Abstract: A system for improved remote processing and interaction with an artificial survey administrator is disclosed. The system has user-defined data storage containing lists of entities and attributes and correlation data with terms that correspond to the entities and attributes. An open-ended question generation module is present that provides an open-ended question over a network to a consumer of the specific good or service located remotely from the processor, the open-ended question being directed to the consumer's experience with said good or service A consumer response module is presented.

Abstract: A system for improved remote processing and interaction with an artificial survey administrator is disclosed. The system has user-defined data storage containing lists of entities and attributes and correlation data with terms that correspond to the entities and attributes.

Abstract: A method for conducting real-time dynamic consumer surveys is disclosed. The method includes providing a set of user-defined topics of interest related to a specific good or service and providing a processor configured for beginning a consumer survey by providing an open-ended question to the consumer of the specific good or service regarding the consumer's experience with said good or service, receiving the consumer's response to said open-ended question, analyzing the text of said response to the open-ended question to identify the presence of members of the set of user-defined topics within the response, and providing at least one closed-ended question with respect to any member of the set of user-defined topics not identified in the consumer's response.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fuel injection system and a method of controlling same are provided which include a piezoelectric fuel injector having a piezoelectric element, a power source adapted to provide power to the piezoelectric element to actuate the piezoelectric fuel injector, and a controller adapted to charge the piezoelectric element to an initial voltage to begin said injection event, to decrease the voltage from the initial voltage to an intermediate voltage, and to increase the voltage from the intermediate voltage to a primary voltage to thereby control the injection rate shape. The initial voltage level is at least approximately equal to said primary voltage level and preferably approximately equal to a maximum voltage rating. The initial voltage duration, the intermediate voltage duration and the magnitude of the intermediate voltage can be changed or varied to modify the injection or rate shape.

Abstract: A method for adjusting piezoelectric valve components to create a precise interface between a piezoelectric actuator and a movable valve plunger is provided which includes the steps of conducting a coarse adjustment prior to assembly followed by a fine adjustment after assembly. The method includes measuring a first difference between a valve body and a valve plunger, and compensating for this first measured difference such that surfaces of the valve body and the valve plunger are in a common plane. A second common plane is established between an end surface of an actuator housing and an end of an actuator rod. The step of compensating for the first measured difference can comprise machining the surfaces in the first common plane or using a shim. A second adjustment is conducted by rotating a nut disposed axially with the actuator rod to adjust the axial position of the valve plunger.