Abstract: A fuel-injection system (1, 1?, 1?) for an internal-combustion engine (2), of the type provided with compressor mechanism (4) for making available the fuel at a high pressure to an storage volume (7), and a plurality of injectors (8, 8?) fluidically connected to the storage volume (7) for taking in the fuel from the storage volume (7) and injecting it into respective combustion chambers (12) of the engine (2). The compressor mechanism (4) advantageously generates at least two distinct delivery lines (14), which are connected to respective distinct fractions (16) of the storage volume (7).

Abstract: A fuel-injection system (1, 1?, 1?) for an internal-combustion engine (2), of the type provided with compressor mechanism (4) for making available the fuel at a high pressure to an storage volume (7), and a plurality of injectors (8, 8?) fluidically connected to the storage volume (7) for taking in the fuel from the storage volume (7) and injecting it into respective combustion chambers (12) of the engine (2). The compressor mechanism (4) advantageously generates at least two distinct delivery lines (14), which are connected to respective distinct fractions (16) of the storage volume (7).

Abstract: An integrated control system comprising an integrated circuit that controls at least one component or subsystem of an engine and a first light source that generates a first light signal when triggered through the integrated circuit. The first light signal propagates from the first light source through an LCC that may also serve as a substrate, wherein the signal that actuates the component of the engine can be the first light signal or a signal generated after the first light signal is produced. The component or subsystem of the engine may be an ignition system or a fuel injection system. The present invention is also directed to a method of controlling a component or subsystem of an engine.

Abstract: An integrated control system comprising an integrated circuit that controls at least one component or subsystem of an engine and a first light source that generates a first light signal when triggered through the integrated circuit. The first light signal propagates from the first light source through an LCC that may also serve as a substrate, wherein the signal that actuates the component of the engine can be the first light signal or a signal generated after the first light signal is produced. The component or subsystem of the engine may be an ignition system or a fuel injection system. The present invention is also directed to a method of controlling a component or subsystem of an engine.

Abstract: A controlling and switching mechanism utilizing radiant energy to activate each radiant energy sensitive switching member for applying an energizing pulse to its associated fuel injector of an internal combustion engine; the mechanism using a beam of radiation for each switching member, and having means for optionally varying the relative position of each beam striking its associated member in timed relationship with the operating engine shaft. The duration of an energizing pulse, in degrees of engine shaft rotation, is a function of that part of the switching member illuminated by the beam of radiant energy; the switching members being of sufficient magnitude along at least one dimension so that different parts of each switching member can be exposed to its associated recurring beam of radiant energy.

Abstract: A controlling and switching mechanism utilizing radiant energy to activate each radiant energy sensitive switching member for applying an energizing pulse to its associated fuel injector of an internal combustion engine; the mechanism having at least one element disposed between a revolving or recurring beam of said radiant energy and said switching member which controls the actuating means of its associated fuel injector; said element having an aperture and shutter therein for each switching member so that each aperture and shutter will be in a similar relative position with their associated switching member. The mechanism has means for exposing part of said member to said radiant energy by means of the associated aperture and shutter; the duration of an energizing pulse, in degrees of engine shaft rotation, is a function of the position of that part of the switching member exposed to the radiant energy.

Abstract: An injector for a diesel engine is provided which includes a housing having an internal bore, and a reciprocating plunger disposed within the bore and coacting therewith to pump fuel, dampen plunger movement, and quickly vent fuel pressure to provide a sharp end of injection. The bore is generally coextensive with the housing and a spray tip is attached to the end of the bore to introduce fuel into a combustion chamber. The plunger forms a chamber at the end of the bore that expands to admit fuel and contracts to express fuel as the plunger reciprocates within the bore. The chamber has an upper portion that pumps fuel and a lower sealable portion that entraps fuel to dampen plunger movement. The plunger and bore also form a reciprocating spill valve above the chamber to vent fuel pressure. An internal inlet passage supplies fuel to the pumping chamber portion. An internal spray passage connects the pumping chamber portion to the spray tip. The spill valve communicates with the chamber.

Abstract: An electronic ignition and fuel control system is provided for internal combustion automotive vehicle engines which are of the spark ignition type. The ignition and fuel control system of this invention includes an electronic timing and detector circuit, distributor circuit, clock and command circuit, ignition power circuit and air-fuel control circuit. The clock and command circuit responds to selected positioning of an accelerator control element to provide either a plurality of firing pulses to the engine ignitors in an acceleration mode of operation, or to provide single pulse firing in the case of steady state operation or a deceleration mode of operation. In the ignition and power circuit, individual coils are provided for generating a high voltage firing pulse applied to each of the ignitors that are interconnected with the respective coil.

Abstract: The advance and retard of the spark ignition in an ignition system of an internal combustion engine is achieved electronically by generating two series of pulses in synchronism with the engine using one series as a reference for maximum advance and the other series to operate a counter to count down the requisite number of pulses beyond the maximum advance point before the spark is initiated, the count of the counter being varied from a computer in accordance with speed and/or load on the engine.