Patent Publication Number: US-11022083-B2

Title: Injector alignment apparatus and methods of use thereof

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method for aligning an injector or series of injectors, and more specifically, an apparatus and method for aligning a series of injectors for installation into a receiving portion of an internal combustion engine. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fuel injectors or fuel rail assemblies for use in both port injection and direct injection engines often must be aligned during either a fully automated or semi-automated engine assembly process. Frequently, fuel injectors or fuel rail assemblies are provided with mounting points that allow installation of the injectors or assemblies with a jig that holds the injectors and/or fuel rail assembly in a fixed position along a single or multiple axis during installation. However, traditional jig assemblies may not be usable with some injectors and/or fuel rails that are not provided with mounting points or are provided with mounting points that are not practical for use during the installation process using traditional jigs. For example, the location of a jig connected to some mounting points on the injectors and/or fuel rail assembly may cause interference during the assembly process. Thus, an unmet need exists for an alignment apparatus that is usable with injectors and/or fuel rail assemblies that are not practical for use with typical jig assemblies. Further advantages will become apparent from the disclosure provided below. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed for aligning at least one injector body to be installed into an engine component along a first direction. The apparatus includes a first alignment member configured to swing between an alignment position and a clearance position, wherein the first alignment member is configured to align the at least one injector body along a second direction when in the alignment position. The apparatus further includes a second alignment member configured to align the at least one injector body along a third direction that is different from the second direction, by contacting the at least one injector body via first and second contacting portions. The second alignment member is configured to contact the injector via the first and second contacting portions while the first alignment member is in the alignment position, and the second alignment member is configured to maintain contact with the at least one injector body while the first alignment member swings from the alignment position to the clearance position. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a system is disclosed for aligning at least one injector body to be installed into an engine component along a first direction. The alignment apparatus includes a first alignment member configured to swing between an alignment position and a clearance position, wherein the first alignment member is configured to align the at least one injector body along a second direction when in the alignment position. The apparatus further includes a second alignment member configured to align the at least one injector body along a third direction that is different from the second direction by contacting the at least one injector body via first and second contacting portions. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a method of aligning least one injector body to be installed into an engine component along a first direction is disclosed. The method comprises aligning the at least one injector body along a second direction by moving a first alignment member from a clearance position to an alignment position, wherein the first alignment member is configured to align the at least one injector body along a second direction. The method further comprises aligning the at least one injector body along a third direction via a second alignment member configured to align the at least one injector body along the third direction by contacting the at least one injector body via first and second contacting portions. The at least one injector body is contacted via the first and second contacting portions while the first alignment member is in the alignment position, and contact is maintained with the at least one injector via the first and second contacting portions while the first alignment is moved from the alignment position to the clearance position. 
     Additional advantages and novel features of these aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed to be characteristic of aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative aspects of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom view of an injector alignment apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the injector alignment apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the injector alignment apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective exploded view of the injector alignment apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-3  in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the injector alignment apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-4  in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of the injector alignment apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-5  in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the injector alignment apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-6  in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the injector alignment apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-7  in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the injector alignment apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-8  in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the injector alignment apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing one method of operation in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is an example computer system for an electronic system in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is an example microcontroller in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of various example system components according to one aspect of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure relates to an injector alignment apparatus, system, and method. The injector alignment apparatus and system shown in  FIGS. 1-14  may include similar components, however, various differences may be noted throughout the disclosure. The figures and corresponding description are intended to show various examples that may be used separately or in combination. 
     As an overview of one example implementation of the current disclosure, an injector alignment apparatus is shown for installing a series of three injectors. While throughout the disclosure three injectors are shown, it is noted that the current disclosure is applicable to any suitable number of injectors or similar configurations. For example, the injector alignment apparatus of the current disclosure is usable with a series of three injectors connected to a fuel rail. 
     One example implementation of the current disclosure is usable with injectors that are formed at least partially as a cylindrical body having a rubber boot disposed thereabout. During installation into an engine component, each injector may be aligned with relation to an injector receiving portion of an internal combustion engine component. In one example, each injector may be installed into the receiving portions of the engine component along at least a Z-direction. In order to properly align each injector prior to and during installation along the at least a Z-direction, the fuel rail, to which each injector is connected may be held stationary along the X-direction and Y-direction with relation to the engine component, for example. Due to variances in the location of each injector with relation to the fuel rail, further adjustment of the position of each injector with respect to the fuel rail and/or engine component may be necessary to ensure that each injector is properly installed and/or that no damage occurs to the injectors when installed into the receiving portions of the engine component. Accordingly the alignment apparatus of the current disclosure may be useable to properly align each injector along at least an X-direction and a Y-direction prior to and while installing the injectors into the engine component. Thus, after the injectors are properly aligned and held stationary in the X and Y directions, each injector may be installed into the engine block along the at least Z-direction. Further, to prevent contact between the alignment apparatus during the aforementioned installation, at least one first alignment component of the alignment apparatus may be moveable from an alignment position, for aligning each injector, to a clearance position, which provides clearance between the at least one first alignment component and the engine component during installation. A second alignment component may be configured to align and grasp each property aligned injector during installation along the at least a Z-direction. 
       FIG. 1  shows a bottom view of one example implementation of an alignment apparatus  100  in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. The alignment apparatus  100  may include a clamp mount bar  120 . The alignment apparatus  100  may further include a series of first alignment members  140 A-C such as arms having partially C-shaped sections for encompassing a part to be aligned, such as an injector. The first alignment members  140 A-C may include curved surfaces  141 A-C, respectively, configured to receive a cylindrical surface of each respective injector body  300 A-C ( FIGS. 5-10 ). Each of the first alignment members  140 A-C may be rotatably mounted with relation to the clamp mount bar  120  via a first pivotable connection at a first pivot portion  119 . Thus, each first alignment member  140 A-C may be swingably mounted to the clamp mount bar  120 . In one example, the first pivot portion  119  of each first alignment member  140 A-C may be a hole or other opening for receiving a pivot pin or bolt. Each of the first alignment members  140 A-C may also be rotatably connected to a linkage  150  via a second pivotable portion  170 . The linkage  150  may be rotatably connected to a swing arm  160  via a swing arm pivot  161 . The swing arm  160  may be mounted to a rotary actuator  121  via a rotating mounting portion  159 . The rotary actuator  121  may be a pneumatically, hydraulically, and/or an electrically driven actuator capable of providing rotational force to the swing arm  160  via the rotating mounting portion  159 . In one example, the rotary actuator may be pneumatic and configured to receive a fluid source (e.g., air) from one or a series of fluid conduits  122  ( FIG. 2 ). The alignment apparatus may further include a retract position confirmation sensor  321  configured to detect the position of at least one of the linkage  150 , swing arm  160 , swing arm pivot  161 , any one of the first pivot portions  119 , any one of the second pivotable portions  170 , any one of the first alignment members  140 , or any one of the second alignment members  129 . The alignment apparatus may further include one or more electrical connectors  330 , for connecting at least one sensor/detector, linear actuator, rotary actuator, or any other electrical component to any one of or a combination of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), a Programmable Logic Relays (PLR), Programmable Controllers, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and other automation controllers, or the systems described below with reference to  FIGS. 12-14   
     During operation of the alignment apparatus, rotation of the rotating mounting portion  159  causes each of the first alignment members  140 A-C to rotate in directions  370 B and/or  370 A from a clearance position to an alignment position shown in  FIG. 1 , for example. An end portion  137  of the linkage  150  may contact a stopper portion  136  when the alignment position of each of the first alignment members  140 A-C is reached. The stopper portion  136  may be threaded or otherwise linearly adjustable to allow for adjustment of a distance  181  between the clamp mount bar  120  and the end portion  137  of the linkage  150 . Adjusting distance  181  may be selectively varied to allow for adjustment of the alignment position of each first alignment members  140 A-C. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  show an example top view and side view, respectively, of the alignment apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . The alignment apparatus may further include a series of second alignment members  129 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Each one of the series of second alignment members  129  may be one or more arms each having a flat contact surface for moveably aligning a component, such as an injector. As mentioned above, each of the second alignment members  129  may further include a first and second arms  130  and  131 , respectively. Further, each of the first and second arms  130  and  131  of the second alignment members  129  may be operatively connected to a linear actuator and/or gripper  151 . The linear actuator and/or gripper  151  may be pneumatically, hydraulically, and/or electrically operated and configured to selectively translate the first contacting member  130  and the second contacting member  131  in inward directions  150 B and  155 A, respectively, and outward directions  150 A and  155 B, respectively, for example. In one example, the linear actuator and/or gripper  151  may be configured to move inward and outward via movement of the first and second arms  130 ,  131  in response a pressurized air source provided for such movement via connectors  123 A and  123 B. Further, a distance between the first and second contacting member  130  and  131  in the inward most position and outward most position may be selectively variable to accommodate injector having varying diameters, for example. 
       FIG. 4  is an partial exploded view of the alignment apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the actuator and/or gripper  151  of each second alignment member  129  may be connectable to the clamp mount bar  120 . Each actuator and/or gripper  151  may further include a wear plate  180  mountable to the linear actuator and/or gripper  151  for protecting the surface of the linear actuator and/or gripper  151  from wear associated with contact with the first alignment member  140  during alignment related operation thereof. A second pivotable portion  170  of the first alignment member  140  may be or include a rotational connector consisting of a bushing  124  receivable within a hole  169  in the linkage  150 , for example. The bushing  124 , may be configured to receive a pin and/or screw  171 , that threadably or otherwise threads into or otherwise engages with a hole or opening  149  on the first alignment member  140 . In addition, the first pivot portion  119  of the first alignment member  140  may be or include a rotational connection consisting of a bushing  123  receivable within a hole or opening  158  in the first alignment member  140 . The bushing  123  may, for example, be configured to receive a pin and/or screw  190  that may be threadable into or otherwise engageable with hole or opening  158  for rotatational mounting of the first alignment member  140  relative to support block  133  via a hole or opening  132  in a support block  133 . Upon assembly, the support block  133  may for example be mounted to the clamp mount bar  120  (e.g., via pin or other engagement feature  211 ). 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  are top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the injector apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , injectors  300 A-C, which may be connected to a fuel rail  363  may be provided to and/or placed into the alignment apparatus  100 . In one example, each of the injectors  300 A-C may be flexibly and/or movably connected to fuel rail  363 ; thus allowing each of the injectors to be re-positioned with respect to one another. As described in further detail below with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , the injectors  300 A-C and/or fuel rail  363  may be provided to and/or placed into the alignment apparatus while each of the first alignment members  140 A-C are in a clearance position and each of contacting portions  131 A-C and  130 A-C are in a non-contact position wherein each of the contacting portions  131 A-C and  130 A-C are spaced from a surface of the injectors  300 A-C. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show one example of the alignment apparatus  100  with the first alignment members  140 A-C and the first and second contacting members  130 A-C and  131 A-C of the second alignment members in an injector contact position. As described in further detail below, each of the first alignment members  140 A-C and the first and second contacting members  130 A-C and  131 A-C of the second alignment members are movable from a injector contact and/or alignment position to a clearance position. 
       FIGS. 7-10  show various positions for example operation of the alignment apparatus of  FIGS. 1-6 . While not shown in the figures, the alignment apparatus  100  may be held stable in a fixed relation with or operatively connected to an engine component into which a series of injectors are to be installed. In one example the alignment apparatus  100  may be held stable and/or fixed with relation to the engine in the X and Y-direction shown in  FIGS. 5-10 . Further, the alignment apparatus  100  and/or the engine component may be movable at least in a Z-direction, with relation to the engine component, as referenced in  FIGS. 5-10  allowing each of the injectors to be installed into the engine component once the injectors  300 A-C are aligned as described below. Any known method may be used to control movement of the engine component and/or the alignment apparatus  100  with relation to one another during the injector installation process. For example, the engine component and/or alignment apparatus  100  may be connected to robot, Computer Numerical Control (“CNC”) Gantry, CNC robot arm, a linear actuator, and/or any other mechanism that may provide at least one degree of movement between the engine component and/or the alignment apparatus  100 . Any of the aforementioned systems may be controlled using an open loop system and/or closed loop system and may be implemented using any of the systems described with relation to  FIGS. 12-14  below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the injectors  300 A-C, which may be connected to a fuel rail may be provided to and/or placed into the alignment apparatus  100  while each of the first alignment members  140 A-C are in a clearance position. In addition, each of contacting portions  131 A-C and  130 A-C may be in a non-contact position wherein each of the contacting portions  131 A-C and  130 A-C are spaced from a surface of the injectors  300 A-C. 
       FIG. 8  shows one example of the first alignment members  140 A-C in an alignment position. To arrive at the alignment position, the first alignment members  140 A-C may be swung in direction  370 A ( FIG. 7 ) about the first pivot portion  119 , thereby causing curved surfaces  141 A-C to contact each injectors  300 A-C respectively. Contact between the curved surfaces  141 A-C of the first alignment members  140 A-C and the outer curved surface of each injector  300 A-C during and/or after each first alignment member swings into the alignment position as shown in  FIG. 8  may cause each injector  300 A-C to move into alignment position in at least the Y-direction as referenced in the axis shown in  FIGS. 5-10 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first and second contact portions and/or arms  130 A-C and  131 A-C of the second alignment member(s)  129  ( FIG. 2 ) may be spaced in pairs from the surface of each of the injectors  300 A-C so that the second alignment members  129  ( FIG. 2 ) do not interfere with the alignment of the injectors as a result of movement in direction  370 A by the first alignment members  140 A-C. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 8 , each of the first alignment members  140 A-C may be swung to an alignment position via movement of the link  150  in direction  310  ( FIG. 7 ). The link  150  may be moved in direction  310  via the rotation of swing arm  160  in direction  361  ( FIG. 7 ) through operation of the rotary actuator  121 , for example, via rotating mounting portion  159 . As link  150  moves in direction  310 , an end portion  137  of the link  150  may contact an adjustable stopper portion  136 , thereby limiting the rotation of each of the first alignment members  140 A-C in direction  370 A to the final alignment position shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Once each of the first alignment members  140 A-C is rotated to the alignment position so as to be in contact with each of the of the injectors  300 A-C as shown in  FIG. 8 , the first and second contacting members  130 A-C and  131 A-C of the second alignment members  129  ( FIG. 2 ) contact and grip each respective injector  300 A-C. Contact between each of the first and second arms  130 A-C and  131 A-C and each corresponding injector  300 A-C may also cause each injector  300 A-C to be aligned in at least the X-direction. Thus, contact between the first alignment members  140 A-C and each of the injectors  300 A-C and the first and second contacting member  130 A-C and  131 A-C of the second alignment members  129  ( FIG. 2 ) may cause the injectors  300 A-C to be aligned with respect to the X-direction and Y-direction as referenced in the axis shown in  FIGS. 5-10 . 
       FIG. 9  shows another position of the alignment apparatus during the course of operation thereof. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the first and second contacting member  130  and  131  of the second alignment members  129  ( FIG. 2 ) are at a position contacting and gripping each respective injector  300 A-C, where such position may also correspond to the rotational position of the swing arm  160  via operation of the rotary actuator  121  in direction  362 , for example. This rotational motion of the arm  160  in direction  362  may cause the link  150  to move in direction  320 . Movement of the link  150  in direction  320  may cause each of the first alignment members  140 A-C to rotate from an alignment position to a clearance position in direction  370 B. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the swing arm  160  of the rotary actuator  121  may continue to rotate in direction  362  causing the link  150  to move in direction  320 . Movement of the link  150  in direction  320  may cause each of the first alignment members  140 A-C to continue to move toward the clearance position shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     In one example, the clearance position of each of the first alignment members  140 A-C shown in  FIG. 10  may be a position that allows for the injectors to be installed into an engine component along at least or partially in the Z-direction with minimal potential interference with the engine component or other components, as referenced in the axis shown in  FIGS. 5-10 . For example, the clearance position of the first alignment members  140 A-C shown in  FIG. 10  may prevent contact between at least one of the first alignment members  140 A-C and one or more engine components when the injectors  300 A-C are installed along the aforementioned at least Z-direction. Thus, the disclosed apparatus may be useful in repeatedly and precisely aligning an injector or multiple injectors with respect to a component into which the injectors are to be installed (e.g., an engine block or an intake manifold). 
       FIG. 11 , shows a flow chart of one example operation of a device in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. During installation of the injectors into an engine component, a fuel rail and series of injectors, which may interchangeably be referred to as an injector assembly, may be provided to alignment apparatus  100 . One example of a series of injectors  300 A-C are shown and described with reference to  FIGS. 5-10 . Once the injector assembly is provided to the alignment apparatus in step  401 , the first alignment members are moved from a clearance position to an alignment position at step  402 . One example of the operation in step  402  is shown and described with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8  above. Once the first alignment members are moved to an alignment position at step  402 , the first and second arms of the second alignment members align and grasp each injector body at step  403 . For example, step  403  may occur between the operations described with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7  described above. In step  404 , the first alignment members may be moved from an alignment position to a clearance position while the second alignment members remain grasp and remain in contact with the injectors. One example of the operation of step  404  is described with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10  above. Once the first alignment members are moved to a clearance position in step  404 , the injector assembly may be installed into a receiving portion of the engine component in step  405 . Referencing  FIG. 10  as an example, in step  405  each of the injectors  300 A-C may be aligned with relation to the X and Y-directions. Once injectors  300 A-C are aligned with respect to the engine component, the injectors may be installed along at least a Z-direction, with respect to the receiving portions of the engine component as referenced in  FIG. 10 , for example. Once each injector is installed in step  405 , the second alignment members may be controlled to release each injector body in step  406 . In some aspects, the fuel rail assembly and/or injectors may be fastened to the engine component in step  407 . 
     Any one of the aforementioned functions of the injector alignment apparatus may be automatically and/or manually operated by and include any one of or a combination of a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), a Programmable Logic Relay (PLR), a Programmable Controller, a Distributed Control System (DCS), and other automation controllers. The aforementioned industrial controllers may store and execute user-defined parameters to effect decisions during a process. In addition user-defined parameters effecting decisions during a process may be remotely stored are described in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 12-14  below. Industrial controllers may have various programming functions that may include ladder logic, structured text, function block diagramming, instruction lists, and sequential flow charts, for example. In one example, the aforementioned rotary actuator  121  ( FIGS. 1-10 ) and/or the linear actuator and/or gripper(s)  150  may be electrically, pneumatically, and/or hydraulically controlled via a single or a plurality of industrial controllers. Each industrial controller may operate in accordance with a stored control program that causes the controller to examine the state of a single or multiple components of the injector alignment apparatus and/or any related components by evaluating signals from one or more sensing devices (e.g., switches, load cells, light sensors, and/or pressure sensors) based on a procedural framework and/or the sensor signals, for example. 
     Further, various aspects of the abovementioned control of the injector alignment apparatus  100  and various system features shown and described in relation to  FIGS. 1-11  may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In an aspect of the present disclosure, features are directed toward one or more computer systems capable of carrying out the functionality of the data processing disclosed above. An example of such a computer system  1000  is shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     Computer system  1000  includes one or more processors, such as processor  1004 . The processor  1004  is connected to a communication infrastructure  1006  (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Various software aspects are described in terms of this example computer system. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement aspects of the invention using other computer systems and/or architectures. 
     Computer system  1000  may include a display interface  1002  that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure  1006  (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit  1030 . Computer system  1000  also includes a main memory  1008 , preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory  1010 . The secondary memory  1010  may include, for example, a hard disk drive  1012 , and/or a removable storage drive  1014 , representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, etc. The removable storage drive  1014  reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit  1018  in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit  1018  represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, USB flash drive etc., that is read by and written to removable storage drive  1014 . As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit  1018  includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data. 
     Alternative aspects of the present invention may include secondary memory  1010  and may include other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system  1000 . Such devices may include, for example, a removable storage unit  1022  and an interface  1020 . Examples of such may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory (PROM)) and associated socket, and other removable storage units  1022  and interfaces  1020 , that allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit  1022  to computer system  1000 . 
     Computer system  1000  may also include a communications interface  1024 . Communications interface  1024  allows software and data to be transferred between computer system  1000  and external devices. Examples of communications interface  1024  may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface  1024  are in the form of signals  1028 , which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by communications interface  1024 . These signals  1028  are provided to communications interface  1024  via a communications path (e.g., channel)  1026 . This path  1026  carries signals  1028  and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency (RF) link and/or other communications channels. In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used to refer generally to media such as a removable storage drive  1018 , a hard disk installed in hard disk drive  1012 , and signals  1028 . These computer program products provide software to the computer system  1000 . Aspects of the present invention are directed to such computer program products. 
     Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in main memory  1008  and/or secondary memory  1010 . Computer programs may also be received via communications interface  1024 . Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system  1000  to perform the features in accordance with aspects of the present invention, as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor  1004  to perform the features in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system  1000 . 
     In an aspect of the present invention where the invention is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system  1000  using removable storage drive  1014 , hard drive  1012 , or communications interface  1020 . The control logic (software), when executed by the processor  1004 , causes the processor  1004  to perform the functions described herein. In another aspect of the present invention, the system is implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). 
     In some implementations, one or more microcontrollers may be implemented for carrying out certain features of the present disclosure, such as control features for controlling the alignment apparatus and system  100  of  FIGS. 1-11 . An example of such a microcontroller  1100  is shown in  FIG. 13 . The microcontroller  1100  includes a CPU  1102 , RAM  1108 , ROM  1110 , a timer  1112 , a BUS controller, an interface  1114 , and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)  1118  interconnected via an on board BUS  1106 . 
     The CPU  1102  may be implemented as one or more single core or multi-core processors, and receive signals from an interrupt controller  1120  and a clock  1104 . The clock  1104  sets the operating frequency of the entire microcontroller  1100  and may include one or more crystal oscillators having predetermined frequencies. Alternatively, the clock  1104  may receive an external clock signal. The interrupt controller  1120  may also send interrupt signals to the CPU to suspend CPU operations. The interrupt controller  1120  may transmit an interrupt signal to the CPU when an event requires immediate CPU attention. 
     The RAM  1108  may include one or more SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DRRAM or other suitable volatile memory. The ROM  1110  may include one or more PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or other types of non-volatile memory. 
     The timer  1112  may keep time and/or calculate the amount of time between events occurring within the microcontroller  1100 , count the number of events, and/or generate baud rate for communication transfer. The BUS controller  1114  prioritizes BUS usage within the microcontroller  1100 . The ADC  1118  allows the microcontroller  1100  to send out pulses to signal other devices. 
     The interface  1116  is an input/output device that allows the microcontroller  1100  to exchange information with other devices. In some implementations, the interface  1116  may include one or more parallel port, a serial port, or other computer interfaces. 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram of various example system components, in accordance with another example implementation of various features on a network.  FIG. 14  shows various features of a communication system  600  usable in accordance with aspects described herein. The communication system  600  includes one or more accessors  660 ,  662  (also referred to interchangeably herein as one or more “users”) and one or more terminals  642 ,  666 . For example, terminals  642 ,  666  can include a control system for the alignment apparatus and/or controls systems shown in  FIGS. 1-13  or by other users at other locations remote from the control system for and/or for the alignment apparatus and systems described with relation to  FIGS. 1-13 . In one aspect, data for use in accordance with aspects described herein is, for example, input and/or accessed by accessors  660 ,  662  via terminals  642 ,  666 , such as industrial controllers, robots, personal computers (PCs), minicomputers, mainframe computers, microcomputers, telephonic devices, or wireless devices, such as personal digital assistants (“PDAs”) or a hand-held wireless devices coupled to a server  643 , such as a PC, minicomputer, mainframe computer, microcomputer, or other device having a processor and a repository for data and/or connection to a repository for data, via, for example, a network  644 , such as the Internet or an intranet, and couplings  645 ,  646 ,  664 . The couplings  645 ,  646 ,  664  include, for example, wired, wireless, or fiberoptic links. In another example variation, the method and system in accordance with aspects described herein operate in a stand-alone environment, such as on a single terminal. 
     The aspects discussed herein can also be described and implemented in the context of computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. Computer-readable storage media includes computer storage media and communication media. For example, flash memory drives, digital versatile discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), floppy disks, and tape cassettes. Computer-readable storage media can include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, modules or other data. 
     The foregoing description of various aspects and examples have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the disclosure to the forms described. The embodiment(s) illustrated in the figures can, in some instances, be understood to be shown to scale for illustrative purposes. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings, including a combination of the abovementioned aspects. Some of those modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The various aspects were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and various aspects as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of the present disclosure is, of course, not limited to the examples or aspects set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather, it is hereby intended the scope be defined by the claims appended hereto. 
     KEY FOR DRAWINGS 
     Number Part Names 
     
         
           100  alignment apparatus 
           119  first pivot portion 
           120  clamp mount bar 
           121  rotary actuator 
           122  fluid conduits 
           123 A-B connectors 
           123  bushing 
           124  bushing 
           129  second alignment member 
           130  first contacting member 
           131  second contacting member 
           132  opening 
           133  support block 
           136  adjustable stopper portion 
           137  end portion 
           140 A-C first alignment member(s) 
           141 A-C curved surface(s) 
           149  opening 
           150  link 
           151  gripper 
           159  rotating mounting portion 
           160  swing arm 
           161  swing arm pivot 
           169  hole 
           170  second pivotable portion 
           171  screw 
           180  plate 
           190  screw 
           211  engagement feature 
           300 A-C Injector(s) 
           321  retract position confirmation sensor 
           363  fuel rail 
           330  electrical connector