Abstract: An sputtering device includes a carrier that includes a main body and support members. The main body defines a receiving space and includes a lateral surface defining at least one groove extending along a longitudinal direction. The receiving space and the at least one groove communicate with each other. The at least one groove is defined by a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines recessed portions along the longitudinal direction and communicates with the receiving space. The support members are used for hanging workpieces. Each of the support members includes at least one support arm protruding from the lateral surface and is selectively and movably retained by one of the recessed portions.

Abstract: A polycrystalline silicon producing method with preventing meltdown and maintaining a high growing rate and a high yield by increasing temperature of raw material gas before supplying them to a reactor in a high pressure state so as to lower convection heat transfer from a silicon rod, including: supplying electric current to a silicon seed rod in a reactor to make the silicon seed rod to generate heat; and supplying a large amount of preheated raw material gas including chlorosilanes to the silicon seed rod in the reactor in the high pressure state.

Abstract: A Film (7) is provided on at least a part of a surface of each of a vapor deposition preventing plate (3) and a shutter (4) of a vacuum chamber (5) on which surface vapor deposition particles are vapor-deposited, the film (7) being provided so as to be peeled off from the each of the vapor deposition preventing plate (3) and the shutter (4), and the film being made of a material differing in at least one of a melting point, a sublimation point, solubility in a given solvent, microbial biodegradability, and photodegradability from a material of which a vapor-deposited film that is formed on the film (7) is made.

Abstract: Gas reclaim and abatement are provided herein. In some embodiments, a gas reclaim and abatement system may include a chamber having walls defining an interior volume, a first body extending into the interior volume and having a channel disposed therein to provide a first gas to the chamber, wherein the first body is spaced apart from the walls to define a reaction volume between the first body and the walls, a plurality of RF coils disposed about the first body to provide RF energy to heat the first body, wherein the plurality of RF coils are disposed proximate the walls of the chamber on a side of the reaction volume opposite the first body, and a ceramic layer disposed about the first body, wherein the ceramic layer has one or more openings to provide a second gas to the reaction volume of the chamber through the ceramic layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas treatment apparatus comprising an exterior circular gas spray portion including an exterior circular gas channel, and at least two regions and a cover. Each region has an upper gas spray portion and a lower gas spray portion. The upper gas spray portion has a plurality of first gas channels and a plurality of first heat exchange fluid conduits, each the first gas channel is arranged interlaced with each the first heat exchange fluid conduit. The lower gas spray portion comprises a plurality of second gas channels and a plurality of second heat exchange fluid conduits, each the second gas channel is arranged interlaced with each the second heat exchange fluid conduit, and each the second gas channel surrounds each the first gas channel. The combinations of the first gas channels and the second gas channels in adjacent regions respectively are arranged at an angle.

Abstract: A wafer carrier for use in a system for growing epitaxial layers on one or more wafers by chemical vapor deposition. The wafer carrier includes wafer retention pockets recessed in its body. Each pocket includes a floor surface and a peripheral wall surface surrounding the floor surface and defining a periphery of that pocket. Each pocket has a center situated along a corresponding wafer carrier radial axis. In each of the pockets, a set of bumpers is positioned primarily at a distal portion of the wafer retention pocket opposite the central axis so as to maintain a gap of at least a predefined size between the peripheral wall surface at the distal portion and an edge of a wafer to be placed in the wafer retention pocket.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber; a turntable rotatably provided in the vacuum chamber, on which a circular substrate is to be mounted, and provided with a circular concave portion at a front surface having a larger diameter than that of the substrate, and a circular substrate mounting portion provided in the concave portion having a diameter smaller than that of the concave portion and the substrate at a position higher than a bottom portion of the concave portion, the center of the substrate mounting portion being off center with respect to the center of the concave portion toward an outer peripheral portion side of the turntable; a process gas supplying unit which supplies a process gas to the substrate; and a vacuum evacuation mechanism which evacuates the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A deposition apparatus includes a crucible having an inlet, a first heater heating the crucible, a tank supplying an object to be deposited to the crucible and having an outlet, a second heater heating the tank, and a transfer pipe connecting the outlet of the tank and the inlet of the crucible. The first heater has a first temperature range, and the second heater has a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range. The object to be deposited may be liquefied within the tank and transferred in the liquid state to the crucible via the transfer pipe. The amount of the object to be deposited within the crucible may be continuously maintained at an approximately constant value by regulation of the flow of the liquefied object to be deposited from the tank to the crucible based upon the weight of the object to be deposited within the crucible.

Abstract: A vertical furnace comprises a substantially cylindrical process tube vertically extending and delimiting a reaction space; a boat for accommodating a plurality of substrates to be vertically spaced apart from each other; a gas inlet system comprising a plurality of distribution tubes disposed at a circumference of the reaction space, wherein each of the distribution tubes have a plurality of gas injection holes distributed over a length of the distribution tubes and the distribution tubes are symmetrically disposed along an entire circumference of the reaction space; and at least one reaction gas source connected to the gas inlet system.

Abstract: An animal bed includes a plurality of elongate frame members, a plurality of corner fittings coupling the plurality of elongate frame members to form a frame, bedding supported by the frame, and at least one support supporting the frame above an underlying substrate. Each of at least first and second corner fittings among the plurality of corner fittings has a passage formed therethrough that receives therein a corresponding one of the elongate frame members.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of a method for measuring feed flow, feed is moved through a flexible pipe using a flexible auger operably positioned within the pipe. Feed flow through a metered section (309) of the flexible pipe is metered using a feed meter (304) attached to the flexible pipe. The feed meter includes load cell (312) configured to detect strain induced by feed mass within the metered section (309). Metering feed includes providing a measure of mass flow of the feed, using the load cell (312), when the feed moves through the metered section (309).

Abstract: A bird-operated interactive bird feeder is provided. The interactive bird feeder attracts birds and dispenses a substantially predetermined amount of bird feed (e.g. bird seed) when a bird operates a tool. Bird feed is held in storage in a feed hopper (i.e. housing) above a stage. An aperture is provided in the bottom of the housing large enough for the enclosed feed to flow freely from the housing to the stage. However, the aperture is equipped with the tool that causes the feed to bridge. When a bird operates the tool, the tool disrupts the bridged feed causing feed flow for a period of time, and then rebuilds the feed bridge when the bird ceases operation of the tool. Avid bird watchers can therefore enjoy watching birds for extended periods of time since the birds encounter larger amounts of feed at the stage.

Abstract: A pet feeding system is disclosed that includes a dish configured to regulate intake of food by a pet, such as a cat. The dish has a housing in cooperation with a food-dispensing receptacle that dispense food into a food-receiving chamber within the housing permitting a pet to access food in the chamber through at least one food access port that only permits part of the pet to reach within the housing to get some food. The food-dispensing receptacle can be a bowl that can be integrally formed as part of the housing and can also be a food-holding container that seats in the bowl. A cap is provided that can cover food in the bowl or container preventing a pet from accessing the food.

Abstract: Embodiments of containers such as bowls can include in outer shell, and an inner shell positioned at least in part within the outer shell. The inner shell can be formed from a material such as stainless steel. The outer shell can be formed from a material such as plastic. An anti-slip provision, such as a strip of elastomeric or other material, can be mounted on the outer shell.

Abstract: A method of promoting efficient water drinking by animals uses any one of a number of container embodiments. A first embodiment of container contemplates five sub-chambers separated from one another by parallel partitions, with each partition having a small weep hole near its bottom to equalize water level in each sub-chamber. Each sub-chamber has an elongated length dimension and a width that is relatively narrow and designed to approximate the width of an animal's tongue. When an animal is drinking water from one of the sub-chambers of this embodiment, as the tongue is lapping, the sides of the tongue are close to the inner walls of the sub-chamber, thereby precluding some of the water resting on the tongue from falling off the tongue as the water is lifted into the animal's mouth. In this way, the efficiency of drinking using the lapping technique is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pet litter box that has a lower portion having a bottom wall and four lower portion side walls that are at slightly more than ninety degrees from the bottom wall. An upper portion has a top wall and four upper portion side walls. A cutout portion in one of the four upper portion side walls forms a pet ingress and egress point. The four upper side walls terminate in a groove that mates with a lip formed by the four lower portion side walls. An internal divider has a floor grate that extends along a length of the lower portion and has a wall at approximately ninety degrees to the floor grate. The wall does not extend the length of the lower portion. Note that the lower portion has a height that is equal to or greater than the height of the upper portion.

Abstract: A litter box includes a bottom portion configured to hold an amount of sand, gravel or kitty litter, a cover element configured to cover the bottom portion; and an animal opening formed in at least one of the bottom portion and the cover element and configured and sized to allow a small animal to enter the litter box.

Abstract: A shipping container for livestock having a plurality of walls, a container roof and a container floor enclosing an interior storage space. The front wall may include a container door and one or more of the sidewalls may be mounted with one or more column support plates that support web support plates. A floating partition, end wing, loft and feed troughs may be mounted with the web support plates. Additionally, the floating partition may be tilted inward to efficiently divide space and provide access to the loft. A catwalk may also be mounted with the floating partition.

Abstract: A harness for pets including a leash. The leash includes a selectably removable decorative handle. The harness includes a leash retraction device coupled to the leash and configured to retract the leash into a retraction body. The leash retraction device includes a retraction brake system. The harness includes a pocket substantially enclosing the retraction body.

Abstract: A mechanism for retracting and extending a length of flexible material including a gear mechanism having a toothed gear, a coil spring, and a stop mechanism. The stop mechanism includes a trigger button, at least one barb and latch combination and a gear tooth engaging member. Pushing the button a first time causes the barb to lock in the latch and causes the tooth engaging member to engage gear teeth, preventing movement of the gear and preventing extension or retraction of the flexible material. Pressing the button again releases the barb from the latch and disengages the tooth engaging member from the gear, enabling the gear to rotate to extend or wind up the flexible material.

Abstract: The animal coat system comprises a two layer coat system for small animals or dogs. The bottom (base) layer provides warmth and also functions as a harness for the animal. Velcro type fasteners secure the base layer in place on the animal at several locations. The base layer has one or more D-rings allowing a leash to be attached. An upper layer attaches to the base layer at several points using Velcro, snap, or other fasteners. The upper layer has a keyhole opening so that the D-ring on the base layer can pass through to accommodate a leash. The upper layer is available in a variety of fabric types for providing extra warmth, weather protection, or fashion. The base layer can be used without the upper layer, but the upper layer cannot be used without the base layer.

Abstract: A convertible animal harness which includes a collar and an easily attachable, removable harness. The convertible animal harness allows the animal owner to normally leave the collar on the animal with all of the animal's ID and license tags, while quickly and easily attaching the harness to control or walk the animal. The harness can then be detached when the animal owner is not walking the animal. The detachable collar closes with a buckle, and a leash may be attached. The collar can be used independently from the harness section, but the harness section cannot be used without the collar. The convertible harness attaches to the collar using a snap closure, and the harness ends are connected using Velcro. A D-ring at the back end of the harness also allows a leash to be attached.

Abstract: A boiler has a tank, a hearth contained in the tank, a gas pipe having one end in communication with a gas exit of the hearth and the other end passing through the hearth, a combustor in communication with a bottom of the hearth, and a fuel supply device being connected to a fuel inlet of the combustor.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed in which thermal insulation is used to provide a thermal break and/or thermally insulative barrier generally between a body and flange assembly of a gas water heater control. An exemplary embodiment of a valve assembly for a water heater generally includes a flange, a body, and a thermal insulator. The thermal insulator is configured for placement generally between the body and the flange. The thermal insulator has a lower thermal conductivity than the flange and the body. The thermal insulator is operable for inhibiting heat loss from within the storage tank through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A ground supported single drum power boiler is described combining a refractory lined and insulated V-Cell floor; refractory lined and insulated combustion chamber; integrated fuel chutes configured to pre-dry wet solid fuel; top mounted fuel bin; internal chamber walls; configurable combustion air systems; and a back pass with after-burner ports and cross flow superheaters. The boiler can be configured in pre-assembled modules to minimize the field construction time and cost. An alternative embodiment is adaptable as a gasifier.

Abstract: A work apparatus has an internal combustion engine for driving a work tool of the work apparatus and a fuel pump which is driven by the engine and delivers fuel from a fuel tank to the engine. The work apparatus has a feed pump which is to be actuated manually by the operator. The fuel pump and the feed pump form one component which is arranged outside the fuel tank. The fuel tank has a tank wall which delimits the tank interior. An advantageous arrangement arid satisfactory cooling of the component are achieved if the component is arranged at least partially on the tank wall.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of carrying out low-load control when an IG OFF operation is performed, when a vehicle is running, and when stop of an engine is not permitted, carrying out gate cut-off control, ending low-load control and gate cut-off control when a brake pedal has been operated, when a vehicle speed is lower than a threshold value, or when a prescribed time period has elapsed since the IG OFF operation, permitting stop of the engine, and carrying out fuel cut control.

Abstract: A portable on-demand hydrogen supplemental system is provided for producing hydrogen gas and injecting the hydrogen gas into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced by an electrolyzer from nonelectrolyte water in a nonelectrolyte water tank. The hydrogen gas is passed through a hydrogen gas collector. Nonelectrolyte water mixed with the hydrogen gas in the hydrogen gas collector is passed back thru the tank for distribution and water preservation. The system can be powered by the vehicles alternator, a stand-alone battery, waste heat or solar energy. The system utilizes an an onboard diagnostic (OBD) interface in communication with the vehicle's OBD terminal, to regulate power to the system so that hydrogen production for the engine only occurs when the engine is running. The hydrogen gas is produced it is immediately consumed by the engine. No hydrogen is stored on, in or around the vehicle.

Abstract: A cooling system for internal combustion engines provides directed flows of heated or cooled coolant to various engine components and/or accessories as needed. By providing directed flows, the overall coolant flow volume is reduced from that of conventional cooling systems, allowing for a smaller capacity water pump to be employed which results in a net energy savings for the engine. Further, by reducing the overall coolant flow volume, the hoses and/or galleries required for the directed flows are reduced from those of conventional cooling systems, providing a cost savings and a weight savings. Finally, by preferably employing an impellor type water pump, the expense of an electric water pump and its associated control circuitry can be avoided. The direct flows are established by a multifunction valve which, in a preferred implementation, comprises a two-plate valve wherein each plate is operated by a wax motor.

Abstract: A valve for an engine cylinder includes a head. The valve is selectively moveable between a closed position in which the head blocks a port and an open position in which the head unblocks the port. A lower stem is formed as one-piece with the head, and a thermal cavity formed within the lower stem. The thermal cavity is at least partially filled with a heat transfer medium. An upper stem is attached to the lower stem opposite the head. A thermal barrier is located adjacent a junction of the lower stem and the upper stem.

Abstract: A method of supplying air to an air spring biasing one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine to a closed position is disclosed. The method includes: driving an air compressor with a motor prior to starting of the internal combustion engine, the air compressor fluidly communicating with the air spring to supply air to the air spring; determining that a predetermined condition has been reached; starting the engine once the predetermined condition has been reached; and driving the air compressor with a rotating shaft of the engine once the engine has started.

Abstract: In an internal-combustion engine provided with a system for variable actuation of the intake valves of the cylinders, some of said cylinders are deactivated in given conditions of operation of the engine by interrupting the supply of fuel. During de-activation, the cycle of opening and closing of the intake valves and exhaust valves of the deactivated cylinders is maintained. The intake valves of each deactivated cylinder are opened when the exhaust valves of the same cylinders are also open. The inactive cylinders are used as reciprocating volumetric pumps for recirculation of exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold of the engine up to the intake manifold. The recirculated gases are cooled in the intake manifold by the air introduced into the latter and can consequently be fed in a larger mass to the active cylinders, which enables a better global efficiency of the engine to be obtained.

Abstract: A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a drive camshaft, and a driven cam lobe that is rotatably supported by the drive camshaft. The variable valve operating apparatus further includes a control sleeve that has a raceway surface, a center of which is eccentric with respect to a center of rotation of its own. The variable valve operating apparatus further includes a link mechanism that is connected to each of the drive camshaft and the driven cam lobe and has a control roller which is in contact with the raceway surface. The variable valve operating apparatus further includes an actuator that drives the control sleeve. The variable valve operating apparatus further includes a control amount of the actuator is controlled to change a moving amount of the raceway surface in the above described plane direction in accordance with an operation condition of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A camshaft for a multiple cylinder four-stroke internal combustion engine is described wherein peak lift of a first exhaust lobe is angularly displaced relative to peak lift of a second exhaust lobe by an angle of cam rotation greater than an angle defined by a full revolution of the camshaft divided by the number of cylinders of the engine. By increasing the angle between peak lift of exhaust lobes associated with physically adjacent and successive firing cylinders, the exhaust port of an earlier firing cylinder begins to close earlier than a conventional symmetric arrangement and opening of the exhaust port of the subsequently firing cylinder may be delayed. As such the crossover or overlap period when two exhaust ports are open may be reduced, which thereby reduces the transfer of exhaust gas from one cylinder to another.

Abstract: A hydraulic camshaft adjuster (1) having a rotor (2) and a stator (3) as well as a cover (4) which is situated in a rotatably fixed manner on the stator (3) and is separate from the stator (3), having a spring (11) designed as a spiral spring (10), the spiral spring (10) having an inner, first end (9) which is fixed on the rotor (2) in a form-locked manner and an outer, free end (13) which is fixed on the cover (4) in a form-locked manner, the second end (13) of the spiral spring (10) being located in a groove (17) present in the cover (4), the groove (17) extending in such a way that the second end (13) of the spiral spring (10) extends from a side of the cover (4) facing away from the stator (3) to a side of the cover (4) facing the stator (3).

Abstract: A camshaft may have an inner shaft and an outer shaft, each rotatable relative to the other. An adjusting device may include a first phase adjuster and a second phase adjuster. The outer shaft may be mounted in a stationary counter bearing adjacent to the adjusting device and the adjusting device may have a first phase adjuster and a second phase adjuster. The counter bearing may be designed as a slide bearing and oil supply to the phase adjusters may take place via the slide bearing. The slide bearing may have a first, second and third oil channel. The first oil channel may act on the first phase adjuster with corresponding oil flows, the second oil channel may act on the second phase adjuster with a first oil flow, and the third oil channel may act on the second phase adjuster with a second oil flow.

Abstract: A camshaft phaser (1) having a stator (2) and a rotor (16), whereby at least one cover (18) is attached to the stator (2) by means of at least one screw (5) that has a head (8), whereby a spring (14) is joined to the rotor (16) and to the screw (5) so as to transmit force, whereby the spring (14) is in contact with a pin (10) that has a polygonal outside shape and that extends lengthenwise from the head (8) of the screw (5).

Abstract: A water-in-fuel emulsion system comprises a reactor device, a fuel intake connected to said reactor device, a water intake connected to said reactor device, a pump connected to said reactor device, and a circulating emulsion reprocessing inline loop connected to said pump and feeding a load as needed in real time, wherein said reactor device comprises a non-vibrating anvil shaped to create cavitation sufficient to emulsify water-in-fuel from said water intake and said fuel intake.

Abstract: A system for the production of aerated fuels, the system including a high shear device configured to produce an emulsion of aerated fuel comprising gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid fuel, wherein the gas bubbles in the emulsion have an average bubble diameter of less than about 5 ?m, and an internal combustion engine configured for the combustion of the emulsion, and wherein the gas comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of air, water vapor, methanol, nitrous oxide, propane, nitromethane, oxalate, organic nitrates, acetone, kerosene, toluene, and methyl-cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl.

Abstract: A laser spark plug for an internal combustion engine having a laser device, which includes a laser-active solid and a passive Q-switch, and having a pumped light source, which is configured to generate pumped radiation and to irradiate it onto the laser device. The pumped light source has a plurality of individual pumped light emitters at least two pumped light emitters each being activatable separately from one another.

Abstract: A manual activation device for activating a starter assembly. The present invention may include a push rod that is connected to a solenoid plunger. The starter may be activated manually by pushing the rod and thereby pushing the solenoid plunger into the gears. Therefore, if there is an electrical or mechanical malfunction with the starter or the vehicle, the push rod may be pushed in to start the vehicle.

Abstract: A two-piece piston is formed by friction welding an upper member to a lower member, wherein the upper and lower members are precision cast to net final dimensions such that no post-casting machining is required prior to the friction-welding process. The upper member includes a substantially flat crown and combustion surface extending radially inward from the crown. The lower member includes a pair of opposing skirts, each having a bore formed therethrough for receiving a connecting rod pin. The upper member and lower member each include at least two corresponding connecting surfaces that form a welded joint therebetween when the upper and lower members are friction welded together. The finished piston includes an integral cooling oil reservoir adjacent to the combustion surface.

Abstract: A bearing bushing for a connecting rod and a combination of a connecting rod and a bearing bushing are provided. The connecting rod has a small end which includes a bearing bore. A first region of the bearing bore, which in operation is subjected to compressive loading, is longer than a second region of the bearing bore which is subjected to tensile loading. In order to modify a bearing bushing and a connecting rod so that with simple production and optimized weight the connecting rod has good bearing properties for the piston pin, the bearing bushing already has, before insertion thereof into the bearing bore, a shape adapted to the end edge contour of the bearing bore, wherein the first region of the bearing bushing is likewise longer than the second region thereof. A method of producing such a small end is also disclosed.

Abstract: This embodiment is for diverting a portion of oil away from the primary lubrication system of an internal combustion engine to a secondary device while maintaining full oil pressure for another secondary device. The oil diverter provides restricted out going only oil flow to a device requiring oil flow back to the engine. The devices out going only anti flow back valve allows the secondary oil use device to maintain its oil level when oil pressure stops. The system includes the oil return device with the purpose to send the diverted oil back to the primary lubrication system after use by the secondary oil use device or devices. The oil return contains a reservoir that facilitates the capture of sample oil during the operation of the engine.

Abstract: A crankcase for an internal combustion engine, having a suction arrangement which is assigned to the crankcase and is configured for ventilating the crankcase of blow-by gas, in particular a gas/oil mixture, to produce a limited vacuum in the crankcase is disclosed. The crankcase has at least one dividing wall which is configured to feed blow-by gas and to separate oil. A ventilating housing part and a carrier housing part which is arranged above the ventilating housing part in included in the crankcase. The dividing wall is formed between the ventilating housing part and the carrier housing part and a suction arrangement is formed in the form of a suction jet pump which is configured for extracting oil from the dividing wall.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an internal combustion engine includes a first flow channel; a second flow channel arranged adjacent to the first flow channel; a line separate from the second flow channel; and a valve channel in which an adjustable valve element is disposed. The valve channel is arranged upstream of the first and second flow channels and an inlet channel is arranged upstream of the valve channel in a flow direction of exhaust gas. The valve element includes a baffle plate, the baffle plate having an end portion that extends diagonally in the valve channel with respect to the flow axis of the first flow channel. The valve element includes a flap that is pivotably mounted at the end portion of the baffle plate such that the flap is pivotable about an axis that extends in a direction of a width of a common housing.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head having a cylinder head base, a cylinder wall and a piston which is movable along a cylinder axis, and having a piston crown. A main combustion chamber is formed between the cylinder head base, the cylinder wall and piston crown. A precombustion chamber is inserted into a bore of the cylinder head and is fixed relative to the bore in the circumferential direction of the bore. The axis of the bore is at least substantially parallel to the cylinder axis, and a precombustion-type combustion chamber is formed in the precombustion chamber. At least one ring of transfer openings connects the precombustion-type combustion chamber to the main combustion chamber and in each case the angle which the transfer opening encloses with the cylinder axis differs for at least two transfer openings of the at least one ring.

Abstract: A system for safe storage and efficient utilization of a variety of fuel selections that range in composition and phase from cryogenic mixtures of solids and liquids to elevated temperature gases is provided for unique applications with various types of heat engines and fuel cells including hybridized combinations.

Abstract: A system is provided for an internal combustion engine comprising, at least two cylinders wherein the at least two cylinders form at least two groups, wherein each group comprises at least one cylinder, the at least one cylinder of at least one group being formed as a cylinder which can be activated in a load-dependent manner and which is deactivated if a predefined load is undershot. The at least two groups are characterized by different cylinder volumes, the at least one cylinder of a first group having a lesser cylinder volume and the at least one cylinder of a second group having a greater cylinder volume; and the at least one cylinder of the second group comprises an activatable and deactivatable cylinder. Use of the first cylinder group, and deactivation of the second cylinder group during partial loads increases engine efficiency and fuel economy.

Abstract: In order to control an adjusting device of a motor vehicle, in particular a window lift, having a motor-driven adjusting part, the speed of the drive is controlled to a desired speed value during normal operation at least in a sub-range of an adjustment travel and the driving force is controlled to a desired force value in the event of difficult motion for a first time period. After the first time period has ended, the adjusting part is reversed or the drive is at least stopped in the event of pinching. If the difficult motion is not an event of pinching, the speed of the drive is controlled anew to the desired speed value, wherein the driving force is first reduced to a first force and is increased to the desired force value within a second time period and/or a value realized during normal operation is used as a desired force value for the driving force.