Ronald C Pate

US Patent:

53714369, Dec 6, 1994

Filed:

Jan 2, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/459904

Inventors:

James E. Griswold - Albuquerque NM
Ronald P. Corio - Albuquerque NM
Ronald C. Pate - Albuquerque NM

Assignee:

Hensley Plasma Plug Partnership - Albuquerque NM

International Classification:

H01T 1304

US Classification:

315 58

Abstract:

An ignitor (118) comprises a body portion (120) connected with an electrical supply cable (122) and an electrode portion (124) removably mounted within the body portion (120). The body portion (120) includes a capacitor defined by an outer, electrically conductive shell (126) of the body portion, and an inner, tubular capacitor plate (134). The inner, tubular capacitor plate (134) is held within the body portion (120) by means of a connector assembly (132) which is held in place by a dielectric potting compound (136).

US Patent:

52724158, Dec 21, 1993

Filed:

Sep 28, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/414054

Inventors:

James E. Griswold - Albuquerque NM
Ronald P. Corio - Albuquerque NM
Ronald C. Pate - Albuquerque NM

Assignee:

Hensley Plasma Plug Partnership - Albuquerque NM

International Classification:

H01T 1304

US Classification:

315 58

Abstract:

An ignitor (10) for initiation combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine includes a body portion (12) and a removable electrode portion (14) to permit replacement or repair of the electrodes, so that current is delivered to one of the electrodes (72) along a path through each of the capacitive elements. The body portion includes a pair of capacitive elements defined by longitudinally spaced, radially extending, annular capacitor plates (60, 62, 64, 66) which surround the central electrode (26, 72). The body portion includes an outer, cylindrical shell (16) which is insulated from the capacitive elements by layers (40, 42) of high dielectric material.

US Patent:

45893985, May 20, 1986

Filed:

Feb 27, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/583694

Inventors:

Ronald C. Pate - Albuquerque NM
Raymond E. Hensley - Albuquerque NM

International Classification:

F02P 100
F23Q 300

US Classification:

123596

Abstract:

A system for initiating combustion of fuel, especially for internal combustion engines, employs a very rapid, intense high power electrical breakdown arc to increase the rate of combustion and thereby reduce the need for advanced engine timing. The use of a distribution circuit which has exceptionally low inductance and resistance results in the rapid electrical breakdown and coupling of at least 80% of stored pulse energy to the breakdown arc channel within the first half period of the discharge current cycle. The resulting arc discharge effects detonation of the fuel mixture through the cooperative effects of photolysis, supersonic hydrodynamic shockwave and high temperature thermal plasma. High voltage pulse generation distribution and switching circuits are provided. Several discharge electrode geometries and closely coupled pulse forming networks for the discharge device are disclosed.