Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Joseph Michael Leptich

Gamdur S Mann

Randolph Kwok-Kin Chiu

David K Chen

Charles Dale Oakley

Keith A Penney

Steve F Lowe

A glow sensor provides functions of both a diesel engine glow plug for aiding fuel ignition during starting and low temperature operation and an ion sensor for sensing engine combustion initiation and characteristics. Compact glow sensor components may be assembled directly in combination with an engine combustion chamber defining component, such as a cylinder head, to provide a combination in which separate housings or shells for the glow sensors are not needed. Thus, the glow sensor elements and insulation may be made larger to provide greater electrical resistance in the ion sensor electrical circuit and enhance the operation of the ion sensor function. Various forms of glow sensors may optionally be used in such a combination including, for example, metal sheath type glow sensors with either isolated or non-isolated coils and ceramic rod or flat plate type glow sensors. Exemplary embodiments of glow sensor components mounted in a cylinder head are disclosed.

Glow sensor and engine component combination

An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head and a permanent ground electrode and replaceable center electrode element received in a cylinder head bore. The permanent ground electrode is affixed to the cylinder head at the inner wall thereof and protrudes into the combustion chamber. The ground electrode preferably has a cup-like configuration defining an electrode-receiving hollow in the combustion chamber in registry with the bore. The center electrode element comprises a center electrode and an insulator body having a shoulder for engaging a seat in the bore. The insulator body shoulder is clamped against the seat by an annular retainer nut. When the center electrode element is so clamped, the center electrode is received in the electrode-receiving hollow defined by the ground electrode in the combustion chamber so as to cooperate with the ground electrode in defining a spark gap therebetween.

Internal combustion engine having a permanent ground electrode and

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Clarkston, MI, United States of America

Joseph Michael Leptich