Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor adapted for incorporation into a high pressure fuel line employs a pair of piezoelectric transducer elements which are mounted in diametrically opposed bores of a main body. The body forms an axially extending fluid conduit. The main body also has a deformable wall section adjacent the transducer elements. A conductor ring extends the circumference of the main body. The transducer elements electrically connect with the ring so that a pressure pulse traversing the conduit deforms the wall section and produces a mechanical stress on the transducer elements to generate a voltage signal at the conductor ring.

Abstract: A system for sensing and monitoring the injection of fuel into a fuel injection type engine including a piezoelectric transducer which is affixed to a clip-on mounting for selectively attaching to the return line side of the injection nozzle to sense a vibration or shock wave and thereby generate a useful electrical signal.

Abstract: A transducer for sensing and monitoring the injection of fuel into a fuel injection type engine including a transducer comprising a flexible collar of low mass and a flexible piezoelectric element mounted on the fuel line to sense the change in the circumferential dimension of the line due to the surge of pressure created in the line as the fuel is injected through the line into the engine.

Abstract: A system for sensing and monitoring the injection of fuel into a fuel injection type engine, such as a diesel engine, including a piezoelectric transducer comprising a piezoelectric collar mounted on the fuel line to sense the change in dimensions of the fuel line due to the surge of pressure created in the fuel line as the fuel is injected through the line into the engine.

Abstract: An electronic timing system for fuel-injected engines is disclosed in which a direct readout is provided for measuring the time relationship between fuel injection and the achievement of the top dead center (TDC) condition in a preselected cylinder of a diesel engine. A piezoelectric transducer coupled to the fuel-injection system provides a pulse upon the injection of fuel into a feed line for the selected cylinder. This pulse is detected in a noise blocking, variable threshold, amplifying circuit and initiates a timing pulse, the width of which constitutes a delay period after which a strobe light is activated for observation of timing marks on the engine. By adjusting the timing pulse width or delay of the strobe light such that illumination occurs at the time the piston reaches top dead center within the cylinder, as indicated by the timing marks on the dynamic damper, the width of the delay or timing pulse can be taken as representative of timing advance.

Abstract: Engine monitoring apparatus is disclosed in which the cylinder pressure changes in a fuel injected engine are monitored through the use of a transducer device which produces an electrical signal responsive to pressures exerted on an injector nozzle from within the cylinder. The transducer is mounted to the nozzle holding brackets or fasteners which act to maintain pressure tending to seat the nozzle against an inlet port in the cylinder and, as such, is responsive to axial pressures exerted on the nozzle assembly from within the cylinder. Methods and apparatus for mounting the transducer device to the holding brackets of various types of nozzle assemblies are disclosed along with read-out devices including a tachometer circuit for utilizing the transducer output signal for performance monitoring and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: Engine monitoring apparatus is disclosed in which the cylinder pressure changes in a fuel injected engine are monitored through the use of a transducer device which produces an electrical signal responsive to pressures exerted on an injector nozzle from within the cylinder. The transducer is mounted to the nozzle holding brackets or fasteners which act to maintain pressure tending to seat the nozzle against an inlet port in the cylinder and, as such, is responsive to axial pressures exerted on the nozzle assembly from within the cylinder. Methods and apparatus for mounting the transducer device to the holding brackets of various types of nozzle assemblies are disclosed along with read-out devices including a tachometer circuit for utilizing the transducer output signal for performance monitoring and diagnostic applications.