Abstract: A system for actuating sequential engine function transducers such as fuel injector solenoids comprising a plurality of switch nodes equal in number to the number of cylinders of the engine. Each switch node includes a high current switch such as a transistor and an individually addressable driver circuit for causing the transistor to conduct when an address unique to the driver is received. The nodes are preferably disposed in close physical proximity to the injector solenoids. Low current address carrying lines are connected between the address generator and the individual switch drivers to activate them in sequence. Only a single high voltage high current supply line need be provided. The transducers may also be intake and/or exhaust valve actuators or spark ignition devices.

Abstract: An injector for delivering fuel directly to an engine combustion chamber has a sleeve which responds to the combustion chamber pressure and cooperates with a piston in the injector to pressurize the fuel. A single valve in the injector is controlled both to permit supply of fuel to the injector and to allow injection at the appropriate time and in an appropriate amount.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve actuator system for an internal combustion engine in which an engine driven pump means supplies fluid, at high pressure, sequentially to an N number of outlets, each outlet being connected by a check valve and a fluid delivery conduit to an associated actuator means for a poppet valve in a set of N number of poppet valves for the engine, each actuator means including an actuator plunger reciprocably journaled in an actuator cylinder with one end of the actuator plunger positioned for abutment against the stem of an associated poppet valve that is normally held closed by an associated valve return spring.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve actuator and fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine includes an engine driven pump, similar to a diesel fuel metering and distributing pump, which is used to sequentially supply pressurized fuel to each of a plurality of hydraulic actuator plungers positioned to effect opening movement of an associated normally closed inlet valve of the engine, the hydraulic line to each actuator plunger having a solenoid valve associated therewith for controlling flow from the hydraulic line to a relatively low pressure drain conduit whereby to control inlet valve lift duration. Each actuator plunger, during inlet valve opening movement, is used to pressurize liquid fuel for injection into the induction fluid flow to an associated combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: The output signal pulses of a constant frequency oscillator are counted between successive timing signals, each of which corresponds to a cylinder of an associated internal combustion engine. The total number of pulses counted during each count period is stored and employed to derive an engine speed advance binary code representation of the number of pulse counts corresponding to the predetermined number of degrees ignition spark engine speed advance for the speed at which the engine is operating. Vacuum advance binary code representation of the number of pulse counts corresponding to the predetermined number of degrees ignition spark vacuum advance is also produced and added to the engine speed advance binary code representation.

Abstract: The throttle of a vehicle mounted engine is biased toward its closed position by a return spring, is linked to manual throttle positioning means through a lost motion spring having a greater spring constant than that of the return spring and is provided with a rigid link having a pair of spaced apart stops. The driven member of a clutch extends between the two stops to engage one or the other and override the manual throttle positioning means to position the throttle. Means are provided for generating a signal indicative of clutch driven member position; and an actuator is engaged with the clutch driving member to drive the driven member, when the driving and driven members are engaged, in response to the driven member position signal and an override signal. The vehicle has a brake system, means to generate a signal indicative of brake actuation and means to disengage the clutch driven and driving members upon receipt of the brake actuation signal.