Patent ID: 7314034
Filing Date: 2008-01-01
Classification: F02D,G01M,Y02T

Abstract:
1. In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having intake valves and exhaust valves for the cylinders and intake valve deactivation apparatus providing de-activation of selected cylinders during engine operation, a method of verifying correct cylinder activation status comprising the steps: measuring a gas pressure in a conduit conducting combustion related gases through the cylinders of the engine; detecting consecutive pulses in the measured gas pressure due to predetermined activations of the intake valves; determining time periods between the detected consecutive pulses; sensing changing crankshaft position; signaling a verified cylinder activation status when the time periods between the detected consecutive pulses corresponds to expected time periods between the predetermined activations of the intake valves based on the sensed crankshaft position; and signaling an error in cylinder activation status when the time periods between the detected consecutive pulses do not correspond to expected time periods between the predetermined activations of the intake valves based on the sensed crankshaft position.