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:
Feb. 10, 2004
Filed:
Jun. 29, 2001
Jerry Edward Nines, Newport News, VA (US);
John F. Nally, Jr., New Port News, VA (US);
Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the temperature of fuel inside a fuel injector is provided. A first resistive element having a resistance that varies with temperature is positioned proximal the fuel within a fuel injector and a second resistive element having a known resistance is placed in series with the first resistive element and connected at a node. When a known voltage is applied across the resistor-divider network, the voltage generated at the node corresponds to the temperature of the fuel within the fuel injector. The first resistive element may also be used to heat the fuel within the injector to a predetermined temperature. Logic circuitry prevents energizing the first resistive heating element if any fuel injector coils are energized, thereby ensuring full voltage is available to drive the fuel injector coils.