Abstract: A method for fuel regulation during a non-motoring operating mode of an internal combustion engine is provided. A fuel regulator employs a first fuel to regulate pressure of a second fuel. The first fuel is communicated to the fuel regulator through a first fuel circuit. The method comprises actuating a fuel injector that introduces the first fuel and the second fuel into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine during the non-motoring operating mode. The fuel injector is actuated with an injection command signal having a pulse width below a predetermined maximum value whereby no fuel is injected into the combustion chamber and the first fuel drains from the first fuel circuit through the fuel injector to a supply tank.

Abstract: A method for fuel regulation during a non-motoring operating mode of an internal combustion engine is provided. A fuel regulator employs a first fuel to regulate pressure of a second fuel. The first fuel is communicated to the fuel regulator through a first fuel circuit. The method comprises actuating a fuel injector that introduces the first fuel and the second fuel into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine during the non-motoring operating mode. The fuel injector is actuated with an injection command signal having a pulse width below a predetermined maximum value whereby no fuel is injected into the combustion chamber and the first fuel drains from the first fuel circuit through the fuel injector to a supply tank.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a directly actuated valve that comprises a strain-type actuator to actuate a valve member to travel between a closed position and an open position, the method comprising transmitting displacements from the strain-type actuator to the valve member, maintaining a compressive stress on the actuator that is greater than a predetermined minimum stress by applying a pre-load compressive stress and limiting to less than predetermined limits at least one of: (a) acceleration and deceleration of the valve member when moving between open positions and the closed position; and (b) velocity of said valve member immediately before contacting the valve seat.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a directly actuated valve that comprises a strain-type actuator to actuate a valve member to travel between a closed position and an open position, the method comprising transmitting displacements from the strain-type actuator to the valve member, maintaining a compressive stress on the actuator that is greater than a predetermined minimum stress by applying a pre-load compressive stress and limiting to less than predetermined limits at least one of: (a) acceleration and deceleration of the valve member when moving between open positions and the closed position; and (b) velocity of said valve member immediately before contacting the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve device and a method directly inject gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber. A rapid response in a simple and compact design is achieved by a piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, or electromagnetic actuator that acts on a transmission device that comprises at least two levers, which are connected in series to increase the lift of the actuator to actuate a valve. An associated sensor device detects the position of a valve element, such that the actuator can be controlled to reduce the free play between the actuator and the valve.

Abstract: A valve device and a method directly inject gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber. A rapid response in a simple and compact design is achieved by a piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, or electromagnetic actuator that acts on a transmission device that comprises at least two levers, which are connected in series to increase the lift of the actuator to actuate a valve. An associated sensor device detects the position of a valve element, such that the actuator can be controlled to reduce the free play between the actuator and the valve.

Abstract: A dynamic fluid sealing system for a fuel injection valve employs sealing-fluid to separate a gaseous fuel and a second fluid in the fuel injection valve, thereby preventing leakage of the gaseous fuel into the second fluid. A pressure-balancing system, which includes a pressure-balancing device, reduces the pressure differential between the sealing-fluid and the gaseous fuel used in the injection valve. At the same time, the pressure balancing system dynamically balances the sealing-fluid pressure such that the sealing-fluid pressure is equal to or slightly greater than the pressure of the gaseous fuel within the injection valve. The pressure differential between the gaseous fuel and the sealing-fluid may be maintained throughout the operating range of engine speeds, engine loads, and fuel cut-off conditions so as to prevent leakage of compressible gaseous fuel into the second fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel hydraulically actuated fuel injector for an internal combustion engine. More particularly, the application pertains to a hydraulically actuated gaseous injector for injecting main fuel and optional pilot fuel into an internal combustion engine at different times at controlled pressure. A hydraulically actuated fuel injector for a piston displacement engine comprising: (a) an injector which is actuated by an actuator means and injects fuel into the engine at predetermined times; (b) a means for introducing hydraulic oil into said injector; (c) means for pressurizing said hydraulic oil; (d) means for opening a fuel inlet means and injecting the fuel into the engine upon the pressure of the hydraulic oil reaching a predetermined level; and (e) a means for preventing the pressure of the hydraulic oil from rising above the predetermined level.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for supplying high pressure gaseous fuel from a storage vessel to a vehicle's internal combustion engine. More particularly, the invention is a fuel supply system with three main components: the storage vessel; an intensifier; and, an accumulator vessel. Fuel passages connect each one of the components directly with the other two components. The intensifier has a plurality of compression chambers and one of the compression chambers can be by-passed when the intensifier is operating in a low capacity mode, depending upon the pressure in the storage vessel. The intensifier operates continuously. When no fuel compression is required, the intensifier runs in an idle mode with the respective inlets and outlets of the compression chambers connected by fuel passages, thus preventing any fuel compression. The loading to the intensifier actuating mechanism is balanced in all modes of operation.