Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine during a warm-up period thereof including controlling at least one operational parameter of the engine as a function of at least a certain measure of the energy delivered to the engine since the start of the warm-up period of the engine to thereby provide improved combustion stability during said warm-up period. Preferably, the measure of the energy delivered to the engine is based on the amount of fuel delivered to the engine during the warm-up period.

Abstract: A method for controlling the fuelling rate for an internal combustion engine including: a) controlling the fuelling rate in a fuel led control mode whereby the fuelling rate is controlled as a function of the operator demand on the engine during at least a portion of low engine load operation; b) controlling the fuel rate in an air led control mode whereby the fuelling rate is controlled as a function of the air flow rate to the engine during at least a portion of medium-to-high engine load operation; and c) providing a point of transition between the two control modes wherein each control mode provides substantially the same predetermined fuelling rate.

Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine during a warm-up period thereof including controlling at least one operational parameter of the engine as a function of at least a certain measure of the energy delivered to the engine since the start of the warm-up period of the engine to thereby provide improved combustion stability during said warm-up period. Preferably, the measure of the energy delivered to the engine is based on the amount of fuel delivered to the engine during the warm-up period.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is controlled during a warm-up period as a function of a cumulative measure of energy supplied to the engine. For example, the total amount of fuel delivered to the engine since start-up or an accumulated value of a load level of each combustion event during the warm-up period may be measured. A degree of offset or modification of individual engine operating parameters during the warm-up period may be based upon the cumulative measure of energy supplied to the engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling delivery of fuel from a vapor collection device to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine to thereby purge fuel that has accumulated in the vapor collection device by means of a purge flow passing from the vapor collection device to the engine, the purge flow rate being varied by means of a flow control valve located between the vapor collection device and the engine, the method including determining a minimum valve signal value and a maximum valve signal value as a function of the engine load end engine, the method including determining a minimum and maximum extent of valve signal values for controlling the opening of the valve, selecting either the minimum or maximum valve signal value or an interpolation between the maximum and minimum values in dependence on the engine operating conditions to optimize the amount of fuel purged from the vapor collection device to the engine under varying engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A method of controlling the mass of fuel delivered to a direct injected engine subject to a change with time in engine load demand. A rate of change of fuel required per cycle of the engine in response to the change in engine load demand is determined. A filter constant is applied to the determined rate of change of fuel required to maintain a value of the rate of change of fuel required at no greater than a predetermined threshold level. The application of the filter constant is dependent upon at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of engine gear, clutch position, vehicle road speed, engine load and engine speed.

Abstract: A method for controlling fuel supply to an engine, having idle and off-idle operating modes, including determining the total fuel per cycle at idle (FPC.sub.TOTAL-IDLE); determining the total fuel per cycle off-idle (FPC.sub.TOTAL OFF-IDLE); comparing (FPC.sub.TOTAL OFF-IDLE) with (FPC.sub.TOTAL OFF-IDLE); wherein if (FPC.sub.TOTAL OFF-IDLE) is less than (FPC.sub.TOTAL-IDLE), a control means determines a fueling level to the engine at least greater than (FPC.sub.TOTAL OFF-IDLE).