Abstract: Fuel injectors and methods of fuel injection allowing direct control of the flow of fuel at an intensified pressure to the needle. A valve, typically a spool valve, is placed in the fuel passage between the intensifier actuation piston and the needle, and controlled by a control valve which may be independent of the control valve controlling the coupling of actuation fluid and a vent to the intensifier actuation piston. This allows achievement of intensification before initiating injection, and control of multiple injections in a single injection event while maintaining fuel intensification throughout the duration of the injection event. Various embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments having multiple intensifiers, having control of pressure over the needle, having two stage control valve systems for control of intensifier actuation fluid, and combining control of one of the intensifiers and the valve controlling flow of intensified fuel to the needle for injection.

Abstract: Multi-stage intensifiers for injectors of pressurized fluid (e.g., fuel) allowing selection of intensified injection fluid pressure and thus fluid injection flow rate by selectively applying actuating fluid supply pressure to one or more of the multi-stage intensifiers. In a disclosed embodiment, two coaxial unequal sized intensifier pistons are used, with a control valve controlling selective pressurization of either the relatively smaller intensifier piston, or pressurization of both the relatively smaller intensifier piston and the relatively larger intensifier piston to control the intensified injection fluid pressure and flow rate of injection. Other embodiments, including ones using multi-stage intensifiers mechanically coupled together, controlled by different types of control valves and having more than two stages are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fuel injectors and methods of fuel injection allowing direct control of the flow of fuel at an intensified pressure to the needle. A valve, typically a spool valve, is placed in the fuel passage between the intensifier actuation piston and the needle, and controlled by a control valve which may be independent of the control valve controlling the coupling of actuation fluid and a vent to the intensifier actuation piston. This allows achievement of intensification before initiating injection, and control of multiple injections in a single injection event while maintaining fuel intensification throughout the duration of the injection event. Various embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments having multiple intensifiers, having control of pressure over the needle, having two stage control valve systems for control of intensifier actuation fluid, and combining control of one of the intensifiers and the valve controlling flow of intensified fuel to the needle for injection.

Abstract: Multi-stage intensifiers for injectors of pressurized fluid (e.g., fuel) allowing selection of intensified injection fluid pressure and thus fluid injection flow rate by selectively applying actuating fluid supply pressure to one or more of the multi-stage intensifiers. In a disclosed embodiment, two coaxial unequal sized intensifier pistons are used, with a control valve controlling selective pressurization of either the relatively smaller intensifier piston, or pressurization of both the relatively smaller intensifier piston and the relatively larger intensifier piston to control the intensified injection fluid pressure and flow rate of injection. Other embodiments, including ones using multi-stage intensifiers mechanically coupled together, controlled by different types of control valves and having more than two stages are also disclosed.

Abstract: Biased actuators having first and second magnetic members, a first electromagnetic coil, the first magnetic member being moveable relative to the second magnetic member between first and second positions, and being electromagnetically attracted to the first position by electrical excitation of the first electromagnetic coil, a first preloaded spring configured to apply a first spring force to the first magnetic member biasing the first magnetic member towards the second position only when the first magnetic member is in or between the first position and some fraction of its travel from the first position to the second position. Various embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments having a second spring acting as a return spring throughout the motion of the first magnetic member, and dual electromagnetic coil configurations. Exemplary embodiments are disclosed with respect to spool-type valves.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing, an engine valve having a valve stem, an armature, and two solenoids. The valve housing has a first end and an opposing second end. The valve stem is located within the valve housing. The engine valve is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The armature is coupled to the valve stem. The armature is moveable between a first and second positions. The first solenoid is adjacent the first end of the valve housing and is operable to move the armature to the first position and the engine valve to the closed position in response to a first digital pulse. The second solenoid is adjacent the second end of the valve housing and is operable to move the armature to the second position and the engine valve to the open position in response to a second digital pulse.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for an internal combustion engine, including a valve housing having a pressure chamber. A piston seperates the pressure chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber. A first port is coupled the first subchamber and a second port is coupled to the second subchamber. A valve is coupled to the piston and moveable between an open position and a closed position. The valve is moved from the closed position to the open position by supplying a high pressure working fluid to the first port and coupling the second port to a drain. The valve is moved from the open position to the closed position by supplying the high pressure working fluid to the second port and coupling the first port to the drain.

Abstract: A three position digitally latched actuator actuated fluid control valve. The control valve includes a housing which has a cylinder port, a supply port and a return port. The control valve also contains an internal valve that moves between a first position, a second position and a neutral position. In the first position the internal valve provides fluid communication between the cylinder port and the supply port. In the second position the valve provides fluid communication between the cylinder port and the return port. In the neutral position the valve prevents fluid communication between the ports. The control valve has a first actuator and a second actuator that are actuated by digital pulses to move the internal valve between the first, second and neutral positions.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a power module comprising an air compressor chamber, an air supply valve operable to control air flow to the air compressor chamber, a combustion chamber separate from the air compressor chamber, an air storage chamber arranged between the air compressor chamber and the combustion chamber, an actuating fluid common rail, an actuating fluid compressor chamber, an actuating fluid supply valve operable to control actuating fluid flow to the actuating fluid compressor chamber, an actuating fluid storage chamber arranged between the actuating fluid compressor chamber and the actuating fluid common rail, a hydraulically-actuatable intake valve operable to control air flow to the combustion chamber, and a hydraulically-actuatable exhaust valve operable to control exhaust gas flow from the combustion chamber. Among other things, the power module provides significantly more power output than a conventional internal combustion engine of similar size.

Abstract: A control module which controls camless hydraulically driven intake and exhaust valves and an hydraulically driven fuel injector of an internal combustion engine. The module contains a valve assembly to control the intake valve, a valve assembly to control the exhaust valve and a valve assembly to control the fuel injector. The valve assemblies preferably each contain a pair of solenoid actuated two-way spool valves. The solenoids are actuated by digital pulses provided by an electronic assembly within the module. The solenoid actuated spool valves control the flow of a hydraulic fluid to and from the fuel injector and the intake and exhaust valves. The hydraulic fluid opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves. The hydraulic fluid also actuates the fuel injector to eject a fuel into a combustion chamber of the engine. The electronic assembly of each module can be connected to a main microprocessor which provides commands to each assembly.

Abstract: A fluid control module that can control the flow of fluid between a rail line, a drain line, a first cylinder line and a second cylinder line. The control module includes a plurality of fluid-driven valves that can couple the cylinder lines to the rail and drain lines. Each fluid-driven valve is controlled by a control valve. The module may be actuated into one of a plurality of different states.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing, an engine valve having a valve stem, an armature, and two solenoids. The valve housing has a first end and an opposing second end. The valve stem is located within the valve housing. The engine valve is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The armature is coupled to the valve stem. The armature is moveable between a first and second positions. The first solenoid is adjacent the first end of the valve housing and is operable to move the armature to the first position and the engine valve to the closed position in response to a first digital pulse. The second solenoid is adjacent the second end of the valve housing and is operable to move the armature to the second position and the engine valve to the open position in response to a second digital pulse.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for an internal combustion engine, including a valve housing having a pressure chamber. A piston seperates the pressure chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber. A first port is coupled the first subchamber and a second port is coupled to the second subchamber. A valve is coupled to the piston and moveable between an open position and a closed position. The valve is moved from the closed position to the open position by supplying a high pressure working fluid to the first port and coupling the second port to a drain. The valve is moved from the open position to the closed position by supplying the high pressure working fluid to the second port and coupling the first port to the drain.

Abstract: A fuel injector including an injector housing, a nozzle, a needle valve, and a nozzle return chamber. The nozzle discharges a fuel from the fuel injector. The needle valve has a first end adjacent to the nozzle to control the discharge of the fuel through the nozzle. The nozzle return chamber is adjacent a second end of the needle valve and receives a working fluid to bias the needle valve into the closed position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that contains a controller which controls different components such as a fuel injector, an exhaust valve and a by-pass valve of a pump with digital control signals. The engine may have an hydraulically driven fuel injector which ejects a volume of fuel into an internal combustion chamber. The flow of air into the internal combustion chamber and the flow of exhaust gas out of the chamber may be controlled by camless hydraulically driven intake and exhaust valves. The hydraulic actuation of the fuel injector and valves are controlled by solenoid actuated latching fluid control valves. The operation of the injector and the valves is controlled by a controller which provides digital signals to actuate and latch the solenoid control valves. The digital signals consume minimal power and actuate the valves at relatively high speeds. The engine further contains a pump that pumps the hydraulic fluid to the control valves.

Abstract: Solar powered programmable valves and methods of programming and operation thereof are disclosed. A controller for the valves is provided having one or more solar cells for charging a large capacitor or capacitors upon illumination, which provide energy storage for the continuous powering of a very low current single chip computer controller and for providing actuating power to a latching solenoid of a pilot operated valve. The valve is connected to one or more toggle valves in a serial fashion for controlling one or more devices, allowing a single controller to provide water to more than one zone. Programming of the microcontroller to cause the valve to operate at subsequent times as desired is accomplished by magnetically actuating, through the sealed controller case, “yes” and “no” read switches in response to simple prompts presented on a display.

Abstract: A fuel injector which has a double solenoid three-way or four-way spool valve that controls the flow of a working fluid that is used to move an intensifier piston of the injector.

Abstract: Herein is provided an improved proportional fluid control valve. The proportional valve includes a fluid valve that controls the flowrate of an output fluid. The fluid valve is coupled to a pressure chamber of the control valve. The position of the fluid valve, and the corresponding flowrate of the output fluid, can be varied by changing the pressure of a working fluid within the pressure chamber. The pressure within the pressure chamber can be increased by a piston that pumps working fluid from a reservoir to the chamber. The piston is coupled to a first solenoid and a spring that move the piston in a reciprocating pumping motion. The pressure of the working fluid within the pressure chamber can be decreased by opening a bleeder valve that allows working fluid to flow from the pressure chamber back to the reservoir. The bleeder valve is coupled to a second solenoid and a spring that open and close the valve.

Abstract: A dynamic control valve system adapted for inflatable restraint systems for vehicles includes a control valve having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the air bag. The control valve includes a valve member actuatable between a flow preventing position and a position spaced away from the flow preventing position. The control valve supplies the high pressure fluid through the control valve to the inflatable restraint for inflating the inflatable restraint when the valve member is moved away from its flow preventing position. The control valve includes a valve spool which cooperates with a valve casing to define a plurality of flow paths. Consequently, the actuation of the valve member between closed and open positions is substantially independent of forces produced by flow of the high pressure fluid through the valve.

Abstract: A pump which can operate in a number of different modes, wherein each mode corresponds to a different output of the pump. The pump may have a plurality of pump chambers located within a pump housing. The pump chambers may be arranged in fluid communication with an inlet port and an outlet port. Each pump chamber may have a pumping device which draws in fluid from the inlet port during an intake stroke and pushes fluid through the outlet port during a discharge stroke. The pump may also have a plurality of electronically controlled valve assemblies which control the output of the pump. Each valve assembly can be selectively switched to a by-pass state for by-passing the fluid flowing from the pump chamber back to the inlet port during the discharge stroke of a pumping device. The pump may operate in a number of different modes which each have a distinct output. Each mode may be defined by which valves are chosen to be switched to their by-pass state.