of each of the four electrodes is rectangular. Figure 18 shows a triangular-shaped grounding electrode 180 having three m ^^ 10 edges and three vertices to the central electrode 20. Three tangential edge relationships are shown. The tangential section of each linear segment of the grounding electrode is substantially rectangular. Figure 19 is similar to what is shown in Figure 11, and shows a triangular-shaped grounding electrode 190, but with a triangular central electrode 195. Three edge relationships are shown • Tangential and three vertices in this figure. Figure 20 is an open-ended design 20 that includes a grounding electrode 200 having three curved edges and two vertices to the central electrode 20. Three "curved" tangential edge relationships are provided under this configuration. Note that a tangential relationship may be a "straight" tangential relationship or may include a "curved" tangential relationship.

Figure 21 is an open-ended design that includes a grounding electrode 210 having three straight edges and two vertices to the central electrode 20. The three tangential edge relationships and two vertices are shown in this figure. Figure 22 is an open-ended design similar to that shown in Figure 21, except with a central electrode 225 formed substantially to match the geometry of the grounding electrode 220, which in this case is square. Three tangential relationships are shown. Figure 23 shows a "forked" design in which there are two curved tangential edge relationships, with a single vertex in it. A central 220 electrode and a central electrode are shown 230. Figure 24 shows two grounding electrodes 240, each of which has a "beard" at its end, which serves to substantially surround the projection of the central electrode 20. Four straight tangential relationships and three vertices are shown in this figure . Figure 25 shows a simple curved edge presented to the central electrode 20 by a grounding electrode 250.

Figure 26 is a side view illustrating several positions 1, 2, and 3 in which a grounding electrode 260 can be placed in relation to the • central electrode, with those 3 positions 1, 2 and 3 being 5 inside a "zone". The positions within the zone are provided so that any of the positions expose the lower edge of the grounding electrode to the outer edge of the central electrode, which, in the opinion of the inventor, at the time of placement, can create a "chimney" effect for the gases of • admission. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional, side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 (taken through the central longitudinal axis of the electrode ) with the lower edges of the grounding electrode 270 presented above the central electrode in a substantially tangential relationship to the • peripheral projection of the central electrode. Figure 28 is a view similar to Figure 27, but the cross section of the grounding electrode 280 has been modernized to offer less resistance to frontal propagation of the flame. Figure 29 is a view similar to that of Figure 28, but the ground electrode 290 has was reduced to a single edge, and supported by an arc, as seen in the electrode design shown in Figure 25. Such a design could also be applied in view of Figure 15. The cross section could be • another shape than that shown, which has an edge 5 (straight or otherwise) as the surface closest to the upper edges of the central electrode 20. Figure 30 shows a modality that includes multiple grounding electrodes 300 , 301, and 302 (a fourth electrode can also be used • 10 ground connection, not shown) which provide multiple straight edges presented to the upper part of the central electrode via a right angle upwards and inwards. It is believed that the angle is as important as the final position of the edges of the tips of the elongated members. Figure 31 is a cross-sectional, side view of a configuration generally similar to the • shown in, for example, Figure 1, except that the cross section of the grounding electrode 310 has a "diamond" shape that has edges at the upper circular edge of the center electrode 20. This design could better promote the flow to the flame resulting from the ignition of the spark due to the bevels above and below the edges of the grounding electrode.

Figure 32 is a modification of that shown in Figure 1, except that a single bevel is provided on the upper surface of the electrode of • grounding 320. This could gain some of the 5 benefits of the design shown in Figure 31, but apparently would be easier to manufacture. Figure 33 is a view of one embodiment that includes a grounding electrode that is similar to Figure 1, except that a slit has been cut simple in the central electrode 335 to improve the efficiency of the spark. Figure 34 is a side cross-sectional view of a similar embodiment to that of Figure 1, including a grounding electrode 340, 15 except that a "reduced" section is provided at the top of the center electrode 345, creating a "fine wire" discharge tip at the center of the electrode. Figure 35 shows an edge of an electrode of ground connection 350 presented from above, through a single rod (as shown) or multiple (not shown) that support the "important" edge. Also, the central electrode 355 has a bevel at the tip. Figure 36 shows a configuration which includes a "maximized edge-to-edge presentation" of the two edges defined by the center and ground connection electrodes 355, 360, respectively. Although possibly more expensive to manufacture than other • modalities, this design presents a spark edge to edge 5 less protected to the combustion chamber. It is believed that the small sizes of the electrodes serve to reduce the blockage to the incoming fuel charge and the core of the existing flame. Figure 37 is a view of a spark plug that • 10 has a grounding electrode 370 similar to that of Figures 1 and 2, except that a chisel-tipped center electrode 375 was used. Figure 38 is a view of a spark plug having a single-tipped center electrode. 385, with a grounding electrode 380 being similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 39 is a view of a series of • central electrode configurations that can be used with other grounding electrodes within this description, including a 395-A chisel point, a 395-B pyramid point, a 395-C V-groove, a 395-D corrugated center, a 395-E polygon, a 395-F single point, multiple edges 395-G, a beveled tip 395-H, a hollow cylinder 395-1, a polygon hollow 395-J, and a reduced configuration 395-K.

Figures 40A and B are top and side plane views, respectively, of a configuration including a central T-shaped electrode 405 having • T-shaped ends each of which defines a rim and a pair of grounding electrodes 400, 401 which similarly define each one an edge. The edges of the central electrode are presented to the edges of the grounding electrodes in a one-to-one relationship. Figures 41A and 41B are top and side plane views, respectively, of a configuration including an L-shaped central electrode 415 and a grounding electrode 410, with curved tangential edges. Note that they could be used two segments as in Figures 40A and 40B, or more than two segments could be used, any with this configuration of Figures 40A / 40B. Figures 42A / 42B show a configuration including a central electrode 425 and an electrode of earth connection 420, which combine to form three tangential relationships. Figure 43 is a configuration including a central electrode 20 and a grounding electrode 430, which provides vertical separation and horizontal between the two that are referred to as Gl and G2, respectively. Preferably, Gl is greater than or equal to 0 and G2 is greater than or equal to 0. This is another way of illustrating the concept of "zone" of the Figure • 26. 5 Figure 44 is an illustrative top plan view of an exemplary central electrode 20 and exemplary grounding electrodes 440, 441, further illustrating the tangential relationship that is a feature of the present invention. How can observed, a "tangential" relationship includes not only the "case 1" relation of elements 20, 440, but also the "case 2" relation of elements 20, 441. Figure 45 is illustrative of a view on the top of an exemplary central electrode 20 and a two-tooth grounding electrode 450, which is similar to that shown in Figure 3 but has shorter teeth, which provide two tangential relationships 453, 454 , as shown in example of case 2 in Figure 44. An intermediate vertex 455 is also shown. Figure 46 is a "wide box" configuration which is similar to that of Figure 1, except that instead of having four tangential relationships, the four edges of the grounding electrode 460 are outside the projection of the central electrode, and in the "zone" of Figure 26. Figure 47 is a "fork" configuration • wide ", which is similar to that of Figure 3, 5 except that instead of having two tangential relationships, the two edges of the grounding electrode 470 are outside the projection of the central electrode 20, exemplary, and within of the "zone" of Figure 26. In the opinion of the inventor, at the time of the placement, this provides additional space under the concept of "admission charge flow" illustrated in Figure 26.

The Tangential Relationship 15 As noted above, in some cases, it is desirable to have one or more straight edges in a ßk tangential relationship with the circular top edge ("round" a.k.a) of the grounding electrode. This will be referred to as a "tangential edge relationship" "Straight" since the straight edge defined by the grounding electrode has one or more straight edges such that each edge is in a tangential relationship to the circumferential projection of the central electrode, as shown, for example, only Figures 1, 3, 4, 9 and 10, although many others are shown.

However, it should also be understood that a "tangential curved edge relationship" was also contemplated under one of the inventions described herein, • which is shown in, for example only, Figures 15, 23 and 25. The important point to note is that the spark will be connected between the central electrode and the nearest ground connection. The actual placement of the teeth of the grounding electrode can be in any • Place adjacent to or outside of the peripheral projection (which is not necessarily round) of the central electrode, at a chosen height at or above the tip of the central electrode. It should be understood that certain aspects of the The invention contemplates the use of some deviation from the tangential relationship, as shown in Figures 17 and 26. • The Straightness of the Edges 20 As noted above, in some cases it is desirable to have a straight edge in a tangential relationship with a curved upper edge of the grounding electrode. However, it should be understood that certain aspects of the invention contemplate the use of curved edges in such tangential relationship.

The Zone Concept Reference is made to Figure 26 to illustrate the concept of "Zone", in which any of the positions shown expose the lower edge of the grounding electrode to the outer edge of the central electrode (ie its "edge"). superior peripheral aka, which could be circular.) This is another related concept of the related invention, in which the edges that are * 10 present or exposed to each other are not necessarily tangential, but present themselves to each other, so that the edges are the closest parts of the two electrodes to each other, or at least as close as any other two parts of each other. the electrodes, inside the region of the spark. It is believed that at the time of placement the "lack of protection of the upper part of the central electrode when placing the connecting electrode • land outside the periphery is an advantageous concept above and separate from the concepts tangential and / or vertex. Again, it is believed that the placement of the lowermost portion of the "active edge" of the grounding electrode at or above the central electrode allows the intake charge gases to flow more easily into the spark zone. 25 Vertices It is believed that at the time of placement, the combination of the tangential relationship and the vertices that • is provided in some of the modes of the applicant (eg those shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and others) provides a distinct improvement over the prior art. Some of these vertices provide a "vertical opening" or a "chimney effect" that is believed to provide • 10 improved flame characteristics. Furthermore, it is believed that at the time of placement, the combination of the "zone" relationship and the vertices, which is provided in some embodiments of the applicant, provides a distinct improvement over the prior art. 15 Processes Used The simple shapes of the grounding electrodes described in the application can be created by secondary and subsequent operations on the electrode fed by a wire, standard, currently in use in the industry. A specially designed mandrel can be used to form the different segments of each electrode. Alternatively, a stamped electrode can be made using a matrix to create the specific configuration. The stamped electrode could then be welded to the base of the spark plug by the usual practice. Instead of stamping, the shape of the electrode could be • created by laser cutting, waterjet cutting, chemical etching, forging, molding or casting, pulverized metal formation, etc. Any electrodes that use those methods would then be welded to the spark plug base in the proper position. With respect to the configurations shown in • Figures 9 and 10, those electrode configurations can be created with little change to the arrangement fed by a current wire. The deviation with respect to the central electrode can be created in the arrangement of the machine fed by a basic wire, or by means of the use of a secondary operation that creates the specific alignment of the conventional side wire.

• Miscellaneous Comment In, for example, Figure 1, the thickness of the 20 grounding electrodes, including the end portions (including their segments), is as is known in the art, or approximately 0.050"(1.27 mm), although the thickness may be 0.040-0.065"(1,016-1,651 mm), although it could be 0.010" - 0.150"(0.254 mm - 3.81 mm), or 25 other dimensions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The width of the "rod" can be 0.075 - 0.125"(1.905 - 3.175 mm), although it could be 0.010" - 0.150"(0.254 mm - 3.81 mm), or other dimensions without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention It is believed that the width of the teeth is not critical, but that the sharpness of the edge is important. However, in a preferred embodiment, the teeth are 0.050"(1.27 mm) wide and 0.050" (1.27 mm) thick, although each of these dimensions could be 0.010"- 0.150" (0.254 mm - 3.81 mm). ), or other dimensions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the grounding electrode is not believed to be square or rectangular, as long as it includes a sharp corner presenting the edge of the lower corner to the central electrode as shown in Figures 14 or 26. The diameter of the electrode center can be 0.010"- 0.150" (0.254 mm - 3.81 mm). The thickness of the "rod" of the electrode, when applicable, can be 0.040-0.065"(1,016-1,651 mm), although it could be 0.010" - 0.150"(0.254 mm - 3.81 mm) or other dimensions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The materials used through this are known in the art, including the "first class" materials used so far (by • example, platinum).

Comparison of the Prior Art In contrast to U.S. Patent No. 5,051,561, in the present invention, the impact surface of the spark on the connecting electrode • 10 earth has been formed in an open concave curve, a straight line, or even a convex curve to clear the path for the flame core to expand away from the point of spark production. This happens at the microscopic level, so that any hint of a radio concentric on the shock surface has a negative effect on the growth of the flame core. This discovery of the extreme sensitivity of F combustion process at the radius of the shock surface is an important part of our inventions. It is believed that concentric ring designs, no matter how smthe length of the concentric curved section, do not work better in practice than conventional spark plug designs. This is the substantial difference between the invention of Pyrotek and the described in the patent # 5,051,651. The latter always depends on a "cylindrical, hollow grounding electrode ... through which the combustion gas can escape outwards ..." (Column 2, line 59). • The separation of the grounding electrode in Patent # 5,051,651 is always away from the central electrode by a space. In the invention of Pyrotek, tangential relations are used due to the open nature of the shock surface. Any concentric radius imparted on the shock surface in a tangential relationship would severely restrict the generation of the flame core. Fin, Patent # 5,051,651 incorporates two mounting rods, which have a certain amount of protective effect on the core of the flame, Particularly when compared to the single rod of the preferred embodiment of the Pyrotek invention. • Conclusion Although this invention has been described in specific detail with reference to the embodiments described, it will be understood that many variations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as described in attached claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention

Claims (18)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, • Property contained in the following 5 claims is claimed as property:

1. A spark plug to provide a spark within an ignition region, the spark plug when in an upright position is characterized in that it comprises:

F 10 an upwardly extending central electrode having a cross-sectional projection and a height; and a grounding electrode that defines an elongated edge greater than the largest dimension of the electrode 15, the elongated edge in a substantially tangential relationship in relation to the cross-sectional projection of the central electrode extending • upwards, the elongated edge and the grounding electrode have their lowest portion in or more 20 high that the portion higher than the central portion. 2. The spark plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge is substantially straight.

3. The spark plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge is along a curved path that has a radius greater than that of the central electrode and has a radius center different from that of the electrode. # central.

4. A spark plug to provide a spark within an ignition region, the spark plug when in a vertical position, characterized in that it comprises: a central electrode extending towards • 10 above defining an edge of the central electrode; and a grounding electrode defining an edge of the elongated grounding electrode greater than the largest dimension of the central electrode, the edge of the elongated grounding electrode 15 is spaced from the edge of the central electrode, the edge of the electrode Elongated ground connection is at or above the edge of the electrode • central, the edge of the elongated ground electrode 20 is on or off the edge of the central electrode, so that the edge of the central electrode and the edge of the elongated ground electrode are presented to each other, so that they are or are between the closest portions of their respective electrodes 25 within the ignition region.

5. A spark plug to provide a spark within an ignition region, the spark plug when in a vertical position, is characterized in that • comprises: a central electrode extending upwards defining an edge of the central electrode; and a grounding electrode defining an edge of the elongated grounding electrode, the edge of the elongated grounding electrode 10 is spaced from the edge of the central electrode, the edge of the elongated grounding electrode is on or by over the edge of the central electrode, the edge of the elongated grounding electrode 15 is on or off the edge of the central electrode, the elongated grounding edge and the edge of the central electrode have portions that are not • concentric, so that the edge of the central electrode and the

The edges of the elongated grounding electrode are presented to each other, so that they are or are between the closest portions of their respective respective electrodes within the ignition region. 6. A spark plug for providing a spark 25 within an ignition region, the spark plug, when in a vertical position, is characterized in that it comprises: a central electrode extending towards • above it has a projection in cross section and 5 a height; and a grounding electrode that defines an elongated edge greater than the largest dimension of the central electrode, the edge is outside the projection and has its portion lower at or higher than the higher portion 10 of the central electrode.

7. A spark plug for providing a spark within an ignition region, the spark plug, when in a vertical position, is characterized in that it comprises: a central electrode extending upwards having a substantially circular cross section having a diameter; and a grounding electrode defining an elongated edge at least along the diameter and separated out of the projection and having its portion 20 lower at or higher than the highest portion of the central electrode.

8. A spark plug to provide a spark within an ignition region, the spark plug when in a vertical position, is characterized in that 25 comprises: a central electrode extending upwards having a cross-sectional projection; and a grounding electrode defining two elongated edges, each in a substantially tangential relationship 5 in relation to the cross-sectional projection of the central electrode extending upwards, the edges also combine to form an intermediate vertex outside of the the projection

9. A spark plug to provide a spark • Within an ignition region, the spark plug, when in a vertical position, is characterized in that it comprises: an upwardly extending central electrode having a cross-sectional projection; and 15 a box-shaped grounding electrode including an outer portion that diverges into two teeth, each of the teeth includes a first • longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion, the first longitudinal portions diverge one in 20 relation to the other, and the second longitudinal portions converge one in relation to the other and each have a free end, the two teeth combine to provide four tangential relations in relation to the cross-sectional projection and also 25 provides three intermediate vertices.

10. A spark plug to provide a spark within an ignition region, the spark plug when in a vertical position, is characterized in that • comprises: a central electrode extending upwards defining an elongated edge; and a grounding electrode that defines an edge, the edge of the central electrode and the edge of the

F 10 grounding electrode are in a non-concentric relationship and oriented towards each other to allow ignition between them. 11. A spark plug to provide a spark inside an ignition region, the spark plug when it is 15 in a vertical position, characterized in that it comprises: a central electrode having a periphery defining a generally circular contour; and a grounding electrode that includes 20 a main portion extending generally above the central electrode and diverging towards two teeth, the teeth form a partial "box" shape, the box shape includes four sections oriented substantially tangentially to the circular contour 25 of the grounding electrode.

12. The spark plug according to claim 11, characterized in that the spark electrode includes a portion of the apex located outside the periphery.

13. The spark plug according to claim 12, characterized in that the apex is at the point of divergence of the two teeth.

14. The spark plug according to claim 13, characterized in that the first and • 10 third portions are substantially parallel.

15. The spark plug according to claim 14, characterized in that the second and fourth sections are substantially parallel.

16. A spark plug for providing a spark 15 within an ignition region, the spark plug when in a vertical position, characterized in that it comprises: • a central electrode; and a connecting electrode extending over the central electrode, the grounding electrode defines at least three tangential relationships.

17. A spark plug to provide a spark within an ignition region, the spark plug when in a vertical position, is characterized in that 25 comprises: a central electrode; and a connecting electrode extending above the central electrode, the connecting electrode to • Earth defines at least four tangential relationships.

18. A spark plug for providing a spark within an ignition region, the spark plug when in a vertical position, characterized in that it comprises: a central electrode; and • a connecting electrode extending above the central electrode, the grounding electrode defines at least five tangential relationships. •