Abstract: Fuel injectors equipped with direct control needle valves can add new capabilities to a fuel injection system, but can sometimes have difficulty in achieving low hydrocarbon emissions at levels comparable to ancestor fuel injectors that utilize a simple spring biased needle. The present invention seeks lower hydrocarbon emissions by reducing fuel pressure before the direct control needle valve member has reached its closed position toward the end of an injection event. Reducing fuel pressure can be accomplished in a number of ways depending upon the particular fuel injection system, including spilling fuel pressure in a cam system or possibly relieving pressure on an intensifier piston.

Abstract: An engine includes an exhaust conduit, an intake conduit, and a vortex tube disposed between the exhaust conduit and the intake conduit. The vortex tube has an inlet in fluid communication with the exhaust conduit, a cold gas outlet in fluid communication with the intake conduit, and a hot gas outlet.

Abstract: Fuel injectors equipped with direct control needle valves can add new capabilities to a fuel injection system, but can sometimes have difficulty in achieving low hydrocarbon emissions at levels comparable to ancestor fuel injectors that utilize a simple spring biased needle. The present invention seeks lower hydrocarbon emissions by reducing fuel pressure before the direct control needle valve member has reached its closed position toward the end of an injection event. Reducing fuel pressure can be accomplished in a number of ways depending upon the particular fuel injection system, including spilling fuel pressure in a cam system or possibly relieving pressure on an intensifier piston.

Abstract: An electrical actuator subassembly, preferably for use in a fuel injector, includes an externally threaded ferromagnetic metallic body, an internally threaded collar, an electrical actuator, an electrical connector, and a plastic cap. In one embodiment, the electrical actuator is a solenoid, while a piezoelectric actuator is used in a second embodiment. The electrical actuator directly controls a pilot valve member positioned between the metallic body and the injector body, and a needle valve which opens or closes a nozzle outlet at the bottom of the injector. The electrical actuator subassembly is attached to a fuel injector body by mating the external threads of the metallic body to the internal threads of the collar. The collar is attached to the injector body with a groove and snap ring configuration.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: An exhaust valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine exhaust valve having a thermally prestressed bender actuator, which moves through a displacement in response to a command signal from a control unit. An actuator drive responsive to motion of the thermally prestressed bender actuator operates an exhaust valve actuator system, which, in turn, operates the exhaust valve. The thermally prestressed electroactive bender actuator and the exhaust valve actuator system operate the exhaust valve to effect engine compression braking.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to control emissions in an engine by controlling spray plume characteristics, such as length and angle. Specifically, a system implementing the present invention includes an fuel injector, an engine cylinder and an electronic control module (ECM). The ECM determines spray plume parameters, including time from start of injection, nozzle hole diameter, pressure differential between the cylinder and fuel in the fuel injector nozzle, and gas temperature and density in the cylinder. Upon determining the spray plume parameters, the ECM calculates the spray plume characteristics and compares them to the optimal spray plume characteristics. The ECM then proceeds to adjust fuel injection characteristics, such as injection on time, rail pressure, and injection timing relative to piston position, to optimize the spray plume.

Abstract: An exhaust valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine exhaust valve having a thermally prestressed bender actuator, which moves through a displacement in response to a command signal from a control unit. An actuator drive responsive to motion of the thermally prestressed bender actuator operates an exhaust valve actuator system, which, in turn, operates the exhaust valve. The thermally prestressed electroactive bender actuator and the exhaust valve actuator system operate the exhaust valve to effect engine compression braking.

Abstract: In many cases, intake and/or exhaust valves and fuel injector plungers are desirably placed in a predetermined condition prior to starting the engine. In hydraulic systems, leakage and thermal contraction can lead to pressure loss during a period of non-operation, thereby allowing the components to move away from the predetermined condition. Similar concerns arise with the use of residual electromagnetic force, which can decay over time. In the case of intake/exhaust valves, for example, such undesired movement can led to a potential collision between the valves and the engine piston during starting. This invention provides a system and method for presetting the engine and/or the components thereof to the predetermined condition just prior to starting the engine.

Abstract: An electrical actuator subassembly, preferably for use in a fuel injector, includes an externally threaded ferromagnetic metallic body, an internally threaded collar, an electrical actuator, an electrical connector, and a plastic cap. In one embodiment, the electrical actuator is a solenoid, while a piezoelectric actuator is used in a second embodiment. The electrical actuator directly controls a pilot valve member positioned between the metallic body and the injector body, and a needle valve which opens or closes a nozzle outlet at the bottom of the injector. The electrical actuator subassembly is attached to a fuel injector body by mating the external threads of the metallic body to the internal threads of the collar. The collar is attached to the injector body with a groove and snap ring configuration.

Abstract: A solitary fuel injector for a diesel engine that is capable of injecting fuel for a homogeneous charge compression ignition injection event, a conventional injection event. The solitary fuel injector also has a mixed mode that includes a homogeneous charge compression ignition injection and a conventional injection in a single compression stroke for the engine.