Caterpillar Inc.

Clifford E Cotton, Iii

Richard H Holtman

Ronald Dean Shinogle

Glen F Forck

L Glenn Waterfield

Alan Ray Stockner

Scott F Shafer

Ye Tian

Olaf Ohligschlaeger

Joseph Angelino

Bernhard Kirsch

Rene Schulz

Brett M Bailey

Gregory W Hefler

David E Martin

Charles Bates

Stephen Michael Wiley

Ralph A Smith, Iii

Larry Glenn Waterfield

Jay E Tomaseski

Matthew Owen Stefanick

Colby Buckman

Christopher Joseph Rynders, Jr

Robert E Dieffenbach

The present disclose is directed to a power system. The power system may include a power source that creates a flow of exhaust. The power system may further include a particulate collection device that receives the flow of exhaust. The power system may also include an additive injector located downstream of the power source, the additive injector may be configured to provide a controlled supply of additive to the flow of exhaust.

Power system

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.

Fuel injector having dual mode capabilities and engine using same

When an engine is cold-started, the engine oil is quite viscous and requires larger passageways to flow through the engine than when the engine is warmed up and the engine oil flows readily. The present invention relates to a pin valve assembly which may be used on a fuel injector of an engine. The pin valve assembly of the present invention includes a movable shuttle which allows for a relatively large fluid flow space within the pin valve assembly when the engine is cold, and then moves to reduce the fluid flow space when the engine oil is less viscous and requires less room to flow as desired. Therefore, the advantages of a relatively large fluid flow space as well as a shorter pin travel distance within the pin valve assembly are both preserved.

Dual travel seated pin valve assembly

Electrically controlled fuel injection systems should be able to operate at low voltage. In order to operate an electrically controlled fuel injection system at low voltage, the voltage available to an electrical actuator is monitored. The electrical actuator is coupled to a valve positioned within a passageway in which high pressure actuation fluid flows to and from an hydraulically actuated device, such as a fuel injector and/or an engine brake. If the voltage available to the electrical actuator falls below a predetermined voltage, the pressure differential across the valve is reduced. Although the principal application of the present invention is in the fuel injection system, the present invention has application in any electrically controlled fluid system at low voltage.

Electrically controlled fluid system with ability to operate at low energy conditions

A nozzle insert that is capable of being irreversibly attached to a needle valve tube such that the resulting needle valve member can be used in a nested needle valve configuration for a dual mode fuel injector.

Nozzle insert for dual mode fuel injector

A control system adapted to control an actuator between extended and retracted positions has a fluid control valve connected to the actuator a source of high pressure fluid and a reservoir. The fluid control valve is movable between a first position at which the actuator is connected back to the fluid reservoir adapted and a second position operable to connect the actuator to a high pressure actuation fluid source. An electronic control module is connected in control communication with the fluid control valve and adapted to automatically generate a control signal to position the control valve at the second position in response to an elapsed time being passed at which the fluid control valve is at the first position is greater than a predetermined time.

Fluid control valve actuating system

A pre-loaded spring mechanism includes a piezoelectric device and a pre-loaded spring operatively connected to the device. A voltage source is coupled to the piezoelectric device to apply a voltage to the device. The applied voltage causes the piezoelectric device to undergo a physical dimensional change that changes the pre-load of the spring. The pre-load of the spring is adjusted by selectively varying the voltage applied to the piezoelectric device.

Apparatus and method for adjusting the pre-load of a spring

The present invention relates to a fuel injector having at least two electrical actuators at least partially positioned within a fuel injector body, and a method for installing the fuel injector in an engine. Two pairs of electrical conductors are exposed on an outer surface of the fuel injector body and are arranged in a predetermined pattern relative to one another. Each pair of electrical conductors of the fuel injector is electrically connected to its respective electrical actuator. A wiring harness includes a connector that also has two pairs of electrical conductors. The two pairs of electrical conductors of the wiring harness are connected to the two pairs of electrical conductors of the fuel injector, at least in part, by attaching the connector to the fuel injector.

Fuel injector having multiple electrical actuators and a method for installing the fuel injector in an engine

A valve unit having a needle valve member, a control valve, a control line extending between the control valve and the needle valve member. Pressurized actuation fluid may be applied to the needle valve member via the control valve and the control line, in order to bias the needle valve member in a first direction. A vent passage is provided, which is fluidly connected to the control line between the needle valve member and the control valve. A valve element which is movably disposed in the control line and has a first position in which said vent passage is closed, and a second position in which said vent passage is open to the control line.

Check line valve faster venting method

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.

Electrical actuator subassembly with external threads and fuel injector using same

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.

Piezoelectric valve system

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.

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Pontiac, IL, United States of America

Clifford E Cotton, Iii