Patent ID: 6062498
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: F02M

Abstract:
A fuel injector of the type used to inject fuel into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine when installed therein, said injector comprising:an electrically-conductive injector body which defines an interior cavity and an apertured nozzle region fluidly connected with the engine cylinder when said injector is installed in the engine;an electrically-conductive needle valve assembly at least partially disposed within said interior cavity for movement between first and second positions, said needle blocking fuel flow through said nozzle region when said needle is in said first position and said needle permitting fuel flow through said nozzle region when said needle is in said second position; andat least one movable electrically-insulating needle-guide disposed between said needle and said injector body, said needle-guide limiting movement of said needle relative to said injector body such that said needle and said body form a closed electrical circuit when said needle is in said first position and such that said needle and said body form an open electrical circuit when said needle is in said second position.