The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for operating an engine having a cylinder and a piston reciprocable therein on compressed gas. The apparatus comprises a source of compressed gas connected to a distributor which distributes the compressed gas to the cylinder. A valve is provided to selectively admit compressed gas to the cylinder when the piston is in an approximately top dead center position. Compressed gas is provided by a compressor comprising a axial compressor, a deflector blade which is located downstream of the axial compressor, a radial compressor which is located downstream of the deflector blade and a housing with a which encloses the axial compressor, deflector blade, and radial compressor.

A camshaft adjusting system (1) for a first camshaft (2) and a second camshaft (3) which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another is provided, with the second camshaft (3) being arranged within the first camshaft (2). A hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4) of the vane cell type is set up to adjust the first camshaft (2), and an electric camshaft adjuster (5) is set up to adjust the second camshaft (3). The second camshaft (3) is supported in the axial direction on a stator (6) of the hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4). Further, a camshaft adjusting unit is provided including the camshaft adjusting system (1) and two camshafts (2, 3).

A camshaft adjusting system (1) for a first camshaft (2) and a second camshaft (3) which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another is provided, with the second camshaft (3) being arranged within the first camshaft (2). A hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4) of the vane cell type is set up to adjust the first camshaft (2), and an electric camshaft adjuster (5) is set up to adjust the second camshaft (3). The second camshaft (3) is supported in the axial direction on a stator (6) of the hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4). Further, a camshaft adjusting unit is provided including the camshaft adjusting system (1) and two camshafts (2, 3).

A camshaft adjusting system (1) is provided for a first camshaft (2) and a second camshaft (3) which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another, the second camshaft (3) being arranged within the first camshaft (2). A vane-cell type hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4) is configured for adjusting the first camshaft (2) and an electric camshaft adjuster (5) is configured for adjusting the second camshaft (3). A front cover (7) which is fastened to a stator (6) of the hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4) and which closes off the camshaft adjuster (4) at a side facing away from the camshaft has an internal toothing (8) for supporting a flex pot (9) which is attached to the second camshaft (3) and which is designed for receiving torque from the electric camshaft adjuster (5). A camshaft adjusting unit having the camshaft adjusting system (1) and two camshafts (2, 3) is also provided.

A camshaft adjusting system (1) is provided for a first camshaft (2) and a second camshaft (3) which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another, the second camshaft (3) being arranged within the first camshaft (2). A vane-cell type hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4) is configured for adjusting the first camshaft (2) and an electric camshaft adjuster (5) is configured for adjusting the second camshaft (3). A front cover (7) which is fastened to a stator (6) of the hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4) and which closes off the camshaft adjuster (4) at a side facing away from the camshaft has an internal toothing (8) for supporting a flex pot (9) which is attached to the second camshaft (3) and which is designed for receiving torque from the electric camshaft adjuster (5). A camshaft adjusting unit having the camshaft adjusting system (1) and two camshafts (2, 3) is also provided.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for operating an engine having a cylinder and a piston reciprocable therein on compressed gas. The apparatus comprises a source of compressed gas connected to a distributor which distributes the compressed gas to the cylinder. A valve is provided to selectively admit compressed gas to the cylinder when the piston is in an approximately top dead center position. Compressed gas is provided by a compressor comprising a axial compressor, a deflector blade which is located downstream of the axial compressor, a radial compressor which is located downstream of the deflector blade and a housing with a which encloses the axial compressor, deflector blade, and radial compressor.

A valve controller and method for controlling a valve having a solenoid are disclosed, including receiving a least one input signal, detecting a first edge of the at least one signal and in response to the detection activating the valve. Activating the valve includes activating the valve in a rise-to-peak phase during which the valve is opened, a hold phase following the rise-to-peak phase during which the valve remains open and a current level of the valve is less than a current level of the valve during the rise-to-peak phase, and an ending-of-activation phase following the hold phase during which current ripple in the valve is less than the current ripple in the valve during the hold phase.

A valve controller and method for controlling a valve having a solenoid are disclosed, including receiving a least one input signal, detecting a first edge of the at least one signal and in response to the detection activating the valve. Activating the valve includes activating the valve in a rise-to-peak phase during which the valve is opened, a hold phase following the rise-to-peak phase during which the valve remains open and a current level of the valve is less than a current level of the valve during the rise-to-peak phase, and an ending-of-activation phase following the hold phase during which current ripple in the valve is less than the current ripple in the valve during the hold phase.

Multiple diaphragm pumps are known in the art that are operated by compressed air and in which the valves are controlled by a slide element. The slide element is magnetically actuated without mechanical engagement involved in the actuation. This has the consequence that only a small amount of force can be applied which may not be sufficient due to static friction of the valve seal. The invention presents a hybrid solution which facilitates a mechanical actuation of a valve piston provided for valve control as well as a magnetic overcoming of a dead center that may be reached by the valve piston and the diaphragm piston that actuates the diaphragms of the multiple diaphragm pump.

Multiple diaphragm pumps are known in the art that are operated by compressed air and in which the valves are controlled by a slide element. The slide element is magnetically actuated without mechanical engagement involved in the actuation. This has the consequence that only a small amount of force can be applied which may not be sufficient due to static friction of the valve seal. The invention presents a hybrid solution which facilitates a mechanical actuation of a valve piston provided for valve control as well as a magnetic overcoming of a dead center that may be reached by the valve piston and the diaphragm piston that actuates the diaphragms of the multiple diaphragm pump.