Abstract: A valve seat/director unit the combines the functions of an injector valve seat and a separate spray director plate into an integral unit combining both functions. The unit is a generally flat plate having an outer portion with at least one sealing rib. A central portion includes at least one endless rib forming a valve seat and surrounding a spray director including a recessed area communicating with at least one fuel spray opening. Upper surfaces of the sealing rib(s) and valve seat are preferably flat and coplanar with one another for engagement by cooperating surfaces of an injector member and a valve member, respectively.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a flexural element connected to a valve armature for restricting radial movement of the armature within a fuel passage. The flexural element is flat and exerts no force on the valve when it is closed but is flexed when the valve is opened and supplements the valve spring force during closing of the valve. The flexural element also is used to set the valve stroke length equal to the element's thickness. A flat tool presses a valve ball into the armature while the ball is seated on a valve seat until the flexural element engages a seat related surface. Engagement of the tool with the flexural element fixed to the armature assures that the flexural element is in an unloaded flat position when the valve is closed and establishes the valve stroke when the valve assembly and seat are installed in the injector body.

Abstract: A cover for use with a fuel injector. The cover formed of at least two separate pieces that are assemble over the fuel injector. The pieces are held together by a detent member and cooperate to form a cavity that houses the fuel injector. A complaint member is positioned within the cavity to minimize relative movement between the cover and the fuel injector.

Abstract: An injector valve armature/spacer is formed as an integral tri-function multiple thickness member for an engine fuel injector. The member includes an armature having a center portion with an upper side engagable by a biasing spring and an outer portion with spaced radial openings extending outward from the center portion. An outer rim is connected to the inner portion of the armature by flexible legs extending radially through the radial openings. The rim has a thickness greater than that of the armature by a differential dimension establishing a stroke of the armature. The legs have a thickness less than that of the armature to permit flexing of the legs upon movement of the armature. The integral member is designed for manufacture in multiple layers using electroforming, optionally combined with metal etching.

Abstract: A valve seat/director unit the combines the functions of an injector valve seat and a separate spray director plate into an integral unit combining both functions. The unit is a generally flat plate having an outer portion with at least one sealing rib. A central portion includes at least one endless rib forming a valve seat and surrounding a spray director including a recessed area communicating with at least one fuel spray opening. Upper surfaces of the sealing rib(s) and valve seat are preferably flat and coplanar with one another for engagement by cooperating surfaces of an injector member and a valve member, respectively.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a flexural element connected to a valve armature for restricting radial movement of the armature within a fuel passage. The flexural element is flat and exerts no force on the valve when it is closed but is flexed when the valve is opened and supplements the valve spring force during closing of the valve. The flexural element also is used to set the valve stroke length equal to the element's thickness. A flat tool presses a valve ball into the armature while the ball is seated on a valve seat until the flexural element engages a seat related surface.

Abstract: A cover for use with a fuel injector. The cover formed of at least two separable pieces that are assembled over the fuel injector. The pieces are held together by a detent member and cooperate to form a cavity that houses the fuel injector. A compliant member is positioned within the cavity to minimize relative movement between the cover and the fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an engine includes a continuous endoskeletal injector tube enclosing an imperforate continuous passage for fuel flow from an inlet end to an outlet end of the tube. A valve seat, injection valve, tubular magnetic pole, biasing spring and adjusting sleeve are mounted within the tube, optionally with other elements, all being exposed to fuel in the passage defined by the tube. A solenoid coil and a magnetic body together with mounting components and seals are mounted on the exterior of the tube where they are protected from exposure to the fuel, which is restricted to passage within the continuous tube. The body, pole and armature form a magnetic flux concentrating path operative to attract the armature to the pole and open the valve when the coil is energized. The solenoid coil may be preassembled with its connector in a body forming a separate coil assembly for subsequent installation on the injector tube.