Abstract: A system for determining an estimated displacement of a variable displacement hydraulic pump includes a control cylinder associated with the swash plate of the variable displacement hydraulic pump to control the angle of inclination of the swash plate and a valve that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the control cylinder and has a position that defines an effective area of an opening of the valve. A pressure sensor generates pressure signals indicative of an output pressure from the variable displacement hydraulic pump. A controller is configured to receive pressure signals from the pressure sensor and determine an estimated displacement of the variable displacement hydraulic pump based upon the pressure signals from the pressure sensor and the position of the valve.

Abstract: A system for determining an estimated displacement of a variable displacement hydraulic pump includes a control cylinder associated with the swash plate of the variable displacement hydraulic pump to control the angle of inclination of the swash plate and a valve that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the control cylinder and has a position that defines an effective area of an opening of the valve. A pressure sensor generates pressure signals indicative of an output pressure from the variable displacement hydraulic pump. A controller is configured to receive pressure signals from the pressure sensor and determine an estimated displacement of the variable displacement hydraulic pump based upon the pressure signals from the pressure sensor and the position of the valve.

Abstract: A pump has a housing defining at least one pumping chamber, and a plunger slidably disposed within the at least one pumping chamber. The plunger is movable between a first and second spaced apart end positions to pressurize a fluid. The pump also has a driver operatively engaged with the plunger to move the plunger between the first end position and the second end position. The pump further has a high-pressure outlet in fluid communication with the at least one pumping chamber. The high pressure outlet passes pressurized fluid during movement of the plunger between the first end position and the second end position. The passing of pressurized fluid through the high-pressure outlet terminates before the plunger completes movement from the first end position to the second end position.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system may include an intake valve moveable between a first position that blocks a flow of fluid and a second position that allows a flow of fluid. The system may also include a cam assembly configured to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. An electromagnetic actuator may be configured to selectively modify a timing of the intake valve in moving from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided that includes a high pressure feed line, and a plurality of fuel injectors fluidly connected to the high pressure feed line, each being operable to inject a fuel into the engine. The engine further includes an electronically controlled flow disabler disposed between the high pressure feed line and each one of the fuel injectors. Each of the flow disablers includes an actuator operable to move a valve member toward a closed position at which the flow disabler blocks a fuel flow to the respective fuel injector.

Abstract: Reducing leakage within fuel injectors is one way in which the efficiency of the overall fuel injection system can be improved. In most fuel injectors that include a direct control needle valve, the needle valve member is still biased toward a closed position by a spring that is located in a spring chamber connected to a low pressure vent. In many instances, the needle valve member is guided in a tight clearance region adjacent the spring chamber. Since the internal plumbing of the fuel injector is connected to a high pressure rail during and between injection events, static leakage across the guide region of the needle valve member can reduce efficiency. Static leakage is reduced in the present invention by connecting the spring chamber to the common rail instead of to a low pressure vent.

Abstract: A method of purging fuel supply components for a combustion chamber of a regeneration assembly is disclosed. A regeneration cycle is performed during which fuel is supplied from a fuel source to the combustion chamber with fuel supply components including a fuel supply circuit and at least one fuel injector unit. At least a first purging cycle is initiated to purge residual fuel from the fuel supply components. During the purging cycle, a flow of purging gas is directed to the at least one fuel injector unit to purge residual fuel from the at least one fuel injector unit. Also during the purging cycle, a flow of purging gas is directed to the fuel supply circuit to purge at least a portion of the fuel in the fuel supply circuit toward the fuel source.

Abstract: Engineers have come to learn that a fuel injection system with a variety of capabilities to produce a variety of injection strategies can better perform and reduce emissions at all engine operation conditions than a fuel injection system limited in its control over injection timing, number, quantity and rate shapes. According to the present invention, in order to increase the variability of available injection strategies, a fuel injection system includes at least one fuel injector fluidly connectable to at least a first common rail and a second common rail. By fluidly connecting the fuel injector to the first common rail, fuel can be injected at a first pressure. By fluidly connecting the fuel injector to the second common rail, fuel can be injected at a second pressure that is independent of the first pressure.

Abstract: Engineers have determined that the ability to front end rate shape injection events can result in a number of advantages, including improved injector performance and a reduction in undesirable emissions. In addition, engineers have learned that it is desirable for the needle valve to open slowly at the beginning of an injection event and to close abruptly to end the injection event. Therefore, the present invention utilizes at least one orifice member that is movably positioned in an injector body such that fluid flowing away from the needle valve member closing hydraulic surface flows through a relatively restricted flow path and fluid flowing toward the needle valve member flow through a relatively unrestricted flow path.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided that includes an engine valve that is movable between a first position where the engine valve prevents a flow of fluid and a second position where the engine valve allows a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is operatively connected to the engine valve to move the engine valve between the first position and the second position in a predetermined actuation pattern. A valve actuator having a piezo electric device is operable to change the movement of the engine valve from the predetermined actuation pattern. A controller is adapted to control the piezo electric device to achieve a desired valve actuation pattern.

Abstract: A fuel injector is provided which has an injector body with a metallic tip having an outer surface. A non-metallic insulator, such as a ceramic, is attached to the tip and covers a portion of the outer surface. Injector tip overheating can be a problem, especially during sustained two-cycle boosted engine compression release braking. In addition, injector tip overheating can be a problem when an engine is experiencing simultaneous engine compression release braking and exhaust braking.

Abstract: A fluid control valve assembly controls the flow of actuation fluid to and from a fuel injector. The fluid control valve assembly includes at least one solenoid actuator attached to a valve body. The solenoid actuator includes a stator and an armature comprised of a soft magnetic material. At least one of the armature and the stator include an impact surface. The impact surface is coated with a relatively hard, nonmagnetic material coating. Thus, the relatively hard, nonmagnetic material coating will protect the relatively soft, magnetic material comprising the stator and the armature, and increase the durability of the solenoid actuator and the fluid control valve assembly.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system may include an intake valve moveable between a first position that blocks a flow of fluid and a second position that allows a flow of fluid. The system may also include a cam assembly configured to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. An electromagnetic actuator may be configured to selectively modify a timing of the intake valve in moving from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: Electrically controlled fuel injection systems should be able to operate at low voltage. In order to operate an electrically controlled fuel injection system at low voltage, the voltage available to an electrical actuator is monitored. The electrical actuator is coupled to a valve positioned within a passageway in which high pressure actuation fluid flows to and from an hydraulically actuated device, such as a fuel injector and/or an engine brake. If the voltage available to the electrical actuator falls below a predetermined voltage, the pressure differential across the valve is reduced. Although the principal application of the present invention is in the fuel injection system, the present invention has application in any electrically controlled fluid system at low voltage.

Abstract: At least one solenoid actuator and a valve are at least partially positioned within a body of an hydraulic device. The solenoid actuator includes at least one solenoid coil mounted to a stator that defines a guide bore in which a push pin moves between a first position and a second position. The valve includes a valve member that is operably coupled to move with the push pin. The push pin is attached to an armature that is positioned adjacent the solenoid coil. In order to increase the durability of the solenoid actuator, a relatively hard, nonmagnetic material is positioned between an inner surface of the stator that is made from a relatively soft, magnetic material and an outer surface of the push pin.

Abstract: One strategy for reducing undesirable emissions from internal combustion engines relates to finding ways to better mix fuel and air prior to combustion. One such method is commonly referred to as homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI); however, that strategy is problematic in both controlling ignition timing and avoiding overstressing the engine at higher speeds and loads. The present invention addresses these issues by mixing air and fuel vapor within an injector instead of within the engine cylinder. The air/fuel mixture is then injected into the engine cylinder at some desired timing and over some desired duration. Such a strategy permits for lower emissions due to better mixing of air and fuel, while also permitting control over some aspects of combustion timing and duration not apparently possible with a conventional HCCI strategy. The present invention is generally applicable to all internal combustion engines, but especially applicable to diesel engines.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided that includes an engine valve that is movable between a first position where the engine valve prevents a flow of fluid and a second position where the engine valve allows a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is operatively connected to the engine valve to move the engine valve between the first position and the second position in a predetermined actuation pattern. A valve actuator having a piezo electric device is operable to change the movement of the engine valve from the predetermined actuation pattern. A controller is adapted to control the piezo electric device to achieve a desired valve actuation pattern.

Abstract: It is becoming more common for diesel engine cylinders to include an engine compression release brake that can utilize energy built up in the cylinder to provide additional braking for the vehicle. The present invention utilizes a software diagnostic test that is stored in an electronic control module to detect defects in the engine compression release brakes. In particular, the present invention operates a first portion of the engine cylinders in a power mode and a second portion of the engine cylinders in a braking mode and compares a resulting fuel injector response or engine response to an expected value to determine if one or more of the engine compression release brakes are performing as expected.

Abstract: The minimum desired engine speed for engaging engine braking varies. The disclosed method includes determining a speed error by subtracting the desired engine speed from the actual engine speed, comparing the speed error to an error threshold, and generating a brake enable command if the speed error is greater than or equal to the error threshold.

Abstract: A control system adapted to control an actuator between extended and retracted positions has a fluid control valve connected to the actuator a source of high pressure fluid and a reservoir. The fluid control valve is movable between a first position at which the actuator is connected back to the fluid reservoir adapted and a second position operable to connect the actuator to a high pressure actuation fluid source. An electronic control module is connected in control communication with the fluid control valve and adapted to automatically generate a control signal to position the control valve at the second position in response to an elapsed time being passed at which the fluid control valve is at the first position is greater than a predetermined time.