Abstract: A physical barrier having a carrier device and a sealer material applied to the carrier device. The sealer material is configured to expand when it is activated. In its pre-activation state, the sealer material is flowable. The sealer material is applied directly to the carrier in its pre-activation state through a dispensing orifice without being previously molded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing board warpage during the application and curing or drying of liquid epoxies, or the like, on printed circuit boards using a clamping fixture assembly, which includes at least one clamping fixture support and at least one clamping fixture overlay. If desired, a plurality of printed circuit boards may be processed using an appropriate clamping fixture assembly. Furthermore, the clamping fixture may be constructed so a slight bow or curvature thereof can counter either a convex or concave bow or curvature of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive robot, comprising a device for applying adhesive to a workpiece. The adhesive robot has a nozzle head (18), which has an application nozzle (24) and can be supplied with a pressurized viscous adhesive, the nozzle head (18) and the workpiece (14) being displaceable in relation to one another. The adhesive which is issued from the application nozzle (24) in a spray jet (28) is applied to a workpiece (14) along a predefined line of application (36) in the form of a strip of adhesive (40). To facilitate the adjustment and re-calibration process, the system comprises at least one camera unit (42), which is located on the nozzle head (18) and whose leans is directed towards the spray jet (28) or the adhesive strip (40). The output of said camera unit is connected to an image evaluation unit (45). The image data (40) recorded by the camera unit (42) is buffered and compared with predetermined image values (40).

Abstract: A bubble detection system to detect bubbles in photoresist. The system includes photoresist at least one tank, a buffer tank, a pump, and a bubble sensor. The photoresist tank provides the photoresist. The buffer tank stores the photoresist from the photoresist tank. The pump pumps the photoresist from the buffer tank to an end terminal. The bubble sensor is set between the buffer tank and the pump to detect bubbles in the photoresist, and outputs an alarm signal when bubbles are detected. The nozzle is set at the end terminal to output the photoresist.

Abstract: The present invention provides a batch type atomic layer deposition. Particularly, the batch type ALD apparatus and an in-situ cleaning method thereof supplies a cleaning gas to a central region of an upper plate in a radial form, thereby improving an efficiency on the in-situ cleaning of the batch type ALD apparatus.

Abstract: An electrode-built-in susceptor is formed by a susceptor base body which is made of an aluminium-nitride-group-sintered-member on one of which surface a plate sample is mounted, an inner electrode which is built in the susceptor member, a power supplying terminal which is disposed in the susceptor base body so as to be attached to the inner electrode, and an insulating layer which is formed mainly by one of a boron nitride, a lithium oxide, an aluminium oxide, or a magnesium oxide is formed between the inner electrode and the mounting surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer coating method. In the method, in a vacuum chamber, a low temperature monomer evaporation chamber is used to heat a liquid monomer and a cooled substrate at a temperature lower than the liquid monomer reservoir or vapor. The liquid monomer is allowed to condense on the cooled substrate surface where it is polymerized by a radiation source. The process depends on the vapor pressure difference between liquid in the monomer source and liquid condensed on the surface of the cooled substrate. The film thickness is dependent on the temperature difference between the monomer reservoir and the substrate, and the time that is required to move the coated substrate from the evaporation chamber to the cure station. The method is suitable for forming very thin, uniform, pinhole-free, polymer coatings from a variety of monomers, having at least two olefinic groups per molecule, on a variety of substrates.

Abstract: A laser CVD device capable of tightening adhesion of a film formed by laser CVD to a film formation face of a substrate and preventing cracks from occurring in the film itself is to be provided. The device comprises a plasma pretreating unit for turning pretreating gas into a plasma state by arc discharge and for supplying the plasma sate gas to the film formation face; and a film forming unit having means for sealing film forming gas while being isolated from an external atmosphere, means for radiating a laser beam to the film forming gas, wherein the film is formed over the film formation face of the substrate.

Abstract: A deposited film-forming apparatus by means of high frequency plasma CVD and having a power application electrode arranged in a film-forming vacuum vessel, a high frequency power source connected to said power application electrode, a direct current power source which is connected to said power application electrode and is connected with said high frequency power source in parallel connection, a detector for detecting a symptom of occurrence of arc discharge, and an arc discharge preventive means for preventing occurrence of arc discharge based on said symptom of occurrence of arc discharge which is detected by said detector, wherein said arc discharge preventive means is connected between said power application electrode and said direct current power source such that said arc discharge preventive means is connected with said direct current power source in series connection and is connected with said high frequency power source in parallel connection.

Abstract: Electron cyclotron resonance plasma deposition process and device for single-wall carbon nanotubes on a catalyst-free substrate, by injection of microwave power into a deposition chamber comprising a magnetic confinement structure with a magnetic mirror, and at least one electron cyclotron resonance area inside or at the border of said deposition chamber and facing said substrate, whereby dissociation and/or ionization of a gas containing carbon is caused, at a pressure of less than 10−3 mbars, in said magnetic mirror at the center of the deposition chamber, producing species that will be deposited on said heated substrate; process in which the substrate surface includes raised and/or lowered reliefs.

Abstract: A single-wafer-processing type CVD apparatus for forming a thin film on an object to be processed includes a reaction chamber, a susceptor for placing the object thereon, a shower plate for emitting a jet of reaction gas to the object, which is set up in parallel and opposing to the susceptor, an orifice for bringing a liquid raw material and a carrier gas into the reaction chamber, which is formed through the ceiling of the reaction chamber, an evaporation plate means for vaporizing the liquid raw material, which is set up in a space between the ceiling of the reaction chamber and the shower plate, and a temperature controlling mechanism for controlling the shower plate and the evaporation plate means at respective given temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a semiconductor substrate comprises a plate having a pocket which holds the substrate, wherein the pocket comprises a lower surface and an inner edge. The inner edge comprises a plurality of members extending radially inward to reduce the area of contact between the inner edge and the substrate. The beveled edge is inclined so that there is an acute angle between the lower surface of the pocket and the beveled edge.

Abstract: A milking parlor has a holding gate and a parallel spaced individually loaded-occupied-unloaded milking stall with an operator pit located intermediate the holding gate and the milking stall. The operator pit can be recessed from the holding gate and the milking stall, wherein a bridge or a bridge cart selectively connects a holding gate to an unoccupied milking stall A robotic or human operator can function from the operator pit to implement the milking process.

Abstract: A milking system including apparatus and a method for facilitating the milking of a large number of animals in a milking parlor. Milking stalls in the parlor are arranged to provide a one way-path of travel through the parlor with a controlled entry and exit to facilitate pre- and post-milking treatment of the animals. The milking stalls are separated by an operator's pit. A platform or person mover disposed in the pit carries an operator from one milking stall to another wherein the proximity of a working side of the platform to the stalls allows the operator to have direct access to an animal without leaving the platform. Movement of the platform to a given stall is controlled by a controller acting responsive to sensors that indicate the occurrence of an event at the given stall requiring the operator's attention.

Abstract: A dispensing device including: A reservoir means (11) and to contain a flowable substance; An opening (19) in the reservoir to allow the flowable to enter or exit the reservoir (11); A valve means (15) to allow the flowable substance to enter or exit the reservoir (11); Retention means (6) to retain the device on an animal (4); and, The arrangement and construction being such that the valve means (15) releases the flowable substance in response to the animal (4) urinating or like to urinate.

Abstract: A canine waste receptacle providing a natural, sanitary, hassle-free environment in which canines may urinate and deficate indoors. The canine waste receptacle has a layer of sod which rests upon a base. The base has apertures which allow urine and excess water to pass through to a collection tray which is housed underneath the base. This collection tray may be removed in order to dispose of the excess waste.

Abstract: A method for processing animal waste reduces ammonia levels and moisture and eliminates darkling beetles by heating and compressing the animal waste (such as soiled litter). In the preferred embodiments, the heating and compressing are done simultaneously using a screw-type extruder that is commercially available, but has only been used to date for producing animal food and feed products. By heating and compressing the animal waste, the volume of waste is reduced, bacteria in the waste is destroyed, and all darkling beetles in the waste are killed. In addition, the resulting processed waste may be recycled because it is free of bacteria and in a dry form. The preferred embodiments also include methods for doing business that include the processing of animal waste.

Abstract: A solo-interactive animal toy invention comprised of multiple-aspected instinctual attractants. An openwork mobile structure comprised of freely moving rods and plural toys which may be suspended at a level to which an animal ascends for accessible play. Intentional or happenstance action on any part activates transmission of motion through individual parts and the three-dimensional whole, enacting various complex and simple movement styles and formations attractive to a cat. Movements of individual toy-attractants occur simultaneously with overall movement of extended aerial form. When activated, different styles of movement alternate with self-perpetuating rotations. Alternating overlapping pathways among attractants/toys provide for reflex and choice by the cat as to which prey to pursue and when. This cat or other animal toy provides for enduring interest and play. It provides physical exercise and use of instinctual problem solving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a choke collar for animals, for dogs for example, with a neck part (20) and a pull chain (22), the strand-shaped neck part (20) being composed of a plurality of chain links comprising connecting links and two final links (28), said final links (28) being each provided with two eyes for engagement (32) with the final connecting links (34, 36) adjacent the two final links and with an eyelet (30), the pull chain (22) forming a closed loop that reaches through the eyelets (30) of the two final links (28). At least one of the two final links (28) is configured as a plate that is provided, in a first end region (46), with the eyelet (30) and, in a second end region (48) located opposite the first end region (46), with the two eyes for engagement (32).

Abstract: A flue system is provided for a water heater having improved heat exchange efficiency. The flue system includes an upstream heat exchange portion having at least one substantially vertical flue tube. The flue system also includes a downstream heat exchange portion having at least one substantially vertical flue tube. The upstream heat exchange portion provides a first pass for heat exchange with water in a water heater. The downstream heat exchange portion provides a second pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater.

Abstract: A method of reducing smoke and particulate emissions from steam boilers and process heaters operating on liquid petroleum fuel by adding a fuel additive which contains an oil-dispersible iron compound and an over-based magnesium compound to liquid petroleum fuel.

Abstract: The gas engine of the present invention has a pilot oil fuel valve, a pilot oil pump, and first and second pipes connected to a pilot oil main pipe, for each of a plurality of combustion chambers. An operating pilot oil tank and an ignition stimulant-added pilot oil tank are connected via a switching valve to a third pipe, connected to an end of the pilot oil main pipe. Before operating stops, the pilot oil is discharged by opening an exhaust valve, and thereafter, the switching valve is switched and pilot oil which the ignition stimulant has been added to is supplied into the pipe. Consequently, the pilot oil downstream from the main pipe is replaced with the pilot oil which the ignition stimulant has been added to. Therefore, at the time of the next activation, pilot oil which the ignition stimulant has been added to is sprayed from the fuel valve, and, as a result, misfire at the time of activation is reduced, and a highly reliable engine is obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for regulating the temperature of an engine, in particular an internal combustion engine 12, in the case of which the engine is interconnected with a radiator 16 via at least one forward-delivery line 35 and at least one return-delivery line 44 within a cooling circuit 14, which said radiator can be bypassed via a valve-controlled bypass line 48 between the at least one forward-delivery line 35 and the at least one return-delivery line 44. Additionally, the cooling circuit 14 comprises at least one pump capable of being controlled via open-loop and/or closed-loop control, in particular an electric pump 34 for pumping a coolant through the connecting lines 32 of the cooling circuit 14, as well as an electronic control unit 52 that controls the cooling capacity of the cooling circuit 14 via open-loop and/or closed-loop control.

Abstract: The invention is based on a method for monitoring a cooling fluid circuit (16) of an internal combustion engine (10), with at least one heat exchanger (18, 22), a regulating valve (26), a cooling fluid pump (32), and an electronic control unit (76). The invention proposes that the control unit (76) predetermine a permissible upper and lower deviation of a reference parameter from a desired value, based on operating parameters of the internal combustion engine (10) and with the aid of deviation characteristic fields (56, 58), and that it compare these permissible upper and lower deviations to a difference between a desired value and an actual value of the reference parameter, wherein the actual value is determined based on parameters of the volumetric flow of the cooling fluid, possibly with the aid of characteristic fields (42, 46, 74).

Abstract: An engine cooling system and method that will allow an engine cooling fan to be driven independently of the engine speed. The engine cooling fan is driven by the engine crankshaft, but includes an electronically controllable fan clutch between the fan and the crankshaft. A control module electronically controls the engagement of the fan clutch based upon engine and vehicle operating conditions. A water pump for pumping coolant through the engine cooling system may also be driven by the crankshaft of the engine, but with an electronically controlled pump clutch between the engine crankshaft and the water pump.

Abstract: A variable stroke engine includes a connecting rod having one end thereof connected to a piston via a piston pin. A sub-rod is connected to a crankshaft via a crankpin and to the other end of the connecting rod. A control rod has one end thereof connected to the sub-rod at a position distal from the position where the sub-rod is connected to the connecting rod. An eccentric shaft is connected to the other end of the control rod. The eccentric shaft is provided at a position eccentric relative to a rotating shaft to which power is transmitted from the crankshaft at a reduction ratio of ½. Intake and exhaust cams form a part of a valve operating mechanism and are provided on the rotating shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two cycle engine (1) comprising a lean lubrication system, whereby the lubrication oil is only applied in the area of a contact surface between a piston (3) and a cylinder (2). An oil outlet (12) is provided in or below a running surface (11) pertaining to the cylinder (2) for this purpose. An oil aerosol can be applied alternately, according to the position of the piston (3), onto the running surface of a shaft (9) pertaining to the piston (3) and onto the running surface (11) of the cylinder (2) via said oil outlet.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including cylinders with inlet and outlet valves, a first inlet valve drive having a first degree of adjustability for operating an inlet valve of at least one cylinder and a second inlet valve drive having a second degree of adjustability for operating an inlet valve of the at least one cylinder, the engine includes other cylinders having inlet valves with inlet valve drives having only the second degree of adjustability for operating the inlet valves of the other cylinders.

Abstract: An engine valve train has: a camshaft supported on a camshaft holder and driving inlet valves to open and close via inlet rocker arms; an electromagnetic actuator mechanism including an armature; a holding rod connected to the armature and pressing against a stem end of the inlet valve so as to hold the inlet valve in an open state; and, a hydraulic damper mechanism absorbing an impact which is generated by the inlet valve when the inlet valve is released from being held by the electromagnetic actuator mechanism so as to be restored to a closed state and is then seated, wherein the hydraulic damper mechanism is supported on the camshaft holder.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine can be improved in accuracy in the detection of valve timing (cam angles). A crank angle sensor generates a crank angle signal in the form of a train of pulses. Cam angle changing parts change phases of camshafts relative to a crankshaft. Cam angle sensors generate cam angle signals. A reference crank angle detection part detects reference crank angles based on the crank angle signal. Cam angle calculation parts calculate the cam angles of the camshafts based on the crank angle signal and the cam angle signals. A cam angle control part controls the relative phases of the camshafts to the crankshaft so as make them coincide with target cam angles corresponding to operating conditions of the engine. A cam angle calculation part calculates the cam angles by counting the number of pulses of the crank angle signal.

Abstract: A valve train in an internal combustion engine, and a method of adjusting the valve timing setting of a valve in such a valve train, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an engine that includes a crankcase with a cylinder, a valve, a push rod, and a rocker arm supported by the crankcase and coupling the valve to the push rod. The internal combustion engine further includes a cam rotatably supported by the crankcase, and a cam follower arm having first and second ends and, proximate the second end, having bottom and top surfaces. The cam follower arm is rotatably supported by the crankcase about a pivot point proximate the first end. The bottom surface proximate the second end slidingly interfaces the cam, and the top surface proximate the second end interfaces the push rod.

Abstract: In a variable intake-valve operating system for an engine enabling a working angle of an intake valve and a phase at a maximum lift point of the intake valve to be varied, a variable working-angle control mechanism is provided to continuously change the working angle of the intake valve and a variable phase control mechanism is provided to continuously change the phase of the intake valve. A control unit is configured to be electronically connected to both the two variable control mechanisms, to simultaneously control these control mechanisms responsively to a desired working angle and a desired phase both based on an engine operating condition. The control unit executes a synchronous control that a time rate of change of the working angle and a time rate of change of the phase are synchronized with each other in a transient state that the engine operating condition changes.

Abstract: A hollow camshaft (19) lubrication system for aircraft engines that supplies lubricant (14) to cam lobe surfaces (25) from the interior surface (22) of the hollow camshaft (19) even during periods when aircraft operation moves the rotation axis of the hollow camshaft (19) from horizontal.

Abstract: In a method for making it easier to start an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder in which there is at least one piston which is intended to execute an oscillating motion between a top dead center and a bottom dead center, air or a fuel-air mixture is drawn in via an induction line as a result of a movement of the piston toward the bottom dead center. After the bottom dead center has been passed and after the piston has started to move toward the top dead center, the air or the fuel-air mixture is discharged from the cylinder via the induction line. Intake valves are closed at a time which is shifted toward the top dead center. A control element arranged in the induction line closes the induction line after the piston has passed the bottom dead center.

Abstract: A method is described for starting a hybrid drive having a battery (1), an internal combustion engine (9), and at least two electric machines (5, 8), at least one being used to start the internal combustion engine (9). Reliable starting even at very low temperatures is achieved by bringing at least one of the electric machines (5) to a specified or specifiable rotational speed in a state that is uncoupled from the internal combustion engine (9) at the beginning of a starting phase, while electric power is supplied from the battery (1), and the electric machine is subsequently switched to generator operation; the electric power generated in generator operation is supplied to at least one further one of the electric machines (8) which then starts the internal combustion engine (9).

Abstract: A cylinder head assembly and a method of providing an air-fuel mixture from a carburetor to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine are disclosed. The cylinder head assembly includes a cylinder head and a component coupled to the cylinder head. The cylinder head includes a first port having a first passage linking a first end to an intersection, and a second passage linking a second end to the intersection, where the intersection includes an abrupt transition between the first and second passages. The component includes a tongue that protrudes into the first passage from the first end to proximate the intersection, where the tongue is positioned along at least a portion of an inner side of the first passage, and where the tongue is gradually-reduced in thickness at least proximate the intersection.

Abstract: A crankcase, and method of assembling a crankcase, of an internal combustion engine are disclosed. The crankcase includes a top including at least a first portion of a top surface of the crankcase, and a bottom including a bottom surface of the crankcase and a plurality of side surfaces of the crankcase. The side surfaces are substantially vertical and extend between the top and bottom surfaces. The crankcase further includes bearings within at least one of the top and bottom to support a crankshaft. The crankcase additionally includes a first interface at which at least one of the top, bottom and side surfaces is coupled to a cylinder. The bottom and top interface one another along a split line, the top is removable from the bottom, and the top is configured to be attached to at least one of an oil filter component, a starter, and an ignition module.

Abstract: A crankshaft, and method for distributing lubricant along a crankshaft, are disclosed. The crankshaft includes a crank pin, a crank arm, a main segment, and a flange. The crank arm is coupled between the main segment and the crank pin and has an outer side. A channel extends from within the crank pin to the outer side. The flange has outer and inner edges, is positioned on the main segment so that the outer edge abuts the main segment, and is further positioned so the inner edge abuts the outer side of the crank arm. The flange has first and second grooves along the outer and inner edges of the flange, respectively, and the grooves form a passage extending from the channel to an exterior portion of the main segment, so that lubricant can flow between the exterior portion of the main segment and the channel via the passage.

Abstract: An internal combustion rotary engine generating continuous torque throughout an entire combustion cycle by an inverse displacement of a moving chamber and stationary convex surface is described. A rotary engine having one or more of asymmetric chambers, asymmetric crank shaft placement, and a mechanical crank arm of varying length is disclosed. An engine having greater horsepower output per unit of engine displacement than traditional piston or rotary engines is described.

Abstract: A family of sliding vane rotary power devices provides two and four-phase internal combustion engines, as well as serving as pumps and compressors. All of these devices have an improved donut shaped rotor assembly having an integrated axial pump portion, an end shaft, a plurality of radial-directed passages and an equal plurality of sliding vanes in respective slots that are medially guided by cam followers moving in a pair of cam grooves The devices include an axial pump portion that acts as a supercharger for the four-phase internal combustion engine, a scavenger for the two-phase internal combustion engine, and as an axial pressure inducer when operating as a pump or compressor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for operating an internal combustion engine (1, 18) having a plurality of combustion chambers (4), in the case of which the combustion chambers (4) are charged with fuel and air or with a fuel/air mixture. In order to prevent torque jumps from occurring when cylinders (3) of the internal combustion engine (1, 18) are shut down and when switching the operating mode of direct-injection internal combustion engines (18), it is proposed that the charging of the combustion chambers (4) with fuel and air or with a fuel/air mixture be controlled individually via open-loop or closed-loop control for each combustion chamber (4). In the case of a direct-injection internal combustion engine (18), a certain number of combustion chambers (4) can be operated with homogenous-charge operation, and the remaining combustion chambers (4) can be operated with stratified-charge operation in accordance with the level of torque required.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a fuel injection nozzle disposed in a combustion chamber for injecting a gaseous fuel directly into the combustion chamber. An ignition device, also disposed within the combustion chamber, is installed in close proximity to the fuel injection nozzle. The ignition device comprises a sleeve that provides a shielded space around a hot surface igniter and the sleeve restricts flow between the shielded space and the combustion chamber. At least one inlet opening in the sleeve allows air and fuel to enter the shielded space to form a combustible mixture therein. The sleeve contains a substantial amount of the combustible mixture within the shielded space until it ignites and pressure builds within the shielded space to propel a combustion flame through at least one discharge opening and into contact with the fuel spray roots emerging from the fuel injection nozzle. The discharge opening(s) are oriented to direct the combustion flame in the direction of the fuel spray roots.

Abstract: A fuel injection system (1) for internal combustion engines includes a fuel injector (10) which has a spray-orifice plate through which fuel is injected into a combustion chamber (2). The combustion chamber (2) is bounded by a cylinder wall (3). A piston (6) is guided in the cylinder wall (3), and a spark plug (7) projects into the combustion chamber (2). The diameters of injection orifices positioned on the spray-orifice disk are distributed such that, at a particular point of injection, the injected fuel is distributed as homogenously as possible in an injection volume (23) of the combustion chamber (2), bounded by the piston (6) and the cylinder wall (3).

Abstract: A system for estimating an auxiliary-injected fuel quantity includes a fuel injector for injecting fuel into an engine, a fuel pump supplying fuel to a fuel collection unit that then supplies fuel to the fuel injector, and a control circuit that generates an auxiliary-injected fuel quantity estimation model by disabling the fuel pump prior to fuel injection, and enabling the fuel pump to resume fuel pumping following fuel injection, by the fuel injector, determines a first pressure in the fuel collection unit after stabilization of the fuel pressure therein following disablement of the fuel pump and prior to the fuel injection, determines a second pressure in the fuel collection unit after the fuel injection and prior to resuming pumping of fuel by the fuel pump, and forms the model as a function of the first and second pressures and an injector on-time for a number of different engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A direct-injection spark-ignition engine includes a spark plug provided approximately at the center of the ceiling of a combustion chamber, and an injector having at its downstream end a nozzle which is located in an upper peripheral area of the combustion chamber, in which multiple openings are formed in the nozzle of the injector. Fuel is injected from the nozzle of the injector directly toward the proximity of an electrode of the spark plug. The directions of axis lines of the individual openings are set such that central points of fuel jets spewed out of the individual openings do not lie on the spark plug but are distributed around the electrode, slightly separated therefrom.

Abstract: To reduce the amount of air leakage from the air cleaner side of the throttle system into the engine side on an occasion where the throttle valve is set to a closed position. The seal material 43 is installed in the course of the air passage that runs from the upstream side of the suction passage 3, passes through the upstream side of the gap 35 between the shaft 7 and through hole 25, communicates with the gap 37 surrounded by the stepped recession 29, shaft 7 and bearing 31 of the throttle body 1, runs in the circumferential direction of the shaft and through the downstream side of the gap 35, and reaches the downstream side of the suction passage 3.

Abstract: A device for controlling the engine (108) of a vehicle comprising an accelerator pedal (101) and an engine speed control circuit (102, 103, 106, 109) comprising in particular:

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for determining an impact-free extremal set position of an actuating member (1, 5) of an internal combustion engine (10) provides for an increase of the tolerances in the position of the actuating member and a reduction of the requirements on the mechanics of the actuating member and the read-back accuracy for the set position. In the extremal set position of the actuating member (1, 5), an actuating quantity, which is to be adjusted, has an extreme value. In an operating state of the internal combustion engine (10), which is substantially independent of the set position, the actuating quantity is measured with the aid of a sensor (15, 20) for various set positions in a range wherein the extreme value for the actuating quantity is suspected and that set position is determined as the extremal set position whereat the measured actuating quantity has an extreme value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adaptively controlling knocking and to a corresponding device for a gasoline direct fuel injection internal combustion engine, whereby the internal combustion engine is operated in at least two operational states. For controlling knocking, relevant late advance angles of the ignition angle are controlled by means of an adaptable adaptation process. A separate adaptation mapping or a separate adaptable computation rule is provided each time for both operational states, whereby, during a change of the operational state, the actual late advance angle is read out of the adaptation mapping of the new operational state or is calculated using the new adaptable calculation rule.

Abstract: Controlling fuel injectors to create varying injection rates and injection rate shapes typically involves using multiple control valves to control fuel pressure and check valve opening pressure independently. The fuel injector of this application uses a single control valve positioned between a fuel supply passage and a tip supply passage. The control valve has at least three positions. In a second position allowing a first maximum fuel injection rate and allowing a second maximum fuel injection rate in a third position.