US Patent 7377240 Method for operating an internal combustion engine

In a method for controlling an actuating device of a valve element of an intake system and/or an exhaust gas system of the internal combustion using an actuating variable, a periodic compensation signal is applied, at least intermittently, to the actuating device. The compensation signal generates a periodic counterforce at the valve element which is directed in the opposite direction from the periodic force exerted by the undesired disturbing vibrations of the valve element.