Abstract: A method for improving engine intake manifold pressure control of an internal combustion engine is described. According to one aspect of the description, the manifold pressure may be controlled to reduce fuel consumption and engine emissions during at least some operating conditions.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid-electric vehicle having a controller, the engine having a plurality of cylinders, each with at least an intake and exhaust valve, each of which may be held in a position for a cycle of a cylinder, the method comprising of deactivating a plurality of cylinders in said engine in response to a signal from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle by mechanically deactivating valves in each cylinder of the engine, the deactivation in response to a request from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle and to reduce a number of operating valves in each cylinder of the engine.

Abstract: A method for improving engine starting for an engine having a variable event valvetrain is described. According to one aspect of the description, valve timing is adjusted during a start to reduce engine emissions and fuel consumption.

Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing to during the start of an internal combustion engine. Valves that may be deactivated are controlled in a manner to reduce hydrocarbon emissions during the start of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for improving engine intake manifold pressure control of an internal combustion engine is described. According to one aspect of the description, the manifold pressure may be controlled to reduce fuel consumption and engine emissions during at least some operating conditions.

Abstract: A system and method are described for reducing engine vibration during cylinder deactivation in selected operating conditions. The method utilizes open valve deactivation to better match the cylinder pressure of deactivated cylinders to combusting cylinders. This mode is utilized, along with cylinder closed valve cylinder deactivation, to improve overall fuel economy, while at the same time reducing vibration felt by the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A system and method for determining valve degradation is presented. According to the method, valve timing can be adjusted in a number of ways to improve the possibility of detecting a degraded valve.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, armature levitation is strategically used during a cycle of a cylinder. The method can reduce fuel consumption and power supply requirements, at least under some conditions.

Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing to during the start of an internal combustion engine. Valves that may be deactivated are controlled in a manner to reduce hydrocarbon emissions during the start of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, armature levitation position may be changed to accommodate varying rates of valve stem growth. The method may reduce valve noise during a wide range of engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and system to start an internal combustion engine from rest is disclosed. The engine has intake and exhaust valves in each cylinder in which actuation of such valves is independent of engine rotation. The engine also has a fuel injector and a spark plug disposed in each engine cylinder. The intake and exhaust valves are closed in one engine cylinder; fuel is sprayed into such cylinder; the spark plug is fired in such cylinder. Additionally, a second cylinder is identified in which the intake and exhaust valves are closed, fuel is sprayed, and a spark is fired prior to engine rotation.