Method for heating actuating fluid in a fuel system

Abstract

The present invention includes an apparatus adapted to heat actuating fluid in a rail passage located within an engine. The rail passage is connected to an fluid inlet of at least one fuel injector. The apparatus includes a heating device located within the rail passage. The heating device is adapted to heat the actuating fluid, in response to a control signal. The apparatus also includes a temperature sensing device located within the rail passage. The temperature sensing device is adapted to sense a temperature of the actuating fluid and responsively generate a temperature signal. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus also includes an electronic controller adapted to receive the temperature signal, determine a temperature of the fluid, and responsively generate the control signal and deliver an injection command signal to the fuel injector.

We claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus adapted to heat actuating fluid in a rail passage located within an engine, the rail passage being connected to a fluid inlet of at least one fuel injector, comprising: a heating device located within the rail passage, said heating device being adapted to heat the actuating fluid, said heating device being adapted to be energized in response to a control signal;   a temperature sensing device located within the rail passage, said sensing device being adapted to sense a temperature of the actuating fluid and responsively generate a temperature signal; and   a electronic controller adapted to receive said temperature signal, responsively determine a temperature of said actuating fluid, generate said control signal and deliver an injection command signal to the fuel injector in response to said actuating fluid temperature.   
     
     
       2. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said heating device includes at least one glow plug located within the manifold. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said heating devices includes a heating coil located within the manifold. 
     
     
       4. A method of heating actuating fluid in a rail passage located within an engine, the rail passage being connected to a fluid inlet of at least one fuel injector, comprising the steps of: determining a first temperature of the actuating fluid;   energizing a heating element located in the rail passage in response to the first temperature; and   delivering an injection command to the injector in response to the first temperature of the actuating fluid.   
     
     
       5. A method, as set forth in claim 4, further comprising the steps of: comparing said first temperature to a temperature threshold;   energizing said heating element in response to said first temperature being less than said temperature threshold;   determining a second temperature;   comparing said second temperature to said temperature threshold; and   de-energizing said heating element when said second temperature is one of greater than and equal to said temperature threshold.