Abstract: A feedback control system and method for operating an internal combustion engine to provide the desired air/fuel ratio under all running conditions. The feedback control operates to modify the fuel/air ratio from that achieved by a basic setting that is derived from parameters of engine performance so as to maintain the desired ratio. The feedback control adjusts the air/fuel ratio in two different modes. In a first, normal operation mode, the feedback control adjusts the air/fuel mixture supplied to all cylinders based upon feedback from a sensor connected to a single of the cylinders. In a second operational mode, when the speed of the engine is accelerating, the feedback control determines and adjusts the air/fuel mixture, but makes adjustments to all cylinders except the sensed cylinder independent of the output of the sensor.

Abstract: A control system for an engine embodying an oxygen sensor is provided. The oxygen sensor senses the actual combustion conditions in a combustion chamber. An insulating arrangement is provided including an insulated conduit and an insulated sensor body for maintaining high temperature of the sensor element by avoiding heat transfer from the conduit and sensor body to the engine body.

Abstract: A throttle sensor senses the position of an associated throttle shaft in order to determine the position of a corresponding throttle valve. The position of the throttle sensor is positioned in the engine to reduce the girth of engine. In one embodiment, the throttle sensor lies to the side of a throttle linkage which interconnects a plurality of throttle valves. The throttle sensor and throttle linkage are arranged on a side of an intake manifold opposite a side on which fuel injectors of the engine are located. In another embodiment, the throttle sensor lies at an upper end of the intake manifold and is coupled to a common, vertically oriented throttle shaft that operates a plurality of throttle valves.

Abstract: A feedback control system for an internal combustion engine that includes an arrangement for determining when the output of the fuel-air ratio sensor may not be desirable for main engine control, and switches between an open control and a feedback control in response to those conditions. In addition, transitional running is improved when operating after long predetermined low-speed running so as to result in a quicker return to the desired fuel-air ratio.

Abstract: A combustion control system and method for operating an internal combustion engine to provide the desired air/fuel ratio under all running conditions. The system includes a feedback control which received output from an oxygen sensor coupled to one of the combustion chambers of the engine, the feedback control operating to modify the fuel/air ratio from that achieved by a basic setting that is derived from parameters of engine performance so as to maintain the desired ratio. The system also includes a mechanism for controlling backfire during operation of the feedback control. Backfire corresponding to the cylinder including the sensor is controlled by the system in a manner independent of the feedback control. Backfire corresponding to all other cylinders may be controlled independently of the feedback control or by changing overall feedback control parameters.

Abstract: There is disclosed an antigen comprising an amino acid sequence of the suce antigen of a hepatitis B virus. The present antigen can be produced easily and safely at low cost by means of recombinant DNA technique. The present antigen can be used as an effective vaccine and diagnostic for hepatitis B.

Abstract: A feedback control system for an internal combustion engine that employs a combustion condition sensor for feedback control. The output of the sensor is checked periodically, either by changing the fuel-air ratio and determining if the output changes or by seeing if the output is constant during periods of constant running conditions; and if the sensor is determined to be inaccurate, another control method is employed.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine utilizing manifold injection with the injector positioned downstream of a flow controlling throttle valve. The throttle valve is provided with a flow passage that intersects the spray axis of the injector to provide good fuel vaporization and distribution even at low speeds.

Abstract: A feedback control system for an internal combustion engine, particularly as utilized in an outboard motor. An oxygen sensor outputs a signal indicative of the fuel-air ratio for controlling the charge-forming system of the engine to maintain the desired fuel-air ratio. A series of filters, each tuned for a different frequency and a different engine speed, are interposed between the sensor and the control for reducing the effect of noise.

Abstract: A fuel-injected engine produces improved performance while reducing hydrocarbon emissions through the use of several control sensors. One of the sensors, a throttle sensor, determines an opening degree of the throttle valves of the engine and transmits this information to an electronic control unit. A unique coupling ensures unitary movement of a shaft of the sensor with the throttle valve to precisely measure the opening degree and to minimize mechanical hysteresis in the sensed position of the throttle valve as the valve opens and closes. The electronic control unit in turn adjusts the amount of fuel injected depending upon the opening degree of the throttle valves. The amount of injected fuel also depends upon the atmospheric pressure to which the engine is subject. A high-pressure fuel delivery circuit includes a fuel pressure regulator that regulates the fuel pressure at the fuel injectors of the engine.

Abstract: A laser beam type distance measuring device comprises a laser beam emitter; a returning laser beam detector; a polygon mirror rotated about a first axis for reflecting a going laser beam from the laser beam emitter toward a remote object and reflecting a returning laser beam from the object toward a given optical track along which the returning laser beam travels to the returning laser beam detector; and a nodding mechanism for pivoting the polygon mirror about a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. These parts are housed in a case which has a window opening through which the going and returning laser beams pass. An outwardly swelled transparent cover covers the window opening in such a manner that a depressed inner surface thereof faces toward the polygon mirror in the case. A shielding plate is installed in the case near the polygon mirror to prevent the going laser beam from entering the given optical track.

Abstract: An engine air-fuel ratio control system for a multi-cylinder engine that employs a fuel-air ratio sensor which is associated with only one cylinder. The other cylinders are operated leaner than that with which the sensor is associated. Also, the system can operate on an open control, and when switching from open control to feedback control, the incremental adjustments in fuel amount are initially made smaller and for a longer time period so as to reduce overshooting and hunting while permitting quick recovery during subsequent feedback control operation.

Abstract: A miniature motor comprising a case having a positive temperature coefficient resistor incorporated therein and a permanent magnet fixedly fitted thereto, a rotor comprising an armature and a commutator, and a case cap having a pair of power-feeding brushes and a pair of input terminals electrically connected to the brushes, in which a lanced and raised lug or lanced and raised projections are provided at the tip of a retaining member made of an electrically conductive material, a retaining part is formed by bending a part or the whole of the tip of the retaining member toward the side of the lanced and raised lug or lanced and raised projections, the size of a gap between a projection or a lanced and raised lug provided on any one surface of a pair of input terminals, and the retaining part in free state and the lanced and raised lug is made smaller than the thickness of the positive temperature coefficient resistor being inserted therebetween so that the positive temperature coefficient resistor can be inse

Abstract: A number of embodiments of engine control systems wherein the engine speed is controlled during a range of movement from idle to a pick-up position by varying primarily the spark timing and thereafter the throttle valve is opened. The throttle valve is maintained in its idle position in a partially open position which will permit greater air flow than required for idle and the speed is controlled by retarding the spark. In addition, further spark retardation is accomplished if the temperature of the engine is below a predetermined minimum desired operating condition for transferring more fuel energy to engine heating than power output for promoting more rapid warmup.

Abstract: A miniature motor comprising a case having a permanent magnet fixedly fitted to the inner circumference thereof, a rotor having an armature iron core and a commutator, and a case cap having power-feeding brushes and input terminals in which a pair of connecting members made of an electrically conductive material are provided on the inner end face of the case cap in a state insulated from brush holders, and a pair of terminals is integrally provided on each of the connecting members and the brush holders; one terminal of the connecting member being connected to the input terminal directly or via other electrically conductive members, the other terminal of the connecting member being connected to a pig-tail wire, and a capacitor being connected across the terminals.

Abstract: An acoustic noise reduction apparatus for an office automation device is provided on a surface of an outer shield of the office automation device and has a hole therethrough. The body member of the apparatus defines an internal volume which covers the hole. A control member is operatively connected with the body member and divides the body member into a hollow portion, a duct portion, and a silencer portion. The hollow portion and the duct portion form a Helmholtz resonator within the body member.

Abstract: A distance-velocity predicting system has an illuminator for projecting a light beam for searching for an obstacle, and a plurality of position sensors spaced at a distance corresponding to a base line length. A minimum value of a distance component from the base line to an obstacle lying in a direction perpendicular to the base line, which is obtained from the light beam and the position sensors, or a value in the neighborhood of the minimum value, is sampled to obtain time-series data, and a relative velocity component in a direction perpendicular to the base line with respect to the obstacle is obtained in real time by using the time-series data. The relative velocity component perpendicular to the base line is compared with a predetermined threshold value, and when the relative velocity component exceeds the threshold value, a starting signal for life protecting equipment is generated.

Abstract: A catalytic exhaust treatment system for an outboard motor wherein a catalyst bed is supported within the exhaust pipe on a support plate that permits the catalyst bed to expand and contract relative to the surrounding exhaust pipe from which it is spaced. The exhaust gases can flow through the catalyst bed and around the catalyst bed for complete treatment.

Abstract: A catalytic exhaust treatment system for an outboard motor wherein a catalyst bed is supported within the exhaust pipe on a support plate that permits the catalyst bed to expand and contract relative to the surrounding exhaust pipe from which it is spaced. The exhaust gases can flow through the catalyst bed and, around the catalyst bed for complete treatment.

Abstract: A system for controlling the supply of fuel to a multiple cylinder, two cycle, crankcase compression, internal combustion engine wherein air flow is normally measured by a pressure sensor in the crankcase chamber of only one of the cylinders. When an abnormal condition is sensed, the supply of fuel to the cylinder associated with the pressure sensor is discontinued and in some embodiments, the control of the fuel to the other cylinders is accomplished by means other than pressure sensing.