Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus and a method for injecting a pressurized liquid fuel by applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid fuel. The apparatus includes a die housing which defines a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The die housing further includes an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid, and an exit orifice defined by the walls of a die tip. The exit orifice is adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the die housing. When the means for applying ultrasonic energy is excited, it applies ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip.

Abstract: In some hydraulically actuated fuel injectors, a pressure communication passage extends from a pilot valve to the underside of a spool valve to control movement of the same. For the spool valve to move, a substantial amount of fluid flow past the pilot valve is required due to the relatively large amount of fluid that must be displaced by movement of the spool valve member. However, during cold start, when the oil in the pressure communication passage is relatively viscous, it is difficult to move enough fluid past the relatively small flow area through the pilot valve to allow the spool valve to advance to its upper position. Therefore, the fuel injector of the present invention includes a pressure communication passage that is connected to the underside of the spool valve to be separated from the branch that passes through the pilot valve.

Abstract: A reverse flow valve member is positioned within an injector body of a fuel injector and is movable between a closed position and an open position. When the reverse flow valve member is in its closed position, an upper portion of a nozzle supply passage is blocked from fluid communication with a lower portion of the nozzle supply passage. A compressed spring biases the reverse flow valve member to its closed position. When the reverse flow valve member is in its open position, the fuel pressurization chamber is fluidly connected to the lower portion of the nozzle supply passage. The present invention limits gas ingestion due to tip leakage, and allows an injector with trapped gas to prime itself.

Abstract: A fuel injector has a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet, and a fuel passageway extending along an axis between the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet. The fuel injector comprises a body, an armature, a spring, and a spring stop. The body has an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a passage disposed between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The armature is disposed within the passage and is displaceable along the axis relative to the body. The spring is disposed within the passage and applies a biasing force to the armature. The spring has a first end disposed proximate the armature and a second end opposite from the first end. The spring stop is disposed within the passage and has a first and second portion. The first portion includes at least one projection engaging the passage. The at least one projection extends obliquely with respect to the axis and in a direction general toward the inlet portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for injecting fuel into a cylinder of an engine which includes a fuel injector and a tip located on the fuel injector. The tip and fuel injector are located about a common longitudinal axis and includes a sac portion having a sac chamber, an outer sac surface, and at least one nozzle passage extending from an inner end located in the sac chamber to an outer end located at the outer sac surface, the at least one nozzle passage being at a fixed angle from the longitudinal axis along a central axis. The tip also includes an end surface located substantially adjacent to and parallel with the at least one nozzle passage and extending beyond the outer end of the at least one nozzle passage, and a curvilinear surface located on at least one of the end surface and the outer sac surface and configured such that a portion of fuel being injected through the at least one nozzle passage is directed to follow the curvilinear surface away from the central axis.

Abstract: Within an injector housing, a nozzle needle comprising a nozzle needle shaft is accommodated in a first guide boring in a longitudinally displaceable manner. A nozzle prechamber which is arranged in front of the nozzle needle shaft and which is situated on the fore-part of the first guide boring is supplied with fuel via a high pressure channel. A control valve permits a control chamber, which is coupled to the nozzle needle and which is subjected to the action of highly pressurized fuel, to be relieved from pressure by opening the nozzle needle. According to a second embodiment, a spring chamber is configured as a high-pressure chamber on the rear side of the first guide boring that guides the nozzle needle shaft. The spring chamber is separate from the control chamber and contains a readjusting spring that impinges upon the nozzle needle in a direction of closure. This configuration prevents fuel exiting the nozzle prechamber from overflowing over the guide boring which guides the nozzle needle.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is disposed at least within the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.

Abstract: The present invention involves controlled atomization of liquids for various applications such as part/droplet seeding for laser-based measurements of flow velocity, temperature, and concentration; flame and a plasma based elemental analysis; nano-powder production; spray drying for generation of small-sized particles; nebulizers in the production of sub-micron size droplets and for atomizing fuel for use in combustion chambers. In these and other atomizer applications the control of droplet and/or particle size is very critical In some applications extremely small droplets are preferred (less than a micron), while in others, droplet diameters on the scale of several microns are required. The present invention has the flexibility of forming droplets within a particular range of diameters, wherein not only the size of the average droplet can be adjusted, but the range of sizes may be adjusted as well. The atomizer (4) itself is in the form of a heated tube (44) having an inlet end (48) and an outlet end (50).

Abstract: An electronically-controlled fuel injector includes a pressurized fluid chamber that communicates high pressure fluid to first and second pressure control chambers. A direct-operated check moves between closed and open positions in response to a difference in fluid pressure in the first and second pressure control chambers. A thermally pre-stressed bender actuator is used to operate a control valve that controls the fluid pressure in the first pressure control chamber to effectively control opening and closing of the check during portions of an injection sequence.

Abstract: A fuel injector (1), especially an injector for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, includes a first solenoid coil (5), which cooperates with the first armature (9), a valve needle (13) in a force-locking connection with the first armature (9) for actuating a valve-closure member (14), which together with a valve seat surface (15) forms a sealing seat, and a second solenoid coil (6). In this context, the first armature (9) is acted upon in a closing direction by a first resetting spring (11). A second armature (10) cooperates with the second solenoid coil (6) such that, when the first solenoid coil (5) and the second solenoid coil (6) are supplied with current, a limit stop body (18) that is connected with the valve needle (13) strikes against the second armature (10).

Abstract: A fuel injector for use in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine that includes a body, a valve seat, a closure member, an orifice plate and a metering device. The body has an inlet, an outlet and a longitudinal axis. The valve seat is proximate the outlet and has first and second surfaces and a valve seat orifice between the first and second surfaces. The closure member is movable along the longitudinal axis between a first position occluding flow and a second position permitting flow through the valve seat orifice. The closure member and the valve seat define a sealing surface, located on a virtual circle defining a sealing diameter, in the first position of the closure member. The orifice plate is proximate the outlet and includes a third surface, a fourth surface and at least one orifice, located on a virtual circle on the orifice plate defining a first radius and between the third and fourth surfaces.

Abstract: A fuel injector is provided which includes a director, such as a ball, mounted downstream of the fuel injection port. When the valve is actuated, fuel exits the injection port. Fuel adheres to the ball until it reaches the equator of the ball. At the equator, the fuel begins to separate from the ball and forms a sheeted, cone-shaped configuration. When used with poppet valve injectors, the present invention preferably includes a wall manifold above the ball. Air from an air source, such as from the engine vacuum is introduced through the wall. Air travels through an air distribution chamber at a ninety degree angle to the direction of fuel flow. The air stream is directed to the ball's equator. This blast of air causes the fuel to atomize to a droplet size in the range of 3 to 6 microns SMD. When the invention is used with solenoid actuated fuel injectors, a ball is mounted downstream of the director plate. In this case, an air housing carries air from an air source to an air blast chamber.

Abstract: A fuel injector (10), including a housing (12), an armature assembly (14), an injector needle (16), a needle seat (18), a needle guide (20), and a orifice disc (22) containing one or more orifice metering pathways (24). The needle guide (20) contains a center guide bore (26) and a plurality of filtering passageways (28). The plurality of filtering passageways (28) are used to filter fuel passing through the needle guide (20) and induce swirl in the fuel to improve atomization.

Abstract: A fuel injector performs main fuel injection by raising fuel pressure in a nozzle chamber to lift a check valve member to a fully open position, and performs preinjection or microinjection by operating a solid state motor to lower a check stop so that when fuel pressure in the nozzle chamber is raised the check valve member is limited to lift a much smaller distance.

Abstract: A closed needle injector assembly and method are provided which effectively extending injection duration and improving fueling accuracy at part load conditions, providing a low quantity detached pilot injection at all operating conditions and controlling the duration of, and dwell time between, the pilot injection and one or more higher flow rate primary injections independent of fuel injection pressure. The closed needle injector assembly includes first and second needle valve elements, respective control volumes and a single injection control valve to control the movement of the needle valve elements. A sequencing device is mounted on the injector to permit movement of only the inner needle valve element to define a low fuel injection rate event and permit selectively, controlled movement of both the inner and outer needle valve elements to open positions to define a subsequent primary fuel injection event.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a high-pressure fuel reservoir for a common rail fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, having a hollow base body (1) which is equipped with a plurality of connection openings (3). In a simple method that can be performed inexpensively, a connection bore (4) is predrilled. The communication between the connection bore (4) and the interior (2) of the base body (1) is created with the aid of a further machining method.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located at least within the tube assembly and may include an integral retaining portion; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by the retaining portion of the filter; and a first attachment portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located within the tube assembly and integral with the adjusting tube; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.

Abstract: In some hydraulically actuated fuel injectors, a pressure communication passage extends from a pilot valve to the underside of a spool valve to control movement of the same. For the spool valve to move, a substantial amount of fluid flow past the pilot valve is required due to the relatively large amount of fluid that must be displaced by movement of the spool valve member. However, during cold start, when the oil in the pressure communication passage is relatively viscous, it is difficult to move enough fluid past the relatively small flow area through the pilot valve to allow the spool valve to advance to its upper position. Therefore, the fuel injector of the present invention includes a pressure communication passage that is connected to the underside of the spool valve to be separated from the branch that passes through the pilot valve.

Abstract: A fuel injector, for example, for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of a mixture-compressing internal combustion engine with externally supplied ignition is provided, including a valve-seat member, into which grooves are introduced upstream from a valve-seat surface, and a guide disk, which cooperates with the grooves of valve-seat member to form closed swirl channels. The swirl channels discharge with a tangential component into a swirl chamber, where the inflowing fuel obtains a velocity component in the circumferential direction given an open fuel injector.

Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus and a method for injecting a pressurized liquid fuel by applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid fuel. The apparatus includes a die housing which defines a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The die housing further includes an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid, and an exit orifice defined by the walls of a die tip. The exit orifice is adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the die housing. When the means for applying ultrasonic energy is excited, it applies ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located at the first end of the tube assembly and that has an integral retaining portion; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by the retaining portion of the filter; and a first attachment portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector having a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet, and a fuel passageway extending along an axis between the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet. The fuel injector includes a body having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a neck portion disposed between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. An adjusting tube is disposed within the neck portion of the body. A spring is disposed within the neck portion of the body, the spring having an upstream end proximate to the adjusting tube and a downstream end opposite the upstream end. A filter assembly is disposed within the tube assembly to provide a reaction member for the spring. An armature having a lower portion is disposed within the neck portion of the body and displaceable along the axis relative to the body. The downstream end of the spring is disposed proximate to the armature, the spring applying a biasing force to the armature. A valve seal is substantially rigidly connected to the lower portion of the armature.

Abstract: A fuel injector having a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet, and a fuel passageway extending along an axis between the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet. The fuel injector includes a body having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a neck portion disposed between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. An adjusting tube is disposed within the neck portion of the body. A fuel filter is mounted inside the adjusting tube prior to the insertion of the adjusting tube into the fuel injector inlet tube. A spring is disposed within the neck portion of the body, the spring having an upstream end proximate to the adjusting tube and a downstream end opposite the upstream end. An armature having a lower portion is disposed within the neck portion of the body and displaceable along the axis relative to the body. The downstream end of the spring is disposed proximate to the armature, the spring applying a biasing force to the armature. A valve seal is substantially rigidly connected to the lower portion of the armature.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is disposed at least within the tube assembly; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by the retaining portion of the filter; and a first attachment portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located at least within the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located at the first end of the tube assembly and that has an integral retaining portion; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by the retaining portion of the filter; and a first attachment portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining a spray pattern to reduce the variation in the metering, targeting, distribution, and atomization of the fuel output of a fuel injector. The fuel injector contains a closure member extending along the longitudinal axis of the injector. The closure member can be positioned contiguous to a seat to occlude fuel flow. A sealing radius is defined when the closure member is in this position. The closure member can also be positioned such that it is not contiguous to the seat, thereby permitting fuel flow. A plate is disposed proximate to the seat with a first and second face, the first face facing the seat. An inlet is located on the first face of the plate, and at least one chamber is disposed on the second face of the plate. The inlet and the at least one chamber are in fluid communication. An orifice disc is disposed in a confronting arrangement with the second face of the plate such that each chamber is located proximal to each orifice.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprising a nozzle body having a first bore defining first and second seatings and an outer valve member slidable within the first bore and engageable with the first seating to control fuel flow from a first outlet opening located downstream of the first seating. The outer valve member is provided with a through bore and an inner valve member is slidable within the through bore and is engageable with a second seating to control fuel flow from a second outlet opening. The through bore defines a step which is engageable with an enlarged region of the inner valve member, the through bore permitting, during fuel injector assembly, insertion of the inner valve member into the through bore through an end of the through bore remote from the first and second outlet openings. The invention also relates to a method of assembling such a fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located at least within the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.

Abstract: A valve subassembly of a fuel injector that allows spray targeting and distribution of fuel to be configured using non-angled or straight orifice having an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the subassembly. Metering orifices are located about the longitudinal axis and defining a first virtual circle greater than a second virtual circle defined by a projection of the sealing surface onto the metering disc so that all of the metering orifices are disposed outside the second virtual circle. The projection of the sealing surface converges at a virtual apex disposed within the metering disc. At least one channel extends between a first end and second end. The first end is disposed at a first radius from the longitudinal axis and spaced at a first distance from the metering disc.

Abstract: A liquid-drop spraying device is provided which can perform a stable liquid discharge without producing air bubbles in the liquid of the pressurized room as well as the amount of liquid supply per unit time is increased. The liquid can be flowed into the pressurized room uniformly and without entrainment of bubbles from the nozzle side by making an initial discharge (or charge) time constant larger than a subsequent discharge (or charge) time constant, which in turn allows liquid in the pressurized room to be replaced by slow suction followed by fast suction.

Abstract: A fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector has an upstream end, a downstream end, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The fuel injector also has a body and a cylindrical needle. The needle is reciprocably located within the body between an open configuration adapted for permitting delivery of fuel from the downstream end and a closed configuration adapted for preventing delivery of the fuel from the downstream end. The fuel injector further includes a seat disposed proximate the downstream end. The seat includes a sealing surface engageable with the needle when the needle is in the closed configuration. The sealing surface has a seating diameter. The seat also includes a seat opening extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis. The seat opening has an opening diameter such that a ratio between the opening diameter and the seating diameter is less than 0.6. A method of generating turbulent flow in a fuel injector is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located at least within the tube assembly and that has an integral retaining portion; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by the retaining portion of the filter; and a first attachment portion.

Abstract: An ultrasonically enhanced continuous flow apparatus for injection of liquid fuel into a continuous fuel combustor and a method of improving continuous flow fuel combustors by the application of ultrasonic energy to a pressurized liquid fuel exiting an orifice is disclosed. The apparatus includes an injector or die housing which in part defines a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The die housing further includes an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid, and an exit orifice defined by the walls of an injector tip or die tip. The exit orifice is adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber via a vestibular cavity and pass the liquid out of the die housing. When the means for applying ultrasonic energy is excited, it applies ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid without mechanically vibrating the die tip.

Abstract: A fuel injector system (10) includes a piezoelectric sensor (52) mounted along a spool axis (18) of the injector body (12). The piezoelectric sensor (52) is mounted within a spool valve stop (41). As the spool valve (16) reaches the stop (41), the piezoelectric sensor (52) identifies the force exerted thereupon and transmits the generated signal to the controller (44). Through communication with piezoelectric sensor (52) the controller determines when the spool valve (16) has reached a predetermined position.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprises a body having a longitudinal axis, an length-changing actuator that has first and second ends, a closure member coupled to the first end of the length-changing actuator, and a compensator assembly coupled the second end of the actuator. The length-changing actuator includes first and second ends. The closure member is movable between a first configuration permitting fuel injection and a second configuration preventing fuel injection. And the compensator assembly axially positions the actuator with respect to the body in response to temperature variation. The compensator assembly utilizes a configuration of at least one spring disposed between two pistons so as to reduce the use of elastomer seals to thereby reduce a slip stick effect.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprises a body having a longitudinal axis, a length-changing actuator that has first and second ends, a closure member coupled to the first end of the length-changing actuator, and a compensator assembly coupled the second end of the actuator. The length-changing actuator includes first and second ends. The closure member is movable between a first configuration permitting fuel injection and a second configuration preventing fuel injection. And the compensator assembly axially positions the actuator with respect to the body in response to temperature variation. The compensator assembly utilizes a configuration of at least one spring disposed between two pistons so as to reduce the use of elastomer seals to thereby reduce a slip stick effect. Also, a method of compensating for thermal expansion or contraction of the fuel injector comprises providing fuel from a fuel supply to the fuel injector; and adjusting the actuator with respect to the body in response to temperature variation.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a housing, a valve seat, a metering orifice, and a needle. The housing has an inlet, an outlet, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The valve seat is disposed proximate the outlet and includes a passage having a sealing surface and an orifice. The metering orifice is located at the outlet and has a plurality of metering openings extending therethrough. The needle is reciprocally located within the housing along the longitudinal axis between a first position wherein the needle is displaced from the valve seat, allowing fuel flow past the needle, and a second position wherein the needle is biased against the valve seat, precluding fuel flow past the needle. A generally annular channel is formed between the valve seat and the metering orifice. The channel tapers outwardly from a large height to a smaller height toward the orifice openings.

Abstract: A fuel injector system 10 calculates a first derivative filtered signal and a second derivative filtered signal from an unpowered spool valve coil signal. When the spool valve 16 reaches the end of travel, either open or closed position, a flat slope f is generated on the falling edge of the bell shaped signal. The second derivative provides a readily apparent determination of when the steep slope occurs. A comparator 62 thereby need only determine when the second derivative is zero to identify that the spool valve has reached the end of travel.

Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus and a method for injecting a pressurized liquid fuel by applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid fuel. The apparatus includes a die housing which defines a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The die housing further includes an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid, and an exit orifice defined by the walls of a die tip. The exit orifice is adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the die housing. When the means for applying ultrasonic energy is excited, it applies ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip.

Abstract: A first air assist fuel injector configured for operation with a two stroke engine and a second air assist fuel injector configured for operation with a four stroke engine. The first air assist fuel injector and the second air assist fuel injector share one or more common items, such as a solenoid coil assembly and/or an armature, even though the air assist fuel injectors are configured for different applications.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located at least within the tube assembly and that has an integral retaining portion; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by the retaining portion of the filter; and a first attachment portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located within the tube assembly and integral with the adjusting tube; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by a retaining portion; and a first attachment portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is at least within the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is disposed at least within the tube assembly; an O-ring that circumscribes the second end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by a flared end of a snap-fit type retainer; and a first attachment portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located at the first end of the tube assembly and that has an integral retaining portion; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by the retaining portion of the filter; and a first attachment portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is disposed at least within the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter located within the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector body that defines a nozzle outlet. A needle valve member is mounted in the injector body and moveable a lift distance between an open position in which the nozzle outlet is open, and a closed position in which the nozzle outlet is blocked. A piezoelectric actuator is mounted in the injector body and is moveable a piezo distance between an off position and an on position. A coupling linkage interconnects the needle valve member to the piezoelectric actuator such that a movement of the piezoelectric actuator is multiplied into a larger movement of the needle valve member.