Various methods and arrangements for improving fuel economy in decel fuel cut-off (DFCO) operation of an internal combustion engine are described. In one aspect, a catalytic converter bypass valve diverts the pumped air in DFCO mode from flowing through a catalytic converter. The diverted, pumped air may flow through a bypass line or be returned to the engine intake manifold through an exhaust gas recirculation return line. Another aspect of the invention relates to directing the diverted pumped air through an emission control device.

A phase adjuster assembly is disclosed herein that is configured to adjust a phase between a driving component and driven component of an internal combustion engine. The phase adjuster assembly includes an input gear configured to be driven by the driving component and an output gear configured to drive the driven component. A piston plate assembly is configured to adjust a phase between the driving component and the driven component via axial displacement of the piston plate assembly. A hydraulic fluid system is configured to selectively provide hydraulic fluid to a first piston control chamber on a first side of the piston plate assembly and to a second piston control chamber on a second side of the piston plate assembly to axially displace the piston plate assembly such that the phase between the driving component and the driven component is adjusted.

A phase adjuster is disclosed herein that generally includes multiple stamped components and limits threaded connections between components. According to one aspect, this configuration provides a cost-effective arrangement in which a drive nut can adjust a phase between an input gear and an output gear.

The invention relates to a reciprocating piston machine, in particular with a variable compression ratio, of at least one cylinder with a piston and a connecting rod which is connected to the piston and to a crankshaft of the reciprocating piston machine. The reciprocating piston machine also has a first sensor which is arranged in a cylinder wall of the at least one cylinder and is configured to detect relative movement between a piston skirt of the piston and the cylinder wall. The invention further relates to a method (100) for diagnosing and/or controlling such a reciprocating piston machine (1), in particular with a variable compression ratio, and a system which is suitable therefor.

The invention relates to a reciprocating piston machine, in particular with a variable compression ratio, of at least one cylinder with a piston and a connecting rod which is connected to the piston and to a crankshaft of the reciprocating piston machine. The reciprocating piston machine also has a first sensor which is arranged in a cylinder wall of the at least one cylinder and is configured to detect relative movement between a piston skirt of the piston and the cylinder wall. The invention further relates to a method (100) for diagnosing and/or controlling such a reciprocating piston machine (1), in particular with a variable compression ratio, and a system which is suitable therefor.

A reciprocating, internal combustion engine comprises a turbine connected to the exhaust port of a cylinder. The turbine receives exhaust gas from the cylinder and a power capture means transfers the power generated by the turbine to at least one of power storage device, a turbocharger, a compressor, and vehicle locomotion.

A reciprocating, internal combustion engine comprises a turbine connected to the exhaust port of a cylinder. The turbine receives exhaust gas from the cylinder and a power capture means transfers the power generated by the turbine to at least one of power storage device, a turbocharger, a compressor, and vehicle locomotion.

An adaptive, any-fuel reciprocating engine using sensor feedback integration of high-speed optical sensors with real-time control loops to adaptively manage the electronic actuation schemes over a range of engine loads and fuels. The engine uses one or more optical sensors to collect specific types of gas property data via a spectroscopic technique to adaptively control various components within the engine.

An adaptive, any-fuel reciprocating engine using sensor feedback integration of high-speed optical sensors with real-time control loops to adaptively manage the electronic actuation schemes over a range of engine loads and fuels. The engine uses one or more optical sensors to collect specific types of gas property data via a spectroscopic technique to adaptively control various components within the engine.

Spark ignition engine operation at higher RPM so as to reduce alcohol requirements in high efficiency alcohol enhanced gasoline engines is disclosed. Control of engine upspeeding (use of a higher ratio of engine RPM to wheel RPM) so as to achieve an alcohol reduction objective while limiting any decrease in efficiency is described. High RPM alcohol enhanced gasoline engine operation in plug-in series hybrid powertrains for heavy duty trucks and other vehicles is also described.