Abstract: By setting the configuration of a cavity (25) of a piston (5) appropriately, tumble is produced in air that is aspirated into a combustion chamber (6) inside a cylinder (3) from an intake port (8), and by means of this tumble, the spray of fuel injected by a fuel injector (12) is caused to gather around the periphery of a spark plug (7). A predetermined tumble in the form of an upright ellipse is set in the longitudinal cross section of the cylinder (3) which includes an injection point (I) of the fuel injector (12) and an ignition point (T) of the spark plug (7). The bottom surface (26) of the cavity (25) is curved so as to conform to the radius of curvature (R1) of the lower end of the elliptical tumble, thereby advancing the formation of elliptical tumble which is unlikely to interfere with the cylinder wall surfaces.

Abstract: A pillar structure which includes a pillar member connected to an upper potion and a lower portion of a transversely outer vehicle body. The pillar member is formed into a channel open toward a compartment, with a transversely outer base wall, and a pair of side walls which are thinner than the base wall and extend from both front and rear sides of the base wall. Each side wall is formed to have a first tapered portion gradually reducing in thickness from a base end portion of the side wall to a substantially center portion of the width thereof. Stiffening projections are formed on an inner surface of each side wall at predetermined intervals in a pillar longitudinal direction, and extend from a distal end portion of the side wall to the base end portion thereof.

Abstract: A motor or a generator which has permanent magnets on a moveable member effectively reduces eddy current loss in the permanent magnets. A permanent magnet 1 which is provided for the moveable member of a motor or a generator, for example the rotor of a rotating motor, is divided into magnet sections (1A-1E) having divided widths (t1-t5) in response to the rate of change in the flux density in each divided magnet. Thus the eddy current loss in each magnet section (1A-1E) can be substantially equalized.

Abstract: A basic target excess air factor tLAMBDA0 and a target fresh air intake amount tQac are set base upon the operation condition of an engine (30). A target excess air factor tLAMBDA is calculated by multiplying the ratio of a real fresh air intake amount rQac as detected by a sensor (16) and the target fresh air intake amount tQac by the basic target excess air factor tLAMBDA0. A fuel injector (9) is controlled so that the amount of fuel injected thereby converges to a target fuel injection amount tQf which corresponds to the target excess air factor tLAMBDA. It is possible to prevent variation of the output torque of the engine (30) accompanying a rich spike by this control, even if the basic target excess air factor tLAMBDA0 varies abruptly, since the fuel injection amount varies in correspondence to the variation of the real fresh air intake amount rQac.

Abstract: A particulate filter (4) is provided in an exhaust passage (3) of a diesel engine (1) in order to trap particulate matter in exhaust gas. A controller (11) determines a basic fuel injection amount in response to an accelerator pedal depression amount (S22), determines a maximum fuel injection amount in response to an intake air amount of the engine (1) (S10), and sets the smaller of the basic fuel injection amount and the maximum fuel injection amount as the target injection amount (S24-S26). When the deposited amount of particulate matter on the particulate matter filter (4) has exceeded a predetermined amount, reductions in output torque are prevented by increasing the maximum injection amount (S13).

Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes a power generation device (150) which generates power using fuel, a battery (112) which stores the power generated by the power generation device, and a rotating machine (113) which drives the vehicle using the power supplied from the power generation device or the battery, and regenerates power when the vehicle is decelerating. A controller (115) computes a smoothed value of the electrical load of the vehicle, computes a running load command value supplied to the power generation device (150) based on the smoothed electrical load value, computes the power regenerated by the rotating machine (113), corrects the running load command value based on the regenerated power, and controls the power generation device (150) based on the corrected running load command value.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises a NOx trap catalyst disposed in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and a control unit. At a purification timing, the control unit determines a space velocity of exhaust gas and selectively switches between a first air-fuel ratio control mode for controlling the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas to a rich air-fuel ratio with no need to decrease a concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas when the determined space velocity is lower than or equal to a threshold value, and selects a second air-fuel ratio control mode for not only controlling the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas to a rich air-fuel ratio but also making the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas lower than that of the first air-fuel ratio control mode when the determined space velocity is higher than the threshold value.

Abstract: This invention provides a rotating electric machine using an inner section of a slot of a stator as a cooling passage and allowing a high cooling efficiency. Furthermore, it provides a manufacture method for the rotating electric machine which allows streamlining of the manufacture of the cooling passage. A plate is attached to the plate retaining groove formed in proximity to the opening of the slot of the stator. A resin layer is formed by injection of resin into a space formed between the outer face of the plate and the mold set on an inner peripheral face of the stator. The plate is pressed by the injection pressure of the resin to come into close contact with the stopper and to create a seal which prevents leakage of resin into the slot. A leg is provided on the plate and extends into the slot for reducing the cross sectional surface area of the cooling passage.

Abstract: A plastic window panel for an automotive vehicle comprises a plastic panel of a transparent noncrystalline organic high polymer. Silica particulate is dispersed in the plastic panel and has a particle size not larger than wavelengths of visible light. The plastic window panel is produced by one of a first method and a second method. The first method comprises (a) providing a first solvent in which the silica particulate having the particle size not larger than wavelengths of visible light is dispersed, and a second solvent in which the transparent noncrystalline organic high polymer is dissolved; (b) mixing the first solvent and the second solvent to obtain a resin composition; and (c) molding the resin composition under heating.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine (1,100), a first exhaust passage (10A) having an oxygen storing catalyst (11A) is connected to cylinders of a first group (1A), and a second exhaust passage (10B) having an oxygen storing catalyst (11B) is connected to cylinders of a second group (1B). These exhaust passages are joined as a collective exhaust passage (10C). Normally, the air-fuel ratio of the first group (1A) is feedback controlled based on the oxygen concentration of the first exhaust passage (10A), and the air-fuel ratio of the second group (1B) is feedback controlled based on the oxygen concentration of the second exhaust passage (10B). When deterioration of the catalysts is diagnosed, the phases of the air-fuel ratio are made to coincide with each other between the groups by performing feedback correction of the air-fuel ratio of all groups based on the oxygen concentration of the first exhaust passage (10A).

Abstract: In display apparatus and method applicable to an automotive vehicle, a display image is projected over a screen section, the screen section having a first screen enabled to switch its state between a light transmission state in which the projected display image is transmitted therethrough and a light diffusion state in which the projected display image is projected thereon and a second screen enabled to switch its state between the light transmission state and the light diffusion state, a field of view limiting section (louver filter) is interposed between the first screen and second screen for limiting a field of view of a predetermined direction, and a controlling section controllably switches the respective states of the first and second screens.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber, an intake air passage communicated with the combustion chamber, an intake valve having a thermal insulator at an air-exposure portion thereof which is opposed to the intake air passage, a fuel injector disposed within the intake air passage and operative to inject an amount of fuel toward the air-exposure portion of the intake valve at a fuel injection timing, and a controller in communication with the fuel injector. The controller is programmed to set the fuel injection timing of the fuel injector to an engine intake stroke.

Abstract: An engine valve operating system of an electromagnetic type is arranged to locate a movable member between two electromagnets through a distance block and to connect the two electromagnets through side walls. By alternately energizing the electromagnets, the movable member is reciprocated against spring forces of two springs. An engine valve is interlocked with the movable member and operates according to the reciprocal movement of the movable member. The side wall and/or distance block is made of soft magnetic material and forms a magnetic circuit penetrating a side surface of the movable plate. This new magnetic circuit increases the attracting force of the electromagnet when a clearance between the movable member and the electromagnet is greater than a predetermined clearance. This arrangement decreases energy consumption for the initializing operation of the valve operating system from a neutral position between the electromagnets.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The engine includes a compression ratio control mechanism and an ignition timing control system. The control system comprises an engine control for controlling the compression ratio control mechanism and the ignition timing control system so that the compression ratio is varied depending upon variations of engine rpm, engine load and a warm-up condition of the engine and that when the engine is cold, the ignition timing is retarded from a MBT point and a top dead center position of a piston is made lower in level than that obtained when the engine is hot and operated at corresponding engine rpm and engine load. A method for controlling such an internal combustion engine is also provided.

Abstract: An information providing system of a vehicle providing information from an outside section to the vehicle is provided with: a communication section making a request to the outside section for transmitting a pre-selected service information and receiving the requested service information from the outside section through a communication network; a memory section storing the requested service information received from the outside section; an information providing section providing the received information stored in the memory section; a light emitting section located in a frontal visible area of the vehicle; and a control section controlling the information providing section and the light emitting section. The control section turns on the light emitting section for a first time interval when the requested service information is received and after that, allows the information providing section to provide the stored service information.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine provided with a NOx trap catalyst which is disposed in an exhaust gas passageway and arranged to trap NOx when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing to the NOx trap catalyst is lean and to release and reduce trapped NOx when the air-fuel ratio is rich. The air-fuel ratio control system comprises a sensor for detecting an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas in the exhaust gas passageway downstream of the NOx trap catalyst. Additionally, a control circuit is provided and configured to cause the engine to operate at a rich air-fuel ratio to accomplish a rich air-fuel ratio engine operation after an engine operation at a lean air-fuel ratio, and continue the rich air-fuel ratio engine operation for a duration even after the sensor has detected that the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is rich.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system with a motor driven compressor is control to suppress overheating of the electronic devices inside the compressor inverter and to suppress overheating of the battery. If the compressor intake refrigerant temperature is high when the compressor starts up, the maximum allowable rotational speed of the compressor is limited and the airflow rate of the blower fan is reduced by lowering the voltage of the blower fan motor. As a result, overheating of the electronic devices inside the compressor inverter is suppressed. Also, if the compressor intake refrigerant temperature is high when the compressor starts up, the load on the battery is lightened and overheating of the battery is suppressed by switching the source of the electric power supplied to the compressor from the battery to the motor generator.

Abstract: A compact vehicle production line. The production line comprises a floor process of assembling floor constituent parts. Each is an aluminum alloy extrusion die cast product, which has been made, in an extrusion die casting process, by forcing molten aluminum alloy through a mold cavity in a predetermined direction. The assembled floor constituent parts are welded to make a floor structure. In an interior parts mount process, interior parts are to the floor structure to make a floor unit. In a body main process, each of two body side structures are trimmed to make a body side unit. A roof structure is trimmed to make a roof unit. The floor unit, the body side units, and the roof unit are assembled. The assembly is welded to make a body unit. In a running parts mount process, an under running unit is mounted to the body unit. In an exterior parts attachment process, color body panels are attached to the body unit.

Abstract: In a hydraulic pressure control system for an engine cylinder cutoff device through which a first group of cylinders are cut off with at least intake valves of engine valves included in the first group kept inactive, while a second group of cylinders are working, the system includes a valve mode switching mechanism being responsive to supply oil pressure for switching an operating mode of at least an intake valve of engine valves of each of the first group of engine cylinders from active to inactive. Also provided is a hydraulic pressure control valve regulating the supply oil pressure. A control unit incorporated in the system sets the supply oil pressure to a predetermined maximum pressure when initiating the inactive mode, and holds the supply oil pressure at a predetermined oil pressure lower than the predetermined maximum pressure before the inactive mode is released.

Abstract: A vehicle body transfer machine transfers a vehicle body along a transfer path by using a transfer truck with which the vehicle body is supported, wherein the transfer truck is returned to an initial starting position of the transfer path for a repeated use when transfer of the vehicle body is terminated. The vehicle body transfer machine comprises a jig change-over stage located before the initial starting position of the transfer path, a plurality of locator jigs including an upwardly directed locating pin, a plurality of lock units, an unlock-operating unit, and a jig change-over unit including a socket portion engageable with the locating pin of the corresponding one of the plurality of locator jigs.

Abstract: A vehicle including a cabin and a centerline extending in forward and rearward directions and a transverse line intersecting the centerline. The vehicle includes a cross member extending in a first direction parallel to the transverse line. The vehicle also has an extruded floor that is connected to the cross member. The floor and the dash cross member partially define the cabin. The floor extends in a second direction, which is parallel to the centerline. The floor also has first and second side sills that are spaced from each other in the first direction and that extend in the second direction. Forward ends of the first and second side sills contact the cross member. At least one load-transmitting member is disposed between the cross member and the floor. Each one load-transmitting member applies an impact load from the cross member to the floor at a substantially right angle to the floor.

Abstract: In an engine capable of continuously controlling an intake air quantity by varying an intake valve operating characteristic, an intake valve lift is sensed as well as an engine speed. Then, an intake air quantity is calculated in accordance with the engine speed and intake valve lift when an engine operating point is in a very low lift state.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder including at least one intake valve which is selectively open to allow at least air to enter the cylinder and at least one exhaust valve which is selectively open to allow residual gas escape from the cylinder after a firing event. An auto-ignition system for such an engine comprises a device communicably coupled with the cylinder. The device is, effective to allow an amount of high temperature and pressure residual gas to enter the cylinder in the compression stroke of an engine cycle after valve closure of the intake valve.

Abstract: Torque-down controlling conducted on an engine torque upon gear changing of an automatic transmission is implemented by converting a demand for a rate of torque-down against the engine torque into a down rate of combustion torque (an objective down rate). Further, from a difference between the present ignition timing of the engine and the MBT (Minimum Advance for Best Torque) ignition timing, the present down rate that is a rate of the present combustion torque against the combustion torque at the MBT ignition timing to subsequently multiplying the present down rate by the objective down rate so that a counter MBT down rate that is a down rate of the present combustion torque against the combustion torque at the MBT ignition timing is obtained. Thus, from the obtained counter MBT down rate, an amount of retard of ignition timing from the MBT ignition timing is calculated to implement the torque-down controlling.

Abstract: In a variable compression ratio mechanism for an internal combustion engine employing an upper link, a lower link, and a control link, the lower link includes a crankpin bearing portion into which a crankpin is fitted, a first connecting-pin bearing portion into which a first connecting pin for the upper link is fitted, and a second connecting-pin bearing portion into which a second connecting pin for the control link is fitted. A central connecting portion is provided to connect an axial central portion of at least one of the first and second connecting-pin bearing portions to an axial central portion of the crankpin bearing portion. The central connecting portion has an axial length L1 shorter than each of an axial length L2 of the crankpin bearing portion, an axial length L3 of the first connecting-pin bearing portion, and an axial length L4 of the second connecting-pin bearing portion.

Abstract: A swing cam to actuate engine valves is rotatably disposed about a drive shaft. A first eccentric cam is tightly disposed on the drive shaft. A ring-link is rotatably disposed on the first eccentric cam. A second eccentric cam is tightly disposed on a control shaft which rotates to a given angular position in accordance with an operation condition of an associated internal combustion engine. A rocker arm is rotatably disposed on the second eccentric cam. A rod-link extends between the rocker arm and the swing cam. A first connecting pin pivotally connects a first arm portion of the rocker arm with the ring-link. A second connecting pin pivotally connects a second arm portion of the rocker arm with an end of the rod-link. A third connecting pin pivotally connects the other end of the rod-link with the swing cam. The first connecting pin is fixed to either one of the first arm portion of the rocker arm and the ring-link.

Abstract: Joining flange portions F1, F2 which are previously formed on members W1, W2 to be joined are caused to butt on each other to form an edge joint. A projecting rod 3 of an agitation rod 1 is inserted in an opposition gap between end portion inner faces S1, S2 from the side of end faces E1, E2 of the joining flange portions F1, F2 so that a shoulder face 4 of the agitation rod 1 is brought in close contact with the end faces E1, E2. A frictional agitation joining is continuously performed on the joining flange portions F1, F2 curved in 3-dimensional manner by feeding the joining flange portions F1, F2 in their longitudinal directions while rotating the agitation rod 1.

Abstract: A hybrid system or a control method for a vehicle having a first set of road wheels and a second set of road wheels is disclosed. The system comprises an engine controller for receiving a torque request for an engine driving torque and combining an idle speed torque and the engine driving torque to generate an engine torque command signal. An engine, drivingly coupled with the first set of road wheels, applies a first driving torque to the first set of road wheels in response to the engine torque command signal. A hybrid controller is in communication with the engine controller. The hybrid controller generates the torque request and a motor torque command signal taking into account a creep torque portion of the first driving torque and a desired driving torque during starting the vehicle from standstill. A motor is drivingly coupled with the second set of road wheels. The motor applies a second driving torque to the second set of road wheels in response to the motor torque command signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine comprises establishing a torque correction coefficient (KA) to compensate for reducing effect of available engine torque in operating range of different excess air ratios (&lgr;) that are lower than a predetermined value (unity=1). An initial base desired in-cylinder air mass (tQacb) is determined based on a requested engine torque (tTe). A desired excess air ratio (t&lgr;) is determined. The initial base desired in-cylinder air mass (tQacb) is adjusted with at least the desired excess air ratio (t&lgr;) and the correction coefficient (KA) to generate a desired in-cylinder air mass (tQac). A desired injected fuel mass (tQf) is controlled based on the desired in-cylinder air mass (tQac) to deliver the requested engine torque (tTe) with the desired excess air ratio (t&lgr;) held accomplished.

Abstract: For resiliently and safely supporting a monolith in a housing, a supporting structure is proposed. An annular seat structure is defined in the housing. An annular resilient washer is made of wire mesh and is put on the annular seat structure for supporting thereon a circular peripheral edge of the monolith. A biasing structure biases the monolith toward the annular resilient washer to compress the washer. The washer has a generally rectangular cross section and has a chamfered surface around a circular outer surface thereof. The chamfered surface is positioned radially outside the circular peripheral edge of the monolith. With this, even when compressed by the monolith, the washer is prevented from producing a biasing force for pulling the circular peripheral edge of the monolith radially outward, and thus, damage of the edge is suppressed.

Abstract: A support structure for a fuel supply system of a V-type engine having a mechanical connection to fixedly connect an intermediate portion of a fuel supply conduit portion arranged to straddle between the cylinder heads in two banks of the V-type engine to a water jacket assembly disposed to bridge between and rigidly connected to the cylinder heads to thereby provide a rigid vibration-suppressing support for the fuel supply conduit portion of the fuel supply system whereby generation of the working sound of respective fuel injection valves in every cylinders of the V-type engine is suppressed and reduced.

Abstract: Along with detecting speed of a hybrid vehicle, a drive/brake power command value for the vehicle is set, and an efficiency indication which indicates the efficiency of fuel utilization is also set. An operational point for an internal combustion engine and an electric motor of the vehicle is determined which makes the amount of charge into a battery smaller, the greater is this efficiency indication, based upon the detected vehicle speed, and the drive/brake power command value and the efficiency indication. In this manner, it is possible to control the engine and the motor so as to bring the remaining amount of charge in the battery to a target value while keeping the fuel consumption over the route to be travelled as low as possible.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided which comprises a variable valve timing mechanism provided at an end of a camshaft and actuated by oil pressure for varying a valve timing, an oil pressure control valve that controls the oil pressure, and an oil passage fluidly connecting between the oil pressure control valve and the variable valve timing mechanism, wherein the oil pressure control valve is installed on a head cover, and wherein the oil passage includes a first oil passage section formed in the camshaft and in communication with the variable valve timing mechanism, a second oil passage section formed in the head cover and in communication with the oil pressure control valve, and a third oil passage section formed in the cam bracket and provides communication between the first oil passage section and the second oil passage section.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control (ATCC) system for a host-vehicle controls one of a driving force and a brake hydraulic pressure according to a command vehicle speed calculated on the basis of an inter-vehicle distance and a host-vehicle speed. The ATCC system gradually decreases a deceleration of the host-vehicle according to an approach of the host-vehicle speed toward a control-cancel vehicle speed when the host-vehicle speed becomes lower than or equal to a gradual-deceleration starting vehicle speed during a period of decreasing the host-vehicle speed toward the control-cancel vehicle speed, so that the deceleration takes a value near zero when the host-vehicle speed reaches the control-cancel vehicle speed.

Abstract: A sliding member (12) is disclosed that has superior slidability and durability at a low cost. A top sliding surface (12a) of the sliding member (12) is formed by a nitriding process that creates a compound layer (14) and a diffusion layer (15) on a base metal (16) of the sliding member (12). The buff polishing process is thinly performed on an outermost layer portion (14a) of the compound layer (14), such that a portion of the compound layer (14b and/or 14c) remains.

Abstract: In a diesel engine (1) provided with an exhaust gas recirculation mechanism (9, 10), a fuel injection timing is calculated by considering a delay of air aspirated by the cylinders of the engine (1) and a delay of exhaust gas recirculation. By performing fuel injection based on this fuel injection timing, conditions of combustion in a cylinder of the engine (1) are improved.

Abstract: A charging area display apparatus for vehicle comprises a storage device that stores in memory roadmap data and charging area data, a current position detection device that detects a current position of a vehicle, a display device that displays a roadmap, an approach judging device that judges whether or not the vehicle is approaching a charging area based upon the current vehicle position and the charging area data and a scaling factor change device that changes the scaling factor of the roadmap displayed on the display device so as to contain both the current vehicle position and the entirety of the charging area which the vehicle is approaching within the display screen when the vehicle is judged to be approaching the charging area. In this vehicle charging area display apparatus, the display device displays the current vehicle position and the charging area which the vehicle is approaching on the roadmap, the scaling factor of which has been changed as the vehicle approaches the charging area.

Abstract: A protective control unit for controlling a highside-output transistor and a lowside-output transistor connected in series is provided. The highside-output transistor has a first main electrode region connected to a power supply, a second main electrode region and a first control electrode. The lowside-output transistor has a third main electrode region connected to the second main electrode region, a fourth electrode region connected to ground and a second control electrode. And an inductive load is connected to a connecting point between the second and the third electrode regions. The protective control unit of the present invention has a highside-drive circuit. The highside-drive circuit pulls out charges stored in the highside-output transistor, through the first control electrode, during the periods when the highside-output transistor is in the end of reverse conducting state and reverse recovery state.

Abstract: By inserting an insertion section provided on a lower end of a motor fan unit into a wedge shaped hole provided in a lower part of a radiator, a motor fan unit is attached to a side of the radiator to the vehicle rear. A vehicle front perpendicular surface and a vehicle rear perpendicular surface are formed on the insertion section. The vehicle front perpendicular surface contacts a perpendicular surface of the wedge shaped hole, while the vehicle rear perpendicular surface contacts a lower end of an inclined surface of the wedge shaped hole. These surfaces will be in contact with one another even if the radiator stretches in the vertical direction due to evacuation and irrigation so that the insertion section slides upwards. As a result, it is possible to prevent rattling of the motor fan unit.

Abstract: The exhaust pipe (7) of an engine (1) is provided with a front three-way catalyst (8) and a rear three-way catalyst (9). A controller (6) determines whether temperature rise conditions in the rear three-way catalyst (9) are satisfied. When temperature rise conditions in the rear three-way catalyst (9) are satisfied, the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the front three-way catalyst (8) is made to fluctuate periodically to rich or lean about the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, and the amplitude of air-fuel ratio fluctuation is increased. In this way, temperature rise of the front three-way catalyst (8) is suppressed, and the temperature of the rear three-way catalyst (9) rises.

Abstract: A method for controlling hydraulic pressure of an automatic transmission for a vehicle is provided. The automatic transmission has a clutch element engaged by a solenoid pressure to perform speed change. The solenoid pressure is generated by a solenoid that is driven by a solenoid drive current. The method calculates a required clutch engagement pressure and a required solenoid pressure corresponding to the required clutch engagement pressure based on a relationship between the clutch engagement pressure and the solenoid pressure. The method outputs a required solenoid drive current corresponding to the required solenoid pressure based on a relationship between the solenoid pressure and the solenoid drive current. The solenoid outputs the solenoid pressure corresponding to the required solenoid drive current.

Abstract: A transmission system is comprised of a twin-clutch transmission which comprises a first clutch for selecting a first gear-ratio group and a second clutch for selecting a second gear-ratio group. A control unit for controlling the twin-clutch transmission is arranged to calculate an estimated engine revolution speed produced in the event that one of two gear ratios adjacent to the present gear ratio is selected by executing one of upshift and downshift, and to disengage one of the first and second clutches which is engaged to select the gear-ratio group including the other of the two gear ratios adjacent to the present gear ratio when the estimated engine revolution speed is out of a normal operation speed range.

Abstract: In adaptive cruise control apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, a velocity of the vehicle is detected, an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle which is a controlled system of a following run control is detected, a driving force of the vehicle is controlled to maintain the inter-vehicle distance at a target inter-vehicle distance when the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is detected and to maintain the velocity of the vehicle at a set vehicle speed when no other vehicle is detected on the same traffic lane in the forward direction of the vehicle, and an acceleration value at an initial stage of an acceleration is set in such a manner as to be larger than that at a later stage of acceleration when the other vehicle detection state is transferred from the detection state to a non-detection state.

Abstract: A steering control apparatus for motor vehicles includes an output shaft for steering a steered wheel, a slider arranged on the outer periphery of an end of the output shaft to be slidable axially linearly, a converting mechanism arranged between the output shaft and the slider for converting linear motion of the slider into rotary motion which is transmitted to the output shaft, a drive mechanism for urging the slider to stroke axially, and an ECU for controlling the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A non-return valve includes a main tube to be externally inserted into and joined to a fuel filling pipe, and a valve element to be provided on a downstream end of the main tube for allowing fuel to flow into a fuel tank and inhibiting a back flow out of the fuel tank. On an upstream side of the main tube, provided is a first inner tube including a first retaining portion relevant to the fuel filling pipe, an annular sealing member abutting on an inner periphery of the main tube and on an outer periphery of the fuel filling pipe, and a second inner pipe disposed more upstream than the first inner tube so as to sandwich the annular sealing member together with the first inner tube, the second inner tube including a second retaining portion relevant to the main tube.

Abstract: A brake lining of a vehicular brake device is produced by a friction material which has a characteristic that a friction coefficient of the friction material decreases according to an increase of a sliding speed between the brake lining and a rotational member when the sliding speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed during the braking operation, and the friction coefficient is substantially constant when the sliding speed is smaller than the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A direct fuel injection engine has a fuel injection valve that injects fuel toward a cavity formed in a top of a piston, and a spark plug that ignites the fuel-air mixture resulting from the fuel injection. The direct fuel injection engine is configured to strengthen the penetration of the fuel streams, to improve the directionality of the fuel streams and to stably form an agglomerate fuel-air mixture close to the spark plug. The cavity preferably has a bottom surface, a curved surface, and a flat surface. In a plan view taken along the center axis of the engine cylinder, cavity C is shaped like an ellipse whose foci are located at the tip of fuel injection valve and the spark discharge gap of spark plug, respectively. The fuel injection valve has a plurality of injection vents that spray solid-core fuel streams.

Abstract: In a pillar trim mounting structure, a clip mount is protruded from the center of the back of an upper end of a center pillar trim; locking pieces are provided on both sides thereof; a clip mounted on the clip mount and the locking pieces are fitted in a mounting hole and locking holes of a center pillar panel, respectively, so that the strength of mounting the pillar trim is increased and the center pillar trim become disengaged even when an air bag is activated. Since the conventional bolt is eliminated, the ornamental cap is also eliminated and a simple appearance can be achieved. When the air bag is activated, an upper surface of each of the locking pieces work as a barrier or a guide and prevents the air bag from entering the center pillar trim and the air bag can be guided in a proper direction of expansion.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus comprises a fundamental current command value determining device that determines a fundamental current command value for a motor current based upon at least a torque command value for an AC motor, a higher harmonics current command value determining device that determines a higher harmonics current command value for the motor current and a current control device that controls the current flowing to the AC motor based upon the fundamental current command value and the higher harmonics current command value.

Abstract: A rear vehicle body structure including a rear side member, a side sill inner, and a rear floor. The rear side member includes a front portion connected to the side sill inner, a middle portion, and a rear portion disposed on a transversely inner side of the front portion. The rear portion has a first wall on its transversely outer side, and the middle portion has a second wall continuously provided from the first wall to the front portion. The side sill inner has a third wall accommodated within width of the rear side member and connected to the rear side member and the rear floor. The third wall has, on its rear end, a flange portion fixed to the rear side member at a vicinity of a transition point from the first wall to the second wall, on substantially the same plane as the third wall.