Caterpillar Inc.

G.w. Lisk Company, Inc.

Darwin R Carrell

Michael S Lukich

Larry Ellis Kendrick

Gregory J Speckhart

Dale C Maley

Joshua C Ruedin

Kirk S Shively

Steven B Coleman

Doug Kinnear

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the oil grade of an actuating fluid in a fuel system. The method includes the steps of determining an actuating fluid temperature, a pump speed, and a peak pressure or a timing event of the actuating fluid, and responsively determining the oil grade of the actuating fluid.

Method and apparatus for determining an oil grade of an actuating fluid

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining a fuel injection delay of a fuel injector located within an engine, during the operation of the engine. The fuel injector includes a solenoid that is electrically connected to a controller. The invention includes the steps of generating an injection command signal, determining a time of said injection command signal generation, and sensing a start of injection. The start of injection is dynamically sensed during the operation of the engine.

Apparatus and method for determining start of injection of a fuel injector

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the viscosity range and/or oil grade of an actuating fluid in a fuel system. The method includes the steps of determining a flow, pressure, and temperature of the actuating fluid, and responsively determining the viscosity range and/or oil grade of the actuating fluid.

Method and apparatus for determining a viscosity of an actuating fluid

A fuel injector assembly and a control valve for such an assembly which automatically compensate for changes in the emissions generated by the engine by changing the timing of fuel injection within the engine. The fuel injector assembly, which causes fuel to be injected during a fuel injection cycle having a start time and a stop time, includes a fuel injector nozzle, a fuel pump, and a fuel inlet associated with the fuel pump, which causes fuel to be periodically pumped from the fuel inlet through the fuel injector nozzle. A control valve, which is associated with the fuel pump and which controls the start time and the stop time of the fuel injection cycle, includes a valve body and a solenoid-actuated armature disposed in a recess in the valve body. The armature has a first side and an opposed second side and is reciprocable within the recess between a first position and a second position. A first spring is disposed on the first side of the armature to exert a first spring force on the armature in accordance with a first long-term spring characteristic, and a second spring is disposed on the second side of the armature to exert a second spring force on the armature in accordance with a second long-term spring characteristic different than the first long-term spring characteristic so that the start time of the fuel injection cycle changes over time.

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Edwards, IL, United States of America

Darwin R Carrell