Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the proximity of a moving target is provided which includes a sensor for sensing a range of distances between a reference point and a moving target. The sensor preferably has a detector for detecting a distance signal representative of a range of distances between a reference point and a moving target and a maximum and minimum generator responsive to the detector for generating a maximum distance range DC voltage signal representative of a maximum distance range value between a reference point and a moving target and for generating a minimum distance range DC voltage signal representative of a minimum distance range value between a reference point and a moving target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing proximity of an object using near-field effects. Modulated radio frequency energy is fed to an antenna. The antenna radiates this modulated radio frequency energy to charge the surface of an object. When the position of the object changes, the impedance of the antenna due to near-field effects changes. This impedance change is detected to provide an indication of the object's movement. The sensing device may be packaged to be inserted into a wall to provide a sensor having a leak-free seal.

Abstract: A piece to be magnetized and a covering cap are brazed together to a member, such as a spring seat for a diesel engine injector needle lift sensor. The entire assembly is then subjected to a vacuum ion treatment to case-harden at least the cap and the wear surface of the member. Either before or after the member is case-hardened, the assembly is subjected to an electromagnetic field to magnetize the piece through the cap.

Abstract: A spring seat assembly including a magnet generating a magnetic field in a fuel injection element such as a needle valve in fuel injection apparatus in an internal combustion engine equipped with a needle lift sensor. A magnet is attached to a cap of a nonmagnetic material, preferably stainless steel. The cap has a rim extending in between the injector spring and the spring seat and centering itself on the spring seat with a further cylindrical extension. The cap centers itself in the spring and centers with its cylindrical extension the spring seat as well. Since the cap is held with its rim securely between spring seat and spring due to the spring force and the acceleration forces on the spring seat, cap and magnet cannot separate from the spring seat. A suitable epoxy is used to secure the magnet and the cap and may also be used to hold the entire assembly together while not installed in the injector. Alternatively, the cap and the magnet may be brazed together.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for detecting the position of a fuel injection element such as a needle injector, poppet valve or the like in fuel injection apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes a lead frame assembly having a plurality of leads of a predetermined length and a Hall-effect sensing device mechanically and electrically connected to contact surfaces associated with the leads. A first encapsulation layer is formed about the contact surfaces and Hall-effect device utilizing a mold process which results in the formation of projections above the surface of the Hall-effect device in the area adjacent the electrical contacts. The leads of the lead frame assembly are bent perpendicularly to the plane of the Hall-effect device and attached to a multi-lead wire. The assembly is encapsulated in a second mold using the projections as positive stops to position the assembly in the mold.

Abstract: A poppet fuel injector valve includes a poppet valve which is positioned within a chamber in the injector and displaceable between open and closed positions. A passageway extends from an exterior surface of the injector into close proximity to the cavity in which the poppet valve is located. A valve position sensor is dimensioned to fit within the passageway and is displaceable into close proximity to the poppet valve. The valve position sensor generates an electrical output signal which corresponds to mechanical displacements of the poppet valve.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the position of a fuel injection element such as a needle injector, poppet valve, or the like in fuel injection apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes a header of an electrically insulating material having opposing first and second surfaces. The sensor is provided with plural conductive leads, each coupled to the first surface of the header, and a Hall effect detector mounted on the second surface of the header for detecting a magnetic field and changes therein responsive to movement of the fuel injector element. Metallization between the first and second surfaces interconnects the leads to the detector, and the header, leads and detector are encapsulated and dimensioned for insertion into and removal out of the passageway in the fuel injection apparatus.

Abstract: A needle position indicator is positioned within the interior of a fuel injector nozzle holder which includes a needle having upper and lower ends, a needle seat which engages the lower end of the needle, a chamber having an upper end and a lower end through which the upper end of the needle extends, and a spring positioned within the chamber for exerting a force against the upper end of the chamber and against the upper end of the needle to bias the needle against the needle seat. The needle position indicator includes a magnet which is positioned within the cavity to generate a magnetic field within the cavity and a detector which is positioned within the cavity to detect changes in the strength of the magnetic field within the cavity caused by relative displacements of the upper portion of the needle within the cavity.

Abstract: An electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated precision governor controls the operating RPM of an internal combustion engine by repositioning the engine throttle in response to changes in engine RPM. The piston of a hydraulic actuator is coupled to the throttle. The flow of hydraulic fluid to the actuator is controlled by a specially designed hydraulic valve which includes a piston the displacement of which is regulated by controlling the pressure in a pressurized control chamber. The fluid pressure in the pressurized control chamber is regulated by a pair of electronically controlled fuel injector nozzles. The electronic circuitry which controls the two electronic fuel injector nozzles receives electronic inputs corresponding to the operating RPM of the engine, the desired engine operating RPM and engine throttle position.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine comprises an electronic control circuit which measures engine performance and generates an electrical output signal to control engine performance and includes a fuel pump for periodically transmitting pressurized pulses of fuel through a conduit to a fuel injector valve. A fuel injector valve is coupled to the electronic control circuit and to the conduit through which pressurized pulses of fuel are transmitted to convert the electrical signal into mechanical displacements between an open and a closed position to inject measured amounts of pressurized fuel into a cylinder of the engine at predetermined variable time intervals which are independent of the arrival or termination of the pressurized pulses of fuel at the fuel injector valve. Engine speed, injected fuel quantity, timing and other functions are electronically controlled by controlling the timing and duration of the opening and closing of the fuel injector valve.