Abstract: A dual crankshaft internal combustion engine is symmetrically constructed to form a perfectly balanced engine assembly. A first crankshaft, having a first end, a second end, and being formed of a shape and with a torsional flexibility, is housed within a cylinder block and connected to a first series of cooperating pistons and cylinders. A second crankshaft, having a first end and a second end, is formed of substantially the same shape as the first crankshaft and has substantially the same torsional flexibility as the first crankshaft. The second crankshaft is also housed within the cylinder block and connected to a second series of cooperating pistons and cylinders, while being positioned parallel to the first crankshaft, with the first end of the first crankshaft being positioned adjacent to the second end of the second crankshaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing camshaft dynamic loads associated with actuation of a camshaft-driven auxiliary device in a multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine apply positive and negative torque to the camshaft in a phased relationship relative to actuation of the auxiliary device and optionally relative to actuation of intake or exhaust valves operated by the camshaft.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders including at least a first cylinder and a second cylinder, the method comprising firing the first cylinder and the second cylinder in an alternating sequence; during a first mode, adjusting an operating parameter of the engine to produce a first difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; during a second mode, adjusting the operating parameter of the engine to produce a second difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; and performing the first mode at a higher engine speed than the second mode; wherein the first difference is greater than the second difference.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders including at least a first cylinder and a second cylinder, the method comprising firing the first cylinder and the second cylinder in an alternating sequence; during a first mode, adjusting an operating parameter of the engine to produce a first difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; during a second mode, adjusting the operating parameter of the engine to produce a second difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; and performing the first mode at a higher engine speed than the second mode; wherein the first difference is greater than the second difference.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders including at least a first cylinder and a second cylinder, the method comprising firing the first cylinder and the second cylinder in an alternating sequence; during a first mode, adjusting an operating parameter of the engine to produce a first difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; during a second mode, adjusting the operating parameter of the engine to produce a second difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; and performing the first mode at a higher engine speed than the second mode; wherein the first difference is greater than the second difference.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine operable with a first cylinder firing frequency and a second cylinder firing frequency to reduce or eliminate transmission of torsional vibrations associated with the second cylinder firing frequency to reduce or eliminate constraints on reduced displacement mode operation using a closely coupled drive train component rotating in an opposite direction relative to rotating components of the engine. A close coupling device allows the inertia of the counter-rotating elements to reduce or eliminate the torque reaction of the drivetrain associated with acceleration and deceleration of the engine crankshaft in response to the second cylinder firing frequency in the reduced displacement mode.

Abstract: A system, and method of its use, provides for detecting patterns that exist within a geographic area due to the presence of an orderly array of objects. In a preferred embodiment, the system uses an irregular array of transceivers to illuminate an area suspected of containing a minefield. Typically, these minefields are arranged in an orderly arrangement. Exploiting the Bragg Effect, the transceivers, each configured as a surface wave radar, illuminate an area with RF energy that is scanned in carrier frequency within the HF band (3–30 MHz) at a pre-specified interval. At the frequency that corresponds to the Bragg Effect, a significantly increased signal level occurs that indicates the presence of a pattern such as one might expect from reflections from numerous objects arranged orderly. By processing these returns judiciously, the minefield's size, location, perimeter, and even the location of individual mines may be determined.

Abstract: A video display system including an electronic sign, a electronic sign control system utilizing a general purpose personal computer, having a video interface card, controlled by clock and command signals from said personal computer, containing a plurality of video and digital input ports and a high speed output port, a transmitter link control card, also under the control of clock and command signals from said personal computer, for transmitting video display, clock, and command signals to a remote data receiver and distributor associated with the electronic sign, which converts said signals into device control signals for controlling individual sign display elements.

Abstract: A video display system including an electronic sign, a electronic sign control system utilizing a general purpose personal computer, having a video interface card, controlled by clock and command signals from said personal computer, containing a plurality of video and digital input ports and a high speed output port, a transmitter link control card, also under the control of clock and command signals from said personal computer, for transmitting video display, clock, and command signals to a remote data receiver and distributor associated with the electronic sign, which converts said signals into device control signals for controlling individual sign display elements.

Abstract: A procedure generates deconvolution algorithms by first solving a general convolution integral exactly. Results are transformed, yielding a linear relationship between actual (undistorted) and captured (distorted) data. Hermite functions and the Fourier-Hermite series represent the two data classes. It circumvents the need for solving incompatible systems of linear equations derived from “numerically discretizing” convolution integrals, i.e., the convolution integral is not evaluated. It is executed by exploiting a mathematical coincidence that the most common Point Spread Function (PSF) used to characterize a device is a Gaussian function that is also a Fourier-Hermite function of zero order. By expanding the undistorted data in a Fourier-Hermite series, the convolution integral becomes analytically integrable.

Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine balancing system includes multiple reciprocating balancers attached to the cylinder block at the front and rear ends of the crankshaft. The balancers are driven by cams integrated with the crankshaft cheeks which reciprocate the balancers at 180 crankshaft degrees out of phase with each other so that the pitching couple associated with an engine such as an inline 5 cylinder engine will be cancelled.

Abstract: A crankshaft assembly (18) for a VDIC engine (16) of an automotive vehicle (14) includes a crankshaft (44) integrated within an internal combustion engine (16). The crankshaft (44) has at least two pendulum vibration absorber assemblies (58) integrated therein. Each pendulum vibration absorber assembly (58) includes a counterweight member (60) integrally formed within the crankshaft (44). The counterweight member (60) has a desired counterweight mass for providing, in conjunction with the mass of the assembly (58), first order engine balance. The counterweight member (60) has a pendulum (64) pivotally coupled thereto. The pendulum (64) has a desired mass and geometry for attenuating torsional fluctuation.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an air leak within an engine is provided. The engine includes an intake manifold communicating with an engine cylinder. The method includes measuring an exhaust gas constituent in exhaust gases from the engine when the engine is operating in an idle operating mode. The method further includes determining whether the air leak is present in the engine based on a measured exhaust gas constituent, a first air-fuel correction value, and a second air-fuel correction value.

Abstract: A crankshaft assembly (18) for a VDIC engine (16) of an automotive vehicle (14) includes a crankshaft (44) integrated within an internal combustion engine (16). The crankshaft (44) has at least two pendulum vibration absorber assemblies (58) integrated therein. Each pendulum vibration absorber assembly (58) includes a counterweight member (60) integrally formed within the crankshaft (44). The counterweight member (60) has a desired counterweight mass for providing, in conjunction with the mass of the assembly (58), first order engine balance. The counterweight member (60) has a pendulum (64) pivotally coupled thereto. The pendulum (64) has a desired mass and geometry for attenuating torsional fluctuation.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an air leak within an engine is provided. The engine includes an intake manifold communicating with an engine cylinder. The method includes measuring an exhaust gas constituent in exhaust gases from the engine when the engine is operating in an idle operating mode. The method further includes determining whether the air leak is present in the engine based on a measured exhaust gas constituent, a first air-fuel correction value, and a second air-fuel correction value.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an air leak within an exhaust system is provided. The method includes measuring an exhaust gas constituent in exhaust gases from the engine when the engine is operating in an idle operating mode. The method further includes determining whether the air leak is present in the exhaust system based on a measured exhaust gas constituent, a first air-fuel correction value, and a second air-fuel correction value.

Abstract: A method for reducing error (when compared to conventional methods) in estimates of radiance inferred from measurements of irradiance provided by detectors in an array of a sensor. By using measurement data from each cluster in a set of nested clusters in the neighborhood of a selected detector and applying selected mathematical relationships, an accurate estimate is obtained. A source of this error springs from the non-uniformity of illumination that occurs within the finite solid angle field of view (FOV) of a detector in a sensor array due, at least in part, to intrinsic unpredictable characteristics of the scene being viewed by the sensor array. To achieve fine resolution with reasonably sized detector FOVs, this non-uniformity makes impractical the use of average values of illumination within the solid angle defining the detector's FOV, the conventional method for deriving estimates of radiance.

Abstract: A coupling assembly 10 which selectively causes a primary mass or flywheel 20 be engaged or be coupled to a crankshaft 18 as a transmission gear assembly 23 moves from a first gear position to a second gear position and which further selectively causes the primary mass or flywheel 20 to be disengaged or disconnected from the crankshaft 18 as the vehicle is accelerated from an idle state, effective to decrease or substantially eliminate acceleration lag.

Abstract: An engine block 10 of an engine 11 has an imbalance therein. The engine 11 is balanced by a balance shaft alternator assembly 20 having a balance shaft 24 that rotates synchronously with the crankshaft. The balance shaft 24 is located at an exterior portion 22 of engine block 10. The balance shaft 24 has a rotor 36 that rotates relative to a stator 42 held in a fixed position relative to engine block 10 and balance shaft 24. Weights 50 may be applied to the balance shaft alternator assembly on balance shaft 24 or on rotor 36 or a combination of the two. The weights 50 balance an imbalance in the engine to smooth out the operating feel of the engine.

Abstract: A variable pressure oil pump assembly for use with a vehicle having a controller includes a pump body having an inlet, an outlet, a valve chamber, a first passage disposed between the inlet and the valve chamber, and a second passage disposed between the outlet and the valve chamber. The assembly further includes a pressure relief valve subassembly having a movable plunger that is disposed at least partially in the valve chamber for controlling flow of oil through the valve chamber so as to control outlet oil pressure at the outlet. A plunger adjustment mechanism is associated with the valve subassembly and adapted to communicate with the controller. The plunger adjustment mechanism is operable to control movement of the plunger based on control signals provided by the controller.