Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. A first coil receives a first signal from a driver to generate a first magnetic field that moves an armature between an open and closed position. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The alternating current signal produces a time varying second magnetic field that induces heating of a magnetically active component with the fuel flow that in turn heats the fuel.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil driven by a direct current driver and a second coil driven by an alternating current driver where both the first coil and the second coil share a common connection to reduce the number of external terminal connections. The second coil generates a second magnetic field that is utilized to heat a component in thermal contact with the fuel flow that in turn heats fuel before exiting the fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The second coil also is electrically connected to pass current induced from the first coil into a component in thermal contact with the flowing fuel. The current from the secondary coil resistibly heats the component to provide an alternate mode of heating fuel flow.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an inductive heater that generates heat inductively in a structure to rapidly heat fuel within the fuel injector. Wires are connected to the inductive heater and are arranged outside of a fuel flow path.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. A first coil receives a first signal from a driver to generate a first magnetic field that moves an armature between an open and closed position. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The alternating current signal produces a time varying second magnetic field that induces heating of a magnetically active component with the fuel flow that in turn heats the fuel.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an actuator and a heater. A common driver provides a first signal superimposed, for example, over a second signal to power both the actuator and the heater.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The second coil also is electrically connected to pass current induced from the first coil into a component in thermal contact with the flowing fuel. The current from the secondary coil resistibly heats the component to provide an alternate mode of heating fuel flow.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil driven by a direct current driver and a second coil driven by an alternating current driver where both the first coil and the second coil share a common connection to reduce the number of external terminal connections. The second coil generates a second magnetic field that is utilized to heat a component in thermal contact with the fuel flow that in turn heats fuel before exiting the fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel injector that includes a housing, a seat, a metering disc and a closure member. The metering orifices can be located on a first virtual circle greater than a second virtual circle as defined by a projection of a sealing surface converging at a virtual apex projected on the metering disc. The metering disc can be dimpled to increase the spray angle. Various parameters can be utilized to achieve a desired cone size and spray angle. A method of controlling spray targeting of a fuel injector is also described.

Abstract: A fuel injector that includes a housing, a seat, a metering disc and a closure member. The metering orifices can be located on a first virtual circle greater than a second virtual circle as defined by a projection of a sealing surface converging at a virtual apex projected on the metering disc. The metering disc can be dimpled to increase the spray angle. Various parameters can be utilized to achieve a desired cone size and spray angle. A method of controlling spray targeting of a fuel injector is also described.

Abstract: A fuel injector that includes a housing, a seat, a metering disc and a closure member. The metering orifices can be located on a first virtual circle greater than a second virtual circle as defined by a projection of a sealing surface converging at a virtual apex projected on the metering disc. The metering disc can be dimpled to increase the spray angle. Various parameters can be utilized to achieve a desired cone size and spray angle. A method of controlling spray targeting of a fuel injector is also described.

Abstract: A fuel injector that includes a housing, a seat, a metering disc and a closure member. The metering orifices can be located on a first virtual circle greater than a second virtual circle as defined by a projection of a sealing surface converging at a virtual apex projected on the metering disc. The metering disc can be dimpled to increase the spray angle. Various parameters can be utilized to achieve a desired cone size and spray angle. A method of controlling spray targeting of a fuel injector is also described.

Abstract: A fuel injector that includes a housing, a seat, a metering disc and a closure member. The metering orifices can be located on a first virtual circle greater than a second virtual circle as defined by a projection of a sealing surface converging at a virtual apex projected on the metering disc. The metering disc can be dimpled to increase the spray angle. Various parameters can be utilized to achieve a desired cone size and spray angle. A method of controlling spray targeting of a fuel injector is also described.

Abstract: A fuel injector that includes a housing, a seat, a metering disc and a closure member. The metering orifices can be located on a first virtual circle greater than a second virtual circle as defined by a projection of a sealing surface converging at a virtual apex projected on the metering disc. The metering disc can be dimpled to increase the spray angle. Various parameters can be utilized to achieve a desired cone size and spray angle. A method of controlling spray targeting of a fuel injector is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the temperature of fuel inside a fuel injector is provided. A first resistive element having a resistance that varies with temperature is positioned proximal the fuel within a fuel injector and a second resistive element having a known resistance is placed in series with the first resistive element and connected at a node. When a known voltage is applied across the resistor-divider network, the voltage generated at the node corresponds to the temperature of the fuel within the fuel injector. The first resistive element may also be used to heat the fuel within the injector to a predetermined temperature. Logic circuitry prevents energizing the first resistive heating element if any fuel injector coils are energized, thereby ensuring full voltage is available to drive the fuel injector coils.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the temperature of fuel inside a fuel injector is provided. A first resistive element having a resistance that varies with temperature is positioned proximal the fuel within a fuel injector and a second resistive element having a known resistance is placed in series with the first resistive element and connected at a node. When a known voltage is applied across the resistor-divider network, the voltage generated at the node corresponds to the temperature of the fuel within the fuel injector. The first resistive element may also be used to heat the fuel within the injector to a predetermined temperature. Logic circuitry prevents energizing the first resistive heating element if any fuel injector coils are energized, thereby ensuring full voltage is available to drive the fuel injector coils.

Abstract: A fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector has an upstream end, a downstream end, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The fuel injector also has a body and a cylindrical needle. The needle is reciprocably located within the body between an open configuration adapted for permitting delivery of fuel from the downstream end and a closed configuration adapted for preventing delivery of the fuel from the downstream end. The fuel injector further includes a seat disposed proximate the downstream end. The seat includes a sealing surface engageable with the needle when the needle is in the closed configuration. The sealing surface has a seating diameter. The seat also includes a seat opening extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis. The seat opening has an opening diameter such that a ratio between the opening diameter and the seating diameter is less than 0.6. A method of generating turbulent flow in a fuel injector is also provided.

Abstract: A method of heating fuel includes providing a fuel injector having an internal heater and a reciprocable needle valve; providing fuel to the fuel injector; passing the fuel through at least one flow-disturbing element; and heating the fuel.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve for an internal combustion engine includes an armature assembly including an injector needle reciprocable between a closed position and an open position; a needle seat for receiving the injector needle in the closed position, the needle seat including a central opening therethrough; a discharge orifice disk disposed downstream of the needle seat, the discharge orifice disk directing fuel toward a desired location; and a turbulence generator disposed upstream of the discharge orifice disk.

Abstract: A method of heating fuel includes providing a fuel injector having an internal heater and a reciprocable needle valve; providing fuel to the fuel injector; passing the fuel through at least one flow-disturbing element; and heating the fuel.