Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a heating element coupled to a canister of an evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system. In one example, a method (or system) may include evacuating the canister at different temperature conditions, and diagnosing the heating element based on the different times taken to evacuate the canister at the different temperature conditions.

A thermal choke, includes (1) a body, comprising a heat conductive material, (2) an electric heater, on or in the body, (3) a temperature sensor, on or in the body, and (4) a fin, in a channel surrounded by the body. The thermal choke is configured to fit between a throttle assembly and a cylinder of a spark ignition engine.

A thermal choke, includes (1) a body, comprising a heat conductive material, (2) an electric heater, on or in the body, (3) a temperature sensor, on or in the body, and (4) a fin, in a channel surrounded by the body. The thermal choke is configured to fit between a throttle assembly and a cylinder of a spark ignition engine.

A surgical frame and method for use thereof is provided. The surgical frame is capable of reconfiguration before, during, or after surgery. The surgical frame includes a main beam that can be rotated, raised/lowered, and tilted upwardly/downwardly to afford positioning and repositioning of a patient supported thereon. The main beam is capable of be reconfigured between a left configuration and a right configuration to support the patient in different positions thereon.

A surgical frame and method for use thereof is provided. The surgical frame is capable of reconfiguration before, during, or after surgery. The surgical frame includes a main beam that can be rotated, raised/lowered, and tilted upwardly/downwardly to afford positioning and repositioning of a patient supported thereon. The main beam is capable of be reconfigured between a left configuration and a right configuration to support the patient in different positions thereon.

An internal combustion engine is operated at fuel-rich conditions by adjusting one or more operating parameters such as, for example, a throttle, an ignition timing, a load coupled to the engine, a fuel pressure, power to a supercharger, and power to a preheater to maintain a specified engine speed and a temperature of an exhaust gas. Operating the engine under these conditions allows the engine to function as a reformer producing a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

A control method and a control apparatus are provided. A main control circuit board in a controller receives an initial control command via a CAN bus from an ECU after being powered on, controls a fault detection circuit board to detect initial states of the controller and all devices connected to the controller based on the initial control command to obtain initial state information, transmits the initial state information to the ECU via the CAN bus, receives a first target control command via the CAN bus from the ECU, and controls a conduction control circuit board to turn on at least one MOS in a MOS array based on the first target control command to output a control signal to a heater connected to the controller to control the heater to operate, thereby realizing a closed-loop control on the heater and adjusting a power of the heater at any time.

A control method and a control apparatus are provided. A main control circuit board in a controller receives an initial control command via a CAN bus from an ECU after being powered on, controls a fault detection circuit board to detect initial states of the controller and all devices connected to the controller based on the initial control command to obtain initial state information, transmits the initial state information to the ECU via the CAN bus, receives a first target control command via the CAN bus from the ECU, and controls a conduction control circuit board to turn on at least one MOS in a MOS array based on the first target control command to output a control signal to a heater connected to the controller to control the heater to operate, thereby realizing a closed-loop control on the heater and adjusting a power of the heater at any time.

A GDCI engine control system includes a fast electric heater located within a pocket in a cylinder head. The pocket is in fluid communication with multiple intake ports. A heater control system includes a capacitor that is configured to provide a voltage that is greater than battery voltage to more quickly heat the intake air during a cold start. Subsequently a lower voltage can be supplied to the heater.

A GDCI engine control system includes a fast electric heater located within a pocket in a cylinder head. The pocket is in fluid communication with multiple intake ports. A heater control system includes a capacitor that is configured to provide a voltage that is greater than battery voltage to more quickly heat the intake air during a cold start. Subsequently a lower voltage can be supplied to the heater.