Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatically shifting the subtransmission of a vehicle which is also equipped with a manual transmission operated by hand by the driver. When the driver shifts by hand to a certain gearing ratio, a vehicle operating parameter is detected, and, on the basis of this detected value, the procedure for shifting the sub-transmission is modified. Shift control of the sub-transmission is then performed in accordance with this modified sub-transmission shift procedure, while the manual transmission remains in this gearing ratio.

Abstract: An acceleration signal detector is provided for detecting an acceleration condition of an engine based on the open-and-close operation of a throttle valve. Switching arrangements associated with the throttle valve are provided for detecting the fully closed condition of the throttle valve and for detecting a partially closed condition of the throttle valve. Signal processing apparatus receives output signals from the switching arrangements, and a change in the output of the means for detecting a partially closed condition subsequent to a change in the output of the means for detecting the fully closed condition is indicative of acceleration. This arrangement eliminates erroneous signals that might otherwise be caused by chattering of switch contacts.

Abstract: The flow rate of intake air sucked into an internal combustion engine when a throttle valve of the engine is at the idling position is controlled so that the actual rotational speed of the engine becomes equal to a desired value. This desired value of the rotational speed of the engine is adjusted in accordance with the result of a judgement as to whether the actual rotational speed of the engine is increasing or decreasing, and the value of the actual rotational speed of the engine.

Abstract: In a vehicle equipped with a main transmission and, in series with it, a sub-transmission which has two speed stages, wherein the sub-transmission is automatically controlled by a main control system of a sub-transmission control system according to various operating parameters of the vehicle and the engine of the vehicle, it is proposed further to provide a sub-control system which is fed with a signal which indicates operation of the braking system of the vehicle, and which generates, when the braking system of the vehicle has been operating for longer than a first predetermined time, a shiftdown signal, which is fed to the main control system so as to override it, and so as to shift the sub-transmission positively into its lower speed stage, so as to provide good engine braking.

Abstract: In conventional electronic fuel injection systems, the flow rate of a fuel supply is fixed during a starting operation irrespective of time variations in the running parameters of an internal combustion engine. In accordance with the disclosed method and apparatus of the invention, however, the fuel supply flow rate is controlled in accordance with the time variations in the engine running parameters in the same manner as occurs after the starting operation, that is, during normal engine running operations, when at least one of the engine operating conditions of r.p.m. being higher than a preset level and flow rate of intake air being higher than a preset level is satisfied. Thus, the engine running operations either at a higher engine r.p.m. or at a higher intake air flow rate during the engine starting period can be stabilized while improving the engine startability and smoothing the engine running operations when an ignition switch is returned from its starting to its "on" position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling the ignition timing in an internal combustion engine provided with an EGR device. In this method, the correct EGR ratio of the engine is obtained by means of a specific calculation using a measured absolute pressure value in an intake manifold of the engine where EGR gas is recirculated and using a calculated absolute pressure value in the intake manifold where no EGR gas is recirculated, according to the engine's operating conditions. The optimum ignition timing in the engine is controlled in accordance with the calculated EGR ratio.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation control system for an internal combustion engine wherein the control is effected so as to accord intake manifold pressure of the engine to target values predetermined for various operating conditions of the engine and retained in a memory means, wherein the target values are modified in accordance with atmospheric pressure to a compensater for the reduction in atmospheric pressure at high altitutde and to modify the ratio of exhaust gas recirculation in operation of the engine at high altitude when compared with its operation at sea level.

Abstract: Disclosed is an EGR system of an internal combustion engine, in which a part of the exhaust gas is drawn out from an exhaust pipe and returned to an intake pipe through a control valve, and a reference pressure in the intake pipe corresponding to the amount of recirculated exhaust gas, predetermined by experiment (beforehand) in various combinations of engine intake air flow and speed, is memorized in a memorizing device. The reference pressure responding to the amount of sucked air being introduced into the engine and the engine rotating speed in the case of actual operation of the engine is read out from the memorizing device and, then, compared with the real pressure in the intake pipe in the case of actual operation of the engine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer control system of an exhaust gas recirculation device for an internal combustion engine, wherein values of the parameters of desired EGR ratios when various conditions in the engine intake system exist are preliminarily stored in the memory of the computer, and wherein a value of a parameter is read out from the memory by detecting a value of the engine condition during its operation. In the system, values of temperature correction factors with respect to at least one temperature characteristic of the engine are also preliminarily stored in the memory. A temperature correction value is read out from the memory in accordance with a detected temperature value of at least one portion of the engine. The computer calculates the amount of EGR needed from the read out values of desired EGR and temperature correction and produces an electrical signal for controlling operation of the EGR value.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation control system for an internal combustion engine including a diaphragm type exhaust gas recirculation control valve provided at a middle portion of a passage for conducting exhaust gases to be recirculated, the control valve being controlled by the fluid pressure supplied to its diaphragm chamber, wherein the fluid pressure is controlled to accord with a target value prepared to provide the optimum exhaust gas recirculation in various operating conditions of the engine and selected in accordance wtih the current operating conditions of the engine.

Abstract: In a tool-indexing apparatus, the apparatus comprises a member being moved in a linear direction, one set of ball screws which connects between the member and a tool-post, a stopper which restricts the linear movement of the tool-post, and two coil springs which resist against the linear movement of the tool-post and the member. During the operation of the apparatus, first, the member together with the tool-post are lifted, and after the tool-post has become abutted against the stopper via one of the two coil springs, the tool-post is revolved by means of one set of ball screws and by the other one of the coil springs for establishing the tool-indexing operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A monolithic refractory material especially suitable for vibration forming comprising a refractory composition containing silica sol, alumina sol or both as a binder and a water-insoluble or slightly water-soluble phosphate. The refractory material is used for lining receptacles such as a ladle or tundish or a trough or the like for treating molten metals.