Abstract: A fuel injector for controlling delivery of gaseous fuel into an intake passage of an internal combustion engine defines a fuel flow passage extending in a direction of fuel flow from an inlet to an outlet. An actuator moves a normally closed valve member from a closed to an open position. An annular valve seat is inclined relative to a direction of fuel flow, causing gaseous fuel to flow against the direction of fuel flow and act on the valve member in an opening direction when said actuator is energized to move the valve member to the open position. The valve member includes an extension including helical ribs defining helical channels, the helical ribs bearing on an inside surface of an outflow passage to guide axial movement of the valve member and said helical channels imparting a centripetal acceleration to said gaseous fuel as it flows through the outflow passage.

Abstract: A clamping load distributor and top stop disposed and connecting between a fuel injector body and a clamping device. The clamping load distributor functions as an intermediary to transmit the static clamping load from the clamping device to the fuel injector body. The clamping load distributor includes a cylindrically shaped main body having a bore extending therethrough that is disposed adjacent a coupling return spring. A cap is connected to the cylindrically shaped main body and functions as a top stop for limiting the outward axial movement of a mechanical linkage. The restriction on axial movement creates a small gap between the moving mechanical parts to allow a coating of lubrication to be obtained. The main body having a pair of clamp receiving portions formed therein for receiving a clamping load. An annular ring is formed on the bottom side of clamping load distributor radially inward from the clamp receiving portions for contacting the upper deck of the fuel injector body.