Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing a wheel speed input system used in a vehicle motion control apparatus includes wheel speed sensors that output analog signals indicative of the speed of various wheels. The analog waveforms from the sensors are converted into pulse signals which are fed to an electronic control unit. The control unit controls an actuator that affects vehicle motion. In addition, the control unit judges whether or not the pulse signals from the wheel speed sensors are less than a minimum wheel speed that can be effectively detected by the sensors. The electronic control unit converts the analog signals into digital signals at a preset sampling cycle. When a variation of digital values exceeds a threshold value, the electronic control unit judges whether an error arose in the conversion of the waveforms or between the electronic control unit and the transmitted pulse signals.

Abstract: A reference amount of consumed energy of a storage battery on an electric-powered vehicle is calculated by adding values of a discharging current of the storage battery which are detected at predetermined time intervals since the storage battery was fully charged. The reference amount of consumed energy is corrected, i.e., multiplied, by consumed-energy corrective coefficients based on the battery temperature, the discharging current, the battery voltage, and the specific gravity of the storage battery, thereby determining an amount of consumed electric energy. A reference amount of remanent stored energy of the storage battery is determined by deducting the determined amount of consumed electric energy from an initial amount of stored energy of the storage battery. The reference amount of remanent stored energy is then corrected, i.e.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for controlling brakes suitable for use in an electric vehicle. Target deceleration is determined from the amount of depression of a brake pedal and the deceleration of the electric vehicle is detected. Then, the difference between the target deceleration and the deceleration of the electric vehicle is determined and a desired braking force for attaining the target deceleration is obtained. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the difference falls within a predetermined range. It is further judged, based on the result of the determination, whether the operation of a regenerative brake is required to obtain the desired braking force. If the difference falls outside of the predetermined range, then the regenerative brake is inhibited from being actuated.

Abstract: A battery charging device for electric vehicles with a high-voltage battery, has a first connector to be connected with a high-voltage power source outside the vehicle, a second connector to be connected with a low-voltage power source outside the vehicle, a DC-DC converter for increasing the voltage of the low-voltage power source to a voltage corresponding to the high-voltage battery and a switch for changing-over the connectors are provided. In an emergency where the residual electric energy of the battery is less than required to run the required distance, the electric vehicle can easily be supplied with electric power from other vehicles such as a gasoline engine vehicle having a low-voltage power source and charge the battery by converting the supplied voltage by way of the DC-DC converter to a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the high-voltage battery.

Abstract: An exhaust system control apparatus for the exhaust of an internal combustion engine which is particularly useful on two-cycle engines. The exhaust system includes a subsidiary chamber connected to the normal engine exhaust passage with a valve for opening and closing communication between the chamber and exhaust passage to change the pressure wave at the engine cylinder exhaust port to provide optimum performance at high and low speeds. The chamber valve is operated rapidly by a pneumatic actuator supplied with compressed air from one or more of the sources disclosed, namely, a belt driven or electric air compressor and piston and cylinder devices extending between or forming the suspension components of a two wheeled vehicle. A pneumatic valve is operated by engine speed sensing means to supply or release the pressurized air to the actuator at a predetermined engine speed.

Abstract: Exhaust system control apparatus for internal combustion engine having an exhaust line and a branch line thereon, and an opening and closing valve on said branch line adapted to open when the engine operates at low speed and to close when the engine operates at high speed. The ratio between the cross-sectional areas of the branch line and the exhaust line is about 0.6 to 0.8.