Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling shut down of a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine include a mechanical energy storage device to decelerate an engine crankshaft to a stopping position desirable for restarting of the engine. Energy stored during shut down may be used to adjust or reposition the crankshaft to one of a plurality of angular orientations advantageous for restarting, and/or used to rotate the crankshaft during restarting of the engine. A flywheel having a variable mass, such as provided by two or more segments, which may be fixedly or selectively coupled to one or more springs may be used to selectively store and release energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling shut down of a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine include a mechanical energy storage device to decelerate an engine crankshaft to a stopping position desirable for restarting of the engine. Energy stored during shut down may be used to adjust or reposition the crankshaft to one of a plurality of angular orientations advantageous for restarting, and/or used to rotate the crankshaft during restarting of the engine. A flywheel having a variable mass, such as provided by two or more segments, which may be fixedly or selectively coupled to one or more springs may be used to selectively store and release energy.

Abstract: A counterweight arrangement for an internal combustion engine with three cylinders. The internal combustion engine having a crankshaft rotating about an axis of rotation, with three cranks which succeed one another in the axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation and are distributed at angular intervals of 120° and each crank corresponding to a respective cylinder, the counterweight arrangement including at least two counterweights for at least partial compensation of inertia forces caused by rotating masses on the crankshaft, wherein exactly two counterweights are provided for the two outer cranks, at least one of the two counterweights being arranged in a position which is rotated about the crankshaft axis with respect to an assigned crank through angle (?counter), the amount of which differs from 30°+N*180°, N being equal to a natural number or equal to zero.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine having an adjustable balance shaft may comprise adjusting operation of the balance shaft during engine operation in response to an engine combustion mode. For example, balance shafts may be disabled during SI mode and enabled during HCCI mode. Various alternative examples may also be used.

Abstract: A method for controlling a propulsion system for a vehicle including a transmission coupling an output shaft of the internal combustion engine to a drive wheel of the vehicle, wherein said transmission includes a lash region, the method comprising of adjusting an operating parameter of the engine so that at least one cylinder of the engine is transitioned between a first combustion mode and a second combustion mode, and varying a timing of said transition responsive to whether the transmission is operating within the lash region of the transmission.

Abstract: A counterweight arrangement for an internal combustion engine with three cylinders. The internal combustion engine having a crankshaft rotating about an axis of rotation, with three cranks which succeed one another in the axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation and are distributed at angular intervals of 120° and each crank corresponding to a respective cylinder, the counterweight arrangement including at least two counterweights for at least partial compensation of inertia forces caused by rotating masses on the crankshaft, wherein exactly two counterweights are provided for the two outer cranks, at least one of the two counterweights being arranged in a position which is rotated about the crankshaft axis with respect to an assigned crank through angle (?counter), the amount of which differs from 30°+N*180°, N being equal to a natural number or equal to zero.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine and a supplemental torque apparatus of a vehicle, the vehicle having a transmission coupled to the engine, the method comprising of operating at least one cylinder with at least partial auto-ignition combustion, and during a transient gear change where the engine temporarily encounters a low load and low speed operating condition, increasing loading on the engine via the supplemental torque apparatus so that the at least one cylinder may remain operating with at least partial auto-ignition combustion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling shut down of a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine include a mechanical energy storage device to decelerate an engine crankshaft to a stopping position desirable for restarting of the engine. Energy stored during shut down may be used to adjust or reposition the crankshaft to one of a plurality of angular orientations advantageous for restarting, and/or used to rotate the crankshaft during restarting of the engine. A flywheel having a variable mass, such as provided by two or more segments, which may be fixedly or selectively coupled to one or more springs may be used to selectively store and release energy.