A spark plug heat up method via transient control of the spark discharge current. The high temperature plasma channel is used to heat up the central electrode, and the temperature and energy of the plasma channel are realized via transient control of the discharge current. The heating up process takes place before firing the engine, using discharge current to actively heat up the spark plug from inside. By monitoring the discharge current amplitude and discharge duration, the temperature change of the central electrode and the ceramic insulator can be carefully measured and controlled within a proper window. This method can be used to measure the heating range of the spark plug, and to prevent or remove the carbon deposit on the central electrode and the ceramic insulator generated under various engine operation conditions, such as engine cold start, full load operation, and heavy EGR condition, as well as realize self-cleaning.

A spark plug heat up method via transient control of the spark discharge current. The high temperature plasma channel is used to heat up the central electrode, and the temperature and energy of the plasma channel are realized via transient control of the discharge current. The heating up process takes place before firing the engine, using discharge current to actively heat up the spark plug from inside. By monitoring the discharge current amplitude and discharge duration, the temperature change of the central electrode and the ceramic insulator can be carefully measured and controlled within a proper window. This method can be used to measure the heating range of the spark plug, and to prevent or remove the carbon deposit on the central electrode and the ceramic insulator generated under various engine operation conditions, such as engine cold start, full load operation, and heavy EGR condition, as well as realize self-cleaning.

The present disclosure relates to voltage sensing mechanisms. One example embodiment includes a voltage-measurement device. The voltage-measurement device includes a housing. The voltage-measurement device also includes an extendible gripper configured to be removably attached to a wire under test. Additionally, the voltage-measurement device includes at least one power supply. Further, the voltage-measurement device includes a power management chip electrically coupled to the at least one power supply and configured to manage a range of input voltages from the at least one power supply. The power management chip comprises a synchronous boost voltage regulator. Additionally, the voltage-management device has a microprocessor electrically coupled to the power management chip and the extendible gripper. The microprocessor is configured to receive electrical power from the power management chip. The microprocessor is also configured to receive an electrical signal from the extendible gripper indicative of a voltage associated with the wire under test.

A spark detector indicates the presence of a spark by analyzing sound waves generated when an electrical spark is produced from an electrical spark generator located on an igniter rod. The spark detector includes an acoustic sensor that is in communication with the igniter rod to determine the time for the spark sound wave to travel through the igniter rod to the acoustic sensor. If a spark is not detected, the spark detector may output a signal indicating at least one of (i) the spark was not detected, (ii) to replace the electrical spark generator immediately, or (iii) replace the electrical spark generator soon such as at the next scheduled maintenance. Furthermore, the spark detector may be calibrated based on current temperature of the igniter rod based upon time of propagation of a pulse sound wave, generated by a pulse-echo generator, to reflect off an end of the igniter rod.

There is disclosed a spark plug testing kit allowing for safe and convenient testing of petrol engines comprising a spark observation device; a spark plug opening engaging device; and an earth lead electrically connecting the spark observation device and the spark plug opening engaging device. The spark observation device comprises a transparent observation chamber so as to allow for the viewing of the spark gap of a spark plug installed therein in use. The observation chamber is substantially airtight so as to substantially prevent or reduce the possibility of the inadvertent ignition of fuel. The spark plug opening engaging device is configured for engaging a spark plug opening of the spark plug once the spark plug has been removed for observation so as to substantially prevent debris from falling in through the opening and serve as an engine block electrical connection contact for the earth lead. Furthermore, the spark plug opening engaging device comprises at least one exhaust for chamber decompression.

There is disclosed a spark plug testing kit allowing for safe and convenient testing of petrol engines comprising a spark observation device; a spark plug opening engaging device; and an earth lead electrically connecting the spark observation device and the spark plug opening engaging device. The spark observation device comprises a transparent observation chamber so as to allow for the viewing of the spark gap of a spark plug installed therein in use. The observation chamber is substantially airtight so as to substantially prevent or reduce the possibility of the inadvertent ignition of fuel. The spark plug opening engaging device is configured for engaging a spark plug opening of the spark plug once the spark plug has been removed for observation so as to substantially prevent debris from falling in through the opening and serve as an engine block electrical connection contact for the earth lead. Furthermore, the spark plug opening engaging device comprises at least one exhaust for chamber decompression.

A spark plug including an insulator and a metallic member such as a metallic shell. In the spark plug, a mark such as a two-dimensional code is provided on the surface of at least one of the insulator and the metallic member, Also, a protective layer covers the mark. The protective layer is optically transparent and contains a fluorescent substance.

A spark plug including an insulator and a metallic member such as a metallic shell. In the spark plug, a mark such as a two-dimensional code is provided on the surface of at least one of the insulator and the metallic member, Also, a protective layer covers the mark. The protective layer is optically transparent and contains a fluorescent substance.

A Stein Hall cup for measuring the viscosity of a starch adhesive is automated to provide viscosity measurement in real time using a PLC or other data gathering and control processor. Temperature of the adhesive is measured concurrently with viscosity and temperature signals are processed with the timed viscosity signal to provide a temperature compensated value of starch viscosity.

A system for testing an insulative material for a spark plug comprises a test spark plug having at least a center electrode and an insulator comprised of an insulative material surrounding at least a portion of the center electrode, wherein the insulator has an end that is closed, whereby the closed end of the insulator encloses an end of the center electrode. The system further includes a test engine that simulates engine conditions, wherein a conventional spark plug is installed in a first ignition port of the test engine and the test spark plug is installed in a second ignition portion of the test engine and a control system for controlling ignition signals to the test spark plug and the conventional spark plug.