Hot surface igniter assemblies used in cooktops are shown and described. The hot surface igniters include a silicon nitride ceramic body with an embedded, resistive, heat-generating circuit. When energized, the circuit generates temperatures in excess of 2000° F. in under 4 seconds to ignite cooking gas such as natural gas. To prevent damage to the igniter during use or cleaning, an insulator assembly is provided which protects the distal end of the igniter ceramic body from damage while still exposing it to the cooking gas flow from the burner. In addition, a number of different terminal connection schemes for connecting the igniters to a power source are shown and described.

Herein disclosed is universal housing for a hot surface igniter that can be removed and/or easily installed by the consumer without the need for numerous tools or assistance from experienced maintenance personnel. The igniter housing is universal and is functional for use with substantially any apparatus or device which requires a hot surface igniter. The universal housing is of simple construction formed from only two components. Various embodiments are disclosed for construction of the two components and also various attachment means are described.

Herein disclosed is universal housing for a hot surface igniter that can be removed and/or easily installed by the consumer without the need for numerous tools or assistance from experienced maintenance personnel. The igniter housing is universal and is functional for use with substantially any apparatus or device which requires a hot surface igniter. The universal housing is of simple construction formed from only two components. Various embodiments are disclosed for construction of the two components and also various attachment means are described.

An ignitor that includes at least one layer of silicon dioxide coating a silicon carbide material, methods of making and using the ignitor, and a kit that includes the ignitor are provided. The silicon dioxide coating is not intended to be removed prior to use. Rather, it is intended to remain on the ignitor during use.

An ignitor that includes at least one layer of silicon dioxide coating a silicon carbide material, methods of making and using the ignitor, and a kit that includes the ignitor are provided. The silicon dioxide coating is not intended to be removed prior to use. Rather, it is intended to remain on the ignitor during use.

Described is a glow plug having a casing and a ceramic glow pin protruding out of the casing. The glow pin has a tapered end section inside the casing. A metal protective tube protrudes out of the casing and surrounds the glow pin. The protective tube has a widened end section inside the casing. A center electrode is arranged in the casing and electrically connected to the glow pin. The glow plug includes an annular or sleeve-shaped contact element through which the glow pin projects and to which the tapered end section of the glow pin is soldered. The contact element is at least partly surrounded by the widened end section of the protective tube.

Described is a glow plug having a casing and a ceramic glow pin protruding out of the casing. The glow pin has a tapered end section inside the casing. A metal protective tube protrudes out of the casing and surrounds the glow pin. The protective tube has a widened end section inside the casing. A center electrode is arranged in the casing and electrically connected to the glow pin. The glow plug includes an annular or sleeve-shaped contact element through which the glow pin projects and to which the tapered end section of the glow pin is soldered. The contact element is at least partly surrounded by the widened end section of the protective tube.

A fire starting bulb apparatus includes a heating element, at least one contact point a bulb. The at least one contact point is operably connected to the heating element. The at least one contact point configured to connect to an energy source for providing energy to the heating element. The bulb having an outer surface and an inner surface. The bulb is configured to receive the heating element so that the heating element provides heat to the inner surface and the outer surface of the bulb when the heating element receives energy from the energy source.

A fire starting bulb apparatus includes a heating element, at least one contact point a bulb. The at least one contact point is operably connected to the heating element. The at least one contact point configured to connect to an energy source for providing energy to the heating element. The bulb having an outer surface and an inner surface. The bulb is configured to receive the heating element so that the heating element provides heat to the inner surface and the outer surface of the bulb when the heating element receives energy from the energy source.

A handheld computer case having an integral lighter for providing a flameless lighter in a case for a mobile phone includes a case body defining a rigid housing sized to fit a conventional handheld computer, a lighter actuator for selectively availing and activating an electric lighter, and a lighter housing in which the electric lighter is disposed. In operation, a user may apply manual force to mechanically actuate the lighter actuator, thereby causing both the lighter housing to open and expose the electric lighter and an electrical switch to direct electricity from an internal battery to a heating element which defines the electric lighter. Once the user is finished with the lighter, the manual force may be removed to cause the lighter housing to automatically close and the flow of electricity to the heating element to be interrupted.