At a time of a startup in a non-lock state (at the time of a next startup in a case where an internal combustion engine is stopped in a non-lock state in which a VCT phase is not locked in an intermediate lock phase), it is determined whether or not the engine can be started up by most delayed startup processing. In a case where it is determined that the engine can be started up by the most delayed startup processing, the most delayed startup processing is performed. In this most delayed startup processing, the engine is cranked in a high rotation range not less than a specified rotation speed and a fuel injection and an ignition are started in a state in which the VCT phase is controlled to a vicinity of the most delayed phase (most delayed phase or within a specified range from the most delayed phase) to thereby start up the engine. In this way, at the time of the startup in the non-lock state, the engine can be quickly started up without locking the VCT phase.

A surgical stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a buttress material removably retained to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge can include at least one staple removably stored therein which can, when deployed, or fired, therefrom, contact the buttress material and remove the buttress material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the anvil can include at least one lip and/or groove configured to removably retain the buttress material to the anvil until deformable members extending from the surgical staple are bent by the anvil and are directed toward and contact the buttress material.

The present application discloses at least a method, apparatus, and system for automatic refueling of a driverless vehicle. A specific implementation of the method includes: sending refueling request information when a fuel amount is lower than a preset value and a refueling condition is satisfied; receiving preselected gas station information corresponding to the refueling request information; determining, from the preselected gas station information, destination gas station information and driving route information of a destination gas station; sending refueling request information after arriving at the destination gas station based on the driving route information of the destination gas station; turning off an engine and/or an electric motor after receiving refueling permission information corresponding to the refueling request information, opening a fuel tank cap, and sending refueling confirmation information; and closing the fuel tank cap after receiving refueling completion information. This implementation improves the refueling efficiency.

The engine shut-off valve system includes a housing, a gate member, a rotating lever, a locking piston assembly, and a closing piston assembly. The system is installed in fluid connection with a flow line so that air flow passes through a passageway in the housing with the gate member in the locked configuration. The air flow through the passageway stops with the gate member in the closed configuration. The gate member has an asymmetry so that the forces of the spring of the closing piston assembly and the spring of the locking piston assembly are cooperative to actuate between the closed configuration and the locked configuration, while wearing on the gate member differently so as to extend the working life of the valve system. The closing piston assembly and the locking piston assembly are separately accessible for maintenance.

A method for operating a vehicle system is provided. The method includes monitoring a change in a temperature of the fuel vapor canister coupled to a fuel tank via a canister temperature sensor and adjusting operation of a fuel tank isolation valve based on the change in temperature of the fuel vapor canister.

A method for cold start pre-warming of a pressure-charged internal combustion engine and/or of an exhaust gas aftertreatment device of a internal combustion engine, includes arranging a cold-starting aid in the intake duct for warming the charge air while the engine is stationary. The internal combustion engine has at least one working cylinder with at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve and further includes a device for setting a valve position. The internal combustion engine can be pressure-charged by a pressure-charging device operable by an electric motor. In the method, after detection of a cold start of the internal combustion engine: the cold-starting aid is activated while the engine is stationary; electric-motor operation of the pressure-charging device is activated; and a valve overlap between at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve is set.

An outboard motor is provided with: an encoder which detects the rotational speed of an engine; a position sensor which detects an operating position of a shift lever; and a state quantity detection unit which detects a state quantity of a shift actuator. A control device of the outboard motor determines whether the state quantity is more than or equal to a stop-initiating threshold value when the operating position has been switched. If the state quantity is more than or equal to the stop-initiating threshold value, the control device implements a stop control to stop ignition and/or fuel injection in the engine.

The invention relates to a method for operating a power generating device (2) comprising an internal combustion engine, in particular a gas motor or a gas turbine, and an energy accumulator. Said internal combustion engine and the energy accumulator are electrically coupled together. Said internal combustion engine (16) can be operated in accordance with a first estimated value and in accordance with a second estimated value.

Disclosed is a method for limiting fuel leakage from at least one injector in an engine of a motor vehicle, the engine being stopped and the motor vehicle ignition circuit being switched off, the injector being supplied with fuel via a fuel rail which is pressurized during operation, the pressurization persisting for a certain period when the engine has been stopped and the ignition circuit switched off, leading to leakage of fuel through the injector. The injection rail is subjected to forced cooling following the stoppage of the engine with the motor vehicle ignition circuit switched off, which is sufficient to reduce the pressure, the forced cooling continuing until the pressure in the rail is close to atmospheric pressure.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas engine heat pump includes: an engine including an ignition plug for burning a mixture of air and fuel; a compressor connected to the engine, for compressing refrigerant by an operation of the engine; a mixer for mixing the air and the fuel and supplying the mixture to the engine; a zero governor having a valve, for regulating the amount of fuel supply to the mixer; a throttle valve disposed between the mixer and the engine, for regulating the flow of the mixture entering the engine; and a controller, wherein the controller checks a current number of revolutions of the engine upon receiving a command to stop running the engine, changes a target number of revolutions of the engine so that the current number of revolutions of the engine reaches a first reference number of revolutions, if the current number of revolutions of the engine exceeds the first reference number of revolutions, controls the opening degree of the valve included in the zero governor in response to the change in the target number of revolutions of the engine, and controls the ignition plug to stop igniting if the current number of revolutions of the engine reaches a second reference number of revolutions which is lower than the first reference number of revolutions.