Abstract: A fuel system comprises a fuel pump arranged to deliver fuel to a single fuel injector. The fuel pump and injector are physically spaced apart from one another, a high pressure fuel line being used to convey fuel between the fuel pump and the injector. The fuel pump is controllable to control the timing of commencement of fuel pressurization. The injector is controllable to control the timing of fuel delivery. A controller is arranged to control the operation of the fuel pump and the injector. The invention further relates to a fuel pump suitable for use in such a fuel system.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprising a valve needle which is slidable within a bore, a surface associated with the valve needle defining, in part, a control chamber which communicates, through a restriction, with a supply passage. The fuel injector also includes an injection control valve controlling communication between the control chamber and a low pressure reservoir, and a drain valve controlling communication between the supply passage and the low pressure reservoir. The injection control valve and the drain valve include respective armatures moveable under the influence of a common electromagnetic actuator.

Abstract: An injector arrangement is disclosed which comprises a valve needle urged into engagement with a seating under the action of the pressure of fuel within a control chamber. A needle control valve controls communication between a source of fuel at high pressure and the control chamber, and also between the control chamber and a low pressure drain. The needle control valve includes a valve member including an end which is engageable with a surface extending in a plane normal to the axis of the valve member to close a port communicating with the low pressure drain.