Abstract: In order to calculate an estimation of the amount of deposited particulates in a first filter (61) or a second filter (62), a first estimation calculating section (100) for outputting first estimation data (XA) based on pressure differential across the filter and a second estimation calculating section (110) for outputting second estimation data (XB) based on engine operating state are provided, the data between the first estimation data (XA) and the second estimation data (XB) that is the more reliable estimation data in light of engine (2) rotation is selected and whether or not filter regeneration should be conducted is decided. In addition, the difference between the first and second estimation data (XA, XB) is considered and when the difference is larger than a prescribed value, then even if the engine (2) rpm is high, selection of the first estimation data XA, which is apt to be an estimated value of low reliability owing to cracking of the deposited particulates, is avoided.

Abstract: In order to calculate an estimation of the quantity of accumulated particulates in a filter (32), a first estimation calculation unit (100) that outputs first estimation data (XA) calculated from the filter before and after differential pressure, and a second estimation calculation unit (110) that outputs second estimation data (XB) based on the engine operation status. Of the first and second estimation data (XA, XB), the estimation data having the higher dependability, as viewed from the engine speed at that time, is selected, whether or not to regenerate the filter is determined and with the differential between the first and second estimation (XA, XB) also taken into consideration, when the differential is larger than a prescribed value, even if the engine speed is high, the first estimation data XA is not selected since there is a risk that the dependability of the estimation value is low due to cracking of the accumulated particulates.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus (30) in which a before and after differential pressure (?P) of a filter (32) used to trap particulates is detected for regeneration of the filter (32), a time at which, during filter regeneration, the temperature of the outlet section of the filter (32) falls below the temperature of the inlet section thereof (?T>M), using a first temperature sensor (36) and a second temperature sensor (37), is determined as being the timing of the completion of the regeneration of the filter (32). The value of the before and after differential pressure (?P) at the time of this regeneration completion is used to estimate the quantity of residual ash in the filter (32), and when this estimated residual ash quantity is the same as, or greater than, a prescribed value (PX), a replacement warning signal (K3) is output urging replacement of the filter (32).

Abstract: Increase in quantity of particulates during a prescribed time period is acquired as first difference data (DX) that is based on pressure differential ?P across a filter (32) and derived from first estimation data (D2) obtained from a first estimation calculator (52) and is simultaneously acquired as second difference data (DY) that is based on integration of the quantity of particulate generation per unit time and derived from second estimation data (D3) obtained from a second estimation calculator (53), and the second estimation data (D3) is corrected using correction data (D4) calculated from the first and second difference data (DX, DY) to acquire corrected second estimation data (D6). A discriminator (73) determines which of the first estimation data (D2) and corrected second estimation data (D6) is suitable data and the regeneration control of the filter is conducted using the so-selected estimation data (Q).

Abstract: In order to calculate an estimation of the quantity of accumulated particulates in a filter (32), a first estimation calculation unit (100) that outputs first estimation data (XA) calculated from the filter before and after differential pressure, and a second estimation calculation unit (110) that outputs second estimation data (XB) based on the engine operation status. Of the first and second estimation data (XA, XB), the estimation data having the higher dependability, as viewed from the engine speed at that time, is selected, whether or not to regenerate the filter is determined and with the differential between the first and second estimation (XA, XB) also taken into consideration, when the differential is larger than a prescribed value, even if the engine speed is high, the first estimation data XA is not selected since there is a risk that the dependability of the estimation value is low due to cracking of the accumulated particulates.

Abstract: Increase in quantity of particulates during a prescribed time period is acquired as first difference data (DX) that is based on pressure differential &Dgr;P across a filter (32) and derived from first estimation data (D2) obtained from a first estimation calculator (52) and is simultaneously acquired as second difference data (DY) that is based on integration of the quantity of particulate generation per unit time and derived from second estimation data (D3) obtained from a second estimation calculator (53), and the second estimation data (D3) is corrected using correction data (D4) calculated from the first and second difference data (DX, DY) to acquire corrected second estimation data (D6). A discriminator (73) determines which of the first estimation data (D2) and corrected second estimation data (D6) is suitable data and the regeneration control of the filter is conducted using the so-selected estimation data (Q).

Abstract: In an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus (30) in which a before and after differential pressure (&Dgr;P) of a filter (32) used to trap particulates is detected for regeneration of the filter (32), a time at which, during filter regeneration, the temperature of the outlet section of the filter (32) falls below the temperature of the inlet section thereof (&Dgr;T>M), using a first temperature sensor (36) and a second temperature sensor (37), is determined as being the timing of the completion of the regeneration of the filter (32). The value of the before and after differential pressure (&Dgr;P) at the time of this regeneration completion is used to estimate the quantity of residual ash in the filter (32), and when this estimated residual ash quantity is the same as, or greater than, a prescribed value (PX), a replacement warning signal (K3) is output urging replacement of the filter (32).

Abstract: A calcination furnace capable of variably setting calcination conditions such as a size of a calcination chamber, a temperature, a temperature distribution and flowing of gas in the calcination chamber; and the like depending on calcined intermediate products. A furnace body in which a furnace chamber is defined includes two movable sections, which are moved in predetermined directions, to thereby vary an internal volume of the furnace chamber as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for selecting an entry stored in a data processing system, and specifically a destination in a vehicle navigation system. The system includes a display, a scrolling control having first and second controls, and a selecting control. Using the scrolling control, the user of the system scrolls through a plurality of stored destinations on the display. Each destination is made up of a plurality of alphanumeric symbols, the destinations forming an alphabetically and numerically organized list. The scrolling is accomplished by using the first control of the scrolling control. A character position selector is used to select a character position in a first indicated destination and the second control of the scrolling control is used to jump to subsets of destinations with the next or previous character position as compared to a currently indicated destination. The selecting control is then used to enter a desired destination.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system displays arrow icons to a driver indicating the directions he must follow from each of one or more turning points on his route to keep the driver from passing inadvertently an intersection in which he must change the vehicle's direction of advance or from turning in an intersection prior to the intersection previously chosen for a turn. Road anomalies, such as sharp curves or U turns are also displayed. The arrow icons are alternatively created from computed directions of the vehicle's advance or stored in an X-Y storage unit from which an arrow icon best fitting the required guidance is selected. The stored arrow icons include straight road, single turns, and multiple turns. The selected arrow is displayed to the driver. An embodiment calculates turns and curves with angles which match the actual angles of the turns, and radii and turning angles of curves.

Abstract: A calcination furnace capable of variably setting calcination conditions such as a size of a calcination chamber, a temperature, a temperature distribution and flowing of gas in the calcination chamber; and the like depending on calcined intermediate products. A furnace body in which a furnace chamber is defined includes two movable sections, which are moved in predetermined directions, to thereby vary an internal volume of the furnace chamber as desired.

Abstract: A navigation system for a vehicle enables an operator to know a calculated optimal path from a starting point to a destination before departure. After the optimal path is calculated, a preview function allows the operator to sequentially view the calculated optimal path either prior to departure or at any point along the optimal path. A cancel function allows the operator to cancel a displayed portion of the optimal path and to request calculation and display of an alternate optimal path which does not employ the canceled portion of the original optimal path.