Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator of compact construction including an improved diaphragm-valve assembly interposed between a flow body and a second body cap element. The flow body has an inlet and outlet passage and a valve cavity with a centrally disposed ported valve insert to allow the regulated passage of fluid. Mounted to the flow body, the cap element confines a diaphragm of the diaphragm-valve assembly and houses an adjustable coil-spring biased against the assembly. The diaphragm-valve assembly includes a ring-shaped diaphragm element interlocated between a circular element central to the diaphragm and a diaphragm compression limiting clamp plate ring. The circular element has a central recess over the valve insert which houses a spring-backed self-aligning ball valve element having a flat chordal surface adjacent the insert.

Abstract: A two-stage fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine that includes a first stage pump having a first pump chamber with an inlet coupled to a fuel source, an outlet and a diaphragm responsive to pressure pulsations from the engine crankcase for reciprocation within the chamber. A second stage pump includes a second pump chamber having an inlet coupled to the outlet of the first chamber, an outlet for delivering fuel under pressure to engine fuel injectors or the like, a permanent magnet for mounting on the flywheel of the engine for rotation in synchronism with operation of the engine, and a diaphragm in the second chamber operatively coupled to the magnet for reciprocation with the second chamber responsive to rotation of the magnet to pump fuel from the inlet to the outlet of the second chamber.

Abstract: A method of making and the product of the method in a diaphragm for use in a pressure regulator, or other similar uses, where leakage around the confined edges of the diaphragm must be avoided. The structure confining the edges of the diaphragm consists of a main housing body having a groove for receiving a rib or the outer periphery of the diaphragm and a secondary housing to clamp the periphery. The central portion of the diaphragm carries a top plate with a bottom groove to receive a rib on the central periphery of the diaphragm and a bottom disc to clamp the inner periphery. Diaphragms are made with a fabric sandwiched between flexible layers of material. This results in a flash edge which may cause wicking and prevents a proper seal in the grooves receiving the ribs. An angled trim on the peripheries allows a proper filling of the grooves and a leak proof seal.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator of compact construction including an improved diaphragm-valve assembly interposed between a flow body and a second body cap element. The flow body has an inlet and outlet passage and a valve cavity with a centrally disposed ported valve insert to allow the regulated passage of fluid. Mounted to the flow body, the cap element confines a diaphragm of the diaphragm-valve assembly and houses an adjustable coil-spring biased against the assembly. The diaphragm-valve assembly includes a ring-shaped diaphragm element interlocated between a circular element central to the diaphragm and a diaphragm compression limiting clamp plate ring. The circular element has a central recess over the valve insert which houses a spring-backed self-aligning ball valve element having a flat chordal surface adjacent the insert.

Abstract: A solenoid winding and housing for use with an armature actuated fuel poppet valve and the process of applying interior and external annular plastic shields on and in the housing to seal against moisture and fuel and to provide joint and weld protection. A prong housing for the solenoid winding ends is molded along with the exterior molded shields. Noise insulation as well as protection of parts is provided with the molded shields.

Abstract: A fuel and air assembly is provided for furnishing an air and fuel mixture under pressure to a cylinder of an ignition fired internal combustion engine which utilized a solenoid-actuated valve timed to admit the mixture to the cylinder. A standard fuel injector is interfaced with one end of a mixing insert which is connected at the other end to an air passage of a fuel rail. At one side of the insert is an outlet passage leading to the solenoid actuated valve which has an outlet end shaped to enhance fuel distribution and combustion. The mixing insert contains an air filter and passages to conduct air to the common passage for air and fuel. The insert is captured in the fuel rail between a locating shoulder and the fuel injector for proper positioning relative to the timed valve. An adapter cap on the solenoid assembly joins the insert to the valve controlled passage to the cylinder.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine that includes at least one cylinder having a piston coupled to an engine crankshaft, a fuel injector coupled to a fuel supply and responsive to electronic signals for feeding fuel from the supply directly into the cylinder, and an air supply that includes a throttle valve responsive to electronic signals for controlling quantity of combustion air fed to the cylinder, a method and system for controlling the air/fuel ratio within the cylinder to obtain combustion at or near the lean limit beyond which the engine misfires. Actual combustion is monitored and compared as a function of crank angle with a predetermined combustion characteristic indicative of operation at the lean burn limit. The throttle valve is controlled as a function of the resulting error signal to restrict air supply to the combustion cylinder so that cylinder combustion approaches the predetermined lean burn characteristic.