Abstract: In a unique turbocharger shaft bearing system, a thrust bearing is provided inboard of the compressor end shaft bearing. Removable parts of the turbocharger housing permit assembly of a first thrust bearing part with an outwardly extending flange forming at least one thrust bearing interface to be fastened to the rotating shaft for rotation therewith and a separate stationary thrust bearing part to be carried by the housing, providing thrust bearing interface for the thrust bearing interface of the rotating first thrust bearing part inboard of the compressor end of shaft bearing. The removable parts can include a separate supporting member for the compressor end shaft bearing. The remainder of the turbocharger housing supports the second shaft bearing adjacent its turbine end and, through the separate bearing supporting member, the first shaft bearing.

Abstract: A series of method and apparatus advances in the accumulator-type fuel injector art, applicable to both intensified and unintensified accumulator injectors, which cooperate to provide major improvements in internal combustion engine fuel economy, reduction of noise, and reduction of undesirable exhaust emissions, including smoke, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons. According to the invention, injector needle closure speed is increased for sharper fuel cutoff and better atomization proximate closure and needle closure bounce is minimized to minimize fuel dribble proximate closure by reducing both mass and length of the needle, which can be accomplished by a longitudinally divided needle. Hydraulic damping also damps and cushions both needle closing and needle opening.

Abstract: A pressure intensified fuel injector incorporates an overtravel safety feature which prevents fuel flow through the high pressure chamber of the intensifier upon injection nozzle failure, thereby preventing further and uncontrolled injection events in the event of such failure. The overtravel safety feature is preferably formed by dimensioning the high pressure plunger of the intensifier such that, upon overtravel of the plunger in the event of injector nozzle failure, a side surface of the plunger blocks a fuel inlet port of the high pressure cylinder of the intensifier, thereby preventing further fuel flow through the high pressure cylinder. The intensifier having the overtravel safety feature can be used in either accumulator-type or non-accumulator-type injectors.

Abstract: A method of reducing undesired premixed burning in an internal combustion engine includes lifting an injector needle of a fuel injector a constant low-lift increment from a valve seat of a valve covers orifice (VCO) nozzle having an injection hole opening into the valve seat, and preventing lifting of the needle beyond the low-lift increment for a sufficient interval of time to inject a relatively small initial fuel charge into the engine from the VCO nozzle, the injection producing a highly atomized, wide-angle spray plume with relatively low penetration. The interval terminates when lifting forces imposed on the needle overcome holding forces imposed on the needle by a stop plate which has opposed first and second surfaces exposed to an ambient fluid pressure and to a fluid vapor pressure, respectively. A subsequent step includes lifting the needle to a higher lift position to inject a main fuel charge into the engine, the main fuel charge being injected as a relatively narrow jet having high penetration.

Abstract: A series of method and apparatus advances in the accumulator-type fuel injector art, applicable to both intensified and unintensified accumulator injectors, which cooperate to provide major improvements in internal combustion engine fuel economy, reduction of noise, and reduction of undesirable exhaust emissions, including smoke, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons. According to the invention, injector needle closure speed is increased for sharper fuel cutoff and better atomization proximate closure, and needle closure bounce is minimized to minimize fuel dribble proximate closure by reducing both mass and length of the needle, which can be accomplished by a longitudinally divided needle. Hydraulic damping also damps and cushions both needle closing and needle opening.

Abstract: A series of method and apparatus advances in the accumulator-type fuel injector art, applicable to both intensified and unintensified accumulator injectors, which cooperate to provide major improvements in internal combustion engine fuel economy, reduction of noise, and reduction of undesirable exhaust emissions, including smoke, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons. According to the invention, injector needle closure speed is increased for sharper fuel cutoff and better atomization proximate closure, and needle closure bounce is minimized to minimize fuel dribble proximate closure by reducing both mass and length of the needle, which can be accomplished by a longitudinally divided needle. Hydraulic damping also damps and cushions both needle closing and needle opening.