Abstract: An apparatus for varying the phase of the camshaft in the combustion engine of a motor vehicle has an adjuster which is connected to the camshaft and is operable to adjust the phase of the camshaft prior and subsequent to starting of the engine. To this end, the adjuster is connected with a hydraulic drive system which can operate the adjuster while the engine is idle. Once the engine is started, the drive system receives pressurized fluid from the lubricating circuit of the engine. Prior to starting of the engine, the drive system receives pressurized fluid from a source other than the lubricating circuit or from a source which is provided in addition to the lubricating circuit. The other source is preferably the hydraulic circuit of the power steering system (such as a speed-sensitive power steering system) of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An operating device for an automated gear box having a shift gate with a selector slot, three or more shift slots intersecting the selector slot, and an actuator for actuating a gear or shifting shaft in shifting motions. The shifting shaft has a pin or shaft extending through the shift gate. A blocking device with one or more blocking elements moveable generally along the selector slot allows movement of the pin to an adjacent shift slot and shifting within the shift slot by the actuator while blocking further movement of the pin along the selector slot upon engaging a blocking element.