Automotive fuel rail end closure device with temperature sensor for returnless fuel system

An automotive fuel injection supply manifold comprising:

• a fuel rail having a first end and a second end, the ends having a first opening and a second opening therein, respectively;
• a plurality of ports interposed between the ends of the fuel rail for allowing fluid communication with a plurality of fuel metering devices;
• an end cap mounted on the second end for completely obstructing fuel flow through the second opening;
• and
• an end plug, mounted on the first end for providing closure of the first opening, having:
• (1) a fuel inlet therethrough for introducing fuel to the fuel rail from a fuel source;
• (2) a fuel temperature sensor integrally formed therewith so as to sense the inlet temperature of fuel introduced to the fuel rail, said fuel temperature sensor comprising a thermocouple positioned in close proximity to fuel flowing through the inlet to the fuel rail, the thermocouple having a pair of electrical terminals extending therefrom through the end plug so that the ends of the terminals do not contact fuel in the inlet, the terminals surrounded by an electrical connector housing for mating with the electrical connector;
• (3) connection means for connecting the end plug to the fuel rail comprising a plug flange extending perpendicularly to an axis through the fuel inlet for fixable attachment to a rail flange on the fuel rail, and a core projecting from the plug flange sealably insertable into the first opening for locating and sealing the end plug therein;
• and
• wherein the fuel inlet, the flange, the core, and the electrical connector housing are a unitary component with the temperature tranducer insert molded therewith.