Abstract: An exhaust particulate filter for an engine system includes an array of filter cartridges positioned within a shell, each of the cartridges having an electrically powered heating element coupled therewith. Exhaust gases may be distributed among the cartridges according to a single distribution pattern, and the filter can be regenerated without diverting, dividing or bypassing exhaust gases from the filter. The filter cartridges may be cylindrical or wedge-shaped, or of a variety of other configurations. Regeneration may take place according to a non-axial regeneration propagation profile. Other aspects include feedback control and feedforward control of regeneration based on sensing an electrical resistance property of each of the electrically powered heating elements.

Abstract: An exhaust particulate filter for an engine system includes an array of filter cartridges positioned within a shell, each of the cartridges having an electrically powered heating element coupled therewith. Exhaust gases may be distributed among the cartridges according to a single distribution pattern, and the filter can be regenerated without diverting, dividing or bypassing exhaust gases from the filter. The filter cartridges may be cylindrical or wedge-shaped, or of a variety of other configurations. Regeneration may take place according to a non-axial regeneration propagation profile. Other aspects include feedback control and feedforward control of regeneration based on sensing an electrical resistance property of each of the electrically powered heating elements.

Abstract: When an engine is cold-started, the engine oil is quite viscous and requires larger passageways to flow through the engine than when the engine is warmed up and the engine oil flows readily. The present invention relates to a pin valve assembly which may be used on a fuel injector of an engine. The pin valve assembly of the present invention includes a movable shuttle which allows for a relatively large fluid flow space within the pin valve assembly when the engine is cold, and then moves to reduce the fluid flow space when the engine oil is less viscous and requires less room to flow as desired. Therefore, the advantages of a relatively large fluid flow space as well as a shorter pin travel distance within the pin valve assembly are both preserved.

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: A nozzle insert that is capable of being irreversibly attached to a needle valve tube such that the resulting needle valve member can be used in a nested needle valve configuration for a dual mode fuel injector.

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.

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: A pre-loaded spring mechanism includes a piezoelectric device and a pre-loaded spring operatively connected to the device. A voltage source is coupled to the piezoelectric device to apply a voltage to the device. The applied voltage causes the piezoelectric device to undergo a physical dimensional change that changes the pre-load of the spring. The pre-load of the spring is adjusted by selectively varying the voltage applied to the piezoelectric device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel injector having at least two electrical actuators at least partially positioned within a fuel injector body, and a method for installing the fuel injector in an engine. Two pairs of electrical conductors are exposed on an outer surface of the fuel injector body and are arranged in a predetermined pattern relative to one another. Each pair of electrical conductors of the fuel injector is electrically connected to its respective electrical actuator. A wiring harness includes a connector that also has two pairs of electrical conductors. The two pairs of electrical conductors of the wiring harness are connected to the two pairs of electrical conductors of the fuel injector, at least in part, by attaching the connector to the fuel injector.

Abstract: A valve unit having a needle valve member, a control valve, a control line extending between the control valve and the needle valve member. Pressurized actuation fluid may be applied to the needle valve member via the control valve and the control line, in order to bias the needle valve member in a first direction. A vent passage is provided, which is fluidly connected to the control line between the needle valve member and the control valve. A valve element which is movably disposed in the control line and has a first position in which said vent passage is closed, and a second position in which said vent passage is open to the control line.

Abstract: An electrical actuator subassembly, preferably for use in a fuel injector, includes an externally threaded ferromagnetic metallic body, an internally threaded collar, an electrical actuator, an electrical connector, and a plastic cap. In one embodiment, the electrical actuator is a solenoid, while a piezoelectric actuator is used in a second embodiment. The electrical actuator directly controls a pilot valve member positioned between the metallic body and the injector body, and a needle valve which opens or closes a nozzle outlet at the bottom of the injector. The electrical actuator subassembly is attached to a fuel injector body by mating the external threads of the metallic body to the internal threads of the collar. The collar is attached to the injector body with a groove and snap ring configuration.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: An exhaust valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine exhaust valve having a thermally prestressed bender actuator, which moves through a displacement in response to a command signal from a control unit. An actuator drive responsive to motion of the thermally prestressed bender actuator operates an exhaust valve actuator system, which, in turn, operates the exhaust valve. The thermally prestressed electroactive bender actuator and the exhaust valve actuator system operate the exhaust valve to effect engine compression braking.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: When an engine is cold-started, the engine oil is quite viscous and requires larger passageways to flow through the engine than when the engine is warmed up and the engine oil flows readily. The present invention relates to a pin valve assembly which may be used on a fuel injector of an engine. The pin valve assembly of the present invention includes a movable shuttle which allows for a relatively large fluid flow space within the pin valve assembly when the engine is cold, and then moves to reduce the fluid flow space when the engine oil is less viscous and requires less room to flow as desired. Therefore, the advantages of a relatively large fluid flow space as well as a shorter pin travel distance within the pin valve assembly are both preserved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel injector having at least two electrical actuators at least partially positioned within a fuel injector body, and a method for installing the fuel injector in an engine. Two pairs of electrical conductors are exposed on an outer surface of the fuel injector body and are arranged in a predetermined pattern relative to one another. Each pair of electrical conductors of the fuel injector is electrically connected to its respective electrical actuator. A wiring harness includes a connector that also has two pairs of electrical conductors. The two pairs of electrical conductors of the wiring harness are connected to the two pairs of electrical conductors of the fuel injector, at least in part, by attaching the connector to the fuel injector.

Abstract: A solitary fuel injector for a diesel engine that is capable of injecting fuel for a homogeneous charge compression ignition injection event, a conventional injection event. The solitary fuel injector also has a mixed mode that includes a homogeneous charge compression ignition injection and a conventional injection in a single compression stroke for the engine.