Patent ID: 7013876

Claim:
A control system for a fuel injector, comprising: a valve element movable between a first position and a second position; an armature connected to the valve element; a solenoid configured to move the armature and connected valve element; and a controller in communication the solenoid, the controller configured to: energize the solenoid at a first current level to initiate movement of the valve element from the first position toward the second position, thereby initiating an injection of fuel; energize the solenoid at a second current level less than the first current level during movement of the valve element from the first position toward the second position; energize the solenoid at a third current level less than the second current level after the valve element has reached the second position; energize the solenoid at a fourth current level less than the third current level after the valve element has been in the second position for a predetermined period of time; and de-energize the solenoid to return the valve element to the first position, thereby stopping the injection of fuel.