A spark plug is disclosed having at least one main electrode and at least one secondary electrode. The gaps associated with the secondary electrodes are between one third and two thirds the optimum gap distance. Resistors associated with the secondary electrodes control the current flow and therefore the voltage on the electrodes.
1. A spark plug comprising:
a first and a second electrode defining a first gap;
a third and fourth electrode defining a second gap, the first and second gaps traversing one another, the second gap being smaller than the first gap;
the first electrode and third electrode being coupled to a first node, the third electrode being coupled to a first resistor to the first node;
the second electrode and fourth electrode being coupled to a second node; and
the fourth electrode being coupled to a second resistor to the second node, whereby the arcing at the second gap causes the first gap to arc.
2. The spark plug defined by claim 1 , including a fifth and sixth electrode defining a third gap, the third gap being generally spaced-apart and parallel to the second gap, and traversing the first gap, the third being smaller than the first gap.
3. A spark plug comprising:
a first electrode;
a plurality of second electrodes, each having a gap with a first electrode, each of the gaps having approximately the same distance from the first electrode, and each having a clear path to the first electrode;
a plurality of resistors, each connecting one of the second electrodes to a common node, the resistors each having sufficient resistance such that once its respective electrode arcs, the voltage to that electrode drops, allowing the others of the electrodes to arc generally in parallel.
4. The spark plug of claim 3 , wherein the first electrode is coupled to an outer member of the spark plug, and wherein the common node is coupled to a high voltage.