Abstract: Although there are various combinations of engine speed and transmission state that correspond to a selected vehicle speed and load, there is one combination that best achieves a predetermined criteria. The present invention relates to a vehicle including a control system that electronically controls engine speed and transmission state in order to best achieve the predetermined criteria, such as fuel economy. There is an electronic control module including a power train algorithm that is in control communication with the transmission and the engine. The predetermined criteria is achieved by establishing a limited engine speed range that is less than an entire engine speed range, and restricting engine speed, via the power train algorithm, to the limited engine speed range. The power train algorithm is also operable to determine a combination of the engine speed, within the limited engine speed range, and transmission state that corresponds to a selected vehicle speed and the predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Although there are various combinations of engine speed and transmission state that correspond to a selected vehicle speed and load, there is one combination that best achieves a predetermined criteria. The present invention relates to a vehicle including a control system that electronically controls engine speed and transmission state in order to best achieve the predetermined criteria, such as fuel economy. There is an electronic control module including a power train algorithm that is in control communication with the transmission and the engine. The predetermined criteria is achieved by establishing a limited engine speed range that is less than an entire engine speed range, and restricting engine speed, via the power train algorithm, to the limited engine speed range. The power train algorithm is also operable to determine a combination of the engine speed, within the limited engine speed range, and transmission state that corresponds to a selected vehicle speed and the predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated fuel injector includes an injector body which has an outer surface. An armature cavity is defined by the injector body and a solenoid. The solenoid includes an armature, which is positioned within the armature cavity. Attached to the armature and positioned in the injector body is a valve member that defines a centerline. A plurality of evacuation passages which extend from the armature cavity to the outer surface are defined by the injector body. The armature and the evacuation passages are positioned on opposite sides of a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the centerline.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated device includes a device body which defines an inlet passage and an outlet passage. The inlet passage is separated from the outlet passage by a first valve seat and a second valve seat. The device body also defines a control passage that opens into an area between the first valve seat and the second valve seat. Trapped between the first valve seat and the second valve seat is a ball valve member. When the ball valve member is in contact with the first valve seat, it acts to close the inlet passage to the control passage. Likewise, when the ball valve member is in contact with the second valve seat, it acts to close the outlet passage to the control passage. Attached to the device body is an electrical actuator. When the electrical actuator is de-energized, a compression spring positioned in the device body biases the ball valve member into contact with the first valve seat.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve includes a valve body that defines a first passage and a second passage. The solenoid is attached to the valve body and has an armature. A multi-piece valve member is attached to the armature. At least one of the multi-piece valve member and valve body define a small passage and a large passage. The multi-piece valve member has a first configuration in which both the small and large passages are closed. The multi-piece valve member has a second configuration in which the small passage is open between the first passage and the second passage, but the large passage remains closed. The multi-piece valve member has a third configuration in which the large passage is open between the first passage and the second passage. The valve finds a preferred application as a control valve in a hydraulically-actuated fuel injector.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated fuel injector includes an injector body containing an intensifier piston with a hydraulic surface exposed to fluid pressure in a hydraulic pressure cavity. This hydraulic surface includes an annular taper and moves within a bore due to the pressure in the hydraulic pressure cavity. Prior to the injection event, the intensifier piston is in a retracted position that partially blocks at least one actuation fluid supply passage. At the initiation of the injection event, the partial blocking of the actuation fluid passage results in a slower initial movement rate of the intensifier piston. The injection flow rate is a function of the speed of the intensifier piston. The initial rate shaping is accomplished by controlling the initial speed of the intensifier piston by at least partially blocking one or more of the actuation fluid supply passages.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated fuel injector includes an injector body that defines an upper actuation fluid cavity, a lower actuation fluid cavity, an actuation fluid inlet, a spill passage, a piston bore and a nozzle outlet. A control valve member is positioned in the injector body and moveable between a first position and a second position. An intensifier piston is positioned in the piston bore and moveable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The piston has a primary hydraulic surface exposed to fluid in the upper actuation fluid cavity, and an opposing hydraulic surface exposed to fluid in the lower actuation fluid cavity. The upper actuation fluid cavity is open to the actuation fluid inlet, and the lower actuation fluid cavity is open to the spill passage when the control valve member is in its first position. The spill passage is blocked when the control valve member is in its second position.

Abstract: A multipiece fuel pump plunger assembly for controlling the fuel injection rate and delivery during the initial injection portion of a fuel injection cycle for an internal combustion engine. The injector includes a two piece plunger assembly including a plunger and a plunger sleeve. The plunger having a small predetermined diameter and being slidably positioned within a plunger sleeve having a diameter greater than the diameter of the plunger. The multipiece plunger is advantageous because it allows for shaping of the rate of fuel injected into the combustion process thereby reducing the excess fuel flow in the early portion of the injection cycle. Elimination of the excess fuel flow results in lower oxides of nitrogen and particulate exhaust emission levels and less engine noise.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus adapted to heat actuating fluid in a rail passage located within an engine. The rail passage is connected to an fluid inlet of at least one fuel injector. The apparatus includes a heating device located within the rail passage. The heating device is adapted to heat the actuating fluid, in response to a control signal. The apparatus also includes a temperature sensing device located within the rail passage. The temperature sensing device is adapted to sense a temperature of the actuating fluid and responsively generate a temperature signal. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus also includes an electronic controller adapted to receive the temperature signal, determine a temperature of the fluid, and responsively generate the control signal and deliver an injection command signal to the fuel injector.