Caterpillar Inc.

Dan R Ibrahim

Edward R Gillis

Dale C Maley

Stephen T Konwinski

Harold E Ogg, Jr

An intensifier quill for a fuel injector fluidly connects a fuel injector to a common rail. The intensifier quill selectively supplies fuel to the fuel injector at either an intensified pressure or un-intensified common rail pressure. Fuel supplied by the quill at both the intensified and un-intensified pressure passes through a quill body, which includes an actuation chamber, a control chamber and a pressurization chamber. Energizing an actuator of the quill allows fuel from the control chamber to flow to drain, increasing pressure inside the pressurization chamber and the fuel injector to intensified pressure. Upon energizing the actuator of the fuel injector, fuel injector injects fuel at the intensified pressure. When the quill's actuator is de-energized and the fuel injector's actuator is energized, fuel injector injects fuel at the un-intensified pressure.

Intensifier quill for fuel injector and fuel system using same

Use of pump and line fuel injectors has become more common in fuel injection systems. While these fuel injectors do not typically include individual electrical actuators or fuel pressurization means, they still include a number of components that must be intricately machined in order for the fuel injector to perform as desired. The present invention is directed to reducing the number of machining steps, and therefore the cost, of producing such a fuel injector by utilizing a plastic component that can allow for a reliable and cost effective replacement of more intricately machined fuel injector components.

Partially plastic fuel injector component and method of making the same

The present invention relates to fuel injectors having the ability to inject fuel at multiple pressures during an injection event. Traditional fuel injectors used in common rail fuel injection systems and unit pump fuel injection systems typically did not have the ability to inject fuel at multiple pressures during an injection event. However, engineers have learned that increased control over an injection event can lead to improved emissions by the fuel injectors. Therefore, the present invention utilizes an electronically controlled valve member that can direct. the flow of fuel through a fuel injector during an injection event between a relatively restricted passageway and a relatively unrestricted passageway. The present invention finds particular application in both common rail fuel injection systems and electronic unit pump fuel injection systems used in diesel engines.

Fuel injector having dual flow rate capabilities and engine using same

An internal combustion engine includes an engine housing that defines a main combustion chamber separated from a precombustion chamber by a flame communication passage way. A source of gaseous fuel is fluidly connected to one end of a fuel supply passage. A check valve, which includes a valve body with a valve seat, and a valve member, is positioned between the other end of the fuel supply passage and the precombustion chamber. The valve member is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The valve body and the valve member define a fluid passage that fluidly connects the fuel supply passage to the precombustion chamber when the valve member is in its open position. The valve body and the valve member substantially fluidly isolate the valve seat from the precombustion chamber when the valve member is in its closed position.

Reaction chamber isolation check valve and gaseous fuel engine using same

An internal combustion engine comprises an engine housing which defines a main combustion chamber that is separated from a precombustion chamber by a flame communication passageway. The engine housing further defines a fuel supply passage with one end and an opposite end. A source of fuel is fluidly connected to the opposite end of the fuel supply passage. A check valve which includes a valve body with a valve seat and a valve member is positioned between the one end of the fuel supply passage and the precombustion chamber. The valve member is movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve body and the valve member define a relatively wide fluid passage that fluidly connects the fuel supply passage to the precombustion chamber when the valve member is in the open position. The valve body and the valve member define a relatively narrow stagnation region separating the valve seat from the precombustion chamber when the valve member is in the closed position.

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Bloomington, IL, United States of America

Dan R Ibrahim