Abstract: An inner deckle for a die includes a shaft-shaped deckle main body and a sheet- or film-shaped deckle auxiliary portion extending from the deckle main body. The inner deckle is arranged at each end of a die. The die includes a die piece and is formed with a manifold and a slit. The deckle main body includes a seal reinforcing portion. A liquid material is supplied into the manifold. The seal reinforcing portion includes at least one sealing member having two or more films. The films slide and are simultaneously elastically deformed against an inner wall of the manifold when a position of the inner deckle is moved with respect to the die. The films cooperate with each other and are closely attached to the inner wall by an elastic restoring force when the position of the inner deckle is fixed with respect to the die.

Abstract: An exemplary self-cleaning glue dispensing system includes a support, a dispensing device, a driving device and a number of cleaning devices. The support receives lens modules ready to receive glue. The cleaning devices are located on the support. The dispensing device includes a container and a dispensing needle to output the glue. The driving device manipulates the dispensing device to dispense glue into the lens modules and after a preset number of glue dispensations, the driving device moves the dispensing device into the cleaning device to clean off any residual glue.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying liquid onto web material (12), the apparatus including a transport system (10) for the web material, a slot nozzle (20) extending across the web material (12) and arranged for applying the liquid onto the web material, and at least one guide shaft (26) that extends in parallel with the slot nozzle and is arranged such that it guides the web material (12) closely past the slot nozzle (20), wherein the guide shaft (26) is configured as a tube and connected to a fluid source (30).

Abstract: A scanning laser having a wavelength compatible with a coating binder so as to cure it as the laser scans and irradiates the coating on a moving web. A system and method for curing flakes by providing a scanning laser which scans across a moving coated substrate in a magnetic field allows images to be formed as magnetically aligned flakes are cured into a fixed position. The images have regions of cured aligned flakes. The scanning laser cures the magnetically aligned flakes within it region it irradiates. Alternatively an array of lasers can be used wherein individual lasers can be switched on and off to fix irradiated coating as a moving web is moved at a high speed.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for applying a film to a substrate is provided. The coating apparatus includes a coating chamber, a filament fixture having a filament array, a tensioning device to maintain tension on the filament array to maintain filaments in a planar array during the application or removal of current or heat to the filaments, and a movable stage arranged to hold the substrate to be treated in the coating apparatus in proximity to the filament array so as to maintain a constant thermal gradient across the substrates being treated in the apparatus. An apparatus for applying nanocrystalline diamond to a substrate is also provided.

Abstract: Methods for deposition of elemental metal films on surfaces using metal coordination complexes comprising nitrogen-containing ligands are provided. Also provided are nitrogen-containing ligands useful in the methods of the invention and metal coordination complexes comprising these ligands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vapor deposition method and a vapor deposition system of film formation systems by which EL materials can be used more efficiently and EL materials having superior uniformity with high throughput rate are formed. According to the present invention, inside a film formation chamber, an evaporation source holder in a rectangular shape in which a plurality of containers sealing evaporation material is moved at a certain pitch to a substrate and the evaporation material is vapor deposited on the substrate. Further, a longitudinal direction of an evaporation source holder in a rectangular shape may be oblique to one side of a substrate, while the evaporation source holder is being moved. Furthermore, it is preferable that a movement direction of an evaporation source holder during vapor deposition be different from a scanning direction of a laser beam while a TPT is formed.

Abstract: A plasma processing device including a stage for holding a substrate, a processing vessel, a first supply unit, a masking portion, a dielectric member, a microwave introduction unit, and a second supply unit. The first supply unit supplies a first process gas for layer deposition to the processing space. The masking portion is electrically conductive and has a first surface facing the processing space, a second surface at an opposite side, and one or more through holes extending from the first surface to the second surface. The dielectric member is in contact with the second surface of the masking portion, and is formed with one or more cavities connected to the one or more through holes. The microwave introduction unit introduces microwaves to the dielectric member. The second supply unit supplies a second process gas for plasma processing into the cavities of the dielectric member.

Abstract: A gas isolation chamber comprises a vacuum chamber, a first body module, a second body module and a first temperature modulator. The vacuum chamber comprises a first chamber part, a second chamber part and at least one first gas valve unit. The first body module is disposed on the inner wall of the first chamber part and has a first gas hole corresponding to the position of the first gas valve unit. The first gas hole is connected to the first gas valve unit. The second body module is disposed on the inner wall of the second chamber part such that a slit channel can be formed between the second and the first body modules. The first temperature modulator is disposed in the first body module. The gas isolation chamber is further combined with the vacuum film process chambers to form a plasma deposition apparatus for proceeding continuous deposition process.

Abstract: A substrate processing chamber component including a deposition ring for protecting exposed portions of a substrate support pedestal, wherein the deposition ring includes a metal portion and a ceramic isolator portion. The ceramic isolator portion may be a plasma coated ceramic isolator coating, and the metal portion may be made of stainless steel. The ceramic isolator portion may be made of a ceramic such as alumina, yttria, aluminum nitride, titania, zirconia, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ion implantation machine comprising: an enclosure ENV that is connected to a pump device VAC; a negatively polarized HT substrate-carrier PPS that is arranged inside said enclosure ENV; and a plasma feed device AP in the form of a generally cylindrical body extending between an initial section and a terminal section, the device having a main chamber PR provided with an ionization cell BC1, ANT1; said main chamber PR being provided with a gas delivery orifice ING; and the final section CL of said main chamber being provided with head-loss means for creating a pressure drop relative to said body AP. Furthermore, said plasma feed device AP also includes an auxiliary chamber AUX arranged beyond said final section, said auxiliary chamber opening out into said enclosure ENV at said terminal section.

Abstract: A first device is provided. The first device includes a print head, and a first gas source hermetically sealed to the print head. The print head further includes a first layer further comprising a plurality of apertures, each aperture having a smallest dimension of 0.5 to 500 microns. A second layer is bonded to the first layer. The second layer includes a first via in fluid communication with the first gas source and at least one of the apertures. The second layer is made of an insulating material.

Abstract: A wafer carrier comprises a supporting body having a height and comprising an opening, wherein a bottom surface of the opening is a curved surface; and a plurality of supporting rods formed around a periphery of the supporting body. Another aspect of the present application provides a manufacturing method of the wafer carrier. The method comprises forming an epitaxial layer on a growth substrate to form a wafer structure; measuring a curvature radius of the wafer structure; and providing the wafer carrier described above in accordance with the curvature radius of the wafer structure.

Abstract: Described is a fluidic consumable dispensing device for reliably and consistently dispensing uniform animal consumables. More specifically, the device dispenses animal consumables having the viscosity of a fluid such that the consumables are not broken or malformed and do not become oriented within the device such that they clog the flow of consumables from the device.

Abstract: A recirculating pet fountain has a cover anchored in a basin by attachment to a pump mounted to the basin. The cover includes a spillway having opposite side edges slidably conforming to the inner surface of opposite adjacent sides of a basin sidewall helping locate the cover during assembly preventing side-to-side cover movement after assembly. The spillway rests on a bottom of the basin and has a bottom edge spaced from the bottom defining an intake leading to the pump. The cover can include a support spaced from the spillway configured to hold a filter with the support resting on the basin bottom. A cord anchor can be integrally formed in the basin sidewall to hold part of a pump power cord in a manner enabling the cover to rest thereon. Such a fountain assembly enables the cover to be anchored within the basin without interlockingly engaging the basin.

Abstract: A portable, fully-disposable, pet toilet is comprised of a receptacle whose cavity is fitted with living grass, living sod (including washed or soil-free sod), or a grass-seed medium. The unit has a fitted, removable cover or fold-back lid to enable the convenient shipping and disposal of the unit in its entirety. The pet toilet is used by the pet for a set period of time, at which point it is completely disposed of and replaced with a new one.

Abstract: An aquarium with wireless power transmission devices, comprising a tank body; a pump which is a wireless power transmission device driven by electrical power, and including an inlet and an outlet; a receiver; and a transmitter including a power source, a resonance transmission driving circuit and a transmitting circuit; wherein the resonance transmission driving circuit converts an electrical power supplied by the power source into an resonating energy; the receiver is disposed within the aquarium and electrically interconnected to the pump, the receiver collects the resonating energy, and the receiver further transfers the resonating energy to the pump; and the fluid worked by the pump enters the pump from the inlet and discharged from the outlet of the pump.

Abstract: A universal, robust, cost effective, portable kennel and pet safety enclosure for use in vehicles which distributes deceleration forces across as large an area of the pet's body as possible and gently arrests the forward motion of a pet to protect them from bodily harm in the event of a sudden vehicle deceleration event and which may also be used outside of vehicles as a portable kennel. The enclosure also protects the vehicle interior from smells, stains, or scratching caused by a pet.

Abstract: A rotary shedding blade drill attachment includes a plurality of shedding blades disposed between plates rotatable by a shaft. The rotary shedding blade drill attachment includes a plurality of shedding blades that can turn by mechanical power, such as by a cordless drill. Unlike conventional shedding blades, which includes a single blade, or a single blade in a loop, powered through manual labor, the rotary shedding blade drill attachment includes a plurality of shedding blades whose movement is powered through mechanical assistance, thus saving the user time and labor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an area animal authorization system and method for allowing in designated areas only certified animals having indicators that correspond with certain behavioral characteristics and/or training proficiency. The method includes the steps of providing at least one signage at an area, wherein the signage has a signage indicator. Assessing the animal for behavioral characteristics and/or training proficiency. A requestor will then request an animal indicator from an entity, and then the entity will issue an animal indicator based on the animal's assessment. Thereafter, the animal is authorized to access the area if the signage indicator corresponds with the animal indicator issued to the animal. The animal indicator can be a tag; an element attached to a tag; a color; a leash; or an information card, and can be partially or entirely colored.

Abstract: Vapor wake detection is a highly advantageous method and system for detecting explosives and other illicit substances. With vapor wake detection, a canine and a handler are used; however, unlike other detection schemes, the canine leads the handler. After the handler positions the canine in a desired location, the canine detects scents in the air that come to the canine. When the canine detects a trained scent, the canine leads the handler to or follows behind the carrier of the item with the scent. Once the carrier is identified by the handler, the proper personnel are contacted. To implement vapor wake detection effectively, specific rigorous training is utilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet care apparatus. Specifically, the invention relates to a suspender-like apparatus that is used securely hold a pet diaper on a pet.

Abstract: Blowdown of a pressurised steam boiler heated by a burner 1 and including a blowdown flow control valve 17 is controlled by opening the control valve in response to receiving a control signal from a control unit 20 to allow water to leave the boiler. The control unit receives one or more signals indicative of the steam production rate of the boiler and adjusts the amount of blowdown in dependence upon the aggregate steam production.

Abstract: A device that injects hydrogen gas into an engine's air intake or intake manifold that is demand controlled by the vehicle's throttle linkage in an approximately linear manner. When the throttle is depressed, hydrogen generation can start or increase, and when the throttle is released, hydrogen generation can stop of decrease. The device of the present invention uses the vehicle's own vacuum to control the production of hydrogen by forcing a liquid to rise in a chamber and into contact with metal in response to increasing vacuum thus producing an increasing amount of hydrogen gas with increasing throttle depression.

Abstract: A sensor assembly, which may be part of an engine cooling system, senses a condition within an enclosed volume. The sensor assembly includes a mounting structure projecting from a wall of the enclosed volume. The mounting structure includes an opening extending from an exterior of the mounting structure towards the wall and at least one channel extending along an exterior of the mounting structure. The sensor assembly further includes a connector having a sensing portion for sensing the condition within the enclosed volume. A seal seals the enclosed volume at the extension of the connector through the opening. A retaining device has at least one attachment structure that is insertable into the at least one channel. The attachment structure engages the connector such that the connector is non-removable from the mounting structure. An associated method provides the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A control method and apparatus for a variable engine valve operating control mechanisms which move the engine valves to a safe lift/timing position with respect to a piston to minimize the potential for valve to piston contact during valve surge. At least one engine operating conditions is selected and provided with a threshold triggering a control to move the valves to a safe position in a calibrated, predictive manner in advance of any potential valve to piston contact. The control method and apparatus can be integrated into the existing engine control and variable valve operating control mechanism.

Abstract: A pressure pulse generator includes a cylinder (2), a body (9) connected to the cylinder (2), a first channel (15) extending from the cylinder (2) to a pressure sink LP, a pressure fluid circuit having a second channel (4) extending to the cylinder (2) from a pressure source HP, an actuator piston (3) being displaceable arranged, a controllable first valve body (5) arranged in the second channel (4) to open or close a pressure fluid flow in the second channel (4), an electro element (7) to control the valve body (5), a second valve body (8) arranged at or to the second channel (4) for opening or closing of the channel (4). The second valve body (8) is an element rigidly connected to the actuator piston (3).

Abstract: A valve timing control having a stator body constructed of a plastic material. The stator body has an annular side wall and a front plate which, together, define a plurality of annularly spaced internal cavities within the stator body. A rotor having a plurality of vanes is positioned within the stator body so that one vane is positioned within each cavity. The rotor is movable relative to the stator body between a first and second rotational position. A plurality of threaded metal inserts are embedded within the stator body and used to attach a metal sprocket to the stator body at a position opposed to the front plate. Two of these inserts also receive the impact load from the rotor.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes: a first passage which is formed in the vane rotor, which extends in the radial direction at a position apart from the first lock member and the second lock member in the circumferential direction, which includes an opening portion located in an outer end portion of the first passage, and which receives a hydraulic pressure different from a hydraulic pressure within the advance angle hydraulic chambers and a hydraulic pressure within the retard angle hydraulic chambers; a second passage which is connected to the first passage and hydraulic pressure receiving portions of the first lock member and the second lock member; and a seal member which is press-fit in the opening portion of the outer end portion of the first passage.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine valve drive device having at least one switch gate for valve lift switching by converting a rotation of at least a first and a second cam element into an axial movement by first and second actuators provided for axially displacing the first cam element and the second cam element in a first switching direction via an operative connection of the first actuator with the switch gate and the second actuator provided for axially displacing the second cam element in the same switching direction via an operative connection with the switch gate, the device including a control unit controlling the axial displacement of the first and second cam elements in the same switching direction under the control unit by actuating the first and second actuators at the same time.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a working cylinder with two intake valves and two exhaust valves assigned thereto. A first camshaft and a second camshaft each actuate a respective one of the intake valves and a respective one of the exhaust valves. The first camshaft is a variable camshaft with an adjuster for adjusting valve control times and includes an outer shaft, which is a hollow shaft, and an inner shaft, which is disposed within the outer shaft. The outer shaft as well as the inner shaft are rotatable by the adjuster and are rotatable relative to one another by the adjuster such that relative positions of given cams controlling given ones of the intake and exhaust valves are changeable. The second camshaft is driven by a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and is configured as a fixed camshaft.

Abstract: A sliding cam arrangement for the variable actuation of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, having a camshaft which has toothing regions with an external toothing, wherein the toothing regions mesh in each case with an internal toothing of a cam carrier, wherein the ratio of base circle radius R2 of the cam carrier to tip circle radius R1 of the toothing of the camshaft satisfies the following criteria: R2/R1<1.55.

Abstract: An arrangement of a camshaft phaser (1) which allows a variable pressure boost in that a rotary piston (7) of the camshaft phaser (1) either creates or eliminates a fluid connection between a first pair of working chambers and a second pair of working chambers arranged in the axial direction (23).

Abstract: A valve drive arrangement for actuating gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine having a camshaft, on which first and second cam carriers are arranged on first and second contact regions in a non-positive and/or positively locking manner, the first cam carrier having at least one cam for actuating a gas exchange valve and the second cam carrier having at least one cam for actuating an ancillary unit, the first contact region being configured with regard to the geometric dimensions differently in relation to the second contact region in such a way that the second cam carrier can be mounted, without being impeded by the contact regions for the first cam carrier.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may provide a camshaft having a central oil passage and a radial passage to supply oil from the central passage to a bearing surface. The camshaft may include a filter disposed within the central passage which may allow oil to pass through the radial passage to the bearing surface, and which may prevent particles larger than a predetermined size to pass to the bearing surface.

Abstract: An engine starting system for an engine is equipped with a pinion, an electromagnetic actuator, and a controller. When energized, the electromagnetic actuator produces a magnetic attraction to move the pinion straight toward a ring gear coupled to an engine for starting the engine. The controller is designed to selectively provide a small amount of current to the electromagnetic actuator and a large amount of current to the electromagnetic actuator. When it is required to minimize the level of noise arising from mechanical contact of the pinion with the ring gear, the controller provides the small amount of current to the electromagnetic actuator to slow the movement of the pinion toward the ring gear, thereby lessening the impact of the pinion on the ring gear.

Abstract: The accuracy in controlling the heating temperature of a glow plug and the reliability of the control operation are improved. An electronic control unit 101 is configured such that a standard applied voltage for glow plugs 50-1 to 50-n is set according to the engine speed and the load conditions of the engine. In addition, a correction coefficient set in advance according to the temperature classification of the mounted glow plugs 50-1 to 50-n is readably stored in the electronic control unit 101 as a correction coefficient map. By multiplying the standard applied voltage by a correction coefficient K read from the correction coefficient map and applying a voltage of the multiplication result to the glow plugs 50-1 to 50-n as a driving voltage through the power circuit 102 to perform driving control, stable and reliable heating temperature control can be realized regardless of variations in the heating temperature characteristics.

Abstract: An air-balanced engine assembly is configured to operate efficiently while producing a reduced level of harmful emissions. The engine assembly includes a two-stroke internal combustion engine with multiple power cylinders and intake and exhaust manifolds that fluidly communicate with the cylinders. The engine assembly also includes an air balancing assembly with valves that control intake air flow from the intake manifold to the cylinders. The valves cooperate to balance intake air flow among the cylinders and are configured to substantially equalize trapped equivalence ratios among the cylinders.

Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine switchable between operating modes of different performance capability, and a torsional vibration damping arrangement that comprises a primary side preferably coupled to a crankshaft and a secondary side rotatable with respect to the primary side against the action of a damper element arrangement. The damper element arrangement has a stiffness which increases as the load torque to be transmitted increases, and the primary side and the secondary side are in a limiting relative rotational position with respect to one another during transmission of a maximum torque which can be delivered in an operating mode with lower performance capability at a maximum torque rotational speed, and the damper element arrangement provides a limiting stiffness in the limiting relative rotational position such that a natural frequency of the torsional vibration damping arrangement is below the maximum torque speed.

Abstract: The present invention has the objective of solving the problems encountered in coating engine components (engine blocks or sleeves, either fixed or movable) having at least one cylindrical cavity and composed mainly by iron or aluminum, providing them with a coating (3) that is subdivided into three different layers, which are deposited onto the metallic substrate (1), which are first sub-layer (21) comprising at least 80% silicon deposited onto the substrate (1) with the function of providing interface with good adhesion between the substrate (1) and the subsequent sub-layers, which contain hydrogenated amorphous carbon, second sub-layer (22) of transition comprising a percentage of silicon and of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H:Si) and, finally, on the working surface, third sub-layer (23) having a pure composition of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H), wherein such coating (3) is generated by the hollow cathode effect (HCE) by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD).

Abstract: A cylinder comprises a cylinder axis, a cylindrical wall, and an exhaust port defined in the wall. At least one central transfer port and at least two side transfer ports are defined in the wall. Each of the at least one central transfer port and each of the at least two side transfer ports has a transfer channel extending therefrom. For each of the at least one central transfer port, an angle about the cylinder axis between a center of the central transfer port and a center of the exhaust port is greater than 135° and less than or equal to 180°. For each of the at least two side transfer ports, an angle about the cylinder axis between a center of the side transfer port and the center of the exhaust port is less than or equal to 135°. Engines and cylinder blocks are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder liner (30, 130) for a cylinder crankcase (11, 12; 111, 112) of an internal combustion engine, characterized in that at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface (34, 134) of the cylinder liner (30, 130) is surrounded by a sleeve (35, 235) that is produced of a metal material. The present invention further relates to a structural unit (10, 110) that consists of at least one such cylinder liner (30, 130) and a cylinder crankcase (11, 12; 111, 112).

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine includes an outer housing and an inner housing defining an enclosure therebetween, and first and second side housings disposed on opposite sides of the outer housing. At least one of the outer and inner housings is rotatable relative to the other and at least two barriers are disposed in the enclosure and divide the enclosure into a combustion chamber and an exhaust chamber. At least one barrier is rotatable relative to at least one other barrier and at least one barrier comprises a retractable barrier mounted along a pivot axis and is pivotable between an extended position and a retracted position. An intake port, exhaust port, and ignition source are also provided. The rotary internal combustion engine further includes an intake opening formed in one of the side housings. The intake opening is intermittently fluidly communicating with the combustion chamber through the intake port.

Abstract: A control system in a gas engine includes a water injection means which injects water toward an interior of a cylinder in the gas engine; a water injection control means which controls the water injection section; and a knocking occurrence ratio measuring means which measures a measurement value of a knocking occurrence ratio in the cylinder. The water injection control means controls the water injection means to set the amount of the water injected toward the interior of the cylinder, based on a deviation between the measurement value and a target value.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of a pre-chamber unit having a pre-combustion chamber including one or more induction ports in a configuration which achieves flow fields and flow field forces inside the pre-combustion chamber which act to direct flame growth away quenching surface of the pre-combustion chamber.

Abstract: The application describes a system for an engine comprising a direct injection nozzle for injecting gaseous fuel into a cylinder of an engine in a second operating mode; an intake injection nozzle for injecting liquid fuel into an intake port of the engine in a first operating mode; and a valve gear suitable to adjust timing of opening and closing of an inlet valve. Preferential injection of a gaseous fuel such as compressed natural gas directly into the cylinder increases efficiency and allows for reduced heat exposure to the lesser used liquid gas injectors mounted in the intake port, reducing coking of these injectors.

Abstract: A compression ignition engine uses two or more fuel charges having two or more reactivities to control the timing and duration of combustion. In a preferred implementation, a lower-reactivity fuel charge is injected or otherwise introduced into the combustion chamber, preferably sufficiently early that it becomes at least substantially homogeneously dispersed within the chamber before a subsequent injection is made. One or more subsequent injections of higher-reactivity fuel charges are then made, and these preferably distribute the higher-reactivity matter within the lower-reactivity chamber space such that combustion begins in the higher-reactivity regions, and with the lower-reactivity regions following thereafter.

Abstract: Embodiments of injectors configured for adaptively injecting multiple different fuels and coolants into a combustion chamber, and for igniting the different fuels, are disclosed herein. An injector according to one embodiment includes a body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The injector further includes a first flow channel extending through the body, and a second flow channel extending through the body that is separate from the first flow channel and electrically isolated from the first flow channel. The first flow channel is configured to receive a first fuel, and the second flow channel is configured to receive at least one of a second fuel and a coolant. The injector further comprises a valve carried by the body that is movable between a closed position and an open position to introduce at least one of the second fuel and the coolant into a combustion chamber.

Abstract: Multi-cylinder internal combustion engine using exhaust gases to increase cylinder filling comprises cylinders (10) with pistons (2), a head (1) with lifting valves (7) and a crankshaft mechanism (3) and is provided with two cylinders (10) with mutually shifted four-stroke cycle and/or is provided with three cylinders (10) with mutually shifted four-stroke cycle and in the head (1) of each cylinder (10) there is at least one intake port (5) interconnected with at least one exhaust port (6) and at least one lifting valve (7), while the intake port (5) is provided with at least one valve (8) and an exhaust branch (9) is connected to the exhaust port (6) and simultaneously exhaust branches (9) of two cylinders (10) with mutually shifted cycle are farther joined in a joint (11) into one cross-section and/or exhaust branches (9) of three cylinders (10) with mutually shifted cycle are farther joined in another joint into one cross-section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for starting an internal combustion engine (1), particularly a stationary gas engine, which is driven by at least one starter motor (2). The starting process is interrupted once the starter motor (2) has been started if the angular acceleration (a) of the internal combustion engine (1) remains below a predefinable acceleration value and/or if, within a predefinable first time period (tA), the actual rotational speed (n) remains below a predefinable first rotational speed threshold value (nA) and/or if, within a predefinable second time period, the average rotational speed of the internal combustion engine (1) remains below a predefinable second rotational speed threshold value.