Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for enhancing steering control of a personal watercraft. An electrically actuated device is coupled to the steering system of the personal watercraft and applies torque to the steering system. At least one sensor is positioned adjacent the steering system and generates operational data of the personal watercraft. At least one controller is coupled to the electrically actuated device and the at least one sensor, and is configured to determine a first torque to apply to the steering system based on the operational data responsive to a second torque being applied to the steering system. The at least one controller is further configured to operate the electrically actuated device to apply the first torque to the steering system for providing enhanced steering control of the personal watercraft, with the first torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.

Abstract: A sensor device for ascertaining at least one rotation characteristic of a rotating element is provided. The sensor device includes at least one trigger wheel which is able to be connected to the rotating element. The rotating element and the trigger wheel have an axis of rotation. The sensor device includes at least one coil array. The coil array encompasses at least one excitation coil and at least one receiver coil. The coil array is situated on at least one circuit carrier. The trigger wheel as a trigger wheel profile. The sensor device is designed to ascertain a change in an inductive coupling between the excitation coil and the receiver coil as a function of a position of the trigger wheel. The circuit carrier is situated coaxially with the axis of rotation of the trigger wheel. The circuit carrier surrounds the trigger wheel at least partially in a circular manner.

Abstract: An ignition system of a combustion engine has a start-up adjustment curve with a maximum rotational speed, an operating adjustment curve and a switch-over device for switching between curves. The start-up adjustment curve is selected in the case of a start-up of the combustion engine. A rotational speed curve is divided into adjacent cycles. The start of the first cycle is the point in time of the second ignition after the start-up and the start of the subsequent cycles is in each case the point in time of ignition at which the rotational speed is less than in the case of the subsequent point in time of ignition. The criterion for switching to the operating adjustment curve is whether the average of the rotational speeds of successive cycles differs by less than a first tolerance value.

Abstract: A method controls a direct-injection gaseous-fuelled internal combustion engine system to improve the conversion efficiency of an SCR converter that is operative to reduce levels of NOx. The method comprises detecting when the internal combustion engine is idling and timing the injection of a first quantity of fuel to begin injection when the engine's piston is near top dead center; and controlling the temperature of exhaust gas to be above a predetermined temperature that is defined by an operating temperature range that achieves a desired conversion efficiency for the selective catalytic reduction converter, by: (a) timing injection of the gaseous fuel to begin after timing for injection the first quantity of fuel, and (b) increasing exhaust gas temperature by increasing a delay in timing for injecting the gaseous fuel, while limiting the delay to keep concentration of unburned fuel exiting the combustion chamber below a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing electrostatic discharge protection. A probe card assembly is provided which is electrically connected to a plurality of input/output channels. The probe card assembly can be contacted with a secondary assembly having an interposer electrically connected to one or more wafers each wafer having a device under test. Voltage can be forced on ones of the plural input/output channels of the probe card assembly to slowly dissipate charges resident on the wafer to thereby provide electrostatic discharge protection. A socket assembly adaptable to accept a 3DIC package is also provided, the assembly having a loadboard assembly electrically connected to a plurality of input/output channels. Once the 3DIC package is placed within the socket assembly, voltage is forced on ones of the input/output channels to slowly dissipate charges resident on the 3DIC package to thereby provide electrostatic discharge protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and means of regulating the speed of a two-stroke combustion engine. An arrangement for alternating an ignition timing relative to a top dead center position is provided. For a given engine speed, the ignition timing may be step-wise adjustable. One or more steps may be used while alternating between two ignition timings. The ignition timing may be adjusted when the engine speed increases above a threshold engine speed.

Abstract: An ignition control device for an engine provided with ignition plugs for each cylinder. The ignition control device includes a sensor that detects a signal that determines whether the engine is in an idling state or not, and an ignition control unit that determines whether the engine is in the idling state on the basis of a signal from the sensor and controls the ignition plugs to be simultaneously ignited if the engine is in the idling state, and controls part of the ignition plugs to be ignited if the engine is in a state other than the idling state.

Abstract: Provided is a spark-ignition internal combustion engine capable of ensuring engine output power while setting a geometric compression ratio of an engine body to a high value. In the spark-ignition internal combustion engine, each of a clearance between a top surface (3a) of a piston (3) located at a top dead center position and a lower surface (8a) of each of two intake valves (8) in a full-closed state, and a clearance between the top surface (3a) of the piston (3) located at the top dead center position and a lower surface (9a) of each of two exhaust valves (9) in a full-closed state, is set to 5 mm or more, and a stroke length S of the piston (3) is set to satisfy the following relation: S?0.977×B+18.2, where B is a bore diameter of a cylinder.

Abstract: A system for managing ignition of a light-duty internal combustion engine during starting includes a charge winding used to create an ignition pulse; a first signal generated by the charge winding that indicates the speed of an engine; a second signal generated by the charge winding that indicates a piston position of the engine; a switch coupled to the charge winding for controlling the ignition pulse; and a processing device that receives the first signal and the second signal, wherein the processing device activates the switch when a comparison of the received first signal and second signal indicates that a piston is positioned at approximately top dead center (TDC).

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling ignition of a general-purpose internal combustion engine in which an ignition signal is produced both in a compression stroke and in an exhaust stroke of a four stroke cycle, one of the ignitions to be conducted based on the produced two ignition signals is cut and an after-ignition-cut engine speed is detected. Then it is discriminated whether each of the two ignition signals was produced in the compression stroke or in the exhaust stroke based on a difference between an average engine speed and the after-ignition-cut engine speed, and the ignition is controlled based on the ignition signal discriminated to be produced in the compression stroke in the two ignition signals, thereby enabling to improve the duration life of an ignition plug, with simple and compact structure.

Abstract: A first target wheel has an opening and rotates about an axis of rotation to move the opening along a generally circular path. A second target wheel adjacent the first target wheel has a second projection projecting into the opening of the first target wheel with the second projection being movable along the generally circular path. A single sensor is positioned adjacent the generally circular path and senses movement of the opening and the second projection past the sensor. An electronic controller may be used to process signals from the sensor to determine the relative angular difference between the first target wheel and the second target wheel.

Abstract: Problems: For enhanced safety of a work apparatus with an internal combustion engine, a cutting element is prevented from an accidental run due to an accidental increase of the engine revolution while a throttle control trigger is in a released state. Solution: In an engine start period, a throttle valve (10) is in a first idling position. The engine 2 at its initial run phase does not increase in revolution because of instability of its running condition. When the running condition begins to stabilize, the revolution rapidly increases. When the engine revolution (Ne) reaches 4,000 rpm or higher, a non-firing control mode is set up. In the non-firing control mode, when the engine revolution reaches or exceeds 4,500 rpm, a non-firing processing is executed (S4). A centrifugal clutch (6) is designed to engage at 5,000 rpm.

Abstract: An ignition timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, when determining that recalculations are possible from the time when final ignition timing is calculated normally to final ignition timing, recalculates the correction amount of the ignition timing by feedback control and the final ignition timing. Accordingly, engine speed at a time closer to actual ignition timing is reflected on the final ignition timing. This configuration prevents overshoot from occurring even when a feedback gain is made greater and thus allows highly-responsive feedback control of the ignition timing thereby suppressing the change in rotation of the engine effectively. When the recalculations are not performed, the final ignition timing based on the correction amount, as normally calculated, is used. Thus, the final ignition timing is maintained at certain accuracy and abnormal ignition such as accidental fire is prevented.

Abstract: Even when an engine is started in various combustion states, an excessive increase in engine speed at the start of the engine is suppressed without an influence of the combustion states and with an excellent responsiveness. Ignition timing (or a combustion injection amount) at the start of an internal combustion engine is corrected in accordance with a crank angle cycle ratio which is a ratio of a combustion period crank angle cycle and a reference crank angle cycle.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for sensing the speed of an EMD 567/645/710 two-cycle diesel engine having a crankcase, electronic fuel injectors and an electronic control system for controlling the electronic fuel injectors. The device includes a spline shaft sized for insertion into the crankcase of the engine so that the spline shaft rotates with the engine, a gear operably secured to the spline shaft to rotate with the spline shaft and sized to rotate with the engine in a 1:1 ratio, and at least one electronic sensor located adjacent the gear to sense rotation of the gear. The at least one electronic sensor is connectable to the electronic control system to provide electronic signals to the electronic control system for determining when to inject fuel with the electronic fuel injectors. Also disclosed is a method for retrofitting the engine and a kit for retrofitting the engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine with at least two cylinders in the case of irregular running caused by combustion problems has the following steps: measurement of a segment time of a first cylinder during a first time interval T1 in the sequence of operations of the internal combustion engine, with a corresponding first signal being transmitted as a first actual value to a control, sensing of pressure fluctuations in the second cylinder during a second time interval T2 in the sequence of operations of the internal combustion engine, with a corresponding second signal being transmitted as a second actual value to a control and changing of operating parameters of the at least one cylinder by means of the control on the basis of the first and second signal, when the first and the second actual value each deviate from setpoint values stored in the control.

Abstract: A reference signal generator generating a reference signal for high-resolution measurement/control in real time includes a means for calculating the rotational trend, e.g. increase/decrease in the r.p.m.

Abstract: A spark-ignition gasoline engine having at least a spark plug, the engine including an engine body having a geometrical compression ratio set at 14 or more, and an intake valve and an exhaust valve provided, respectively, in intake and exhaust ports connected to each of a plurality of cylinders of the engine body. The intake and exhaust valves are adapted to open and close corresponding respective ones of the intake and exhaust ports. The engine further includes an operation-state detector adapted to detect an operation state of the engine body and a control system adapted, based on detection of the operation-state detector, to perform at least an adjustment control of an ignition timing of the spark plug, the control system being operable, when an engine operation zone is a high-load operation zone including a wide open throttle region within at least a low speed range, to retard the ignition timing to a point within a predetermined stroke range just after a top dead center of a compression stroke.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the rotational angle position of the camshaft (3) of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine relative to the crankshaft (5) is provided. The crankshaft (5) is drivingly connected to the camshaft (3) via an adjusting drive (1), which is embodied as a triple-shaft gear mechanism, having a crankshaft-fixed drive shaft, a camshaft-fixed output shaft, and an adjustment shaft drivingly connected to an electric motor (4). A stop element is connected to the drive shaft and a counter-stop element is connected to the camshaft (3). The crankshaft rotational angle measuring signal and a position signal for the rotational angle of the adjusting shaft are detected during the starting step of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for continuous operation of an internal-combustion engine (2), comprising at least an actuator connected to a working device of the engine, an electronic circuit board or card (3) comprising a programmable logic FPGA component, means (9, 10) for synchronizing the card according to the engine cycle, and a central processing unit (CPU). The invention comprises: generating, through the component, a plurality of actuator control pulses, the pulses being parameterizable in phase and in duration, being independent, linked with a single cylinder and synchronized by an angular reference point in the engine cycle for each cylinder; determining pulse parameters and assigning these parameters to the pulses by means of a computing program included in the CPU of the microcomputer at each physical output; and controlling at least one of the actuators by a logic output signal of the circuit board corresponding to at least one of the control pulses.

Abstract: A fuel injection control apparatus is provided with a fuel injection nozzle, a crank angle detector, a timer, and a control computer. The crank angle detector outputs a pulse signal corresponding to each tooth portion of a signal rotor and a pulse signal corresponding to a tooth missing portion. The control computer sets, as a fuel injection timing, a point of time at which a predetermined standby time period has elapsed from a point of time at which a reference tooth portion is detected. The control computer recognizes a tooth missing zone based on the pulse signal corresponding to the tooth missing portion. The control computer determines whether the fuel injection timing is set in a specific section in the tooth missing zone. When the fuel injection timing is set in a section outside the specific section, the control computer sets, as the predetermined standby time period, a remaining time period shorter than one inter-signal time period.

Abstract: An engine system and method are disclosed for controlling pre-ignition of an alcohol fuel. In one embodiment, the fuel injection timing is adjusted to cause the fuel to avoid combustion chamber surfaces. In another embodiment, the fuel injection timing is adjusted to spray the fuel directly onto the piston surface to cool the piston. Also disclosed is a cylinder cleaning cycle in which engine knock is purposely caused for one to hundreds of engine cycles by adjusting the fuel content away from alcohol toward gasoline. Further measures to cause knock which are disclosed: adjusting spark timing, intake boost, exhaust gas fraction in the cylinder, cam timing, and transmission gear ratio.

Abstract: A method detects the beginning of combustion in an internal combustion engine (1) having several cylinders (2, 3, 4, 5), form a rotation speed signal determined for a shaft (6) of the engine (1). A segment signal (SS), whose signal length corresponds to an integral multiple of one or more full rotation of the shaft (6), is extracted from the rotation speed signal. A cylinder signal (ZS1, ZS2, ZS3, ZS4), which reproduces the operational state in a cylinder (2, 3, 4, 5), is generated from the segment signal (SS). The cylinder signal is transformed into a cylinder frequency signal (FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4) in an angular frequency range. Signal information indicating the beginning of combustion in the associated cylinder is extracted from the cylinder frequency signal at least one predefined angular frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an ignition spark in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus comprises an inductive ignition device having a primary coil and a secondary coil, flow of current through the primary coil being controlled by an electronic switching element (e.g., a transistor) responsive to a triggering signal. A rotatable body (e.g., the engine flywheel) having detectable features on a periphery thereof is also provided. A sensor device is located adjacent to the rotatable body at a fixed position and is operative to produce an output in response to the detectable features. The apparatus also includes a controller operative to receive an output from the sensor device and responsively produce the triggering signal so as to have a selected dwell time and ignition position.

Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine with at least two cylinders in the case of irregular running caused by combustion problems has the following steps: measurement of a segment time of a first cylinder during a first time interval T1 in the sequence of operations of the internal combustion engine, with a corresponding first signal being transmitted as a first actual value to a control, sensing of pressure fluctuations in the second cylinder during a second time interval T2 in the sequence of operations of the internal combustion engine, with a corresponding second signal being transmitted as a second actual value to a control and changing of operating parameters of the at least one cylinder by means of the control on the basis of the first and second signal, when the first and the second actual value each deviate from setpoint values stored in the control.

Abstract: A method for controlling spark timing in an internal combustion engine. The method includes determining, in response to a knock sensor mounted to the engine, a spark offset to the scheduled spark timing for the engine at relatively low engine speed which is applied to the scheduled spark timing at relatively high engine speeds. This offset is applied in conjunction with a time-varying spark retardation bias. The offset is removed at a rate proportional to the time varying spark retard bias. The bias increases if either a relatively large torque is demanded from the engine or the engine is at the relatively high speed and relatively high air charge condition; otherwise, the bias is decreased with time.

Abstract: A distributor for an internal combustion engine and associated methods comprise a camshaft having a drive gear thereon, a trigger disk positioned on the camshaft so as to rotate coaxially therewith, the trigger disk having a plurality of tabs defining a window between adjacent tabs, an optical sensor positioned relative to the trigger disk so that the plurality of tabs passes within sensor range as the trigger disk rotates on the camshaft, the sensor generating signals responsive to detection of the plurality of tabs, and a microprocessor operatively linked with the optical sensor and programmed with one or more ignition curves providing predetermined rates of ignition advance responsive to signals from the optical sensor.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine control unit for setting a ratio of fuel injection quantity of both the injectors. The engine control unit includes a memory storing four sheets of ignition timing maps, with reference to which the maximum torque generation timing and knocking limit torque generation timing, at the direct injection injector (100%) and port fuel injection injector (100%), are calculated. The engine control unit further operates to calculate a correction amount from correction amount map, and calculates first interpolation value of the maximum torque generation timing at the above 100% operation time of both the injectors and second interpolation value of the knocking limit torque generation timing at the above 100% operation time of both the injectors. A value in which the correction amount is added to either one of the above first and second interpolation value on a delay angle side is calculated as ignition timing.

Abstract: A device that controls the engine speed of an internal combustion engine of a hand-held power tool has a protective control unit. The engine has an ignition control unit for controlling the ignition timing relative to a crank angle of a crankshaft based on the crankshaft speed and also has a centrifugal clutch driven by the crankshaft that begins to engage when a first engine speed is surpassed and is fully engaged when a second engine speed is reached. The protective control unit is activated within an engine speed range between the first and second engine speeds and monitors a dwell time of the actual engine speed within the engine speed range. When a predetermined dwell time of the actual engine speed is surpassed, the protective control unit intervenes in the combustion process and corrects the engine speed to a value that is outside of the engine speed range.

Abstract: A crank angle sensor outputs a crank angle signal pulse every when a crankshaft rotates a predetermined crank angle. A time period sufficient for rotating a crankshaft between adjacent crank angle signal pulses is measured. The time period is referred to as a rotating time period. A next rotating time period between pulses including a next required ignition timing is estimated based on the rotating time period measured at a time when an engine speed is lower than a predetermined value. Then, a start timing at which a primary current begins to be supplied is set based on the next timing period.

Abstract: A system and method of managing the energy stored in a single ignition coil of a distributor inductive ignition for an engine. The engine comprises a plurality of cylinders and the ignition coil has a primary coil current. The ignition coil has a stored energy and a released energy during an ignition period. A pre-dwell time period and a pre-dwell current level is determined. The stored energy of the ignition coil and the released energy of the ignition coil are balanced during the ignition period at least in part by dwelling the primary coil current in the ignition coil at substantially the pre-dwell current level.

Abstract: A system and method to control spark timing of an engine wherein the injection timing of the engine is varied relative to a crankshaft position depending on engine operating conditions. According to the method, spark timing is varied as fuel injection timing varies for at least a portion of the engine operating range. The method can reduce fuel consumption, reduce transient fuel requirements, improve engine performance, and reduce CO emissions, at least under some conditions.

Abstract: A misfire detection apparatus of an internal combustion engine. The misfire detection apparatus includes an angle sensor for detecting rotation angle of the internal combustion engine, an ECU for performing fuel injection and ignition control based on rotation information of the angle sensor, an ignition coil for generating a high voltage for ignition based on a drive signal from the ECU, and an spark plug, as the high voltage for ignition of the ignition coil is applied, for generating an ignition spark and igniting an air fuel mixture. The misfire detection apparatus applies a bias voltage to the spark plug, detects an ion current, makes a misfire determination based on the ion current detection, and makes a failure determination based on time change of rotation information of the internal combustion engine when misfires occur successively in a specific cylinder of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An ignition control apparatus for an internal combustion engine for preventing ignition control upon occurrence of rotation reversal of the engine includes a rotation sensor (3) disposed in opposition to projections (11, 12) of a rotor (1), and an ignition timing control circuit (4) for fetching a rotation sensor signal (R) as a reference angular position signal to output a driving signal (P) to the ignition circuit (6). A retarded ignition control module (46) of the control circuit (4) measures a period of a specific interval of the sensor signal (R) while generating a driving signal (P) in dependence on the specific interval period. An arithmetic module (46) of the retarded ignition control module (46) sets an expectation period for accepting a succeeding sensor signal on the basis of the specific interval period to validate only the signal inputted during the expectation period.

Abstract: A method and system for operating an engine wherein ignition of the engine is activated according to a predetermined timing schedule that references engine speed, and the ignition is suppressed above a predetermined engine speed threshold to allow engine speed to fall below the predetermined engine speed threshold. Thereafter, ignition is reactivated according to timing that is retarded relative to the predetermined timing schedule for a predetermined number of engine revolutions substantially when the engine speed has fallen below the predetermined engine speed threshold, thereby mitigating undesirable spikes in combustion chamber maximum pressure.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, which is provided with a variable valve mechanism that varies an open/close characteristic of an intake valve, a target open/close characteristic of the intake valve is determined. Simultaneously, a control speed at a time when the intake valve is controlled to have the target open/close characteristic is determined. As a result, the variable valve mechanism is controlled according to the target open/close characteristic and the control speed.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine provided with a variable valve mechanism that varies an open/close characteristic of an intake valve, a target open/close characteristic of the intake valve is determined and at the same time, a control speed of when the intake valve is controlled to have the target open/close characteristic is determined, so that the variable valve mechanism is controlled according to the target open/close characteristic and the control speed.

Abstract: An electronic control unit adjusts an electronic throttle valve to a starting opening in a cold start mode of an engine, then maintains the opening of the electronic throttle valve so that an engine rotational speed detected by a crank angle sensor increases to a target rotational speed, and increases the opening of the electronic throttle valve and retards an ignition timing if the engine rotational speed is increased above the target rotational speed.

Abstract: To permit reliable occurrence of initial combustion at the start of an engine during which a stroke is not determined by only a crank pulse and to increase an engine speed. During a period from when cranking is started until a stroke is detected, fuel is injected once every rotation of a crankshaft before an intake stroke (or an expansion stroke), and ignition is effected once every rotation of the crankshaft in the vicinity of the top dead center, thereby enabling initial combustion without involvement of reverse rotation of the engine. If a stroke is detected, fuel injection and ignition are effected once per cycle. When the engine speed fails to become equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, the ignition timing is set to a point before the compression dead center and in the vicinity of 10° toward advance, thereby immediately increasing the engine speed.

Abstract: A method for controlling the ignition of an internal combustion engine (10) for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the method controls the timing of ignition for each of cylinder of the internal combustion engine (10). Control of the timing is based on two parameters, i.e., the speed at which the internal combustion engine (10) is operating and the gear in which the transmission (22) is operating. The speed is measured in terms of revolutions per minute. The gear helps to gauge what type of load may be present on the internal combustion engine (10). By identifying each of these parameters, it may easily be determined at what value the timing may be. If the specific speed of the vehicle is not located within the look-up table, where the data is stored, the method will interpolate the timing value based on values close to the value of the speed of the internal combustion engine (10) based on the neighboring values thereof.

Abstract: To permit reliable occurrence of initial combustion at the start of an engine during which a stroke is not determined by only a crank pulse and to increase an engine speed.

Abstract: A method for phase recognition of an internal combustion engine with a plurality of cylinders is preformed in an operating region of the engine having selected operating conditions. A crankshaft sensor serves to determine the angular position of the crankshaft. A control apparatus evaluates the signals of the crankshaft sensor and triggers injection and ignition impulses depending on the angular position of the crankshaft. The method includes the steps of adopting a phase relationship; changing a &lgr;-value for at least one of the cylinders; injecting at a selected time once or twice per working cycle in each cylinder; detecting speed changes of the internal combustion engine through at least one working cycle; and distinguishing whether the phase relationship of step B is correct or incorrect by the point in time of a rotational speed change or by an absence of rotational speed changes.

Abstract: A system and method of managing the energy stored in a single ignition coil of a distributor inductive ignition for an engine is described. The engine comprises a plurality of cylinders and the ignition coil having dwell control parameters. The engine is operated at different operating speeds. At least one engine performance parameter is determined. At least one dwell control parameter of the ignition coil in all of the different speeds is adjusted, the adjustment based at least in part upon an evaluation of the at least one engine performance parameter. The cylinders of the engine are fired. The stored energy of the ignition coil is altered to an optimum value between the firings of the engine cylinders, the altering being effected for each of the different speeds and as a result of the adjusting of the dwell control parameters.

Abstract: The ignition controller includes a crank angle sensor of an internal combustion engine, a cam sensor, and a control unit for controlling the ignition of each cylinder on the basis of a crank angle signal and a cam signal. Upon detecting a change in the engine speed of the internal combustion engine, the control unit has an ignition correcting unit for correcting the ignition energization start timing and the ignition timing in correspondence with that engine speed.

Abstract: An improved electronic ignition arrangement for an internal combustion engine having an output drive shaft, a rotary shaft drivingly coupled to the output drive shaft, a plurality of spark plugs, an ignition coil, and a rotor and distributor arrangement to effect sequential firing of the spark plugs, the rotor coupled to the rotary shaft for rotation therewith, the ignition system arrangement producing a software modifiable control signal routed to the ignition coil to effect optimal sequential firing conditions for the ignition col and spark plugs and thereby improving performance of the engine.

Abstract: An improved method and system for the control of an engine system such as the spark timing. The control senses the speed variations either during a portion of a complete cycle and a complete cycle and/or from cycle to cycle in order to determine the load on the engine from preprogrammed maps based upon the engine characteristics. From this load and the speed reading, it is possible to obtain the desired engine control. In addition the timing is set in this method only under certain specified conditions and only in response to certain specific parameters. This not only reduces the costs of the system by reducing the number of sensors, but also permits adjustments to be made more rapidly.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided to, with the aid of a limiting module, advance the maximally retarded ignition angle by a value with respect to the static combustion limit. The timing advance of the maximally retarded ignition angle may be used to avoid uncontrolled combustions in the exhaust, so-called exhaust backfirings. Such exhaust backfirings may occur in dynamic operating states.

Abstract: The strategy controls operation of an internal combustion engine in the time period before an oxygen sensor is warmed up sufficiently to provide reliable feedback measurements. It involves using a target speed-time (or event) goal, and then applying feedback, feedforward, and/or adaptive controls on the difference between the target and a measured engine speed. The target speed time (or event) can be programmed into an engine controller as a lookup table. The actual engine speed at each desired time or event can then be compared to the desired speed to obtain a difference value. Fueling, or any other speed control parameters, can be modified based on the difference value using feedback or feedforward routines to correct the measured value toward the target. The fueling or other control parameters can also be adapted for the next start based on any corrections.

Abstract: A four-cycle engine for a marine drive has an air induction device introducing air to a combustion chamber. The air induction device defines an intake port next to the combustion chamber. An intake valve is movable between open and closed positions of the intake port. A valve actuator is journaled on the engine body for rotation to actuate the intake valve at a set angular position. A setting mechanism is arranged to set the valve actuator to the angular position between advanced and delayed angular positions. A sensor is arranged to sense an amount of the air within the induction device. A control system is configured to control the setting mechanism based upon the signal of the sensor. The control system controls the setting mechanism to set the valve actuator to an angular position that is closer to the first angular position than a present angular position when the signal indicates that the amount of the air increases and a change rate of the amount is greater than a preset change rate.

Abstract: In order to provide an internal combustion engine control unit for a jet propulsion type watercraft which can control an internal combustion engine so that a rider can perform risk avoidance safely, a throttle open degree detector 22 which detects a state of the throttle operated by a rider, and a controller 300 which, when the throttle open degree detected by the throttle open degree detector 22 is a predetermined value or lower, keeps the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine 2 at a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time after the throttle open degree has reached the predetermined value or lower, are provided.