Abstract: A fluid injection device for ejecting fluid droplets in response to electrical signals comprises an oscillating surface that has one or more tapered apertures, each aperture having a first and second opening. The first opening of each aperture is larger than the second opening. The first opening is in surface tension contact with the fluid to be ejected. The fluid interaction with the tapered aperture wall creates cycles of fluid compression and decompression inside the aperture, causing fluid to be drawn from the large opening and ejected out the small opening of the aperture. The device includes a fluid supply nozzle that transports fluid to the oscillating surface at the large opening of the apertures. A discharge valve controls the fluid supply. An electronic wave generator induces oscillation in the tapered aperture containing surface. The device is used to great advantage for fluid atomization and fluid spray.

Abstract: An aerosol generator comprises a vibratable member having a front, a rear, an outer periphery and a plurality of apertures extending between the front and the rear. A support element is disposed about the outer periphery of the vibratable member, and a vibratable element is coupled to the support element. The vibratable element is configured to vibrate the vibratable member at ultrasonic frequencies. An isolating structure is coupled to the support element and is configured to couple the aerosol generator to a support structure. The isolating structure has a mechanical vibrational impedance that is sufficient to substantially vibrationally isolate the aerosol generator from the support structure.

Abstract: A fuel injector for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes an actuator, which is encapsulated in a first sleeve and is sealed from an inner chamber of the fuel injector; a valve needle actuable by the actuator, which includes a valve-closure member cooperating with a valve-seat surface to form a sealing seat; and a locking spring, by which the valve needle is acted upon in such a manner that the valve-closure member is held in sealing contact at the valve-seat surface. An inflow-side end face of the first sleeve is dimensioned such that a linear deformation of the first sleeve, caused by the fuel pressure present at the inflow-side end face, is compensated by a linear deformation of the actuator and an activating piston extending the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for droplet steering is disclosed herein. A throated structure having a nozzle defines a converging throat with an inlet and an outlet and a vectored fluid stream directed therethrough. The fluid stream is driven through the system via a vacuum pump. As the fluid approaches the outlet, its velocity increases and is drawn away from the nozzle through a connecting channel. As a droplet is ejected from a liquid therebelow, it will have a first trajectory until it is introduced to the high velocity fluid stream at the perimeter of the interior walls of the nozzle. The fluid accordingly steers the momentum of the droplet such that it obtains a second or corrected trajectory. Alternative variations include an electrically chargeable member, e.g., a pin, positionable to be in apposition to the outlet and capillary tubes for controlling the ejection surface of the pool of source fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids as an atomized spray. In one particularly preferably method, a liquid is dispensed as an atomized spray from a vibratable member having a front surface and a rear surface, with the member having at least one tapered hole between the surfaces for dispensing the liquid. The tapered hole has a larger cross-sectional area at the rear surface than at the front surface. The liquid is delivered from a supply container to the rear surface of the vibratable member in an amount sufficient to cover the hole with liquid. The vibratable member is then vibrated to dispense at least a portion of the liquid through the hole and from the front surface. Additional liquid is delivered from the supply container and to the rear surface in volumes that are substantially equal to the volumes dispensed.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is an atomizer, a method for atomization, and a system that includes an atomizer. In some embodiments, an atomizer in accordance with present invention operates at substantially higher efficiency than known atomizers. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the present atomizer is capable of operating at lower gas pressure and lower liquid pressure than most known atomizers, as is desirable for certain fire-suppression applications. Additionally, in some embodiments, the atomizer is configured with only three parts and is very easy to manufacture.

Abstract: A fuel injector uses two or more individual piezoelectric devices. A first piezoelectric device is used to actuate a valve which allows pressurized fuel to pass from a pressure chamber through an outlet port. The fuel is pressurized by a second piezoelectric device. In certain applications, a return piezoelectric device is arranged in opposing configuration to the first piezoelectric device so that the valve can be positively moved both into its opened and closed positions rather than depending on the return force of a spring.

Abstract: The inventive device for aromatizing a gas medium comprises a chamber provided with a flow booster for mixing the gas medium with aromatic fumes. Said fumes are delivered to the chamber by a dispenser which is embodied in the form of a reservoir containing a liquid aromatic substance. The dispenser is provided with a system of nozzles for supplying the aromatic substances to the mixing chamber. The supply of the substance is carried out by producing pressure pulses inside the chamber. Said pulses occur as a result of a pulse operation of actuating elements which are arranged in the chamber and embodied in the form of thermistors, stricting elements and controlled commutator. Said actuating elements are controlled by a field programmed logic array which is also controlled by a panel or a computer and programmed in relation to a value, duration and repetition rate of voltage pulses coming to actuating elements. The diameters of the nozzles range from 10 to 70 ?m, the distance therebetween being less than 50 ?m.

Abstract: The invention provides a discharge device which forms microlenses, etc., with high precision. A switch circuit selects a predetermined one of drive pulses included in a drive signal on the basis of waveform selection data obtained from a control device, and applies the selected drive pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus for freshening air, including a base unit; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion. The detachable cartridge has (a) a second plug portion matingly engagable with the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid, (c) a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing the first bag and the second bag. A nebulizer is provided so that a first nebulizable liquid flows from the first bag and the second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag so that the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid are nebulized by the nebulizer.

Abstract: A fuel injector, in particular a fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines, including a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator, actuates a valve-closure member formed on a valve needle via a hydraulic coupler, the valve-closure member cooperating with a valve-seat surface to form a valve-sealing seat. The coupler includes a master piston and a slave piston which are connected to a pressure chamber, and at least one coupler-spring element which in each instance produces a prestressing force on the master piston, counter to a working direction, and on the slave piston, in a working direction. The pressure chamber of the coupler is connected to a fuel inflow in the flow-through direction to the pressure chamber via an inflow bore and a check valve.

Abstract: An atomizer 10 atomizes a multi-component liquid from a reservoir 20 into a cloud 14 comprising small droplets 38 which are ejected into the atmosphere to a certain height and allowed to fall toward a surface 12. Essentially complete evaporation is assured by maintaining the size of the droplets, the liquid's component vapor pressures and the height through which the droplets fall according to a predetermined relationship. Also, the suitability of a liquid for evaporation in a vibrating plate atomizer is determined by measuring the rate of size decrease and the surface tension of a pendant drop of the liquid after a predetermined amount of the liquid has evaporated from the drop.

Abstract: A fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines having a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator, includes a hydraulic coupler which actuates a valve-closure member (3) formed on a valve needle. The valve-closure member cooperates with a valve-seat surface to form a valve-sealing seat. The coupler includes a master piston and a slave piston which are guided in bores of a guide sleeve. Located between the master piston and the slave piston is a pressure chamber filled with a hydraulic fluid. A corrugated tube is positioned around the guide sleeve which is sealingly joined to the master piston at one end and to the slave piston at the other end, and which seals a supply chamber for the hydraulic fluid from a surrounding fuel chamber.

Abstract: A method for performing an aperture plate comprises providing a mandrel that is constructed of a mandrel body having a conductive surface and a plurality of nonconductive islands disposed on the conductive surface. The mandrel is placed within a solution containing a material that is to be deposited onto the mandrel. Electrical current is applied to the mandrel to form an aperture plate on the mandrel, with the apertures having an exit angle that is in the range from about 30° to about 60°.

Abstract: The pressure reading tool includes a housing with an interior chamber and an orifice extending from the chamber to the exterior of the housing. A pulse member with a magnetostrictive ring and an excitation source are disposed within the chamber to produce a highly agitated fluid discharge through the orifice. The magnetostrictive ring, chamber volume, and orifice cooperate to induce Helmholtz resonance frequencies in the fluid in the chamber to thereby enhance the agitation of the fluid discharge. A sheathing encapsulates the pulse member to protect it from contact with the fluid. A dampening element is also interposed between the pulse member and housing to isolate vibration.

Abstract: A method of applying fluid includes feeding fluid between two faces disposed with a gap maintained therebetween, and changing the gap between the two faces by driving an actuator for intermittently discharging the fluid filled in between the two faces. An input signal, in which a high-frequency component and a DC component are superimposed, is provided to drive the actuator in order to change the gap between the two faces, so that the fluid filled in between the two faces is intermittently discharged for fluid application.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection valve in which the movable valve parts and the valve seat (4) form the electrodes of a capacitor that is connected in an electric circuit, the capacity of said capacitor changing with the valve lift of the closing element. According to the invention, the valve seat (4) is configured in the form of an electrically conductive nozzle body (2) that is connected to the electric circuit and the closing element is configured in the form of a valve needle (5) that is connected to the electric circuit by its end surface opposite the valve seat (4).

Abstract: A fuel injector for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator, a hydraulic coupler, the hydraulic coupler having a master piston and a slave piston that are connected to a pressure chamber, and the pressure chamber being filled with an hydraulic fluid. The pressure chamber is sealed from an actuator chamber by a first seal and from a valve interior chamber by a second seal.

Abstract: A method for controlling the supply of liquid to an aerosol generator comprises operating a liquid supply system to supply a liquid to a vibratable aperture plate of an aerosol generator which senses an amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate, and controls operation of the liquid supply system to adjust the amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate.

Abstract: In a fuel injector, in particular a fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines, a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator is surrounded by a compensation sleeve. The compensation sleeve is made of a material exhibiting virtually no, or negative, thermal expansion, so that the thermal expansion of the compensation sleeve and that of an upper valve-body section and/or lower valve-body section essentially corresponds to the thermal expansion of the actuator and effective transmission elements to the valve-sealing seat. The compensation sleeve, radially on the outside, is enclosed by a spring sleeve, which connects the lower valve-body section to the upper valve-body section and prestresses the compensation sleeve for pressure.

Abstract: An injector housing (1) of the injector has an indentation (2) in which a part of an actuator housing (4) of the injector is located. A floor of said indentation (2) is formed by a peripheral support surface (3) for the actuator housing (4). A bottom surface of the actuator housing (4) is oriented towards the support surface (3) and has a peripheral recess (11). This recess (11) is such that the bottom surface of the actuator housing (4) has at least one peripheral projection (12), which is oriented towards the support surface (3) and is adjacent to the support surface (3). A seal (13) for preventing leakage along interfaces between the injector housing (1) and the actuator housing (4) is locate din the recess (11) and is adjacent to the support surface (3).

Abstract: A metering device for the conveyance of small substance quantities out of a reservoir into an application space by a diaphragm micropump that can be used, in particular, for the conveyance of small doses of gases includes the diaphragm micropump conveying an aromatic through a nozzle/diffuser system in fixed doses out of a reservoir first into a pump chamber and subsequently into an application space. As such, by the action of the diaphragm micropump, the volume and pressure of the pump chamber are varied so that aromatic is alternately drawn out of the reservoir into the pump chamber and pressed out of the pump chamber into the application space. In the event of a periodic change in the volume of the pump chamber, a substance located in the reservoir is, thus, conveyed slowly and in predetermined minimal doses into the application space in the course of time.

Abstract: A device for exhaust gas after treatment of motor vehicles has a pump device for supplying a solution to the exhaust gas manifold. The pump device is a metering pump having a connecting part that opens into the exhaust gas manifold. The pump device has a piston and a piezo element for actuating the piston. The pump device has a housing provided with a housing chamber. The connecting part is arranged in the housing chamber that is located at an end face of the housing. The pump device has a pressure chamber for receiving the solution. A first check valve closes off the pressure chamber relative to the connecting part. The housing of the pump device has a supply line, and the piston sucks in the solution from the supply line. The pump device has a second check valve for closing off the supply line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection valve (1) comprising a booster piston (23), said piston delimiting a pump chamber (22) and a booster chamber (29). A valve (14) is provided in the inlet to the chamber (22). The valve is configured as a 3/2-way valve and controls the pressure in the pump chamber (22). The pressure in the pump chamber (22) is converted into a correspondingly increased pressure in the booster chamber (29) and in an injection chamber (34) containing an injection needle (6), by means of the booster piston (23). The use of the valve (14) allows a precise control of the injection times.

Abstract: An injector for high-pressure injection of fuel in self-igniting internal combustion engines includes an actuator valve for opening and closing the injector; a nozzle needle, which in the closed state of the injector closes at least one injection opening; a metering valve, which establishes a hydraulic communication between the actuator valve and the relief chamber of the injector; a pressure holding device, which serves to maintain a static pressure required for the metering valve; and a first control quantity line for control quantities that flow via the actuator valve, and a second control quantity line for control quantities that flow via the metering valve. The pressure holding device dynamically separates the control quantities of the metering valve from the control quantities of the actuator valve by means of a hydraulic fluctuation damper.

Abstract: A temperature compensated actuator device comprises a piezoelectric stack having first and second ends along a central axis and having a first thermal expansion coefficient; and a compensator arranged on one end of the piezoelectric stack. The compensator comprises a first member in form of a cylinder; a second member in form of a piston plate wherein the first member and the second member are arranged movably along the axis with respect to each other and define a hollow space between them; and a compensation member having a thermal expansion coefficient higher than the first thermal expansion coefficient for filling the hollow space.

Abstract: A canister purge valve, and an emission control system, for regulating a fuel vapor flow between a fuel vapor collection canister and an intake manifold of an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The canister purge valve includes a body having a passage extending between a first port and a second port, a seat defining a portion of the passage, a member movable with respect to the seat, and an actuator that moves the member. The first port of the body is adapted to be in fluid communication with the fuel vapor collection canister, and the second port of the body is adapted to be in fluid communication with the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. The member moves generally along an axis between a first configuration that prohibits fuel vapor flow through the seat and a second configuration that permits fuel vapor flow through the seat. And the actuator includes a piezo-electric element that moves the member from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerosol generator that comprises an oscillating membrane that is provided with openings. The aerosol generator is further characterized in that the liquid container is impinged upon with negative pressure by displacing a sealing element using a slidable sleeve and a rotary sleeve.

Abstract: An injector for a fuel injection system for internal combustion engines is proposed, whose system pressure supply is integrated with the injector. This results in a simple design with at the same time a low requirement for driving capacity on the part of the high-pressure pump for supplying system pressure.

Abstract: An aerosol generator comprises a vibratable member having a front, a rear, an outer periphery and a plurality of apertures extending between the front and the rear. A support element is disposed about the outer periphery of the vibratable member, and a vibratable element is coupled to the support element. The vibratable element is configured to vibrate the vibratable member at ultrasonic frequencies. An isolating structure is coupled to the support element and is configured to couple the aerosol generator to a support structure. The isolating structure has a mechanical vibrational impedance that is sufficient to substantially vibrationally isolate the aerosol generator from the support structure.

Abstract: A fragrance sampling system for use in a store comprises a piezoelectrically vibrated orifice plate atomizer mounted to extend from a support structure in the store, such as a shelf and operated to emit puffs of very small droplets of the liquid fragrance and eject them upwardly into the atmosphere such that they become fully evaporated before contacting any supporting surface. The atomizer is controlled by electrical circuits which limit the times during which atomization occurs.

Abstract: The jacket surface of the piezoelectric actor body (1) is surrounded by an injector housing (9), maintaining an intermediate space and is cooled by direct contact with an inert fluid which does not conduct electricity (6), forming a fluid space in the injector housing (9) which is filled with fluid except for an air reservoir (7). The volume of the air reservoir (7) is at least large enough to allow the thermal expansion of the heat coupling fluid (6) which occurs at the highest operating temperature of the actor body (1).

Abstract: An inhalation nebulizer (1) includes an aerosol generator (2) that has a diaphragm (22) vibrated by a vibration generator (23). The inhalation nebulizer (1) includes a liquid storage container (21) that is in fluid contact with the diaphragm (22). A liquid contained in the storage container (21) is atomized into a mixing chamber (3) through openings in the diaphragm and can subsequently be inhaled by a patient.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator module has at least one piezoelectric element, one actuator foot and one actuator head, and is surrounded by an axially extending sleeve. To seal off the piezoelectric actuator module in the axial direction, the actuator foot is adjoined by a diaphragm that extends essentially in the radial direction and is connected to the sleeve.

Abstract: A fuel injector for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator and a valve-closure member able to be actuated by the actuator, the valve-closure member cooperating with a valve-seat surface to form a sealing seat, a compensation gap being present in an actuation path between the actuator and the valve-closure member. A measuring element is provided in the actuator and/or in the actuation path, the measuring element measuring the forces exerted by the actuator the valve-closure member and the actuator being regulated in such a way that the compensation gap is being held closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing globular grains of high-purity silicon by atomising a silicon melt (6) in an ultrasonic field (10). Globular grains having a grain size of 50 ?m can be produced by means of said method and device and can be used to separate high-purity silicon from silane in the fluid bed. The silicon melt (6) is fed into the ultrasonic field (10) at a distance of <50 mm in relation to a field node, and the atomised silicon leaves the ultrasonic field (10) at a temperature close to the liquidus point. The invention also relates to a use of the product produced according to the inventive method or using the inventive device, as particles for producing high-purity silicon from silane in a fluid bed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a design of an apparatus that controllably generates plurality of fountains or fog. The apparatus comprises of a plurality of concave focused transducers that are immersed in a fluid with the focus located at the fluid surface. The apparatus is further comprises of a function generator that generates cyclic signals in the Megahertz range that drives the transducers at one or more of their resonance frequencies. The apparatus comprises of a sound emitting device that include a computer controlled generator, music device or synthesizer that is used to modulate the drive signal to the transducers. The apparatus is further comprised of an amplifier that drives the transducers to produce high-intensity ultrasonic waves. The apparatus comprises of a light source that illuminates the produced fountains or fog. The full embodiment of the invention consists of drive electronics that generate cyclic signals that are modulated by sound of music or other rhythmic signals.

Abstract: A fuel injector for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of a mixture-compressing internal combustion engine having external ignition includes a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator and a valve needle, which, via a compensation element, is in operative connection to the actuator, a valve-closure member being formed on the valve needle, which cooperates with a valve-seat surface to form a sealing seat. The compensation element is filled with a rheological liquid.

Abstract: A universal injection valve assembly including an injector assembly having a housing, an inlet aperture, an outlet aperture, and a seat located adjacent the outlet aperture. In addition, the injection valve assembly includes a control member movably interconnected to the injector assembly, such that the control member is normally disposed in an operative position relative to the housing. Specifically, the control member is normally disposed in a sealing engagement with the seat of the housing, thereby at least partially defining the operative position. The universal injection valve assembly further includes an actuation assembly having an actuator and an induction mechanism, wherein the induction mechanism is structured to at least temporarily dispose the actuator into an energized state. Additionally, the control member is at least partially comprised of material attracted to the actuator in the energized state, thereby facilitating displacement of the control member from the operative position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve for controlling fluids, in particular a fuel injection valve, which has a valve member (3) disposed in a housing (11) for opening or closing a communication with a downstream chamber (18). An actuating element (2) is provided for actuating the valve member (3). The valve member (3) is prestressed in a prestressing direction by means of a prestressing element (10). The valve member (3) is also in communication with a sensor element (9), for picking up pressure information from the chamber (18) downstream of the valve member. The sensor element (9) can be provided as a separate component, or in an especially preferred embodiment, the actuating element is simultaneously used as the sensor element as well.

Abstract: A fluid injection device for ejecting fluid droplets in response to electrical signals comprises an oscillating surface that has one or more tapered apertures, each aperture having a first and second opening. The first opening of each aperture is larger than the second opening. The first opening is in surface tension contact with the fluid to be ejected. The fluid interaction with the tapered aperture wall creates cycles of fluid compression and decompression inside the aperture, causing fluid to be drawn from the large opening and ejected out the small opening of the aperture. The device includes a fluid supply nozzle that transports fluid to the oscillating surface at the large opening of the apertures. A discharge valve controls the fluid supply. An electronic wave generator induces oscillation in the tapered aperture containing surface. The device is used to great advantage for fluid atomization and fluid spray.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids as an atomized spray. In one particularly preferably method, a liquid is dispensed as an atomized spray from a vibratable member having a front surface and a rear surface, with the member having at least one tapered hole between the surfaces for dispensing the liquid. The tapered hole has a larger cross-sectional area at the rear surface than at the front surface. The liquid is delivered from a supply container to the rear surface of the vibratable member in an amount sufficient to cover the hole with liquid. The vibratable member is then vibrated to dispense at least a portion of the liquid through the hole and from the front surface. Additional liquid is delivered from the supply container and to the rear surface in volumes that are substantially equal to the volumes dispensed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include apparatus and methods for aerosolizing liquid. One embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for generating an aerosol. The apparatus includes an actuator having a first face and a second face and defining an opening therethrough, as well as a vibratory element in mechanical communication with the actuator, and a sealing member configured to isolate the vibratory element from a surrounding environment. In accordance with certain embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an aerosolization element mounted on the actuator and disposed substantially over the opening, wherein the aerosolization element defines at least one aperture therethrough. Hence, the vibratory element may be operated to vibrate to cause movement of the aerosolization element in such a manner that a liquid at the first face of the aerosolization element can be dispensed as an aerosol through the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fuel injection system and a method of controlling same, the system including a piezoelectric fuel injector having a piezoelectric element, a power source adapted to provide power to the piezoelectric element to actuate the piezoelectric fuel injector, and a controller adapted to cyclically modulate power provide to the piezoelectric element by the power source during at least a portion of the injection event. The controller cyclically modulates the power between a predetermined first voltage and a predetermined second voltage that is less than the first voltage to control the rate of fuel injected by the piezoelectric fuel injector during the portion of the injection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-duct fluid dispenser for withdrawing liquid (14) from a plurality of cavities (12) formed in a reservoir platter (10) and spraying it onto a receiving platter (16). It comprises: a plurality of flexible ducts (26) arranged in a convergent bundle, the first ends of which are intended to be immersed in said cavities and the second ends of which are assembled in a miniaturized array, means of filling said ducts, from their first ends, with the liquid contained in the cavities, and means of expelling a drop of liquid from the second end of each duct toward the receiving platter. The ducts are formed in a plurality of flexible plates (18) joined together by their part (24) that comprises the second ends of the ducts. They are each formed of two polymer sheets (34, 36) sealed together and of which at least one is endowed with an array of convergent grooves forming the ducts.

Abstract: A fuel injector has an actuator which is situated in an actuator housing connected by force-locking to a valve member at an end on the valve-needle side. The actuator is braced on the end of the actuator housing which is opposite thereto. A compensation section of the actuator housing is made of a material having virtually no, or having negative, temperature expansion, so that the temperature expansion of the actuator housing and the valve member, in the sequence up to a valve-sealing seat, essentially corresponds to the temperature expansion of the actuator and transmission elements situated up to the valve-sealing seat. The actuator housing is surrounded radially on the outside by a fuel chamber through which fuel flows.

Abstract: A piezoelectric atomizer (10) has a horizontal support (14) with an opening (16). Mounting posts are formed to extend up from the horizontal support alongside the opening (16). A wire support 26 extends from an atomizing assembly (24) to the mounting posts and the ends of the wire support are wound around two of the mounting posts.

Abstract: For each cylinder of the internal combustion engine, the fuel injection system has one high-pressure fuel pump with a pump work chamber and one fuel injection valve communicating with the pump work chamber. A control valve actuated by means of a piezoelectric actuator control connection of the pump work chamber with a relief region. The fuel injection valve has a first injection valve member, by which at least one first injection opening is controlled and which is movable by the pressure generated in the pump work chamber in an opening direction, counter to a closing force.

Abstract: A fuel injector for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine encompasses a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator, a valve needle actuable by the actuator, the valve needle cooperating with a valve-closure member to form a sealing seat together with a valve-seat member, and a restoring spring by which the valve needle is acted on in a closing direction. The valve needle is pressure-equalized in that the force exerted by the fuel pressure on the valve needle in the opening direction is approximately equal to the force exerted by the fuel pressure on the valve needle in the closing direction.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine is described. The fuel injector has a fuel inlet connection piece for supplying fuel, a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator, which is sealed off from the fuel by a seal, and a valve closing body actuatable by the actuator via a valve needle. The valve closing body working together with a valve seat surface to form a seal seat. The seal includes an inlet-side gasket, which is arranged between the fuel inlet connection piece and the actuator, and an actuator jacket that is elastically deformable in a longitudinal direction and is connected to the inlet-side gasket.