Abstract: A method for error detection and error correction in the monitoring of measurement values is disclosed, in which the value to be tested is checked for plausibility in an evaluation device, for example a computer, and in the event that an implausibility is identified, the existence of an error is determined. If a further check finds that the error no longer exists, then an error correction takes place. A prerequisite for the error correction, however, is that the range of the value to be monitored in which the error has occurred is also the range in which a current error is no longer occurring. In an expanded method, a differentiation is also made between different errors and an error correction is only possible if it involves the same type of error.

Abstract: A method for knock control of an internal combustion engine, in which values are provided by an adaptive characteristics map for retarding an ignition angle is proposed, the values of the adaptive characteristics map being assigned to at least one operating parameter. Upon occurrence of a dynamic in the at least one operating parameter, a characteristics map value (wkra) is read from the adaptive characteristics map as a function of the instantaneous value of the at least one operating parameter. In this context, a previous value for the ignition angle adjustment (wkr(old)) is only replaced by the characteristics map value (wkra) when the amount of the difference between the previous value for the ignition angle adjustment (wkr(old)) and the characteristics map value (wkra) is less than a predefinable ignition angle difference (KRDWAA) (|wkr(old)−wkra|<KRDWAA).

Abstract: In the apparatus for controlling a coasting air recirculation valve of the turbocharger of an internal combustion engine, the coasting air recirculation valve is arranged in the coasting air recirculation line bypassing a compressor in the intake duct, and the coasting air recirculation valve is controllable by way of the intake duct pressure on the downstream side of the throttle valve. In order to ensure defined opening and closing of the coasting air recirculation valve, an additional control pressure, with which the coasting air recirculation valve can be opened independently of the intake duct pressure, can be delivered to the coasting air recirculation valve.

Abstract: A device for suppressing knocks in internal combustion engines, in which the ignition firing point is adjusted after knocking has occurred, and this knock control is only activated in response to specifiable thermal conditions in the internal combustion engine. The gas-inlet temperature in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine is ascertained for the valuation of the thermal conditions of the internal combustion engine and for switching the knock control into the active state.

Abstract: A wafer marking is disclosed, which is represented by a large number of soft marks incorporated into a surface of a wafer. The soft marks each have a depth of at least 4 &mgr;m, an internal diameter of at least 50 &mgr;m and, in a particularly advantageous manner, a minimum gradient their surface of 0.2. These depressions can be proded, using appropriate technology, with depths of up to &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and error detection in a device for knock detection is disclosed, in which two different diagnosis functions can be carried out in an alternating fashion. If one of the diagnosis functions gives rise to the suspicion of an error or an error correction, this diagnosis function is carried out again in order to confirm the suspicion before the other diagnosis function is carried out, wherein the renewed diagnosis is carried out at a shorter interval than usual.

Abstract: To achieve a very sturdy automatic control of the boost pressure, the integration of system deviation of the boost pressure, which is carried out by an integrator, is limited to a predefinable limiting value. Limiting value is composed of a basic value and a correction value superimposed upon it. Correction value is determined adaptively as a function of speed, a plurality of speed ranges being predefined. Adapted correction value can be increased or reduced stepwise, which mainly depends on whether the integral-action component of the manipulated variable for the boost pressure is smaller or greater than the current limiting value.

Abstract: A method for determining the ignition point in ignition systems for internal combustion engines, having integrated knock control, a basic ignition point being determined on the basis of measured operating parameters using a stored characteristic map. The knock control, after engine knock has occurred, determines a knock control ignition point, which is more retarded than the basic ignition point, the knock control ignition point, in response to knock-free combustions, being altered step-by-step so as to be more advanced. Furthermore, a torque interface is integrated, which on the basis of the operating parameters and/or the demands placed by the driver, determines a torque-optimized ignition point, and the knock control ignition point being the most advanced permissible ignition point which is issued by the control unit.

Abstract: A process for reducing pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides from combustion gases during a combustion process that takes place while oxygen is supplied, includes providing oxygen needed for the combustion process by separating oxygen from a gas mixture containing oxygen and nitrogen in a two-step process including (a) enriching the gas mixture with oxygen in a first step to provide an enriched gas mixture; and (b) separating oxygen out of the enriched gas mixture in a second step, wherein, during at least one step oxygen depleted gas mixture is removed via an outlet provided with permeability means that cause the outlet to have a higher permeability for nitrogen than oxygen.

Abstract: Method of knock control in multicylinder internal combustion engines, with one knock sensor being provided for a group of cylinders, and with a control unit determining and outputting the control quantities for the ignition of the individual cylinders on a selective basis for the cylinders. At least one cylinder, preferably the cylinder(s) sensed best by the knock sensor, is/are selected as the lead cylinder. A knocking event in a lead cylinder causes a retard in the firing for all cylinders of the group, while a knocking event in one of the other cylinders causes a retard in only this one cylinder.