Abstract: A method and system for determination of a pressure of the pressurized fluid with the use of a diaphragm pump responsible for accumulating the pressurized fluid in the vessel. The pump has a pump cavity and a diaphragm with a piezoelectric element which is actuated by an application of a voltage to displace the diaphragm for pumping a fluid into the vessel. The method comprises the steps of:(a) deactivating the diaphragm by removal of the voltage to the piezoelectric element so as to stop pumping the fluid and accumulating the pressurized fluid into the vessel;(b) introducing the pressurized fluid only from the vessel back into the pump cavity so as to cause a displacement of the diaphragm by the pressurized fluid;(c) deriving an electrical signal indicative of the displacement of the diaphragm; and(d) translating the electrical signal into a corresponding pressure value indicative of the pressure of the pressurized fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: A level converter includes a first circuit which converts a first level of a signal into a second level which is higher than the first level, and a second circuit which causes a potential of a given node of the level converter to be defined rapidly when the level converter is in a state other than a normal state in which the first circuit converts the first level of the signal into the second level.

Abstract: In an engine block structure in a multi-cylinder engine in which a piston is incorporated from the side of a crank chamber into each of a plurality of cylinders disposed in series in a cylinder block, cylinder axes of the two adjacent cylinders are disposed to extend in such directions that they are gradually spaced apart from each other as proceeding from the side of a valve operating chamber toward the crank chamber as viewed from a direction of arrangement of the cylinders. Thus, a sufficient crankshaft bearing area can be ensured without bringing an increase in number of parts and an increase in size of the engine block.