Abstract: A method for controlling an engine during a start is presented. In one example, the method includes direct starting an engine with a port fuel injector. The method can improve engine starting during some conditions.

Abstract: A system for communicating information between a valve controller and an engine controller is presented. The system is designed to improve the timing of data transferred between two controllers.

Abstract: A method to adjust timing of an electrically actuated valve, said electrically actuated valve operating in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, the method comprising during a cycle of said cylinder, opening said electrically actuated valve at a first valve opening position without activating a valve opening coil, and closing the valve at a first closing position; and during a second subsequent cycle of said cylinder, opening said electrically actuated valve at a second opening position that is varied based on the crankshaft angle at which said first closing occurs, where the second opening position is increased as said the crankshaft angle at which the first closing occurs increases.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, valve operation can be adjusted in a number of ways.

Abstract: A system and method to improve electromechanical valve control in an internal combustion engine. The method adjusts valve current to meet a wide range of engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A method to adjust timing of an electrically actuated valve, said electrically actuated valve operating in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, the method comprising during a cycle of said cylinder, opening said electrically actuated valve at a first valve opening position without activating a valve opening coil, and closing the valve at a first closing position; and during a second subsequent cycle of said cylinder, opening said electrically actuated valve at a second opening position that is varied based on the crankshaft angle at which said first closing occurs, where the second opening position is increased as said the crankshaft angle at which the first closing occurs increases.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, valve timing can be adjusted in a number of ways. The method can also compensate for changes in the natural response of the valve apparatus.

Abstract: A system for communicating information between a valve controller and an engine controller is presented. The system is designed to improve the timing of data transferred between two controllers.

Abstract: A method for controlling engine torque during disruption of a primary communication link between an engine control unit and a valve control unit in an engine is provided. The method includes determining disruption of the primary communication link between the engine control unit and the valve control unit, operating a preset valve timing schedule upon determination of disruption of the communication link between the engine control unit and the valve control unit; and sending a status message from the valve control unit to the engine control unit regarding the operational status of the valve control unit.

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 to control engine valve timing to improve the start of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are controlled in a manner to reduce hydrocarbon emissions during the start of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A system and method to control spark in a cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine. Spark can be controlled in a cylinder while reducing the possibility of producing a spark at a spark plug coupled to an ignition coil.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least a first and second cylinder, comprising during at least one operating condition, operating the first cylinder to receive directly injected fuel, mix said fuel with fresh air inducted past an intake valve of the first cylinder, combust said mixture, and exhaust at least a portion of said mixture past an exhaust valve of the first cylinder, and concurrent with said operation of the first cylinder, operating the second cylinder to hold an intake valve of the second cylinder closed for at least a cycle of said second cylinder, receive directly injected fuel, and then exhaust at least a portion of said fuel past an exhaust valve of the second cylinder to generate unburned reductants in an exhaust of the engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine during a start, the method comprising before rotation of the engine: opening an intake valve of at least one cylinder and starting injection of fuel from a port injector coupled to the cylinder so that at least some fuel enters the cylinder, closing the intake valve, and performing a spark in the at least one cylinder.

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, valve timing can be adjusted in a number of ways. The method can also compensate for changes in the natural response of the valve apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, valve operation can be adjusted in a number of ways.

Abstract: A system and method to control spark in a cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine. Spark can be controlled in a cylinder while reducing the possibility of producing a spark at a spark plug coupled to an ignition coil.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling randomly operable valves in an engine is presented. According to the method, valve lift is used to create a Helmholtz resonator from a deactivated cylinder. The method can reduce engine pressure based audible noise for variable displacement engines.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling randomly operable valves in an engine is presented. According to the method, valve lift is used to create a Helmholtz resonator from a deactivated cylinder. The method can reduce engine pressure based audible noise for variable displacement engines.