Abstract:
The present invention is a catalytic ignition engine (10) having a catalytic hot plug (14) mounted therein for 24 alcohol fuel. The hot plug (28) comprises a base material (32) coated at least partially with a catalyst (34), preferably platinum, and mounted on the top of the piston (18). The hot plug (11) is heated by combustion and is mounted on a support member (30) designed to reduce heat transfer from the hot plug (11) to piston (18). Consequently, the hot plug (11) remains at a temperature sufficiently high to cause ignition of alcohol fuel when the fuel is sprayed into the cylinder bore (14).
Patent Number:
5,136,994
Date Of Issue:
08/10/1992
Inventors:
Nigel F. Gale
Full Text: