Abstract: An auto-cruise controller to control the throttle angle of an engine so that the actual vehicle speed is equal to the target vehicle speed. In the controller, the pressure control of a lock-up clutch of an automatic transmission is conducted based on an amount of control of the lock-up pressure calculated corresponding to the traveling conditions of the vehicle when the throttle is fully closed, and when the vehicle is descending a slope during the auto-cruise control.

Abstract: An informing apparatus is designed for use with a cruise control system having at least one of a function of inter-vehicle control for enabling a present vehicle to follow a preceding vehicle and a function of constant-speed travel control for enabling the present vehicle to travel at a constant speed. In the informing apparatus, a determination is made as to whether or not a main switch is in its ON position. The main switch is designed for setting a state in which the cruise control system can start to operate. A determination is made as to whether or not a set switch is in its OFF position. The set switch is designed for commanding execution of cruise control. A speed of the present vehicle and a setting lower limit vehicle speed are indicated on a contradistinction basis when it is determined that the main switch is in its ON position while the set switch is in its OFF position. The setting lower limit vehicle speed denotes a lower limit of a vehicle speed range in which the cruise control is enabled.

Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for automatically adjusting a selected following interval for the vehicle based on driving conditions is provided. The method includes determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving a signal indicative of a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on the driven wheel speed, and capable of adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A cruise control for a vehicle having a throttle controller mounted to a handlebar is provided. The cruise control includes a throttle-pipe handle having a throttle-pipe spur gear attached thereto, a cruise control spur gear coupled to the throttle-pipe spur gear, an electromagnetic brake/clutch device coupled to the cruise control spur gear, an activation switch, and a control circuit. The cruise control spur gear may be coupled to the throttle-pipe spur gear via an intermediate spur gear. The control circuit provides a control signal to activate the electromagnetic brake/clutch device when the activation switch is actuated. When activated, the electromagnetic brake/clutch device prevents rotation of the throttle-pipe handle. When the braking system of the motorcycle is activated, the control signal provided to the electromagnetic brake/clutch device is removed, which deactivates the brake/clutch device, allowing free rotation of the throttle-pipe handle.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid motor vehicle operators who wish to contest speeding tickets that may have been unjustly issued is disclosed. The invention comprises an electronic interface within a motor vehicle that registers and records the last speed setting of the vehicle's cruise control system. Additional data such as the date, time activated, time deactivated, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) is also recorded. In the event of a suspected speeding violation, the driver would request the law enforcement officer to download this information into a hand held display device carried by the law enforcement officer. The hand held display device would print out two copies of the above information, one for the officer and one for the driver. In the event of a dispute, where the driver wishes to contest the speeding ticket, the print out would be admissible in court as evidence against speeding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for limiting the vehicle speed of a working vehicle which can provide a smooth traveling condition during vehicle speed limit, and which can set a vehicle speed limit suited to environmental conditions. To this end, a vehicle speed control device (10) judges a vehicle speed limit traveling period when a vehicle speed signal is equal to or greater than a vehicle speed limit value, to calculate a corrected depressing stroke signal by a control gain based on a deviation value between the vehicle speed signal and the vehicle speed limit value so that the deviation value becomes smaller to output to an engine control device (40), and judges an accelerated traveling period, when the vehicle speed signal is smaller than the vehicle speed limit value and the corrected depressing stroke signal is larger than a depressing stroke signal, to output the depressing stroke signal to the engine control device (40).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling engine speed in a motor vehicle engine (9) by an engine management system (1) with an engine control output (8,46). The engine management system (1) provides the following operations. A driver demand controller (38) responsive to an accelerator pedal (12) provides a first control signal (40) representative of a target engine speed. A cruise speed controller (22) responsive to a cruise control setting and vehicle speed provides a cruise signal (28). An idle speed controller (30) provides an idle signal (32). A combined idle-cruise speed controller (36) provides a second control signal (42) representative of a target engine speed which is responsive to the greater of the cruise signal (28) and idle signal (32). The greater of the first (40) or second (42) signals is selected to control (8,46) engine speed.

Abstract: A system for controlling internal combustion engine performance in accordance with driver behavior includes a vehicle control computer operable to receive a plurality of vehicle operating parameter signals and control engine fueling based thereon. In accordance with an operational status, or an operational state determined over a predefined time interval, of one or more of the vehicle operating parameter signals, the system is operable to control available engine performance. Both the operational status and operational state of the various vehicle operating parameters are the result of the manner in which the driver operates the vehicle. The control system of the present invention is thus operable to reward/penalize driver performance by correspondingly adding/subtracting available engine performance in the form of available engine output power and/or available vehicle speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for executing a strategy of electronic throttle monitoring of a powertrain system including an electronic powertrain control module, and an electronic throttle control, includes an independent processor receiving signals shared with the powertrain control module from sensors and actuators on the vehicle. The monitor operates in a monitoring mode to detect faults occurring in the powertrain or the powertrain control module, and determines whether mitigating conditions occur in conjunction with detected power output greater than power demand. In the event that these mitigating conditions are not detected, the monitor operates in a limiting mode to actuate decreases in power output below the level of power demand.

Abstract: A pulsing drive system delivers pulsed power signal of the driven wheels of a vehicle for improving the efficiency internal combustion or an electric motor driven vehicles. A controller receives signals such as velocity and demand, and communicates to a means for selectively communicating energy wherein the means for selectively communicating energy converts the pulse signal to a correspondingly conditioned power pulse for powering the vehicle. When combined with a plurality of motors sized with optimal horsepower ranges according to a binary array, an arrangement of such motors provides for an optimally efficient operation of the vehicle by bringing on-line strategically selected combinations of the motors. A control system selectively brings on-line the multiple motors.

Abstract: Described herein is a drive-by-wire vehicle engine output control system. The system permits good-response acceleration by a driver's simple and reasonable operation, i.e., by operating an accelerator pedal and also a prompt response even when a sudden load change occurs. Further, the system permits precise speed control by simple equipment even when the deviation of a vehicle speed from a target vehicle speed is large. Output changes of an engine can be controlled within a permissible output change range by (a) comparing a target autocruise engine output with an acceleration demanding ending output, choosing the larger engine output and then controlling the engine to give the larger engine output, (b) controlling the engine to achieve a target autocruise engine output obtained from a speed correction torque and a running load torque or (c) limiting an engine control quantity on the basis of a permissible output change value.

Abstract: A running resistance detecting apparatus detects a running resistance of a vehicle indicative of the running state thereof on the basis of an engine torque and a vehicle acceleration. A number of devices, such as a cruise control device, an automatic transmission device, a traction control device, a power steering device, a suspension control device and the like, can be controlled in accordance with the running resistance of the vehicle thus calculated. The control performance of these devices can significantly be enhanced together with improved maneuverability of the vehicle.

Abstract: An induction system and method for enhancing the efficiency and performance of an internal combustion engine connectable between an air filter and an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine is provided.

Abstract: A target torque is determined in a target torque determination device on the basis of an accelerator operation amount detected by an accelerator operation amount detector and power source output detected by a power source output detector. A target driving force is determined in a target driving-force determination device on the basis of driving force detected by a driving-force detector and the target torque. A target acceleration is determined in a target acceleration determination device on the basis of a travel resistance detected by a travel resistance detecting device and the target driving force. The operation of an actuator is controlled on the basis of an acceleration detected by an acceleration detecting device and the target acceleration. Thus, it is possible to provide a power source output control in accordance with the travel resistance, while simultaneously taking into consideration the current state of the power source and the responsiveness thereof.

Abstract: An electronic integrated engine and vehicle management and control system includes an electronic vehicle control module and a fuel injection control module, in communication with each other, which together control the total vehicle and engine operation functions of a heavy duty vehicle. A novel fuel injection timing device is utilized with the control module to allow precise and sophisticated control of engine timing based on a number of engine and vehicle operating parameters as determined by the control modules. Functions such as engine speed control, vehicle road speed control, engine protection shutdown, fuel economy, braking control and diagnostics are performed by the system.

Abstract: Device and apparatus for determining a target value of a controllable variable such as a drive torque associated with a running state of a motor vehicle, so that the variable is controlled so as to coincide with the determined target value. Initially, a basic value used as a basis for determining the target value is determined depending upon at least a currently required output of the vehicle engine which is represented by an accelerator pedal operating amount, for example. Then, control rules for compensating the basic value are defined based on at least one parameter indicative of a running condition of the vehicle, such as a vehicle weight and a road gradient. Finally, a compensation factor for compensating the basic value to obtain the target value is determined based on the control rules according to a fuzzy set theory.

Abstract: A control device for controlling the operation of a fuel control member 17 of a vehicle engine includes a piston 12 coupled to the control member and connected to the throttle pedal of the vehicle through a lost motion spring 20. The pressure in the chambers 13, 14 defined on opposite sides of the piston can be controlled by valves so that in one mode the movement of the piston and fuel control member are directly under the control of the operator and when the vehicle is driven in a second mode, the piston controls the position of the fuel control member to provide "cruise control" and in a third mode the piston can move the fuel control member in opposition to the setting determined by the driver to provide "torque control".

Abstract: A system and method for automatically running a vehicle at a desired cruising speed, in which a running resistance of the vehicle is always derived, a target opening angle of a throttle valve of a vehicular engine which can run the vehicle at a desired constant acceleration and/or at the desired cruise running speed is derived under the derived running resistance, and the opening angle of the throttle valve is controlled in a feedforward control mode so as to coincide with the target opening angle. The automatic cruise running system and method can achieve no variation of vehicle speed when the vehicle runs on a rugged road.

Abstract: A first input member (6) is rotatably mounted to a shaft (2). The first input member (6) is linked with an accelerator pedal (25). An output member (3) is tightly secured to the shaft (2). The output member (3) is linked with a throttle valve (24). An intermediate member (7) is also rotatably mounted to the shaft (2). The intermediate member (7) is linked with the output member by a spring member (8). The first input member (6) drives the output member (3) through the intermediate member (7) in response to an operation of the accelerator pedal (25). A driving means (11) is connected to the shaft (2) through the reduction mechanism (13). The driving means (11) rotates the shaft (2) and drives the output member (3) in order to open or close the throttle valve (24).

Abstract: A device for controlling idling operation of an internal combustion engine comprising an actuator operatively connected to a throttle valve for controlling the opening degree of the throttle valve during engine idling operation, an actuator position sensor for sensing an operating position of the actuator, a first control unit adapted to receive output signals from an engine RPM sensor, a water temperature sensor which senses the temperature of engine cooling water and the actuator position sensor to control the operation of the actuator such that the opening degree of the throttle valve is adjusted to an appropriate level to maintain the RPMs of the engine during idling at a predetermined value corresponding to the sensed temperature of the cooling water, and a second control unit independently operated from said first control unit to control the operation of the actuator in accordance with the operating position of the actuator and the temperature of the cooling water so as to limit the operating position o

Abstract: The disclosure illustrates a self calibrating control system for a variable area turbocharger incorporating a pneumatic actuator having a limiting position achieved at low actuating pressure levels. The calibration takes place by monitoring the demanded actuator signal. If it stays at a level reflecting a physically limiting position of the actuator for a predetermined time air pressure to the actuator is terminated to positively maintain the actuator in the no air position. A signal reflecting the actual position of the actuator is then substituted in the control system as a new zero pressure condition. This procedure is performed periodically and is aborted if normal control inputs are demanded thus resulting in a minimum disruption to normal control inputs. In addition the system provides for fault indications if the calibration procedure fails to result in a zero pressure calibration within predetermined limits.

Abstract: An automotive engine throttle control device has a function for effecting traction control for reducing the engine throttle opening upon detection of any slip of driving wheels and a function for effecting an automatic drive control for controlling the vehicle cruising speed in conformity with a command speed. The device has a first lever operatively connected to an accelerator and a second lever operatively connected to the throttle valve. A spring is disposed to resiliently act between the first and second levers. The second lever is actuated by an actuator which operates in response to throttle opening control instructions.

Abstract: A self-adaptive fuel control system for an internal combustion engine which provides maximum fuel economy by maintaining engine operation at a preselected point on the r.p.m. vs. fuel flow curve. Engine operation is maintained at the preselected point by sampling initial steady state engine speed, leaning the fuel mixture supplied to the engine until there is a predetermined drop in engine speed, enriching the fuel mixture to attain an increase in engine speed, resampling engine speed and then repeating the process.

Abstract: A control system for a drag race vehicle limits engine RPM to a selected Launch RPM limit when the vehicle is staged at the starting line and which limits engine RPM to an Elapsed Time RPM limit after the vehicle is shifted to high gear. The Launch RPM control is controlled by the same driver-controlled Launch switch which controls the line lock or transmission brake solenoid, so that the Launch RPM limit is removed at the same time that the vehicle is permitted to move forward. The Elapsed Time RPM control is actuated by a second driver-controlled Elapsed Time Enable switch. The control system is particularly useful for Super Class drag racers, in which the winner must be the first to the finish line without going under a predetermined elapsed time.

Abstract: An automatic speed control mechanism for a motorcycle embodying an actuator device for automatically positioning the throttle of the engine. The automatic device is able to generate sufficient force so as to overcome the normal closing bias of the throttle but has insufficient force to resist throttle closing movement of the manual actuator so that the operator may manually override the automatic speed control and reduce the speed of the motorcycle.

Abstract: Two embodiments of automatic speed control devices for motorcycles that permits release of the device from automatic mode in response to throttle closing movement of the accelerator grip. In one embodiment, the release is effective by permitting a protective sheath of a wire actuator of the throttle mechanism to move in response to throttle closing movement of the accelerator grip and this movement is employed to actuate a switch. In another embodiment, a control wire and surrounding housing afford a switch that is closed when the accelerator grip is moved in a closing direction.

Abstract: An automotive type carburetor throttle valve actuator is automatically moved within two ranges to provide an idle speed control and a vehicle speed control; the moving mechanism including a compound planetary gear set operatively conditioned for a reduction drive to establish a slowly changing idle speed drive range, and conditioned for a direct drive to establish a faster changing vehicle speed level control range; a microprocessor sensing engine operating conditions for determining the operation of a reversible electric motor and a gear reaction member and clutching mechanism to determine the operating range as well as the speed level change.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for minimizing the fuel usage in an internal combustion engine. The subject invention is particularly adapted for use with an engine installation subject to varying loads and which includes a governor for varying fuel flow as a function of load. In operation, the combustibles in the exhaust gas of the engine is continuously monitored. The measured level of combustibles is then compared with a predetermined level corresponding to optimum efficiency. A controller is provided for varying the air/fuel ratio supplied to the engine for maximizing efficiency in correspondence with the preset level. By this arrangement, energy output is increased permitting the governor to further reduce fuel flow, thereby minimizing energy costs.

Abstract: Feedback control is carried out to maintain the idling speed of an internal combustion engine at a desired idling speed determined according to the operating conditions of the engine. When the actual idling speed of the engine significantly falls with respect to the desired idling speed for some reason, the amount of the intake air is increased by a large amount, while when the rotational speed falls to a small extent with respect to the desired idling speed, the amount of the intake air is increased little by little.

Abstract: The difference between the actual idling speed of an internal combustion engine and a desired idling speed determined according to the operating conditions of the engine is integrated and the opening angle of the throttle valve is controlled according to the integrated value to control the amount of the intake air, whereby the actual idling speed is equalized to the desired idling speed. When the actual idling speed becomes higher than a predetermined value, the idling speed control is interrupted with said integrating operation being continued and the throttle valve is positively closed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic automatic control method and system for controlling an air flow rate for an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The system includes an open loop control and a feedback control which are selectively effected corresponding to engine condition. The system includes an engine or temperature range within which the system controls engine speed. The given temperature range corresponds to a normal ambient temperature range so as to improve warming up efficiency upon starting engine under cold engine conditions. The system further includes a means for determining a feedback control condition to effect feedback control at a specific engine condition.

Abstract: For the automatic adjustment of the number of revolutions per minute of an internal combustion engine in idling conditions when the accelerator pedal is released, a device is disclosed with which the instantaneous rpm is sensed and compared with reference values of the number of revolutions, called N.sub.1, N.sub.2 and N.sub.3, wherein N.sub.2 is smaller than N.sub.3 but equal to, or greater than, N.sub.1. These reference values can be used to preset an electronic comparison circuit, or the comparison can be effected by exploiting a mechanism comprising a metering pump, the result being always that when the rpm of the engine is below the preselected minimum, the feed of fuel to the engine is supplemented, whereas it is reduced or cut off if the situation is the contrary, that is when the engine tends to overtake the normal idling rpm.

Abstract: A governor system for an engine motive fluid induction system is shown as having a solenoid operated valve assembly communicating with a source of vacuum and with a vacuum motor assembly operatively connected to a variably positionable throttle valve of the induction system; an electronic control sensitive to the speed of a monitored parameter is effective to controllably energize the solenoid valve assembly to in turn regulate the magnitude of vacuum directed thereby to the vacuum motor assembly and consequently govern the then permissible amount of opening of the throttle valve.

Abstract: An electronic governor control for an automotive engine that prevents the speed of the engine from exceeding a predetermined limit. The electronic circuitry responds to ignition pulses and limits the throttle opening of the vehicle to maintain the predetermined speed limit. The electronic governor control also includes circuitry to prevent engine overshoot of the predetermined limit by monitoring the rate of acceleration and adjusting the predetermined limit to anticipate and initiate governor control prior to the engine reaching the predetermined speed limit. Circuitry is also included which allows the governor control to retain control of the engine until the accelerator control reduces the speed of the engine to a speed value below the predetermined limit.

Abstract: The invention disclosed embraces a charge forming method of and apparatus embodying an instrumentality responsive to engine vibrations or disturbances brought into operation when the engine reaches a predetermined speed to automatically deliver excess fuel to the engine thereby momentarily providing a nonignitible mixture preventing overspeeding of the engine.