Abstract: A fuel injector is provided. The fuel injector also includes a multi-layer orifice plate assembly located at the housing outlet. The orifice plate assembly includes a first orifice plate having a plurality of first openings extending therethrough and a second orifice plate disposed proximate to the first orifice plate. The second orifice plate includes a first face having a perimeter, and a plurality of channels extending radially therethrough to the longitudinal axis. The second orifice plate also includes a second face disposed opposite the first face and a plurality of second openings extending between the first face and the second face. The fuel injector also includes an air assist sleeve disposed about the housing proximate to the outlet. The air assist sleeve includes at least one air channel in communication with the plurality of channels. A method of providing a fuel/air mixture is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel injector is provided. The fuel injector includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and a seat disposed proximate to the outlet. The seat includes a sealing surface and a passage extending therethrough. The fuel injector also includes a needle being reciprocally located within the housing along the longitudinal axis between a first position wherein the needle is displaced from the seat, allowing fuel flow past the needle, and a second position wherein the needle is biased against the seat, precluding fuel flow past the needle. The fuel injector also includes a multi-layer orifice plate assembly located at the housing outlet. The orifice plate assembly includes a first orifice plate having a plurality of first openings extending therethrough and a second orifice plate disposed proximate to the first orifice plate.

Abstract: A fuel injector with a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and an axially extending fuel passageway from the inlet to the outlet. An armature proximate the inlet of the valve body. A needle valve operatively connected to the armature. A valve seat proximate the outlet of said valve body. A fault tolerant structural connection between the valve seat and valve body that also provides a hermetic seal between the valve seat and valve body.

Abstract: A shroud member for converting an extending tip fuel injector into an air assist fuel injector wherein the air metering is performed at a distance remote from the O-ring seals holding the injector into the engine manifold.

Abstract: The atomizer is a cap-shaped shroud that contains a flat stamped metal insert. When assembled onto the nozzle of a fuel injector, the atomizer causes the insert to be axially sandwiched between the shroud's end wall and the exterior end of the nozzle. In the zone of sandwiching, the insert has six channels of circumferential discontinuities that in cooperation with the nozzle end and the shroud's end wall define air assist openings for the assist air to flow radially inwardly toward the injected fuel that has just been injected from the nozzle. The six channels are divided into one set of two each angularly spaced channels that are directed to one of the two axis of fuel flow; another set of two each angularly spaced channels that are directed to the other of the two axis of fuel flow; and two diametrically opposed channels lie along a diameter of the disk that is normal to and bisects a diameter that passes through the two axis of the fuel flow.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting an air-assisted fuel injector on an engine is a one-piece molded plastic part that includes an integral assist-air supply tube through which assist air enters the adapter and integral attaching catches.

Abstract: The atomizer is a cap-shaped shroud that contains a stack of flat stamped metal inserts. When assembled onto the nozzle of a fuel injector, the atomizer causes the inserts to be axially sandwiched between the shroud's end wall and the exterior end of the nozzle. In the zone of sandwiching, the inserts have circumferential discontinuities that in cooperation with the nozzle end and the shroud's end wall define air assist openings for the assist air to flow radially inwardly toward the injected fuel that has just been injected from the nozzle. An air assist opening in one insert is thereby both circumferentially and axially offset from an air assist opening in another insert.

Abstract: The atomizer is a cap-shaped shroud that contains a flat stamped metal insert. When assembled onto the nozzle of a fuel injector, the atomizer causes the insert to be axially sandwiched between the shroud's end wall and the exterior end of the nozzle. In the zone of sandwiching, the insert has circumferential discontinuities that in cooperation with the nozzle end and the shroud's end wall define air assist openings for the assist air to flow radially inwardly toward the injected fuel that has just been injected from the nozzle.