Westport Power Inc.

Westport Research Inc.

Westport Germany Gmbh

Richard Wing

David Kalu Mumford

Kevin Kwame Oversby

Richard J Ancimer

Alan B Welch

Alain Michel Touchette

Mike Hebbes

Bernd Bartunek

Ulrich Hilger

Kenneth R C Mann

John Gordon Crawford

Ian Lockley

Damien Clapa

David Mumford

Ian Hayden Lockley

Mike Baker

Alain Touchette

Alan Welch

A method is provided for operating a directly actuated valve that comprises a strain-type actuator to actuate a valve member to travel between a closed position and an open position, the method comprising transmitting displacements from the strain-type actuator to the valve member, maintaining a compressive stress on the actuator that is greater than a predetermined minimum stress by applying a pre-load compressive stress and limiting to less than predetermined limits at least one of: (a) acceleration and deceleration of the valve member when moving between open positions and the closed position; and (b) velocity of said valve member immediately before contacting the valve seat.

Directly actuated valve with a strain-type actuator and a method of operating same

A fuel injection valve introduces a fuel into an engine and controlling fuel flow to reduce variability between injection events. The fuel injection valve employs an arrangement for a valve nozzle that cooperates with a valve needle to provide a range of needle movement within which the fuel mass flow rate is substantially constant. This can be achieved by providing a restriction with a constant flow area for a predetermined range of needle movement. The method comprises commanding a valve needle to a position within the predetermined range of needle movement to reduce variability in the fuel mass flow rate, particularly when the engine is idling or operating under low load conditions. Valve needle lift is variable during an injection event and from one injection event to another injection event.

Fuel injection valve

A common rail directly actuated fuel injection valve is disclosed with a hydraulic transmission device that is fluidly isolated from the fuel so that the hydraulic fluid can be different from the fuel. This arrangement is particularly suitable for valves that inject a gaseous fuel, but can also be beneficial for use with liquid fuels. According to the method, the hydraulic fluid is pressurizable by the fuel pressure to reduce differential pressures and leakage, in addition to assisting with operation of the hydraulic transmission device. The method further comprises detecting the position of the valve needle for more accurate control of rate of fuel injection during an injection event.

Common rail directly actuated fuel injection valve with a pressurized hydraulic transmission device and a method of operating same

An internal combustion engine comprises a fuel injection nozzle for injecting a gaseous fuel directly into the combustion chamber. shield, is installed in close proximity to the fuel injection nozzle, provides a shielded space around a hot surface igniter and restricts flow between the shielded space and the combustion chamber. The nozzle comprises a fuel injection port oriented to direct a fuel spray against a surface of the sleeve An inlet in the sleeve allows air and fuel to enter the shielded space to form a combustible mixture therein. The sleeve contains a substantial amount of the combustible mixture within the shielded space until it ignites and pressure builds within the shielded space to propel a combustion flame through at least one discharge opening and into contact with the fuel sprays emerging from the fuel injection nozzle.

Internal combustion engine with injection of gaseous fuel

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Vancouver, Canada

Richard Wing