Abstract: A heated fuel injector system and controller that includes a temperature sensing means to provide closed-loop control of a heating element heating fuel dispensed by a heated fuel injector. Closed-loop control provides more accurate temperature control of the heating element so that fuel heating is provided as quickly as possible while also protecting the fuel from being boiled and protecting the heated fuel injector from being damaged by excessive temperature. By monitoring how the signal from the temperature sensing means varies over time, fault conditions such as a lack of fuel flow, and fuel ethanol percentage may be detected.

Abstract: A heated fuel injector system and controller that includes a temperature sensing means to provide closed-loop control of a heating element heating fuel dispensed by a heated fuel injector. Closed-loop control provides more accurate temperature control of the heating element so that fuel heating is provided as quickly as possible while also protecting the fuel from being boiled and protecting the heated fuel injector from being damaged by excessive temperature. By monitoring how the signal from the temperature sensing means varies over time, fault conditions such as a lack of fuel flow, and fuel ethanol percentage may be detected.

Abstract: A motion control for electromagnetic valves including a follower connected with a valve for reciprocating motion, and a restraint operable on the follower to slow the valve motion and reduce the force of engagement of the valve with the valve seat and the stop. The restraint may include one of hydraulic and mechanical motion constraining devices. A hydraulic restraint device includes a hydraulic piston reciprocable within a fluid-filled reservoir having first and second chambers connected by a bypass passage and a flow tube. Fluid flow through the bypass passage and flow tube is regulated by the position of the piston relative to the bypass passage such that valve motion is slowed when fluid flow is restricted. A mechanical restraint device includes a pin and track assembly operative to develop rotational motion of the valve for slowing the valve motion.

Abstract: A motion control for electromagnetic valves including a follower connected with a valve for reciprocating motion, and a restraint operable on the follower to slow the valve motion and reduce the force of engagement of the valve with the valve seat and the stop. The restraint may include one of hydraulic and mechanical motion constraining devices. A hydraulic restraint device includes a hydraulic piston reciprocable within a fluid-filled reservoir having first and second chambers connected by a bypass passage and a flow tube. Fluid flow through the bypass passage and flow tube is regulated by the position of the piston relative to the bypass passage such that valve motion is slowed when fluid flow is restricted. A mechanical restraint device includes a pin and track assembly operative to develop rotational motion of the valve for slowing the valve motion.

Abstract: Integrated dilution control for diluting internal combustion engine intake air through control of relative timing between engine cylinder intake and exhaust valve events integrated with control of recirculation of engine exhaust gas through an external exhaust gas conduit with periodic recalibration of modeled relationships between dilution control parameters to correct for effects of dilution control system aging. Internal dilution provided through control of relative valve timing further may be maximized and external dilution provided through the external conduit minimized.