Abstract: A bearing shell for a crankshaft thrust bearing has a circumferential oil passage (4) formed on the inside of shell (6) of bearing shell (1). An oil passage (4) is connected via a hole (2) to the outside of and to a groove (7) running to one of flanges (5) and a hole (9) at the end of shell (1). In this way, the flange (8) is supplied oil to achieve improved lubrication in the axial loading direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for switching off an internal combustion engine and to an internal combustion engine suitable for carrying out said method. Here, after a switching off command for an internal combustion engine, the throttle valve in the air intake system is again opened to enable a relatively large amount of fresh air to be sucked into the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine. This considerably increases the gas forces in the combustion chambers while the engine slows to a standstill, so that the internal combustion engine can be switched off in a controlled manner. At the same time, products of combustion, which may possibly still be present, are removed from the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine. As a result, the preconditions for directly starting the internal combustion engine without a starter are created.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery system for a vehicle having a fuel tank coupled to a fuel filler tube. The fuel vapor recovery system includes a carbon canister disposed in the fuel filler tube. Thus, the relatively cool stored fuel passes through the carbon canister disposed in the filler tube before entering the fuel tank. A primary advantage of the present invention is that the problem of the temperature of the carbon rising during vehicle fuelling due to displaced fuel vapors desorbing within the canister is mitigated by heat transfer between the cool fuel passing over the filler tube disposed carbon canister and the entering relatively cool fuel. This heat transfer results in a cooling of the carbon in the canister. Consequently, the carbon in the carbon canister remains effective in desorbing fuel vapors. The filler tube has an inlet for receiving fuel from a supply external to the vehicle. The filler tube is disposed to directing such received fuel to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method for estimating a cylinder specific performance parameter for a specific cylinder of an internal combustion engine for each firing attempt, which relies on production sensors commonly equipped onboard production vehicles, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving combustion in a combustion chamber of a combustion engine. The method comprises the first step of receiving a measured air-to-fuel ratio value. Further, the method comprises the step of receiving at least one estimated air-to-fuel ratio value. The air-to-fuel ratio estimate is generated in dependence of a predetermined fuel deposit factor. Furthermore, the method comprises the step of establishing a fuel volatility value in dependence of said measured air-to-fuel ratio value and said air-to-fuel ratio estimate. Finally the method comprises the step of controlling combustion in dependence of said fuel volatility value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for monitoring the operational status of a cyclically operated valve (5, 19), which valve is operated to allow a fluid or gaseous medium to flow from a first conduit (1, 18) to a second conduit (3, 20) due to a pressure difference between said conduits, whereby the valve (5, 19) operated using predetermined duty cycles. The method involves measuring pressure oscillations caused by the valve (5, 19) and generating an output signal, performing a frequency analysis on the signal to determine an amplitude for the signal at an oscillation frequency, comparing the amplitude of the oscillations to an expected amplitude for the oscillation frequency, and generating an error signal is if the difference between the calculated and the expected amplitudes exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the start of combustion in the combustion chamber of an engine with autoignition. In the method, the profile of the cylinder pressure is measured and the signal which is obtained in this way is transformed using wavelet functions. A sudden rise in the absolute value of the wavelet coefficients which are obtained indicates the start of combustion. The simple and at the same time precise detection of the start of combustion which is possible in this way can be used within the framework of a feedback regulation—by changing engine operating parameters such as, for example, the start of injection of the fuel—to regulate the start of combustion in a desired way.

Abstract: The invention relates to the starting of an internal combustion engine. The engine is coupled to an exhaust aftertreatment device that has a minimal threshold temperature for proper operation. Within a certain period of time after engine start, the load on an electrical generator driven by the engine is increased. Also, the air intake is throttled to reduce the intake manifold pressure to a target pressure. Both measures provide faster engine and catalyst warm-up and, thus, reduced emissions, particularly for a diesel engine in connection with an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device for controlling the valve tappet of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. In this case, the movement of the valve tappet is generated by contraction/expansion or flexion or stretching of at least one artificial muscle. Furthermore, the artificial muscle can form a gas pressure chamber, by the action of pressure upon which a counterforce can be exerted on the valve tappet. Alternative embodiments of the invention relate particularly to the movement of valve flaps by artificial muscles and to the closing of a valve orifice by an artificial muscle of variable form.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed which mitigates deleterious poisoning of a catalytic converter or exhaust gas oxygen sensor by phosphorus containing species.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method for controlling flow of gases through a passage between an engine crankcase and an engine intake manifold is provided. The method includes decreasing a flow of gases through the passage between the crankcase and the intake manifold when a temperature of the gases is greater than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A system for controlling electromechanical of an internal combustion has a valve-closing electromagnet for attracting the armature coupled to the valve to close the valve, a valve-opening electromagnet for attracting the armature to open the valve, a valve-opening spring for biasing the valve open, and a valve-closing spring for biasing the valve closed. The method includes de-energizing the valve-closing electromagnet for a predetermined time, enabling the valve to oscillate by the valve springs, and then energizing the valve-closing electromagnet to close the valve. Consequently, only the valve-closing electromagnet is energized to open and close the valve. The valve biasing springs force the valve to a location at which the valve-closing electromagnet can close the valve. This provides an electrical energy over prior methods in which both the valve-opening and valve-closing electromagnets are energized to actuate the valve.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an estimation of actual cam phase angle of increased accuracy are based on an observed cam phase angle derived from a cam phase sensor and a predicted cam phase angle derived from a desired or commanded cam phase angle. The estimated cam phase angle is used in the electronic control unit in computing desired settings for engine variables which depend on cam phase angle.

Abstract: A method for detecting improper operation of a charge motion control device (CMC) based on exhaust temperature is disclosed. It has been found that when the charge motion control device is switched between two positions, the exhaust temperature changes by as much as 100 degrees C. The expected exhaust temperature, based on commanded charge motion control device position and current engine operating condition, and the measured exhaust temperature are compared to determine whether the charge motion control device has failed to attain the desired position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crankshaft bearing for a motor vehicle, in which a crankshaft 1 produced from ADI (austempered ductile iron, DIN EN 1564) is supported on an engine block 2 produced from aluminum without the interposition of other components. There is very little difference between the thermal expansion coefficients between ADI and aluminum materials, ensuring that the bearing operates reliably even when there are fluctuations in temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for providing operating conditions that provide higher efficiency NOx reduction in a lean NOx catalyst coupled to a lean-burning internal combustion engine. A catalyst containing reductant is caused to attain a temperature greater than 300° C. After a duration of about 10 seconds at the elevated temperature, the NOx conversion efficiency of the catalyst is increased in the 140-250° C. temperature range.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling combustion mode in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A method for controlling a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine includes operating a portion of the cylinders according to a first combustion mode and operating a second portion of the cylinders according to a second, different combustion mode. The net torque produced by the cylinders equals driver demanded torque. By this invention, a first combustion mode, which has a desirable combustion characteristic such as high fuel economy or low emissions, but which cannot provide driver demanded torque if used in all cylinders, can be used in combination with a second combustion mode, thereby meeting driver demand for torque and gleaning the benefits of the first combustion mode.

Abstract: A shaft seal, which is pre-stressed by a spring, has a main body element and a projection, which is adjacent thereto. The projection is designed as a sacrificial element which, when the seal is used correctly, abrades because of the friction with the opposite surface and, in the process, polishes the opposite surface. The radial cross-sectional profile of the projection is selected in so that the sealing-lip supporting surface is not substantially enlarged with increasing abrasion of the projection, thereby a predetermined surface pressure at the sealing-lip supporting surface of the projection is essentially maintained over the service life of the seal.

Abstract: A system and method for providing reductant to a lean NOx catalyst, when the temperature in the lean NOx catalyst is greater than 300° C., is disclosed. After the reductant is supplied under these conditions, the NOx conversion efficiency of the lean NOx catalyst in the 140-250° C. temperature range is increased.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for regulating engine idle speed by coordinating control of two actuators: a slow actuator and a fast actuator. The slow actuator is preferably a throttle valve and the fast actuator is preferably an ignition system affecting spark timing. The slow actuator is controlled based on an idle power requirement and the target idle speed; whereas the fast actuator is controlled based on the idle power requirement and the actual idle speed. Additionally, control of the two actuators is further based on a desired power reserve and an actual power reserve. Power reserve is related to the ratio of the power produced by the engine and the power that would be produced by the engine if the faster actuator were at its optimal setting.