US3704552A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spark plug cleaning devices
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-12-21
•
Granted: 1972-12-05
•
Expires: 1990-12-21
Abstract
Abstract In a spark plug cleaning device to remove carbon, sulphur, oxides, oil and other deposits from spark plug electrodes an electric motor drives an impeller which imparts mechanical energy to abrasive particles which are directionally controlled to impinge against the electrodes of the spark plug.
Inventors
- 👤 Bud K Beaver
- 👤 A David Zakarian
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 04:00
CPC Classifications
B; B24; B24C; B24C3/00; B24C3/32; B24C3/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
An apparatus using abrasive particles for cleaning spark plugs comprising: an impeller positioned in a housing having a centrally-hubbed body with a plurality of vanes for moving abrasive particles, a prime mover for rotating the impeller, said housing having a cleaning chamber wherein the impeller may freely rotate, said chamber having a peripheral wall disposed in proximate circumferential relationship to the impeller throughout a substantial portion of the arc swept by the impeller vane tips, an orifice through the housing for receiving and retaining the electrodes of a spark plug in the chamber, a ramp within the cleaning chamber formed by an internal wall surface recessed radially away from said vane tips for launching the moving abrasive particles away from the peripheral wall of the chamber and directing them toward the electrodes of the spark plug, a metering chamber is provided in said cleaning chamber to control the mass flow rate of said abrasive particles, and said metering chamber comprising four side walls and two open ends of unequal area.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
170 words
An apparatus using abrasive particles for cleaning spark plugs comprising: an impeller positioned in a housing having a centrally-hubbed body with a plurality of vanes for moving abrasive particles, a prime mover for rotating the impeller, said housing having a cleaning chamber wherein the impeller may freely rotate, said chamber having a peripheral wall disposed in proximate circumferential relationship to the impeller throughout a substantial portion of the arc swept by the impeller vane tips, an orifice through the housing for receiving and retaining the electrodes of a spark plug in the chamber, a ramp within the cleaning chamber formed by an internal wall surface recessed radially away from said vane tips for launching the moving abrasive particles away from the peripheral wall of the chamber and directing them toward the electrodes of the spark plug, a metering chamber is provided in said cleaning chamber to control the mass flow rate of said abrasive particles, and said metering chamber comprising four side walls and two open ends of unequal area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The spark plug cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said recessed internal wall surface forms an expansion chamber disposed in proximate surrounding relationship to the spark plug protruding into said chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The spark plug Cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the impeller comprises a balanced body having a centrally-hubbed section, and said vanes have a generally rectangular cross section and extend radially from the centrally-hubbed section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The spark plug cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said prime mover comprises: a high speed electric motor with a drive shaft journalled in the housing and operatively connected to the motor and to the impeller.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The spark plug cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said orifice for receiving and retaining the spark plug in the housing contains a grommet of a resilient material whereby the spark plug is yieldingly received and retained and whereby the grommet forms a seal between the spark plug and the orifice to prevent the accelerated abrasive particles from exiting the housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The spark plug cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the housing contains a filter for selectively removing from said housing the particulate matter separated from the spark plugs by the impingement of the accelerated abrasive particles on the spark plug.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-12-05 | 1976-06-05 | 1976-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-05 | 1980-06-05 | 1980-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-05 | 1984-06-05 | 1984-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |