Abstract: An engine system includes a first module that determines a cylinder of an engine to be in one of M prediction types and generates a distance from intake signal indicating a number of prediction steps the cylinder is away from an intake stroke. M is an integer greater than or equal to 3. A second module determines a cycle type of the cylinder. The cycle type indicates a number of combustion cycles the cylinder has experienced from a last restart of the engine. A cylinder air charge module estimates an air mass within the cylinder based on the distance from intake signal and the cycle type.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus includes a compression limiting member having a dowel portion and a belleville washer portion. A first member defines a first hole, a second member defines a second hole, a third member defines a third hole, and the dowel portion defines a fourth hole. The second member is between the first and third members, and the dowel portion extends through the second hole. The dowel portion is substantially rigid to prevent excessive compression of the second member between the first and third members. The belleville washer portion is elastically compressed between the second and third members such that the washer portion biases the second member toward the first member.

Abstract: A method is provided of authenticating a digitally signed message. A chain of messages is generated. A Winternitz pair of keys is generated for each respective message. A sequence number is assigned to each of the messages. Each of the sequence numbers cooperatively identify an order of Winternitz verifiers assigned to each of the messages. A signature to a first message in the chain of messages is signed using a digital signature algorithm private key. Signatures to each of the following messages in the chain of messages are signed using both Winternitz private keys and digital signature algorithm private keys. The signed messages are broadcast from a sender to a receiver. The first signed broadcast message is authenticated at the receiver by verifying the digital signature algorithm signature. At least some of the following signed broadcast messages are authenticated at the receiver by verifying only the Winternitz signature.