Champion Spark Plug Company

Robert H Insley

Joseph Nemeth

Paul E Rempes, Jr

Ronald K Stewart

The present invention provides a novel cellular ceramic catalyst support. The support consists of a random-fiber ceramic framework having a high surface area. The support is fabricated by flocking an organic sponge with wood or textile fibers, and impregnating the flocked sponge with a high alumina slurry containing a silicone resin and a flux. The impregnated organic sponge is sintered at a high temperature to burn out the organic sponge material. A fired high-silica glaze can be applied to the sintered article, followed by a second sintering step. A second glaze containing from 10-25 parts by weight CuO and from 10-25 parts by weight ZrO.sub.2, can be applied, followed by a 2000.degree. F. sintering step. The high temperature causes recrystallization of the CuO onto the surface of the catalyst support thereby increasing the surface area. The glazed surface can be plated with copper or nickel and combinations thereof to function as a reducing unit in a catalytic converter. In addition, other reduction catalysts and oxidation catalysts, e.g., platinum are compatible with the support.

Open mesh, random fiber, ceramic structure, monolithic catalyst support

An improved resistor element especially suitable for use in spark plugs is disclosed. The resistor element is prepared from a stannic oxide-barium, calcium or strontium borate composition doped with from 1 to 18 percent tantalum pentoxide or 1/2 to 5 percent niobium pentoxide based on the total batch weight. A method for producing the element is also disclosed.

Tantalum or niobium-modified resistor element

An improved semiconductor and semiconductor coating for alumina electrical insulating devices is disclosed. The semiconductor is prepared by applying a layer of a mixture of monoxide and sesquioxide combination to an alumina body and firing at a temperature of 2300.degree. or above thereby forming a stable spinel. The electrically-conductive monoxide can be FeO, Cu.sub.2 O, CuO, NiO, CoO or MnO. The sesquioxide can be Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ga.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ca.sub.2 O.sub.3, Mn.sub.2 O.sub.3, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 or Ti.sub.2 O.sub.3.

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Royal Oak, MI, United States of America

Robert H Insley