Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes: a follow-up-running control portion configured to execute a follow-up running control for causing a vehicle to run following a preceding vehicle with a target inter-vehicle distance; and a shift control portion configured to change a gear ratio of an automatic transmission in accordance with a predetermined shifting condition. The shift control portion is configured to set a high fluid-temperature determination value, based on information relating to the preceding vehicle that affects an air flow rate. When a fluid temperature of the automatic transmission is not lower than the high fluid-temperature determination value, the shift control portion is configured to change the shifting condition such that a higher-speed gear position making the gear ratio lower is more frequently established in the automatic transmission than when the fluid temperature of the automatic transmission is lower than the high fluid-temperature determination value.

Abstract: A plurality of assemblies are prepared, and a predetermined voltage is applied to a center electrode of each of the plurality of assemblies. The voltage applied to each of the plurality of center electrodes is detected by respective voltage sensors, and a differentiated value is calculated by differentiating the applied voltage, detected by each voltage sensor, with respect to time. A judgment is made as to whether or not a differentiated value change state in which an absolute value of the differentiated value becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value occurs. A judgment is made as to whether or not the occurrence of the differentiated value change state is caused by the noise, according to the voltage applied, for a specific time from the occurrence of the differentiated value change state, to the center electrode where the differentiated value change state has occurred.

Abstract: A plurality of assemblies are prepared, and a predetermined voltage is applied to a center electrode of each of the plurality of assemblies. The voltage applied to each of the plurality of center electrodes is detected by respective voltage sensors, and a differentiated value is calculated by differentiating the applied voltage, detected by each voltage sensor, with respect to time. A judgment is made as to whether or not a differentiated value change state in which an absolute value of the differentiated value becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value occurs. A judgment is made as to whether or not the occurrence of the differentiated value change state is caused by the noise, according to the voltage applied, for a specific time from the occurrence of the differentiated value change state, to the center electrode where the differentiated value change state has occurred.

Abstract: A method of producing a spark plug comprises (a) a step of combining a metallic shell and an insulator; (b) a step of inserting a portion of the assembly on its forward end side into a pressure container; (c) a step of bringing an insulating member into contact with the outer circumferential surface of a base side portion of the insulator over the entire circumference thereof, and pressing the assembly so as to close the opening by the assembly; and (d) a step of pressurizing the interior of the pressure container and applying a predetermined voltage between the terminal electrode and the metallic shell.

Abstract: A method of producing a spark plug comprises (a) a step of combining a metallic shell and an insulator; (b) a step of inserting a portion of the assembly on its forward end side into a pressure container; (c) a step of bringing an insulating member into contact with the outer circumferential surface of a base side portion of the insulator over the entire circumference thereof, and pressing the assembly so as to close the opening by the assembly; and (d) a step of pressurizing the interior of the pressure container and applying a predetermined voltage between the terminal electrode and the metallic shell.

Abstract: A method of producing a spark plug comprises (a) a step of combining a metallic shell and an insulator; (b) a step of inserting a portion of the assembly on its forward end side into a pressure container; (c) a step of bringing an insulating member into contact with the outer circumferential surface of a base side portion of the insulator over the entire circumference thereof, and pressing the assembly so as to close the opening by the assembly; and (d) a step of pressurizing the interior of the pressure container and applying a predetermined voltage between the terminal electrode and the metallic shell, wherein the step (b) includes a step of inserting the portion of the assembly on the forward end side into the pressure container such that a gap formed between the outer surface of the insulator and the inner surface of the metallic shell on the forward end side of the assembly is disposed in the pressure container.

Abstract: A method for producing a spark plug, including an inspection step for an insulator includes: (a) a step of preparing an assembly; (b) a step of attaching the assembly to a pressure vessel; (c) a step of attaching an insulating member to the assembly so as to cover at least a part of a surface of a portion of the insulator that is exposed at the rear side; and (d) a step of pressurizing an interior of the pressure vessel and applying a predetermined voltage between the metal terminal and the metal shell. The producing method further includes a step of adhering a lubricant to at least one of a surface of the insulator and an inner surface of the insulating member.

Abstract: A method of producing a spark plug comprises (a) a step of combining a metallic shell and an insulator; (b) a step of inserting a portion of the assembly on its forward end side into a pressure container; (c) a step of bringing an insulating member into contact with the outer circumferential surface of a base side portion of the insulator over the entire circumference thereof, and pressing the assembly so as to close the opening by the assembly; and (d) a step of pressurizing the interior of the pressure container and applying a predetermined voltage between the terminal electrode and the metallic shell, wherein the step (b) includes a step of inserting the portion of the assembly on the forward end side into the pressure container such that a gap formed between the outer surface of the insulator and the inner surface of the metallic shell on the forward end side of the assembly is disposed in the pressure container.

Abstract: A method for producing a spark plug, including an inspection step for an insulator includes: (a) a step of preparing an assembly; (b) a step of attaching the assembly to a pressure vessel; (c) a step of attaching an insulating member to the assembly so as to cover at least a part of a surface of a portion of the insulator that is exposed at the rear side; and (d) a step of pressurizing an interior of the pressure vessel and applying a predetermined voltage between the metal terminal and the metal shell. The producing method further includes a step of adhering a lubricant to at least one of a surface of the insulator and an inner surface of the insulating member.