The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 24, 1996
Filed:
May. 15, 1995
Randolph K Chiu, Davison, MI (US);
Mark J Harris, Flushing, MI (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
Generally, the invention include a spark plug with a platinum tip partially embedded in one of the spark plug's electrodes. A spark plug according to the present invention may be prepared by first heating the area of the electrode where the platinum tip is to be attached to a temperature such that the platinum tip may be pushed into and embedded in the electrode. Thereafter the platinum tip is welded to the electrode. Heating the electrode allows the platinum tip to penetrate deeper into the electrode material. This deeper penetration or embedment will reduce the operating temperature at the weld interface (junction) which will in turn reduce the thermal stress and hence prevent cracking of the platinum tip. This deeper penetration or embedment will also reduce the rate of oxidation at the platinum tip near the weld junction and hence prevent cracking of the platinum tip.