Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method includes, during a first condition, engaging an engine starter, without applying a starter current, to the deactivated rotating engine after the engine speed drops below a threshold speed. The method further includes, during a second condition, engaging the starter and adjusting a starter motor switch to apply a starter braking torque to the rotating engine.

Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method disengages a starter in response to a first predicted combustion in a cylinder of the engine. The method may reduce one-way clutch degradation of a starter. Further, the method may reduce current consumption during engine starting.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method includes, during a first condition, engaging an engine starter, without applying a starter current, to the deactivated rotating engine after the engine speed drops below a threshold speed. The method further includes, during a second condition, engaging the starter and adjusting a starter motor switch to apply a starter braking torque to the rotating engine.

Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method disengages a starter in response to a first predicted combustion in a cylinder of the engine. The method may reduce one-way clutch degradation of a starter. Further, the method may reduce current consumption during engine starting.

Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method disengages a starter in response to a first predicted combustion in a cylinder of the engine. The method may reduce one-way clutch degradation of a starter. Further, the method may reduce current consumption during engine starting.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method includes, during a first condition, engaging an engine starter, without applying a starter current, to the deactivated rotating engine after the engine speed drops below a threshold speed. The method further includes, during a second condition, engaging the starter and adjusting a starter motor switch to apply a starter braking torque to the rotating engine.

Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method disengages a starter in response to a first predicted combustion in a cylinder of the engine. The method may reduce one-way clutch degradation of a starter. Further, the method may reduce current consumption during engine starting.

Abstract: An apparatus for variably controlling the fuel flow characteristics of a hydraulically-actuated injector during an injection cycle. The apparatus includes variable control of actuating fluid pressure and a spill control apparatus associated with the plunger and barrel assembly of the injector. The apparatus can control the initial rate of fuel injection and also provide continuous or split injection throughout the load and speed range of an engine. Performance is controlled by the geometry of the spill control apparatus along with the variably controlled pressure of the actuating fluid supplied to the injector. The apparatus helps reduce engine noise and emissions.

Abstract: An improved actuating fluid inlet manifold for a plurality of hydraulically-actuated fuel injectors. The manifold includes fluid dynamic tuning apparatus for controlling the flow of relatively high pressure actuating fluid between the common rail passage of the manifold and the injectors. The fluid dynamic tuning apparatus includes a predetermined flow restriction defined in each of the rail branch passages of the manifold. Advantages of the fluid dynamic tuning apparatus include improved injector performance and/or a reduction in structural stresses of various engine components.