Abstract: A fuel injector includes first and second valves and a solenoid including a solenoid coil and an armature assembly wherein the first and second valves are coupled to the armature assembly. A solenoid drive circuit is coupled to the solenoid coil and delivers a first current waveform portion to the solenoid coil at a first time to cause the armature assembly to operate the first valve without operating the second valve. A second current waveform portion different than the first current waveform portion is applied to the solenoid coil at a second time later than the first time to operate the second valve.

Abstract: The present invention is an encapsulated substrate, and in particular, a substrate encapsulated with a low melt vegetable oil. The use of a low melt vegetable oil has several advantages over conventional vegetable oil products, especially when used in food systems. In one embodiment, the low melt vegetable oil is a high laurate vegetable oil, and in particular, a canola high laurate vegetable oil. In another embodiment, a food grade acid is encapsulated with a low melt oil, and the encapsulated acid is used in the manufacture of low temperature meat products such as sausage. In another embodiment, a live culture of microorganisms is encapsulated using the low melt vegetable oil.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a first body with a first conical valve seat and a locating bore centered about a first axis. A second body is press fit attached to the first body and has a second conical valve seat with a second axis positioned in opposition to the first conical valve seat. An elongated valve member with a centerline has an upper conical valve surface and a lower conical valve surface trapped between the first conical valve seat and the second conical valve seat. A guide portion of the elongated valve member moves in a guide bore defined by one of the first body and the second body. The first axis, the second axis and the centerline are concentrically linked via the press fit attachment of the second body in the locating bore of the first body. The valve assembly is preferably utilized as a needle control valve assembly in a fuel injector.

Abstract: A spool slides in a bore to open and close a valve. An armature moveable relative to the spool is biased in a first direction. A coupling biasing member biases the armature and the spool toward each other. When a solenoid is actuated the armature and the spool move in a second direction opposite the first direction until the spool forcibly engages a seat in the bore, closing the valve and stopping the spool movement. The armature continues to move in the second direction, causing the coupling to apply additional force to keep the spool engaged against the seat, until the armature reaches a second position where it forcibly engages with the spool. This stops the armature from moving further in the second direction, but allows the stationary armature to continue applying force to keep the spool engaged against the seat. When the solenoid is de-energized the armature bias sends the armature back in the first direction until it strikes the spool, causing the spool to rapidly unseat, thus opening the valve.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a tip member having a further member establishing an interference fit about an outer surface thereof at an injection end to minimize the possibility of fracture or other failure.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a barrel having an insert recess therein within which an insert is disposed. A facing surface of the insert is located opposite a base surface of the recess and forms a passage interconnecting a high pressure fuel passage and a valve bore. High pressure intersecting bores are thus avoided, leading to a reduction in structural failures.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a center tube, a first valve separate from the center tube and surrounding a first end of the center tube and a second valve also separate from the center tube and surrounding a second end thereof. A solenoid is actuable to independently move the first and second valves and thereby control the application of fluid pressures to first and second ends of a check assembly, in turn to control injection of fuel into an associated engine cylinder.

Abstract: A fuel injector solenoid includes a solenoid coil disposed in a stator, a flux conduction element carried by the stator and a flux blocking element disposed within a central recess of the stator and surrounded by the flux conduction element. First and second armatures are disposed in the central recess on opposite sides of the flux blocking element.

Abstract: A guidance system and method for accurately reproducing surgical approach angles for increasing the efficiency and accuracy of image-guided biopsy procedures which require high levels of precision with respect to the orientation of surgical instruments prior to insertion. A tri-axial structure mounted in the vicinity of the patient provides a laser light beam to the point of incision on the surface of a patient. The orientation of this laser light beam serves as a guide for not only the location of the entry point of the surgical instrument but also the orientation of the surgical instrument during insertion. A range finding structure positioned in parallel with the tri-axial mounted structure provides an indication of the depth of insertion of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An underwater appendage for sailboats, such as a keel or rudder, is fitted with an external shell-like shroud, which is placed around a core portion of the appendage such that the outer shroud forms a deformable water foil which is fastened on both sides of the core near its rear or trailing edge, and which shroud is everywhere else spaced away from the core. This deformable shroud forms a hydrofoil, the leading edge of which can be displaced to either side of the core by means of inflatable bladders placed on either side of the core, thus creating a desired angle of attack for the deformable foil, either to port or starboard. Inflation of the bladder on the windward side of the boat creates an angle of attack to windward and also a bulging of the shrouded water foil on the windward side creating the desired hydrodynamic lift to counter the lateral component of the aerodynamic force on the sail.