Abstract: There is provided an engine cooling system, in which operation tendency information calculating section provided in a control unit calculates values representing the tendency of engine operation, and a control valve provided in a cooling water circulating device is controlled based on the values. It is therefore possible to control the cooling water to a proper temperature conforming to the engine operating condition and improve both the engine power and the fuel economy.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power steering pump using engine coolant to cool the pump is provided. Engine coolant from the engine coolant system is partially diverted to a cooling jacket cast integrally with the housing for the pump, wherein the engine coolant flows to remove heat generated by the pump. The cooling jacket includes an inlet port and an outlet port, wherein engine coolant enters and exits before return to the engine coolant system. The cooling jacket is provided about a periphery of the pump housing and is disposed partially adjacent the pump housing. The coolant jacket, a gasket, and an end cover are assembled to provide the enclosed coolant flow path through the coolant jacket.

Abstract: In a cooling circuit of a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle having a coolant pump, an electrical mixing valve, a radiator, a heater, an engine-oil heat exchanger, a transmission-oil cooler with a heat flux from the transmission oil to the ambient air, a transmission-oil heat exchanger providing for a heat flux between the transmission oil and the cooling water and being arranged in parallel flow circuit with the transmission-oil cooler, and an actuator for controlling the oil flow distribution, an electrical mixing valve is arranged between the transmission-oil cooler and the transmission-oil heat exchanger, such that the heat transfer in the transmission-oil heat exchanger can be controlled by the electrical mixing valve by controlling the coolant flow through the transmission oil heat exchanger and the radiator.

Abstract: A two stroke homogenous charge compression ignition engine includes a volume pulsed air supplier, such as a piston driven pump, for efficient scavenging. The usage of a homogenous charge tends to decrease emissions. The use of a volume pulsed air supplier in conjunction with conventional poppet type intake and exhaust valves results in a relatively efficient scavenging mode for the engine. The engine preferably includes features that permit valving event timing, air pulse event timing and injection event timing to be varied relative to engine crankshaft angle. The principle use of the invention lies in improving diesel engines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-stroke internal combustion engine with crankcase scavenging, with an exhaust passage controlled by the piston and at least two first transfer passages and at least one second transfer passage, each with a corresponding transfer window into the cylinder chamber and a window on the crankcase side for communication between the cylinder chamber and the crankcase, the transfer windows of the first transfer passages being controlled by the upper edge of the piston, and the crankcase-side window of the second transfer passage being disposed in a region of the cylinder wall that is swept by the piston skirt of the piston. The cylinder wall comprises at least one recess, which is arranged in close vicinity to the transfer window of the second transfer passage and which is in flow communication with the second transfer passage, wherein a narrow passage is arranged between the recess and the second transfer passage.

Abstract: A variable valve timing mechanism for an internal combustion engine comprising at least one rotary valve (1) having at least two ports terminating as openings (2, 3) in its periphery, a cylinder head (7) having a bore in which the rotary valve (1) rotates, and a window (6) in the bore communicating with a combustion chamber (8). The openings (2, 3) successively align with the window (6) by virtue of the rotation. The mechanism also comprises a drive mechanism (13) driving the rotary valve (1). The at least two ports (2, 3) of the rotary valve (1) are an inlet port and an exhaust port. The drive mechanism (13) varies the angular velocity of the rotary valve (1) at least within a portion of at least one engine cycle whilst maintaining an average angular velocity over the at least one engine cycle that has a fixed relation to the average angular velocity of crankshaft over the at least one cycle.

Abstract: A control system adapted to control an actuator between extended and retracted positions has a fluid control valve connected to the actuator a source of high pressure fluid and a reservoir. The fluid control valve is movable between a first position at which the actuator is connected back to the fluid reservoir adapted and a second position operable to connect the actuator to a high pressure actuation fluid source. An electronic control module is connected in control communication with the fluid control valve and adapted to automatically generate a control signal to position the control valve at the second position in response to an elapsed time being passed at which the fluid control valve is at the first position is greater than a predetermined time.

Abstract: A device for hydraulically adjusting the rotation angle of a camshaft with respect to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine: A drive unit connected to a crankshaft and an output unit connected to a camshaft, having radially extending, axially facing sides secured by the pre-stressing force of a central securing bolt. The drive unit is rotably mounted to the output unit and they are so connected that at least two hydraulic pressure chambers transmit relative rotation forces. An annular disk with coating on opposite sides increases the frictional force between the end face of the output unit which faces the camshaft and the end of the camshaft and enables reduction of the pre-stressing force on the bolt. The character of visually detectable elements on the disk enable detection of the presence or absence of the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing excessive pressure from a cylinder of an internal combustion engine comprises a sealing element inserted into a passageway that extends from an internal surface of the cylinder through the engine block or cylinder head to end at a point of ambient air pressure. The sealing element is thermally responsive and will release to cause the passageway to form a vent passage between the cylinder and the ambient air upon the occurrence of any one of a number of conditions of excessive pressure and temperature in the cylinder.

Abstract: It is proposed, for a cylinder crankcase for an internal combustion engine, the base body 1 of such engine consisting of a material A and the cylinder walls 2 of the engine of a second material B, that a lattice-like reinforcement 3 be provided between the two materials A, B. It is also proposed for a process for production of this cylinder crankcase that the lattice-like reinforcement 3 be introduced into a casting mold for the cylinder crankcase, and that the two materials A, B then be introduced into the casting mold.

Abstract: A method of casting parts with gray iron includes the steps of providing molten gray iron metal with controlled carbon, silicon, phosphorous, sulfur, manganese and chromium content; alloying said molten gray iron metal, prior to pouring, with tin to a total tin content of about 0.05% to about 0.10%; inoculating said molten tin-alloyed gray iron metal, prior to pouring, with a gray iron inoculant to an additional silicon addition of from about 0.10% to about 0.12%; and casting the gray iron part from said molten, tin-alloyed inoculated gray iron metal as son as possible after said inoculation.

Abstract: A method of high pressure die casting in iron alloy reinforcements for main bearing scantlings in an aluminum alloy engine block for an internal combustion engine. Prior to casting, reinforcements (1) having bores (6) for main bearing screws are placed in a die cavity (21), so that cores for main bearing screws protrude into the bores in each reinforcement on one side of the reinforcement. Then the reinforcements are fixed in the die cavity by placing a cylinder liner core (25) against a surface (27) of the reinforcement on the opposite side of the reinforcement.

Abstract: A dry-sump lubrication unit for an internal combustion engine for a vehicle. A crankshaft of the vehicle is disposed so as to be parallel with the direction of travel of the vehicle, and in a position offset from a center of the vehicle when viewed from the front or back of the vehicle. A transmission shaft is disposed on the other side thereof. An oil tank is disposed in a crankcase located substantially at the lower center of the crankcase when viewed from the front or back of the vehicle on the rear side with respect to the traveling direction, and/or in a space between the crankcase and a rear case cover. Oil pumps are disposed forwardly of the oil tank. An oil injection pipe extends from the oil tank toward the side surface thereof on the transmission side. The resulting configuration prevents variations in liquid surface of lubricating oil of the vehicle internal combustion engine due to shaking of the vehicle body, and makes it possible to downsize the entire power unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing fuel consumption in an internal combustion engine including gasoline, petrol and diesel engines used in trucks, cars and for pumps including the steps of providing a thermal insulation shield that includes reflective fabric over the exhaust manifold, around the intake plenum for intake air and intake air box, covering the turbo charger compressor with a heat insulating material that includes a reflective fabric layer and the turbo charger drive turbine housing except for the bearing area to greatly reduce heat build up in the engine compartment thereby reducing intake air temperature for increased engine efficiency. The invention has been found to increase fuel efficiency in large trucks by ten to fifteen percent. The materials are light weight and do not significantly increase engine weight or truck loan weight.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine block (1), a crankshaft rotatably journalled in the engine block and a transmission (2) mounted at one side of the engine block is disclosed. The transmission has an input shaft driven by the crankshaft and two concentrically journalled output shafts (11,14). One output shaft (11) is drivingly connected to an integrated starter/generator (3) while the other one (14) is connected to a chain sprocket (25) for a camshaft chain.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, having an engine block (1), a crankshaft rotatably journalled in the engine block and a transmission (2) mounted at one side of the engine block is disclosed. The transmission has an input shaft driven by the crankshaft and two concentrically journalled output shafts (11, 14). One output shaft (11) is drivingly connected to an integrated starter/generator (3) which is mounted relative to the engine block so that an upper portion thereof extends above an upper end plane (1a) of the engine block.

Abstract: A rotary machine having a housing with rotary components disclosed within. The rotary machine is configurable as an internal combustion rotary engine, an external combustion rotary engine, a gas compressor, a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a drive turbine, or a drive turbine for expandable gases or pressurized liquids. The combustion engine employs a new thermal cycle—eliminating the Otto cycle's internal compression of the combustion products as part of the cycle. The new combustion thermal cycle is intake, expansion and exhaust.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of homogeneous charge compression engines. In these engines, fuel is injected upstream or directly into the cylinder when the power piston is relatively close to its bottom dead center position. The fuel mixes with air in the cylinder as the power piston advances to create a relatively lean homogeneous mixture that preferably ignites when the power piston is relatively close to the top dead center position. However, if the ignition event occurs either earlier or later than desired, lowered performance, engine misfire, or even engine damage, can result. Thus, the present invention divides the homogeneous charge between a controlled volume higher compression space and a lower compression space to better control the start of ignition.

Abstract: A rapid compression device for use in initiating combustion within an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The rapid compression device employs a prechamber adapted to be in fluid communication with a main combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. A piston is provided within a cylinder of the prechamber and compresses natural gas therein to a degree sufficient to auto-ignite the gas when mixed with air. The auto-ignition of the gas and air mixture results in combustion gases which are communicated to the main combustion chamber for ignition of the air and gas mixture provided therein as well.

Abstract: A fuel injection pump for internal combustion engines, in particular Diesel engines, having a pressure limiting valve which has a valve holder (10), a high-pressure connection (inlet bore 18), a return connection (outlet bore 22, 22a, 22b, 44, 45), a valve seat (20) oriented toward the inlet bore, an axially displaceable valve piston (15, 43), and a valve spring (25) urging the valve piston in the direction of the valve seat. The special feature is primarily that the pressure limiting valve is integrated directly with the fuel injection pump and is sealed off on the high-pressure side and low-pressure side (at 37 and 38, 39, respectively) from the pump body.

Abstract: An internal combustion is capable of switching, during engine operation, between a low-temperature combustion state in which an intake air with a high EGR rate is burned to operate the engine, and a normal combustion state in which an intake air with a low EGR rate is burned to operate the engine. In the internal combustion engine, a pilot injection is executed in addition to a main fuel injection, and furthermore the execution of the pilot injection is restricted during the engine operation with a combustion state switched to the low-temperature combustion state.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of homogenous charge compression ignition engines, in which fuel is injected when the cylinder piston is relatively close to the bottom dead center position for its compression stroke. The fuel mixes with air in the cylinder during the compression stroke to create a relatively lean homogeneous mixture that preferably ignites when the piston is relatively close to the top dead center position. However, if the ignition event occurs either earlier or later than desired, lowered performance, engine misfire, or even engine damage, can result. The present invention utilizes internal exhaust gas recirculation and/or compression ratio control to control the timing of ignition events and combustion duration in homogeneous charge compression ignition engines. Thus, at least one electro-hydraulic assist actuator is provided that is capable of mechanically engaging at least one cam actuated intake and/or exhaust valve.

Abstract: Exhaust gas re-circulation is achieved internally in an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves actuated by a camshaft. A controller monitors at least one engine parameter and automatically actuates an electrically actuated fluid operated brake actuator at a predetermined timing of movement of an engine piston to cause the actuator to maintain the exhaust valve at an intermediate position between a full open position and a closed position of the exhaust valve and cause exhaust gasses to be delivered from the exhaust manifold to the combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: An engine fuel control device includes an idle speed control valve that is disposed in a bypass passage that bypasses a throttle valve, a starting phase determination means that determines whether the engine is in a pre-start phase or a post-start phase, a first opening setting means that sets the opening of the idle speed control valve before starting, a second opening setting means that sets the opening of the idle speed control valve after starting, and a target opening setting means that sets at least one target opening for the idle speed control valve opening when the engine shifts from the pre-start phase to the post-start phase. While the engine is being started, the fuel control device shifts the ISC valve opening from the opening before the complete explosion is determined to the target opening after the complete explosion and eventually to the opening after the complete explosion.

Abstract: An engine fuel control device includes an idle speed control valve that controls an engine speed during idling by bypassing a throttle valve, an air bleed valve that is disposed downstream from a regulator for regulating the pressure of a fuel gas supplied to the engine and that controls a flow path area of a passage open to atmosphere, a target speed setting means that sets a target engine speed during idling, a throttle valve opening control means that controls the opening of the idle speed control valve so as to maintain the target engine speed, a control factor setting means that sets a factor so as to control the opening of the idle speed control valve, a capturing means that captures a change in a state of the factor, and a control means that controls the air bleed valve based on the change in the state of the factor captured by the capturing means. It controls the air bleed valve.

Abstract: A method of regulating and controlling an internal combustion engine forming part of a hybrid power unit of a self-propelled vehicle, the method employing a first graph showing the power transmitted by the engine as a function of the rotation speed of a drive shaft, and for different injector openings of a power-regulating injection device; and a second graph showing the torque transmitted by the drive shaft as a function of the rotation speed of the drive shaft, and for different injector openings of the power-regulating injection device; the second graph also showing the injector opening of the power-regulating injection device.

Abstract: The method and the device are used for cylinder shut-off in an internal combustion engine (10), in particular of a vehicle, using a control unit (15) in effective operational contact with the cylinders (11, 12, 13, 14) of the internal combustion engine (10), which has a monitoring unit (21), a knock regulating unit (20) and a fuel injector shut-off unit (22). At the same time the provision is made that the fuel injector shut-off unit (22) is operationally linked to the knock regulating unit (20) to achieve coordinated cylinder shut-off. The fuel injector shut-off unit (22) is provided with a memory medium (23) for storing a cylinder shut-off program.

Abstract: An engine control system for diminishing driveline vibrations extracts resonant frequency component coincident in frequency with a driveline resonant vibration according to a gear ratio of a transmission of the driveline from a change in charging efficiency with time that is detected on the basis of a signal representative of an amount of intake air, converts the resonant frequency component to a demanded amount of engine torque reduction after having adjusted the resonant frequency component in phase, and causes the demanded amount of engine torque reduction by retarding an ignition timing and/or reducing an amount of fuel injection.

Abstract: The ignition timing is sustained at an initial value during a predetermined time beginning at a start of an engine, and is retarded after the predetermined time is elapsed to heat a catalyst at an early time. The predetermined time ends when the negative pressure of an intake pipe or the negative pressure of a brake booster reaches to a predetermined value. That is, the predetermined time is a period, which begins at a start of the engine and ends when a proper negative pressure can be sustained in the brake booster. As a result, it is possible to assure a negative pressure in the brake booster at an early time and to reduce exhaust emission at a start of the engine simultaneously.

Abstract: An invention that judges whether an engine is being cranked by a starter based on the conditions that a prior cranking control has ended, the engine rotates at or less than a limit rotation velocity leading to an engine stall, and a battery voltage falls to or below a predetermined value. When such conditions are met, then engine cranking control is started. The engine can be shifted to the cranking control without an input signal from a starter switch and the engine can be promptly cranked.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine used as a fuel which, special fuel characteristics, during combustion by compression ignition may achieve a favorable efficiency, and may provide consumption advantages over conventional combustion methods using conventional fuels. The fuel used may be straight-run naphtha, which is also known as raw gasoline. The fuel characteristics of this fuel are less expensive than conventional fuels, since expensive further treatment of the fuel may be dispensed with during production.

Abstract: The high-pressure fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine includes a high-pressure portion for supplying fuel to a plurality of fuel injection valves, a high-pressure pump, and a low-pressure pump for supplying fuel to the high-pressure pump. Upon starting of the engine, the high-pressure fuel supply system starts fuel injection after a pressure in the high-pressure portion is raised to a preset pressure higher than a rated discharge pressure of the low-pressure pump by the high-pressure pump. In view of a fuel consumption amount consumed from the high-pressure portion through the fuel injection valve and a fuel supply amount supplied to the high-pressure portion by the high-pressure pump, the preset pressure at which the fuel injection is started is set so that first fuel injection to each cylinder of a plurality of cylinders by each of the plurality of fuel injection valves is conducted at a pressure higher than the rated discharge pressure of the low-pressure pump.

Abstract: An electronically controlled fuel injection device includes a plunger pump, a circulation passage which circulates fuel that has been pressurized in the initial stage of a pressure-feeding stroke, a valve body which blocks the circulation passage in the later stage of the pressure-feeding stroke, an inlet orifice nozzle which allows the passage of fuel whose pressure has been increased in the later stage of the pressure-feeding stroke, an outlet orifice nozzle which is used to circulate some of the fuel that has passed through the inlet orifice nozzle back into the fuel tank, an injection nozzle which injects an amount of fuel equal to the difference between the fuel that has passed through the inlet orifice nozzle and the fuel that has passed through the outlet orifice nozzle, and a control arrangement for controlling the plunger pump in response to the cycle of the engine.

Abstract: In an injection system with pressure intensification with a simple and space-saving design, control means are provided permitting a large range fuel injection pressure control, which also permits rapid adaptation of the fuel injection pressure to the various engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A fuel supply device for an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder that is formed in a cylinder block, a fuel injection valve and a fuel passage that supplies fuel to the fuel injection valve, includes a portion of the fuel passage that is formed as a delivery pipe that is embedded in a cylinder head and is joined to an upper portion of the cylinder block. The fuel injection valve is positioned so that it intersects the delivery pipe and receives the supply of fuel from the side at a portion that intersects with the delivery pipe, and a sealing member is positioned at the joint portion between the delivery pipe and the fuel injection valve.

Abstract: An injection control method for controlling a “common rail” fuel injection system in a diesel engine is described. The method includes the following steps: an initializing step for acquiring engine control parameters; and a main adjustment cycle for adjusting operational variables of the engine. The injection control method also includes an interrupting step for adjusting an injection procedure proper of the injection system by variation of all the characteristic parameters of the injection procedure. Also described is an injection control system for a diesel engine based on the above method.

Abstract: A fuel delivery unit for an internal combustion engine including a housing, which includes a timing unit for shifting the point of injection of fuel into the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine. An injection timing piston is accommodated in the timing unit, which is displaceably mounted in the timing unit and which encloses a trailing piston displaceably relative thereto. The timing unit contains a pressure chamber which may be pressurized/depressurized via an actuator, a cold start accelerator piston being movable via the pressure chamber, acting upon both the trailing piston via a spring element and, together with a spring-sleeve combination, influencing the injection timing piston.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled fuel injector includes a pressurized fluid chamber that communicates high pressure fluid to first and second pressure control chambers. A direct-operated check moves between closed and open positions in response to a difference in fluid pressure in the first and second pressure control chambers. A first thermally pre-stressed bender actuator is used to operate a control valve that controls fluid communication between the fluid chamber and a fluid source. A second thermally pre-stressed bender actuator is used to operate a control valve that controls the fluid pressure in the first pressure control chamber to effectively control opening and closing of the check during portions of an injection sequence.

Abstract: A fuel pump assembly for a fuel delivery module is operable to pressurize fuel from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine. The fuel pump assembly includes a fuel pump having an inlet and an outlet, an isolator having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a fuel filter having an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end of the fuel filter is attached to the inlet end of the isolator. The outlet end of the isolator is attached to the pump inlet.

Abstract: Over aeration of fuel has been identified as a problem in some fuel injection systems. For instance, engineers have learned that it is desirable to reduce the amount of air in the fuel circulation plumbing of a pump and line fuel injection system in order to reduce timing retardation of the fuel injection and avoid engine power loss. A fuel conditioning module addresses this problem by separating out the air from the fuel before reaching the fuel injectors. The fuel conditioning module includes an inlet cavity separated from an outlet cavity by a baffle. An inlet passage opens to the inlet cavity, and an outlet passage opens to the outlet cavity at locations elevationally below the top of the baffle. A vent passage opens to the outlet cavity at a location elevationally above the top of the outlet passage. When the fuel air mixture flows over the baffle, the air is directed into the vent passage and the relatively pure fuel is directed to the outlet passage for delivery to the fuel injectors.

Abstract: A heated fuel vaporizer block includes a substantially solid, heated surface onto which liquid gasoline from a carburetor is directed, thereby turning the liquid gasoline into vapor. The fuel vaporizer block includes an opening that does not reduce or constrict the flow of fuel and air between the carburetor and intake manifold. The fuel vaporizer block may have a heated surface with a variety of geometrical configurations, including an inclined surface, a concave surface, and a concave surface that includes a plurality of orifices and a plurality of channels for directing fuel into the plurality of orifices. In addition, the heated surface that the fuel strikes may include a platinum coating to reduce emissions and increase the efficiency of the engine. The fuel vaporizer block can be heated using any suitable form of heat, including electrical heating element, engine coolant, exhaust, and automatic transmission fluid.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of providing independently variable boost supercharging to an internal combustion engine by means of the adaptation of an electric axial flow ducted fan.

Abstract: A bypass venturi assembly for recirculating exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine, and particularly suitable for use in a vehicle, is provided with a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. A center piece is positioned within the housing and in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. An annular venturi nozzle positioned between the housing and the center piece is in communication with the combustion air inlet and defines a combustion air venturi section. The venturi nozzle is in communication with the exhaust gas inlet and defines an exhaust gas venturi section. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. An exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet. The venturi nozzle is separate from the housing and allows a nozzle with a particular configuration to be utilized, depending upon the application.

Abstract: In order to minimize pollutants such as Nox, internal combustion engines typically include an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve that can be used to redirect a portion of exhaust gases to an intake conduit, such as an intake manifold, so that the redirected exhaust gases will be recycled. It is desirable to have an EGR valve with fast-acting capabilities, and it is also desirable to have the EGR valve take up as little space as possible. An exhaust gas recirculation valve is provided that includes an exhaust passage tube, a valve element pivotally mounted within the exhaust passage tube, a linear actuator; and a gear train. The gear train includes a rack gear operatively connected to the linear actuator, and at least one rotatable gear meshing with the rack gear and operatively connected to the valve element to cause rotation of the valve element upon actuation of the linear actuator. The apparatus provides a highly compact package having a high-speed valve actuation capability.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1), comprising a cylinder block (2), a cylinder head (3) mounted upon the cylinder block (2), and a crankcase (5) containing a supply of oil for lubricating the engine (1). At least one crankcase ventilation passage (11) extends from the crankcase (5), at a position which is above the oil level, and through the cylinder block (2) and the cylinder head (3). A three-way termination (17) in the cylinder block (2) connects the crankcase ventilation passage (11) to at least two cylinders (7).

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprising: an ignition coil comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding, the ignition coil generating an igniting high voltage in the secondary winding by turning off a primary current flowing in the primary winding; an ignition switching unit; a spark plug connected to an igniting high voltage generation end of the secondary winding; a reverse current prevention unit series-connected on a current-conduction path of the discharge current connecting the secondary winding to the spark plug; a voltage application unit connected to an other end of the secondary winding opposite to the igniting high voltage generation end; an ionic current detection unit; and an ionic current detection switching unit series-connected on a current-conduction path of the ionic current-detecting voltage connecting the voltage application unit to the other end.

Abstract: A circuit for supplying an oscillation suppress current is provided between a collector terminal and gate electrode of a main IGBT. The current supply circuit comprises a resistor and a diode which are connected in series. A bypass MOSFET is connected between the series connection and the emitter terminal. No semiconductor element having different temperature characteristics is provided in the current supply circuit.

Abstract: An O2 amount in the intake air is determined based on a fresh air and an EGR gas. A consumed O2 amount is determined with a command injection amount Qr. Then, the consumed O2 amount is subtracted from the O2 amount in the intake air to obtain an exhaust O2 amount. An exhaust O2 concentration is estimated based on the exhaust O2 amount. According to the invention, the system is not affected by a delay for the exhaust gas to reach an O2 sensor and a delay of the chemical reaction in the O2 sensor. Therefore, the exhaust O2 concentration can be highly precisely estimated compare to the case in which the exhaust O2 concentration is detected by the O2 sensor.

Abstract: A ball launching apparatus configured to launch balls to a user. The ball launching apparatus is configured such that a user may change an angle of trajectory T of launched balls by simply resting the ball launching apparatus on one of two different base portions. The ball launching apparatus is configured to receive, feed, and launch balls having different shapes, such as baseballs and footballs. A ball feed mechanism of the ball launching apparatus is driven by ball propulsion mechanism of the ball launching apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a chuck for holding a workpiece, such as a chip-array semiconductor Chip Scale Packages (CSP) substrate, having a plurality of components such as CSPs to be singulated, and chaff areas of the components. The chuck comprises means to hold the chaff areas when the components are being singulated, that may include a first pressure means to hold the components and a second pressure means to hold the chaff areas.