Abstract: A fuel supply system for internal combustion engines wherein fuel is supplied to a fuel rail and, in turn, to fuel injectors which are electronically controlled to provide fuel to the cylinders of the engine including a fuel pressure regulator for controlling the pressure of fuel support to the fuel rail. A fuel bypass and damper device is provided upstream of the fuel pressure regulator and is operable to reduce the pressure of fluid in the fuel rail when the engine is shut off to provide a lower pressure in the fuel rail and bypass any excess fuel. The device further functions to dampen the noise when the engine is running. Such as system overcomes and fuel injection nozzles the problems of leakage of the injectors due to the high pressure retained in the system which in turn may produce long crank conditions, no start conditions, back fire conditions or high fuel emission conditions as well as engine noises.

Abstract: A thermal throttle actuator adapted to be mounted in an opening of a throttle body of an internal combustion engine wherein the fuel system is electronically controlled. The thermal throttle actuator comprises a housing in which a plunger is mounted for reciprocating movement and is adapted to contact a spring loaded throttle plate in the throttle body. The plunger is yieldingly urged toward the throttle plate by a bias spring. A shape memory alloy in the shape of a helical spring is provided to produce a force on the plunger in a direction opposite to that of the bias spring when the shape memory alloy is heated to a temperature above a predetermined temperature. When the temperature is below the predetermined temperature, the shape memory alloy spring is readily deformable, the bias spring functions to provide a force on the throttle plate which maintains the throttle plate in an open position to enhance performance during cold starting of the engine.