Abstract: Disclosed is a method for suppressing a speed ripple occurring during an operation of an AC motor by using a torque compensator based on an activation function. The method includes the steps of calculating a speed error ?err based on a reference speed ?ref and an actual speed ?act; calculating a controller output Trm by using the speed error ?err as an input of a PI control and an operation of a compensated torque Tcom; and determining a torque variation based on the controller output Trm and a reference torque Tref and operating the torque variation in relation to an anti-windup gain Ka to use torque variation as an input of an integral (I) control. The method suppresses the speed ripple by compensating for the torque ripple through a controller which calculates the compensated torque by taking the signs of the speed error and the differential speed error into consideration.

Abstract: A method for producing aerated fuels that includes introducing a gas and a liquid fuel into a high shear device; and processing the gas and the liquid fuel in the high shear device at a shear rate of greater than about 20,000 s?1 to form an emulsion of aerated fuel comprising gas bubbles dispersed in the liquid fuel.

Abstract: One embodiment may include a bushing (100, 300) and a seal member (102, 104, 200, 302). The bushing may be located in a cavity (56) of a stationary body (46) of an engine breathing system valve (12). The bushing may be located around a moveable stem (48) of the engine breathing system valve in order to facilitate movement of the valve. The seal member may be located in the cavity and around the stem. The seal member may substantially prevent fluid-flow between an outer diametrical surface (76) of the stem and a confronting inner diametrical surface (120, 128, 202, 308) of the seal member.

Abstract: A secondary air supplying system of an internal combustion engine includes secondary air valve chambers to control the supply of secondary air. The secondary air valve chambers are formed in a cylinder-head cover that covers a cylinder head from above. In such a secondary air supplying system, a cam shaft and a rocker-arm shaft are offset from a cylinder axis L and are disposed at respective sides of the cylinder axis L from each other. In addition, the secondary air valve chambers are formed at the rocker-arm-shaft side of the cylinder axis L. With this configuration, it is possible for the secondary air valve chambers formed in the cylinder-head cover to be disposed as close as possible to a cylinder head, and the internal combustion engine can be made more compact in size.

Abstract: An injection plate assembly for an internal combustion engine that includes a manifold and carburetor or throttle body is provided for injection of a primary fuel and an accelerant into throttle bore(s) of the manifold. The injection plate assembly is adapted to be installed between the manifold and the carburetor. In order to equalize injection of both the primary fuel and the accelerant, the lower plate includes at least two fuel inlet ports that provide fuel at opposing sides of the lower plate. The upper plate includes at least two accelerant or additive inlet ports that provide accelerant to opposite sides of the upper plate, with the accelerant inlet ports being located on different sides of the injection plate assembly from the fuel inlet ports on the lower plate. To further improve flow of the accelerant to the injection gates in the upper plate, the runners in the upper plate define paths that have internal corners having a radius of 0.10 inches or greater.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine with a turbocharger in a vehicle. One example method comprises, under selected operating conditions, generating an oxidant rich component from engine intake air, storing the oxidant rich component, and during subsequent increased torque request, injecting an amount of the stored oxidant rich component to the engine.

Abstract: A trouble diagnosis device and method for an NOx sensor for determining abnormality of an NOx sensor used in an exhaust gas purification system. The device can perform a trouble diagnosis without forcedly creating a diagnosis mode during operation of an internal combustion engine and without deterioration of drivability or fuel consumption. The device detects the time-lapse variation of the exhaust NOx flow rate suitable for diagnosis in a normal operation mode and determines whether the NOx sensor responds with following this variation.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine with a turbocharger in a vehicle. One example method comprises, under selected operating conditions, generating an oxidant rich component from engine intake air, storing the oxidant rich component of the intake air, and, under subsequent cold start conditions, injecting an amount of the stored oxidant rich component to the engine.

Abstract: A plasma generating device for an internal combustion engine sets the generating-atmosphere pressure for generating plasma to the intake pressure, thereby achieving a reduction in the size, weight, and energy consumption of the plasma generating device and an improvement in combustibility. An internal combustion engine includes a throttle valve arranged in an intake passage having an intake opening that opens to a combustion chamber. An intake valve opens and closes the intake opening. A plasma generating device includes a plasma generator having a generating chamber for converting intake air into a plasma state to generate plasma. The plasma generating device supplies plasma to a downstream passage of the intake passage between the throttle valve and the intake valve. A gas control valve operates in conjunction with the throttle valve, and is arranged in an introduction passage between a clean chamber of the air cleaner chamber and a generating chamber.

Abstract: Method of operating an internal combustion engine, including, at least, compressing and cooling air outside an engine chamber, supplying cooled, pressurized air to an intake port associated with the chamber, and, during each engine cycle: opening the intake port, allowing cooled, pressurized air to flow through the intake port and into the chamber during at least a portion of the intake stroke; maintaining open the intake port during the portion of the intake stroke and beyond the end of the intake stroke and into the compression stroke and during a majority portion of the compression stroke; closing the intake port at a point during travel of the piston to capture in the chamber a cooled compressed charge of the cooled, pressurized air; controllably delivering fuel into the chamber after the cooled compressed charge is captured within the chamber; and igniting a fuel and air mixture within the chamber.

Abstract: In an intake system comprising a first intake passage (1) having an upstream end communicating with an intake duct (3) and a downstream end communicating with an intake port of an engine cylinder, a first intake control valve (6) provided in the first intake passage, a second intake passage (2) having an upstream end communicating with the intake duct and a downstream end communicating with the intake port of the engine cylinder, a second intake control valve (7) provided in the second intake passage, an accelerator pedal(ACL) and a control unit (100) for controlling opening angles of the first and second intake control valves, the second intake control valve is opened when the first intake control valve has opened to an effective opening angle and an intake air flow rate is required to be further increased.

Abstract: Systems and methods of operation for internal combustion engines which employ molecular sieve technology to provide enhanced oxygen content in the air-fuel mixture during operation.

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine receives no air from outside atmosphere and it discharges no gas into outside atmosphere. The engine receives fuel, oxygen and recycled combustion gas and its exhaust consists mostly of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Most of the gas exhausted from the engine is recycled back into the engine intake, and the remaining gas is cooled and condensed into liquid carbon dioxide and water. Discharge of greenhouse gas into environment and emission of other harmful air pollutants are eliminated.

Abstract: A nitrous oxide system for an internal combustion engine includes a bottle containing pressurized nitrous oxide coupled to a nitrous oxide flow line, which is in fluid communication with an injection nozzle operatively coupled to the engine intake. A control valve is fluidly coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line between the nitrous oxide bottle and the injection nozzle, and is operable to control the flow of nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line to the engine intake. A methanol injection line is in fluid communication with a source of supplemental methanol, and a methanol valve is fluidly coupled to the methanol injection line and operably coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line, such that a flow of pressurized nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line opens the methanol valve to allow a flow of supplemental methanol to the engine intake.

Abstract: A supercharged tube of the vehicle air intake structure includes a body including first and second channels radially provided on two side walls thereof respectively. The first and second channels communicate with each other, with the first and second channels serving to communicate with an air pipe system of a brake booster and an intake manifold individually. The body is axially provided with a third channel communicating with an exterior. The third channel receives a tubular member with two ends, with one end including a first filter and another end including a second filter. The first and second filters include first and second mesh layers formed on outer end surfaces thereof individually. The first and second mesh layers are axially mounted in plural first and second passages individually, with inner diameters of the first and second passages being gradually reduced from outside to inside of the first and second mesh layers.

Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting a fuel delivery system of vehicle having internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system allows delivery of nitrous oxide in a dense liquid form from a nitrous oxide bottle directly to each of the engine cylinders. A cooling unit is mounted between the nitrous oxide bottle and the engine so as to retain the nitrous oxide in a cold liquid condition. A nozzle assembly that introduces the nitrous oxide and engine fuel into a cylinder has a reduced size orifice, in the order of 0.01-0.05?.

Abstract: A fuel system for an automotive engine is provided that includes a catalytic reactor that is configured to partially oxidize a portion of hydrocarbons in a hydrocarbon based fuel to create a fuel that is more compression ignitable. Exhaust gas is diverted from the exhaust system of an automobile and mixed with a hydrocarbon fuel. The fuel/exhaust gas mixture is exposed to an oxidizing catalyst such that at least a portion of the hydrocarbon fuel is partially oxidized. The resultant fuel mixture is metered into a compression ignition engine for engine operation.

Abstract: A nitrous oxide system for an internal combustion engine includes a bottle containing pressurized nitrous oxide coupled to a nitrous oxide flow line, which is in fluid communication with an injection nozzle operatively coupled to the engine intake. A control valve is fluidly coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line between the nitrous oxide bottle and the injection nozzle, and is operable to control the flow of nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line to the engine intake. A supplemental fuel line in fluid communication with a secondary source of fuel with respect to the primary fuel line, and a supplemental fuel valve is fluidly coupled to the supplemental fuel line and operably coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line, such that a flow of pressurized nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line opens the supplemental fuel valve to allow a secondary flow of fuel to the engine intake.

Abstract: The present invention is a nitrous oxide and fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine and is used to increase horsepower for use such as in racing. It is mounted between the carburetor and the intake manifold having passages to allow the communication of the mixture from the carburetor to the intake manifold. The module supplies a center section that has two chambers one for fuel and one for nitrous oxide. The nitrous oxide and the fuel are feed to conduits exiting the module with the nitrous oxide conduit being inside of the fuel conduit. The feed conduits distal open ends is in or pointed at the intake runner form the nitrous oxide and fuel spray nozzle that will spray their mixture into the air and fuel mixture from the carburetor when the nitrous system is activated to give the increase in horsepower.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling an engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided. The method includes: selectively releasing stored air from an accumulator to a first cylinder of the plurality of cylinders; and controlling at least one of fuel and spark to a second cylinder of the plurality of cylinders during a compression stroke of the second cylinder, where the second cylinder is a next available cylinder to fire.

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine receives no air from outside atmosphere. Instead, combustion gas expelled from the engine is cooled and recycled back into the engine. That gas contains no nitrogen and consists mostly of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Oxygen and fuel are added to the recycled gas, and the resulting mixture is used to perform an internal-combustion cycle. Cooling that gas condenses its water vapor, and liquid water is separated from the gas. That water is used for injection into the recycled gas at a later time. A small amount of the expelled combustion gas is discharged into outside environment, and the rest is recycled. Water too is recycled back into the engine, and whatever is lost to outside environment is replaced by reclaiming water produced in combustion. No additional supply of water is needed. Since no nitrogen is present, no nitrogen oxides are produced. The amount of other harmful exhaust emissions is greatly reduced too, since most of them are recycled back into the engine.

Abstract: High performance, low emission engines, multiple cylinder engines and operating methods based on compression ignition of a combustion chamber charge. In accordance with the methods, fuel is injected into the combustion chamber after the exhaust valve closes, and air is injected into the combustion cylinder before the end of the compression stroke in an amount to limit the temperature after ignition to less than the temperature at which NOX forms. After ignition and during the power stroke, more air is injected into the combustion chamber to sustain combustion until all fuel is consumed, the air being injected so as to again limit the combustion temperatures to less than the temperature at which NOX forms. The air injected during the compression stroke is injected at substantially the same combustion chamber pressure as the air injected during the power stroke, so that air may efficiently be injected from the same pressurized source.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an apparatus, system and method for operating an oxygen-enriched ammonia-fueled spark ignition engine. According to one illustrative embodiment, a method for operating an oxygen-enriched ammonia-fueled spark ignition engine includes fueling the engine with a mixture of ammonia and auxiliary oxygen within a first engine load range between zero and an engine load associated with a target combustion condition selected from the group consisting of rough limit, MBT knock limit, and any of various conditions between the rough limit and MBT knock limit. Within the first engine load range, the amounts of ammonia and auxiliary oxygen consumed per cycle increase as the load increases. The method further includes fueling the engine on a mixture of ammonia, auxiliary oxygen, and air within a second engine load range between the engine loads associated with the selected target combustion condition and the maximum engine load.

Abstract: To detect a failure of a compressed air consumer circuit in a compressed air system for vehicles, pressure is continuously measured in compressed air consumer circuits and evaluated in an electronic control unit which compares the pressure values and/or determined negative pressure gradients of the compressed air consumer circuits with a respective threshold value and shuts off an air-consumer circuit if the pressure values and/or negative pressure gradients thereof satisfy a circuit-failure criterion. The circuit-failure criterion is satisfied when the pressure values and/or pressure gradients are below the respective threshold value for a time equal to or longer than the time of a dynamic pressure change or of a dynamic pressure collapse.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine with a turbocharger in a vehicle. One example method comprises, under selected operating conditions, generating an oxidant rich component from engine intake air, storing the oxidant rich component of the intake air, and, under subsequent cold start conditions, injecting an amount of the stored oxidant rich component to the engine.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine with a turbocharger in a vehicle. One example method comprises, under selected operating conditions, generating an oxidant rich component from engine intake air, storing the oxidant rich component, and during subsequent increased torque request, injecting an amount of the stored oxidant rich component to the engine.

Abstract: This apparatus equally divides an injection period TAU into three periods; i.e., front, intermediate, and rear periods, and assumes that first injection (mass Q(1)) corresponding to the “front period” is executed at one time at a fuel injection start timing, second injection (mass Q(2)) corresponding to the “intermediate period” is executed at one time when ? TAU has elapsed after the first injection, and third injection (mass Q(3)) corresponding to the “rear period” is executed at one time when ? TAU has elapsed after the second injection. A first gas mixture based on the first injection, a second gas mixture based on the second injection, and a third gas mixture based on the third injection are individually handled, and the excess air ratio of gas mixture, the state (temperature, etc.) of gas mixture, and the emission generation amounts in gas mixture are estimated for each gas mixture.

Abstract: An armature-stator structure (45) includes a stator (56) having a magnetic housing (57) of generally U-shaped cross-section. The housing includes an open end (58) in communication with an interior portion (60). A coil (94) is associated with the stator and to be energized to generate a magnetic field. An armature (46) has a generally ring-shaped base (48) and a generally rod-shaped stem portion (50) extending transversely from the base such that the base and stem portion define a generally T-shaped cross-section. The base is able to be received in the opened end of the housing with the stem portion extending into the interior portion. The armature moves with respect to the stator from a first position to a second position in response to the generated magnetic field. The stator and armature are configured such that a force on the armature decreases as a portion of the armature moves further into the interior portion of the body of the stator, towards the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, wherein the nitrogen content in an intake air flow (1) suctioned from the ambient air is reduced before delivering the air flow to at least one combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine (7) in order to produce a nitrogen-reduced combustion air flow whose oxygen content is higher than that of the suctioned air flow.

Abstract: To accurately supply idle air without influence of pulsative pressure generated within an intake passage, a lower end surface (21a2) of a bottom portion (21a) of an air control valve (21) is arranged in a contact manner via a closing member (1) toward a locking piece portion (2) fixed to an end portion of a shaft portion (20b) of a slider (20), an annular gap (S2) formed by an inner periphery (21a1) of the bottom portion (21a) and an outer periphery (20d) of the shaft portion (20b) is closed by the closing member (1) arranged in a contact manner on the lower end surface (21a2), and cuts off communication between a space portion (25), which is formed between a tube portion (21b) of the air control valve (21) and the shaft portion (20b), and a lower chamber (12g) of a valve body guide hole facing to the bottom portion (21a).

Abstract: A method for producing a purified, stable, compressible gas from an aqueous fluid. The gas is suitable for a variety of uses and may also be infused into water which itself is useful for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: To provide a two-stroke cycle combustion engine of an air scavenging type, in which not only can transit from the idling condition to the rapid accelerating condition take place smoothly, but the combustion engine can be smoothly started, there are provided scavenging passages (30, 31) for introducing an air/fuel mixture (M) and an air (A) into a combustion chamber (1a), a valve unit (51, 50) for adjusting the opening of each of an air passage (23) for supplying the air (A) to the scavenging passage (30) and an air/fuel mixture passage (24) for supplying the air/fuel mixture (M) to the scavenging passage (31), and an auxiliary air introducing passage (70) for introducing an auxiliary air to the air/fuel mixture passage (24) at a location downstream of the valve unit (51, 50) in the air/fuel mixture passage (24).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the torque of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, is described. The method and device includes compressing air from a charge air line or from a second air inlet by using the charge air compressor, storing the air compressed by the charge air compressor in a storage device, and blowing, in a timed manner, blow air which is stored as compressed air in a storage device into the cylinder through an inlet valve of the cylinder, thereby increasing the torque of the engine.

Abstract: A nitrous oxide system for an internal combustion engine includes a bottle containing pressurized nitrous oxide coupled to a nitrous oxide flow line, which is in fluid communication with an injection nozzle operatively coupled to the engine intake. A control valve is fluidly coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line between the nitrous oxide bottle and the injection nozzle, and is operable to control the flow of nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line to the engine intake. A methanol injection line is in fluid communication with a source of supplemental methanol, and a methanol valve is fluidly coupled to the methanol injection line and operably coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line, such that a flow of pressurized nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line opens the methanol valve to allow a flow of supplemental methanol to the engine intake.

Abstract: A progressive nitrous oxide system for an engine includes a nitrous oxide supply to supply a flow of nitrous oxide, a nitrous oxide valve operatively coupled to the nitrous oxide supply to open and close to start and stop the flow of nitrous oxide, a nitrous oxide nozzle operatively coupled to the nitrous oxide valve to supply the flow of nitrous oxide to the engine, and means operatively coupled between the valve and the nozzle for initially reducing the flow of nitrous oxide and progressively increasing the flow of nitrous oxide from a reduced amount to a greater amount over a time period. The means can include a valve member movable with respect to a flow channel by pressure of the flow of nitrous oxide, and a fluid reservoir including an orifice and configured to receive fluid displaceable through the orifice.

Abstract: A nitrous-oxide system for an engine includes a nozzle coupled to a nitrous-oxide bottle by a nitrous-oxide line. A nitrous-oxide valve is coupled to the nitrous-oxide line between the nitrous-oxide bottle and the nozzle. A control switch, operatively coupled to the nitrous-oxide valve. A pressure regulator, coupled to the nitrous-oxide line between the nitrous-oxide bottle and the nozzle, and is capable of regulating pressure of the nitrous-oxide to lower than 500 psi. The nozzle can be positioned adjacent a carburetor inlet to force nitrous-oxide into a carburetor throat.

Abstract: A nitrous-oxide system for an internal combustion engine includes a nitrous-oxide bottle containing nitrous-oxide coupled to a nitrous-oxide line. A nozzle can be coupled to the nitrous-oxide line, and operatively coupled to an engine intake. A pair of solenoids is operably coupled in series to the nitrous-oxide line between the nitrous-oxide bottle and the nozzle. The solenoids can be operable to control the flow of nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide line to an engine intake. A control switch is operatively coupled to the pair of solenoids to selectively activate at least one of the pair of solenoids to close the at least one solenoid and stop nitrous oxide from flowing through the nitrous oxide line.

Abstract: A nitrous oxide system for an internal combustion engine includes a bottle containing pressurized nitrous oxide coupled to a nitrous oxide flow line, which is in fluid communication with an injection nozzle operatively coupled to the engine intake. A control valve is fluidly coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line between the nitrous oxide bottle and the injection nozzle, and is operable to control the flow of nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line to the engine intake. A supplemental fuel line in fluid communication with a secondary source of fuel with respect to the primary fuel line, and a supplemental fuel valve is fluidly coupled to the supplemental fuel line and operably coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line, such that a flow of pressurized nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line opens the supplemental fuel valve to allow a secondary flow of fuel to the engine intake.

Abstract: A mechanism configured to interact with air, which has been sucked through a device that imparts turbulence to the air, causes a redistribution of components (e.g., oxygen and nitrogen) in the air so that when the air arrives at a location where the oxygen is to be consumed there is an enriched supply of oxygen available. The effects of a first stage of turbulence of the induced air is reduced, resulting in a higher density supply to the atomization point and to the combustion chamber, in the case of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An air cleaner is provided in an all terrain vehicle in order to improve the control performance for effecting optimal combustion in an engine by accurately measuring the temperature of air introduced into the engine. The air cleaner includes an air cleaner case disposed behind an engine, a throttle valve disposed between the engine and the air cleaner case, and connecting tube for connecting the air cleaner case and the throttle valve with each other. A temperature sensor is disposed in either a front or rear face of the air cleaner case. Optionally, the temperature sensor is disposed in the connecting tube.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for a secondary air charging system includes a seal sealing a gap between an intake opening of the secondary air charging system and a downstream surface of an air intake filter.

Abstract: Free heat from an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine or an electric heater supplies heat to a vaporizer. Gasoline is converted from fluid to vapor in the vaporizer and sent directly to the fuel injectors. Water fog may be added to the air intake manifold. One embodiment adds a catalyst to the vaporizer to convert gasoline to propane vapor. Fuel efficiency from 30 to 43 miles per gallon has been tested.

Abstract: In a V-type engine, throttle devices are disposed between front and rear cylinders disposed in a V-shape, and an air cleaner is disposed above the throttle device. A secondary air pipe is connected to a secondary air entrance portion formed in an outer peripheral wall surface of each of the cylinders. A secondary air on-off valve is disposed below the throttle device, and the secondary air on-off valve is provided so as to be substantially accommodated in a V-bank space between the cylinders. A secondary air inlet of the secondary air on-off valve is connected to the air cleaner by the secondary air source pipe extended upward, a secondary air pipe for each cylinder is connected to the secondary air outlet for each cylinder, and the secondary air outlet for each cylinder is formed in the secondary air on-off valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic module designed to use the locomotive engine's speed sensors to detect such changes in engine speed (rpm), as required by the locomotive operator moving the throttle notch handle. Once a speed change is detected, the module commands an air valve on each of the locomotive's main air reservoir tanks, (designed to handle the normal operating main reservoir air pressure), to open and allow them to discharge into the engine's intake manifolds located on both sides of the diesel engine.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for powering a vehicle. The systems and methods provide techniques for agitating fuel stored in a fuel storage tank and then combusting that fuel to power a vehicle.

Abstract: A system of an internal combustion engine which is induced by an air flow amplifier via a turbine and centrifugal compressor, one side of which is mechanically and pneumatically connected to the turbine and the other side with an air intake of the internal combustion engine. The operation of the engine induction system can be enhanced by using an intercooler that supplies a cooled primary flow of compressed air to the air amplifier. The use of the engine induction system without a turbocharger and, hence, without hot exhaust gases, makes it possible to utilize light magnesium alloys for parts of the turbine and compressor and thus to reduce the weight of the system as a whole.

Abstract: An ejector system controls the idle speed of an internal combustion engine by controlling an electric throttle valve system that adjusts the flow-rate of the intake air to be supplied to the internal combustion engine, and includes an ejector which generates a negative pressure of which the absolute value is larger than the absolute value of a negative pressure to be introduced from an intake manifold, a vacuum control valve which causes the ejector to operate or causes the ejector to stop operating, and an ECU that controls the vacuum switching valve. With the ejector system, even if the ejector is caused to operate or caused to stop operating, it is possible to appropriately suppress fluctuations in the idle speed, and appropriately obtain a negative pressure.

Abstract: In one example, a system for an engine having an intake system and an exhaust system is described. The system comprises: an airflow sensor coupled to the intake system; an air pump having at least an inlet side and an outlet side, said inlet side having a first coupling to the intake system downstream of said airflow sensor, said outlet side having a second coupling to the exhaust system; and a controller coupled to the engine, said controller, during operation, identifying whether degradation has occurred to at least one of said first and second couplings, and providing an indication of said identified degradation. Various other examples are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicular ejector system having an ejector that generates a negative pressure that is greater than the intake manifold negative pressure that is to be extracted from an intake manifold, a VSV that causes the ejector to function or stop functioning, and an ECU that controls the VSV. The ECU includes a control device that controls the VSV so as to cause the ejector to function if an ISC request amount for controlling, during idling, a throttle valve that adjusts the intake air flow amount supplied to the internal combustion engine is greater than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving vehicle efficiency mainly includes a vehicle engine and an oxygen producing device. The oxygen producing device is located on an intake passage between an air filter and an intake manifold to increase oxygen content in the air. When the air enters the air intake passage and passes through the air filter, the air and pure oxygen are drawn into the engine through the intake manifold. Hence combustion in the engine is proceeded more efficiently due to increase of oxygen content. And the engine has a higher transformation effect to boost horsepower. Fuel-saving effect of the engine also improves. And exhaust gas can be discharged more eco-friendly to reduce air pollution.