Abstract: A method of operating an engine including at least a cylinder and a valve controlled by an electric valve actuator is disclosed. In one example, a valve holding current is determined during movement of the valve. The method may be useful for determining individual holding currents for specific valve actuators.

Abstract: A method of transitioning a cylinder of an engine from a spark ignition mode to a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode, the cylinder having at least one electrically actuated intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, the method comprising of before a transition, operating the cylinder with at least some overlap between an opening event of the intake valve and an opening event of the exhaust valve in the spark ignition mode; in response to a transition request, operating the cylinder with at least some negative overlap between an opening event of the intake valve and an opening event of the exhaust valve, retarding the intake valve opening and closing timing by different amounts and retarding ignition timing; and further increasing negative overlap and performing the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of cylinder with at least an intake and exhaust valve and a piston are described. In one aspect, the method comprises maintaining at least one of the intake and exhaust valves in a closed position during a period. Further, closing the other of the intake and exhaust valves with the piston at a first position from, and then opening the other of the intake and exhaust valves at a second position of the piston closer to bottom center than said first position, during said period.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine including at least a cylinder and a valve controlled by an electric valve actuator, said actuator including at least a coil and an armature moveable thereto, said armature coupled to said valve, the method comprising of moving the armature toward the coil by varying an amount of current supplied to the coil in response to a location of the armature relative to the coil; identifying a first level of current supplied to the coil at a first position of the armature during said moving the armature toward the coil; and holding the armature at a second position relative to the coil by supplying a holding current to the coil, wherein said holding current is adjusted to be less than said first level of current.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine having at least one cylinder, said cylinder including at least one electric valve actuator, said actuator including at least a coil and an armature moveable thereto, the method comprising during a non-firing state of the cylinder: holding the armature of the actuator at a first position away from an equilibrium position by supplying a first amount of current to a first coil of the actuator; and reducing current supplied to the first coil from said first amount to a lower second amount to cause the armature to begin moving toward the equilibrium position; and during a subsequent firing state of the cylinder, varying an amount of holding current supplied to the first coil for holding the armature away from the equilibrium position based on at least said second amount of current.

Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid propulsion system of a vehicle, where the hybrid propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine and an alternate torque source configured to provide motive power to the vehicle. While the engine is turned off, initial cranking of the engine is performed to initiate an engine start. During initial cranking, a cylinder valve is operated in a startup timing mode so as to reduce pumping work required to move a piston during initial cranking. Subsequent to initial cranking, the valve is operated with a different timing than that employed during the startup timing mode.

Abstract: A method of transitioning a cylinder of an engine from a spark ignition mode to a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode, the cylinder having at least one electrically actuated intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, the method comprising of before a transition, operating the cylinder with at least some overlap between an opening event of the intake valve and an opening event of the exhaust valve in the spark ignition mode; in response to a transition request, operating the cylinder with at least some negative overlap between an opening event of the intake valve and an opening event of the exhaust valve, retarding the intake valve opening and closing timing by different amounts and retarding ignition timing; and further increasing negative overlap and performing the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode.

Abstract: A method for improving engine intake manifold pressure control of an internal combustion engine is described. According to one aspect of the description, the manifold pressure may be controlled to reduce fuel consumption and engine emissions during at least some operating conditions.

Abstract: A method for improving engine starting for an engine having a variable event valvetrain is described. According to one aspect of the description, valve timing is adjusted during a start to reduce engine emissions and fuel consumption.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid-electric vehicle having a controller, the engine having a plurality of cylinders, each with at least an intake and exhaust valve, each of which may be held in a position for a cycle of a cylinder, the method comprising of deactivating a plurality of cylinders in said engine in response to a signal from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle by mechanically deactivating valves in each cylinder of the engine, the deactivation in response to a request from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle and to reduce a number of operating valves in each cylinder of the engine.

Abstract: An electronically controlled valve actuator having a hydraulic lever in the form of a fluid filled chamber, is used to amplify the motion of a magnetic armature and thereby achieve a desired valve displacement with reduced effective travel of the armature, reduced transition time and power consumption while incorporating passive hydraulic lash adjustment in the hydraulic lever mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing to during the start of an internal combustion engine. Valves that may be deactivated are controlled in a manner to reduce hydrocarbon emissions during the start of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A system and method for operating at least an intake and exhaust valve in a cylinder with a piston of an engine in a vehicle are described. In one aspect, the method comprises maintaining at least one of the intake and exhaust valves in a closed position during a period. Further, during said period where said at least one valve is in said closed position, the method may also include opening the other of the intake and exhaust valve, then closing the other of the intake and exhaust valve, and then opening the other of the intake and exhaust valve.

Abstract: A method for improving engine intake manifold pressure control of an internal combustion engine is described. According to one aspect of the description, the manifold pressure may be controlled to reduce fuel consumption and engine emissions during at least some operating conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for determining valve degradation is presented. According to the method, valve timing can be adjusted in a number of ways to improve the possibility of detecting a degraded valve.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, armature levitation is strategically used during a cycle of a cylinder. The method can reduce fuel consumption and power supply requirements, at least under some conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, armature levitation position may be changed to accommodate varying rates of valve stem growth. The method may reduce valve noise during a wide range of engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and system to start an internal combustion engine from rest is disclosed. The engine has intake and exhaust valves in each cylinder in which actuation of such valves is independent of engine rotation. The engine also has a fuel injector and a spark plug disposed in each engine cylinder. The intake and exhaust valves are closed in one engine cylinder; fuel is sprayed into such cylinder; the spark plug is fired in such cylinder. Additionally, a second cylinder is identified in which the intake and exhaust valves are closed, fuel is sprayed, and a spark is fired prior to engine rotation.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of cylinder with at least an intake and exhaust valve and a piston are described. In one aspect, the method comprises maintaining at least one of the intake and exhaust valves in a closed position during a period. Further, closing the other of the intake and exhaust valves with the piston at a first position from, and then opening the other of the intake and exhaust valves at a second position of the piston closer to bottom center than said first position, during said period.

Abstract: An electronically controlled valve actuator having an armature, a valve, and a coupler for coupling the actuator to the valve with motion of the armature in a first direction moving the second piston in a second direction. The actuator includes an electromagnet, an armature disposed adjacent to the electromagnetic, and a fluid-containing chamber. The fluid-containing chamber includes a first piston providing a first wall portion of the chamber and a second piston providing a second wall portion of the chamber. The first piston is coupled to the armature and the second piston is coupled to a valve. Activation of the electromagnet moves the first piston in a first direction, such motion of the first piston in the first direction driving fluid in the chamber to move the second piston in an opposite direction.