Abstract: An improved electronically-controlled fluid injector system comprises a fluid storage chamber and a direct-operated check. Pressurization of fluid in the storage chamber begins before the start of fluid injection. Fluid injection begins by hydraulically unbalancing the check. Fluid injection sharply ends by hydraulically balancing the check to allow a biasing device to close the check.The present invention provides improved control of several fluid injection parameters, including higher peak fluid injection capability and less fluid injection pressure drop at the end of injection, resulting in improved engine performance and lower emissions, noise, and wear.

Abstract: An improved electronically-controlled fluid injector system comprises a fluid storage chamber and a direct-operated check. Pressurization of fluid in the storage chamber begins before the start of fluid injection. Fluid injection begins by hydraulically unbalancing the check. Fluid injection sharply ends by hydraulically balancing the check to allow a biasing device to close the check. A fluid, such as fuel, can be injected as a purely vapor phase to improve mixing with combustion air.The present invention provides improved control of several fluid injection parameters, including higher peak fluid injection capability and less fluid injection pressure drop at the end of injection, resulting in improved engine performance and lower emissions, noise, and wear.

Abstract: A combustion gas seal assembly adapted for a fuel injector installed in a cylinder head of an engine. The seal assembly includes a hollow adapter adapted to be connected to the cylinder head, an injector case positioned in the adapter, and a flexible annular seal positioned between the case and the adapter. The case and adapter each define opposed annular seat portions contacting one another. At least one of the seat portions of the case and the adapter defines an annular groove in which the flexible annular seal is positioned. The combustion gas seal assembly prevents pressurized combustion gas, originating from an engine combustion chamber, from leaking past the interface between the case and the cylinder head. The assembly also facilitates low cost retrofitting or adaptation of new or different fuel injectors to an existing cylinder head of a conventional engine.

Abstract: An actuator and valve assembly is disclosed which comprises an electrically-energizable actuator assembly and a device for communicating, collecting and draining damping fluid with respect to at least one cavity of the actuator assembly. If too much damping fluid remains in the actuator and valve assembly after shutdown, that damping fluid may cool off and cause slow response of the actuator and valve assembly when it is re-energized. The end result is that quick starting and/or operation of the actuator and valve assembly may be hindered, particularly under cold operating conditions. The communicating, collecting and draining means permits at least a portion of the hot damping fluid to automatically drain from the cavity after the actuator and valve assembly has been shutdown.

Abstract: A valve-closed-orifice (VCO) spray tip having an internal tip seat and one or more fuel spray orifices. The thickness of the tip in the wall portion defining the internal tip seat and upstream entrance of each orifice is made less than that of previously known VCO tips. The length to diameter ratio of each orifice is also relatively smaller than that of previously known VCO tips. Advantages of the thinner wall portion include improved fuel injection spray characteristics as well as reduced cost of forming orifices through the tip.

Abstract: A check valve assembly for a fuel injector includes an injector body having an injector bore therein, an elongate check disposed within the injector bore and an actuator for moving the check along an axial path between a sealing position and an open position. Axial forces acting on the check are balanced during movement between the sealing and open positions so that direct control over the check position may be accomplished through the use of a low-force actuator.