The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 22, 2003
Filed:
Aug. 10, 2001
Dana R. Coldren, Fairbury, IL (US);
Steven J. Funke, Princeville, IL (US);
George E. Donaldson, Chillicothe, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc, Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
The present invention finds application in engines using mechanically actuated electronically controlled fuel injectors having direct control needle valves. In valves such as these, a spill control valve member controls fuel pressurization within the injector while a needle control valve member controls the timing and duration of the injection event. However, when the momentum of fuel exiting the fuel injector past the spill valve is greater than that of the tappet and plunger moving toward their downward positions, engine components upstream of the tappet can briefly separate and re-engage, which can result in increased mechanical noise levels. Therefore, the present invention is directed to maintaining sufficient contact force in the various engine components to reduce the mechanical noise levels by positioning a flow restriction between the fuel pressurization chamber of the fuel injector and a fuel source.