Plasma plug for an internal combustion engine
US7775188B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/12
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A plasma plug for an internal combustion engine includes a main body having an inner portion formed of ceramic and an outer portion formed of aluminum or other metal. A first electrode and a second electrode formed of Ruthenium dioxide are disposed axially within the electrically insulated portion of the main body. The plasma plug further includes a donut shaped toroidal capacitor situated circumferentially about the main body of the plasma plug, having an open center, an outer plate connected to a high voltage, direct current generator, an inner plate selectively connected to the first electrode through a spark switch and a dielectric situated between the outer plate and the inner plate. A resistive element connected in series to the first electrode and the second electrode is situated at the lower portion of the main body. The second electrode is either grounded or can float above ground to complete the circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.