Magnetic spark spreader

Claim 1

A spark plug for use in internal combustion engines, said spark plug being electrically connected to a source of periodically generated electrical current discharges, said spark plug comprising in combination: A. an anode electrode connected to the source of electrical current discharges and said anode electrode extending from one end of said spark plug in juxtaposition with the longitudinal axis thereof; B. a cathode electrode extending from said one end of said spark plug, said cathode electrode being formed in an L and having a first leg of the L parallel to but laterally displaced from the extending end of said anode electrode and a second leg of the L transverse to but displaced from the extremity of said anode electrode such that a current discharge from the source produces an electrostatic field intermediate said anode and cathode electrodes which field is generally parallel to said anode electrode; C. an insulator for electrically shielding said anode electrode from said first leg of said cathode electrode; a bushing for supporting said second leg of said cathode electrode, said bushing being grounded to the internal combustion engine; and E. a magnet means disposed in proximity to said anode electrode for establishing a magnetic field parallel to said anode electrode and intersecting said second leg of said cathode; whereby, the electrostatic field intermediate said anode and said cathode is parallel with the magnetic field, which fields, in combination, produce an arc streamer having a helical locus and a resulting parabolic arc plasma.