Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating-piston machine, in particular an internal combustion engine, comprising at least one length-adjustable connecting rod (1) connected to a crank pin (21) of a crankshaft (26), wherein the connecting rod (1) comprises at least one length-adjustment mechanism (6) and at least one electrically switchable and inductively actuatable control valve (7).

Abstract: Various embodiments include a method for operating an internal combustion engine wherein the compression is variably adjusted comprising: checking a sensor signal indicative of a compression of the engine; checking the plausibility of the signal by: ascertaining a series of corresponding values of the signal and values of the actuating variable; determining a mathematical relationship between the signal and the variable based on the series; determining a deviation between the relationship and a predetermined characteristic relationship; and determining the signal is plausible when the determined deviation is lower than a predetermined threshold value; and if the determined deviation is higher than the predetermined threshold value, adjusting operation of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of induction cleaning, more particularly to chemically cleaning the induction system of the internal combustion engine. The carbon that accumulates within the induction tract of the internal combustion engine is very difficult to remove. Chemically these carbon deposits are very close to that of asphalt or bitumen. It has been found that if the induction cleaning chemicals are delivered in timed layered intervals the removal of such induction carbon can be accomplished. The Dual Solenoid Induction Cleaner uses electronically controlled solenoids to deliver at least two different chemistries in alternating layers to the engine's induction system. These electric solenoids are connected to a single induction cleaner nozzle. The induction cleaner nozzle is slipped through the vacuum port opening into the inside of the induction system where it will spray an aerosol of the chemistry directly into the moving air column entering the engine.

Abstract: A drive architecture comprises a rotor and a gearbox for driving the rotor. A pair of input gears provides rotational drive to the gearbox. A first recuperative cycle engine drives one of the pair of gears and a second engine drives the other of the pair of gears. The first recuperative cycle engine and the second engine are both gas turbine engines. A power takeoff from a drive shaft of the second engine supplies rotational drive to drive at least one component in the first recuperative cycle drive.

Abstract: A nose cone assembly is provided comprising a nose cone, a support ring on which the nose cone is mounted, and an insulating layer disposed between the nose cone and the support ring, the insulating layer at least partially comprising glass fibres. A composite nose cone is also provided comprising an attachment region A, in which composite fibres are oriented substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the nose cone, and an impact region I, in which composite fibres are oriented substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the nose cone. Also provided is a support ring for a nose cone assembly, the support ring comprising an annular main body and an annular projecting attachment flange, the attachment flange terminating in a plurality of circumferentially spaced attachment tabs, wherein the attachment flange forms with the main body a cross section having at least two C curves.

Abstract: Wind-funneling systems for gas turbines are disclosed. Air travels through a wind funnel where it is compressed, and then flows into a gas turbine that is fueled by a hydrocarbon fuel source such as natural gas. The wind funnels have a controlled volume with an opening facing the wind that concentrates air power and energy and directs the force into a constricted outlet that feeds into the gas turbine. Compressed air from the wind funnel may enter the front compressor section of the gas turbine at relatively high density and force. As a result, the gas turbine does not have to use as much energy to pull the air in, which creates fuel savings. The compressed air from the wind funnel then flows to the combustion section of the gas turbine where oxygen from the wind-compressed air is used to combust the hydrocarbon fuel supplied to the gas turbine.

Abstract: A cartridge for a fan case of a gas turbine engine includes an inlet acoustic liner section integrated with a thermally conforming liner section.

Abstract: A heat exchange system for a power gear box mechanically coupling at least low pressure compressor stage with at least one turbine stage in a turbo engine, in particular an aircraft turbo engine, is provided. At least one heat transfer device is enclosed, embedded and/or attached with the casing of the power gear box, wherein at least one airflow is directed to the at least one heat transfer device for thermally controlling the power gear box.

Abstract: A diffuser for a gas turbine engine is provided that includes an outer shroud, an inner shroud, a multiple of struts between said outer shroud and said inner shroud to define an annular flow path, and a mid-span pre-diffuser inlet in communication with said annular flow path.

Abstract: A combustor seal for use in a combustor of a gas turbine engine including a seal with a multiple of slots that correspond with a multiple of 1st HPT vanes. A method of cooling within a gas turbine engine including communicating cooling air through combustor seal toward each of a multiple of 1st HPT vanes.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a compressor section with a downstream most end and a cooling air tap at a location spaced upstream from the downstream most end. The cooling air tap is passed through at least one boost compressor and at least one heat exchanger, and then passed to a turbine section to cool the turbine section. The boost compressor is driven by a driveshaft which is driven by the turbine section. A boost turbine selectively drives the boost compressor.

Abstract: A gas turbine cooling system includes: a cooling air line that guides compressed air; a cooler that cools the compressed air; a flow rate adjuster that adjusts the flow rate of the cooling air; and a control device. The control device includes: a load change determination unit that determines whether a load indicated by a load command of the gas turbine has changed; a first command generation section that generates a first command indicating such an operation amount of the flow rate adjuster as allows the flow rate of the cooling air to meet a target flow rate; and a second command generation section that, when it is determined that the load indicated by the load command has changed, generates a second command indicating such an operation amount of the flow rate adjuster as allows a change-adapted flow rate higher than the target flow rate to be met.

Abstract: An endcover assembly for a combustor includes an endcover and a fuel nozzle rigidly connected to the endcover. The fuel nozzle includes a plurality of tubes that extends axially through a first plate, a fuel plenum and a second plate where each tube includes an inlet defined upstream of the first plate and an outlet disposed downstream from the second plate. The endcover assembly further includes an inlet flow conditioner having a forward end connected to the endcover and an aft end axially spaced from the forward end. The inlet flow conditioner circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the fuel nozzle. A support plate is joined to the aft end of the inlet flow conditioner. Each tube of the fuel nozzle extends through a corresponding tube hole defined by the support plate. The fuel nozzle is connected to the support plate.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel pumping arrangement comprises a first fuel pump, an electrically powered motor operable to drive the first fuel pump to deliver fuel to an outlet, a second fuel pump, a gas driven turbine operable to drive the second fuel pump to deliver fuel to the outlet, and a controller operable to control the operation of the gas driven turbine to determine the rate at which the second fuel pump is driven.

Abstract: A shroud configured for installation on a component of a machine includes a shroud body including a plurality of arcuate sections hingedly coupled together, and a closure assembly including an engagement member and a receiving member. The plurality of arcuate sections include a first arcuate section hingedly coupled to one of the arcuate sections at a first edge and including the engagement member at an opposing second edge, and a second arcuate section hingedly coupled to one of the arcuate sections at a first edge and including the receiving member at an opposing second edge. The shroud body is configured to transition between an open configuration in which the engagement member and the receiving member are spaced apart from one another and a closed configuration in which the engagement member engages with the receiving member, the closure assembly maintaining the shroud body in the closed configuration.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a system includes a starter air valve in fluid communication with an air turbine starter to drive motoring of a gas turbine engine responsive to a compressed air flow from a compressed air source. The system also includes a variable-position electromechanical device operable to adjust positioning of the starter air valve and a discrete-position electromechanical device operable to adjust positioning of the starter air valve and limit a motoring speed of the gas turbine engine below a resonance speed of the gas turbine engine responsive to a pulse width modulation control based on a failure of the variable-position electromechanical device.

Abstract: A gear system for a gas turbine engine includes a planet gear system which includes an output attached to a carrier for rotating a first fan assembly in a first direction. A star gear system includes an output attached to a ring gear for rotating a second fan assembly in a second direction. A sun gear of the star gear system is mechanically attached to a sun gear of the planet gear system.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan section that includes a fan rotatable about an engine axis. A compressor section includes a low pressure compressor rotatable about the engine axis. A turbine section includes a fan drive turbine for driving the fan and the low pressure compressor. A speed reduction device connects the fan drive turbine to the fan and the low pressure compressor. The speed reduction device includes a sun gear driven by an inner shaft. A plurality of intermediate gears surround the sun gear. A carrier supports the plurality of intermediate gears for driving the low pressure compressor. A ring gear is located radially outward from the intermediate gears and includes a forward portion for driving a fan drive shaft and an aft portion.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a fan drive turbine driving a shaft. The shaft engages a gear reduction. The gear reduction drives a fan rotor at a speed that is less than the speed of the fan drive turbine. The gear reduction is a non-epicyclic gear reduction.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine with a geared turbofan arrangement with a gearbox in a drive train driven by a turbine, a driving side of the gearbox being driveably connected with a propulsive fan, is provided. The gas turbine includes at least one form locking connection device in a drive train enabling a controlled disengagement of at least one engine part from the drive train in case of a mechanical failure of the gas turbine engine or a part thereof and wherein the at least one form locking connection device is positioned in a torque carrying shaft or a torque carrying part of a shaft and/or wherein the at least one form locking connection device is positioned between the torque bearing coupling of the gearbox with the fan shaft and a torque carrier of the gearbox and at least one load stop for bearing an essential axial load.

Abstract: There is described an oil and fuel control system and method for an engine. The system comprises an electric machine having a single rotor coupled to a dual channel stator comprising a first stator and a second stator, for operating as a motor to generate motive power; a dual channel motor drive unit coupled to the electric machine; a dual channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) coupled to the dual channel motor drive unit; an oil delivery system comprising an oil pump and oil accessories, coupled to the single rotor of the electric machine; and a fuel delivery system comprising a fuel pump and fuel accessories, coupled to the single rotor of the electric machine.

Abstract: A four-stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed comprising an exhaust valve control arrangement with an exhaust valve phase-shifting device configured to phase-shift control of the at least one exhaust valve to a state where the at least one exhaust valve is controlled in such a way that it is opened during the expansion stroke of the engine and closed during the exhaust stroke of the engine, in order to achieve engine-braking via compression in the cylinders during the exhaust stroke. An inlet valve control arrangement comprises an inlet valve phase-shifting device configured to regulate the amount of air pumped through the engine during the engine braking by regulating the phase-shift of the at least one inlet valve. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising an engine and method of controlling an engine, a computer program and a computer program for performing a method of controlling an engine.

Abstract: A cylinder cutout system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The system may include a plurality of cylinders having a first pattern of cylinders and a second pattern of cylinders. Additionally, a fuel governor operatively coupled to a plurality of fuel injectors may regulate an amount of fuel received by the plurality of cylinders. The system may further include a plurality of sensors configured to collect a set of engine data and a controller communicably coupled with the plurality of fuel injectors, the fuel governor and the plurality of sensors. The controller may be programmed to detect a start-up condition of the engine and to execute a cylinder test cycle on at least a portion of the plurality of cylinders based on a positive detection of the start-up condition. The controller may activate one of the first or second patterns of cylinders based on the cylinder test cycle results.

Abstract: An engine control system comprises: an engine 10 capable of switching between a reduced-cylinder operation mode in which combustion is stopped in a part of a plurality of cylinders 2 and an all-cylinder operation mode in which combustion is performed in all the plurality of cylinders 2; and a PCM 50 configured to stop fuel supply to the cylinders 2 when a given fuel cut-off condition is satisfied. The PCM 50 is operable, during a transition from a state in which the engine 10 is operated in the reduced-cylinder operation mode to a state in which the fuel cut-off condition is satisfied, to stop the fuel supply to the cylinders 2 at a timing earlier than that during a transition from a state in which the engine 10 is operated in the all-cylinder operation mode to the state in which the fuel cut-off condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method and apparatus for supplying conditioned natural gas to dual fuel engines.

Abstract: An engine includes a dynamo-electric machine which generates electricity by the rotation of the engine; a secondary battery which stores electricity generated by the dynamo-electric machine; an electric supercharger including an electric compressor for supercharging intake air into combustion chambers; and a mechanical supercharger including an exhaust turbine configured to be driven by exhaust gas in the exhaust passage, and a mechanical compressor configured to supercharge intake air into the combustion chamber. An ECU (50) includes a remaining charge detector for detecting the remaining amount of charge of the secondary battery; and a supercharge control means for adjusting the ratio between a supercharging pressure by the electric supercharger and a supercharging pressure by the mechanical supercharger according to the remaining amount of charge of the secondary battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for predicting a fluid type, comprising sensing, by a first sensor, mass flow data of a fluid in an engine, wherein the first sensor operates based on a first fluid property; sensing, by a second sensor, mass flow data of the fluid, wherein the second sensor operates based on a second fluid property; and detecting, by a logic circuit of a controller, a percent difference in the mass flow data provided by the first and second sensors, the percent difference indicating that the fluid is comprised of at least a first fluid type.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a combustion engine, the combustion engine including an inlet circuit and an exhaust circuit, the method including the steps: determining a temperature of the exhaust gases flowing through the exhaust circuit of the combustion engine; comparing the determined temperature with a maximum threshold; and if the determined temperature is less than the maximum threshold, controlling the engine by decrementing the richness of operation by a predetermined value and jointly incrementing by a predetermined value a level of exhaust gases recirculated between the exhaust circuit and the inlet circuit of the combustion engine.

Abstract: An estimation device that is applicable to a combustion system including an internal combustion engine includes a mixing acquisition unit, a combustion amount estimation unit, a region estimation unit, and a timing estimation unit. The mixing acquisition unit acquires a mixing ratio of various components contained in the fuel used for combustion in the internal combustion engine. The combustion amount estimation unit estimates a combustion amount of the fuel caused by a pilot combustion produced by injecting the fuel into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine with a pilot injection, based on the mixing ratio acquired by the mixing acquisition unit. The region estimation unit estimates a combustion region of the pilot combustion in the combustion chamber based on the mixing ratio. The timing estimation unit estimates an ignition timing, at which an ignition occurs in the combustion chamber with the pilot injection, based on the mixing ratio.

Abstract: Provided is a control device of a gas turbine including a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The control device executes load control of allowing an operation control point for operation control of a gas turbine to vary in response to a load of the gas turbine. The operation of the gas turbine is controlled on the basis of a rated temperature adjustment line for temperature adjustment control of a flue gas temperature at a predetermined load to a rated flue gas temperature at which performance of the gas turbine becomes rated performance, a preceding setting line for setting of the flue gas temperature at the predetermined load to a preceding flue gas temperature that becomes lower in precedence to the rated flue gas temperature, and a limit temperature adjustment line for temperature adjustment control.

Abstract: A controller is configured to execute a dither control process of operating fuel injection valves such that at least one of cylinders is a lean combustion cylinder, in which the air-fuel ratio is leaner than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, and at least another one of the cylinders is a rich combustion cylinder, in which the air-fuel ratio is richer than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, and a limiting process of limiting the dither control process such that the difference in the air-fuel ratio between the cylinders is smaller in a change period, in which a gear ratio of the multi-speed transmission is changed, than in periods except for the change period.

Abstract: An exhaust purification system of an internal combustion engine comprises an air-fuel ratio control device controlling an air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas to a target air-fuel ratio. If a first judged condition wherein an estimated amount of change of an oxygen storage amount of the catalyst when the target air-fuel ratio is maintained at the first set air-fuel ratio is equal to or greater than a first reference amount, and a second judged condition wherein a difference of an air-fuel ratio detected by the upstream side air-fuel ratio sensor and a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio is equal to or greater than a difference of a second judged air-fuel ratio and a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio are satisfied, the air-fuel ratio control device switches the target air-fuel ratio from the first set air-fuel ratio to the second set air-fuel ratio when the first judged condition and second judged condition are satisfied.

Abstract: A method for predictive open-loop and/or closed-loop control of an internal combustion engine with control variables pursuant to a model of the engine with characterizing variables and a control circuit for the control variables. The control variables are adjusted in an open-loop or closed-loop manner by measuring actual values and specifying target values of the characterizing variables and, optionally, depending on the boundary and/or environmental and/or ageing conditions. The characterizing variables are controlled pursuant to a model of the engine with the characterizing variables and a control circuit with the control variables. The controlling is part of a model-based predictive control, wherein the characterizing variables of the engine model are calculated and the control variables of the engine are adjusted in a predictively controlled manner.

Abstract: An anomaly determination apparatus determines an anomaly of a current control apparatus which supplies a control current to a control target and includes a current anomaly determination section. The current anomaly determination section is configured to compare a normal numerical range within which a state quantity changing with the control current falls in a particular state with a particular state quantity which is the state quantity corresponding to the control current generated by the control current generation section in the particular state, and determine that at least one of the reference resistor, the reference current generation section, and the control current generation section is in an anomalous state in the case where the particular state quantity has deviated from the normal numerical range. By using the current anomaly determination section, the anomaly determination apparatus can determine an anomaly of the current control apparatus.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve drive control device includes a boost circuit having a boost coil, a switching component (FFT or the like) supplying a switching current from a battery source voltage to the boost coil, and a boost capacitor accumulating a boosted voltage generated by the operation of the switching component; a discharge circuit for discharging the accumulated electric charge via a current limiter (e.g. discharge resistor, constant current source) and a discharge switch (FET or the like); and a monitoring circuit for monitoring the accumulated voltage. The discharge circuit is caused to operate when the control device is shutting down and performs a deterioration/failure diagnosis of the boost capacitor and an operation check of the discharge circuit on the basis of a monitored voltage value of the boost capacitor at starting the discharge operation and a monitored voltage value of the boost capacitor after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include a method for operating an internal combustion engine comprising: measuring pressure oscillations assignable to a cylinder in the inlet tract at a defined operating point during normal operation; generating a corresponding pressure signal; determining a corresponding crankshaft phase angle; calculating an injection signal component caused by fuel injection by subtracting a reference base pressure oscillation signal; determining a signal phase position and a signal amplitude of the injection signal component; determining an injection start time; determining an injection quantity on the basis of the signal amplitude and reference amplitudes; and adapting operation of the internal combustion engine based on the determined injection quantity.

Abstract: The silence of a diesel engine is enhanced. A PCM detects an actual supercharging pressure of a gas, and controls an injection mode of a fuel through an injector, thereby executing main injection that is started near a compression top dead center or pilot injection that is executed prior to the main injection depending on an operating state of an engine. If the degree of opening of an accelerator pedal decreases during operation of a large turbocharger, and the actual supercharging pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the PCM executes cylinder pressure control that allows an interval between a start timing of the pilot injection and a start timing of the main injection to be broader than if the actual supercharging pressure is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A cylinder bore wall thermal insulator includes a base member made of synthetic resin and having a shape conforming to a shape of the groove-like cooling water channel in a setting position of the thermal insulator, an opening for heat-sensitive expanding rubber swelling for heat-sensitive expanding rubber disposed on a rear surface side to pass through a base member during heat-sensitive expansion being formed in a position opposed to an insulating part of a cylinder bore wall, heat-sensitive expanding rubber disposed on the rear surface side of the base member and covering the opening for heat-sensitive expanding rubber swelling, and a rear-surface metal plate covering the rear surface side of the heat-sensitive expanding rubber, fixed to the base member, and holding an outer edge portion of the heat-sensitive expanding rubber between the rear-surface metal plate and the base member to thereby fix the heat-sensitive expanding rubber to the base member.

Abstract: A water cooled engine is provided, including a cylinder head with minimized thermal strain. A head water jacket includes an inter-exhaust-port-wall water channel between a first exhaust entrance port wall and a second exhaust entrance port wall. The cylinder head includes a cooling water injection passage provided at a bottom wall thereof. The cooling water injection passage is positioned on the exhaust end side, and includes a passage entrance provided on the exhaust end side, and a passage exit directed toward the inter-exhaust-port-wall water channel. An exhaust port wall includes a heat dissipation fin extending from a first exhaust entrance port wall toward an exhaust end. The space between the heat dissipation fin and a second exhaust entrance port wall forms a water channel entrance of the inter-exhaust-port-wall water channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an open-faced piston with a circumferential groove into which a piston ring assembly is arranged. Openings at the bottom of the circumferential groove and between a front land of the open-faced piston and the piston face are provided. The openings are arranged to allow for a combustion reaction to propagate through the volume defined between the bottom of the piston ring assembly and the piston face such that at least a portion of an air and fuel mixture located in that volume is reacted.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system includes two thrust reversal cascades, of which the first cascade is entrained by an actuator, and which are configured to adopt a retracted position in which they are housed in a space located outside the duct. The action of the actuator brings about: rearward displacement of the first cascade in the direction of a nacelle opening; and during part of the rearward displacement of the second cascade, simultaneous pivoting of this second cascade under the action of a control lever, the interaction of which with a fixed guide rail forces the front end of the lever to move radially inwards while the lever is entrained rearwards by the second cascade.

Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbojet engine nacelle includes movable cowls which move backward relative to a front frame under the action of an actuation system, thereby making flaps tilt, via a control mechanism, so as to substantially close the annular cold air flow path, and by opening cascades disposed around this flow path and which receive the cold air flow and return it forward. When the thrust reverser is closed, the cascades are partially integrated in the cowls, and the thrust reverser includes an actuation system which makes the cascades move backward along a stroke which is shorter than the stroke of the cowl.

Abstract: A carburetor includes a body with an air intake path, a fuel pump and a fuel pressure regulator and having a main fuel jet and nozzle assembly with a main fuel jet releasably coupled to the body of the carburetor. Alternatively, a main fuel jet and nozzle assembly includes a nozzle and check valve retainer formed as a single component. In other embodiments, a carburetor is provided having a fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator positioned on the same side of the body. A fuel pump and metering chamber diaphragm sandwiched between the body of the carburetor and a pump body and cover, separates a pump chamber from a pulse chamber of the fuel pump and separates a fuel chamber from an air chamber in the fuel pressure regulator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new classification of Turbine Prime Mover, capable of producing high magnitudes of rotational speed, potential rotating energy and power production. The invention is a rotating machine adapted to be propelled by the net force created by asymmetric radio frequency resonant cavities (7). The turbine employs thrusters (7) electrically driven by microwave signals produced from adapted Klystron Tubes (3). By optimizing microwave production, and thruster pressures via the internal radio frequency cavity resonance, power in the field of the thruster by wave tube amplification, internal reflectivity and cooling, the principles of rotor-dynamics are applied to produce a new class of energy storage machine. Low power inputs yield high energy magnitudes over time accumulated thruster operation in the rotor. The turbine rotor is capable of acting as a prime mover for energy injection into a rotor mass, or can create real work by outputting rotational energy into torque.

Abstract: It is widely appreciated that renewable sources of energy are desirable. In particular, in recent years the development of biodiesel has been encouraged in order to find a replacement for fossil fuels in internal combustion engines. Typically, such biodiesel is based on triacylglycerols of vegetable origin. Animal fat, due to its different chemical composition and production process presents additional challenges when attempted to be used as a source of fuel. Most known methods require extensive processing of naturally occurring fats in order for them to be usable in conventional engines. According to the present invention, there is provided a method of oxidizing organic fats within an internal combustion engine to generate power by applying a first electrical charge to an oxidizer (e.g. air) and applying a second electrical charge to the organic fat opposite in polarity to the first electrical charge.

Abstract: A filter element of at least one of a vehicle and an internal combustion engine may include an annular filter body, an inner frame supporting the filter body, an upper end plate and a lower end plate arranged axially on the filter body, a pin eccentrically arranged on the lower end plate, a plurality of centring elements, and a positioning web. The annular filter body may surround a cylindrical inner space. The plurality of centring elements may be arranged distributed in a circumferential direction of the filter body around the first plate opening, protrude axially into the inner space, and respectively have a chamfer. The positioning web may be arranged on at least one of the upper end plate and the inner frame in the circumferential direction between two centring elements of the plurality of centring elements and extend parallel to the two centring elements.

Abstract: A fuel supply device includes: a cover attached to an upper wall of a fuel tank; a pump unit disposed on a bottom wall of the fuel tank; and a connecting strut that connects the cover and the pump unit with each other. The pump unit includes: a unit body supported by the connecting strut in a radial direction and a thrust direction, and a fuel pump arranged on the unit body to pump fuel drawn from the fuel tank toward an internal-combustion engine. The fuel pump is located offset toward the connecting strut from a width center of a width from a thrust support part where the unit body is supported by the connecting strut to an end part of the unit body opposite from the connecting strut in a specific transverse direction.

Abstract: A fuel pipe includes a tubular header pipe and a socket coupled to the header pipe and supplied with fuel from the header pipe. The header pipe and the socket form a joining portion therebetween. The joining portion is shaped to be elongated in a first direction. The joining portion includes a communication hole that connects an inner region of the header pipe and an inner region of the socket. The communication hole is an elongated hole elongated in the first direction.

Abstract: A method and system of improving the efficiency of motor vehicles includes stopping an engine of a motor vehicle system if the motor vehicle system is immobile for more than a predetermined period of time, according to one embodiment. The method and system includes starting the engine with a magneto system, in response to one or more vehicle conditions, such as operation of a throttle, operation of a clutch, and/or operation of a brake lever, according to one embodiment.

Abstract: A control device is configured to read a required operation point of the internal combustion engine at the moment of restart following after intermittent stoppage, and to execute, when it is determined that the required operation point belongs to a reduced-cylinder operation allowed region and also to a reduced-cylinder operation restricted region which lies on a high load side of the reduced-cylinder operation allowed region, an all-cylinder operation and then move into a reduced-cylinder operation. When it is determined that the required operation point belongs to the reduced-cylinder operation allowed region but not to the reduced-cylinder operation restricted region, the control device is configured to switch the engine to the reduced-cylinder operation without execution of the all-cylinder operation.