Abstract: A solenoid driver generates a current signal to drive a solenoid of a lifter oil manifold assembly (LOMA) to switch a displacement on demand engine between activated and deactivated modes. The solenoid driver includes a current module that generates the current signal based on a duty cycle signal and a switching module that regulates the duty cycle signal based on the activated and deactivated modes. The duty cycle signal is 100% for a first period after the engine switches to the deactivated mode and is variable for a second period after the first period.

Abstract: An oil lubrication and control system, for an engine having cylinder deactivation switching lifters operated at the pressure of the full oil system, is provided with an auxiliary pressure relief valve which opens to control maximum oil pressure in the system whenever the engine speed and temperature conditions lie beyond the ability of the oil pump pressure control unit to maintain the maximum pressure limit. Addition of the auxiliary pressure relief valve allows extended operation of the switching lifters, which are limited by their construction to operation below a prescribed pressure limit. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary pressure relief valve is mounted in the engine crankcase in a bore connected directly with the main oil gallery to provide mounting and actuation of the auxiliary pressure relief valve with a minimum of modifications to the engine oil system design.

Abstract: An engine control system for controlling engine operation in activated and deactivated modes in a displacement on demand engine system includes an engine control that generates a load control signal based on one of an activation and a deactivation signal. An accessory control manipulates operation of an accessory driven by the engine based on the load control signal.

Abstract: An engine control system controls engine operation in activated and deactivated modes in a displacement on demand engine. The engine control system includes an alternator that is driven by the engine and that is regulated by a load control signal. An alternator load control module generates the load control signal based on a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) and an energy storage device state of charge to regulate a load of the alternator on the engine to maintain the MAP below a threshold level and within an efficient operating range.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing belt-related noise in an engine, wherein the belt is engaged with an alternator pulley connected with an alternator, and a crankshaft pulley connected to an engine crankshaft. The method includes controlling rotor current in the alternator in a manner to selectively synchronize variations in rotor speed with variations in crankshaft speed, thereby preventing large variations in belt tension to reduce noise.

Abstract: A hybrid valve lifter guide formed of metal and nonmetallic material for maintaining the angular position of a reciprocable valve lifter having a circumferential surface with at least one alignment flat. The guide includes a metal guide body having a longitudinal guide wall with at least one guide opening through the wall. The guide opening is adapted to receive a valve lifter. A nonmetallic insert is retained by the body adjacent the guide opening to engage at least one alignment flat of the valve lifter received in the guide opening to substantially maintain the angular position of the valve lifter and dampen angular oscillation of the lifter during engine operation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing functionality of an engine cylinder deactivation control and system having a plurality of solenoid-operated valves for controlling hydraulic actuation of switching valve lifters. The apparatus includes a portable test box enclosing an electrical circuit connectable to the deactivation control. Also included are a ground lead for connection to the control ground, a solenoid lead for each cylinder and connectable to the solenoids of their respective cylinders, and external taps on the exterior of the box and connected one with each of the ground lead and the solenoid leads. Exemplary methods are disclosed for using the box to test for grounds and circuit resistance as well as proper operation of the system in a running engine.

Abstract: Fuel consumption in a vehicle engine is reduced by varying charge dilution in an intake manifold of the engine to maintain a pressure in the intake manifold within a predetermined range. Pumping work performed by engine cylinders is reduced, which reduces fuel consumption.

Abstract: An engine valve train has oil flow to valve actuating components cut off or restricted when the valves are closed, to reduce parasitic losses. In an exemplary embodiment, a pushrod has a pivotable connection with a valve actuating rocker arm through which internal oil passages conduct oil for lubricating the rocker arm. The passages are aligned during valve actuation but become misaligned when the valve is closed. Misalignment of the passages at the sliding connection reduces the amount of oil flow through the connection to improve engine efficiency. When applied to cylinder deactivation engines, oil flow to rocker arms of deactivated valves is completely cut off, or reduced, further reducing parasitic losses.

Abstract: Air/fuel ratio control compensation is applied to an internal combustion engine having pneumatic fuel injection, wherein an engine operating condition is determined and appropriate compensation provided to the fuel command when an operating condition is sensed in which a significant fuel residue remains in the pneumatic injector after the end of an injection period.

Abstract: Engine inlet air/fuel ratio compensation is applied to an internal combustion engine having pneumatic fuel injection, wherein the difference between a value proportional to inlet air pressure and a value proportional to inlet fuel pressure is monitored and a commanded fuel or air quantity adjusted as a predetermined function of the difference.

Abstract: An engine, having a fuel injection system in which compressed air carries the fuel into the engine, is equipped with an air compressor coupled to and driven by the engine cranking motor; the air compressor supplies supplementary air required by the fuel injection system for prompt starting of the engine.

Abstract: A fluid rail assembly supports a fuel metering injector and a charge delivery on an engine. The charge delivery injector includes flutes spaced about the interior of the nozzle to promote formation and delivery of a charge of fuel and air having desired spray characteristics. The fluid rail body includes passages that provide air to assist in delivering fuel from the fuel metering injector to through the charge delivery injector to the engine, the passages being constructed to inhibit back flow of fuel therethrough.

Abstract: A pressure regulator has a spool valve positioned by a linear motor to control flow through a spill passage from a fuel inlet to a fuel outlet and thereby control the fuel pressure in the inlet as a function of the current in the linear motor, a piston subjected to the pressure in the fuel inlet and defining a variable orifice adapted to create a reference pressure at a desired differential from the pressure in the fuel inlet, a diaphragm subjected to the reference pressure and the pressure in the air inlet, and a valve positioned by the diaphragm to control flow from the air inlet to the air outlet whereby the pressure in the air inlet is maintained at a desired differential below the pressure in the fuel inlet.

Abstract: An engine control system is disclosed for reducing the hydrocarbon content in exhaust gas from a crankcase scavenged, two-stroke engine in the operating range near idle, with light operator induced engine loading. As operator demand for engine output power is increased, the control system increases the fuel per cylinder delivered to the engine, while restricting the supplied mass of air per cylinder to a value less than or equal to that flowing at unloaded engine idle.