Abstract: In vehicle velocity control apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, a first following control is allowed to be executed when a vehicle velocity of the vehicle (host vehicle) Vcar is equal to or higher than a first set vehicle velocity V1 and a second following control is allowed to be executed when the vehicle velocity of the host vehicle Vcar is equal to or lower than a second set vehicle velocity V2 which is lower than first set vehicle velocity V1 . Hence, a vehicle driver can accurately determine which of the first and second following controls is being executed by confirming the vehicle velocity of the host vehicle Vcar at which the corresponding one of the controls is started to be executed through a speedometer of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adaptive vehicle speed control system includes a vehicle speed sensor detecting a vehicle speed of a host vehicle which is subjected to adaptive vehicle speed control including preceding vehicle following control and vehicle speed control, and an inter-vehicle distance sensor detecting an inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle. A man-machine interface is provided for setting a set vehicle speed.

Abstract: A plate brick assembly cartridge for a slide gate valve, in which metallic or ceramic holders are mounted to the outer peripheries of the sides of respective plates for the slide gate valve, and which is provided with an assembling mechanism for mutually engaging said holders, characterized in that both the faces of the holder for a slide plate are set slightly back from the sliding surface of said slide plate. The invention has any of the following constitutions. Voids for sensors for cold and/or temperature are provided in the holders, said voids communicating with one another. The sliding surfaces of the holders are provided with a ceramic coating. The plate brick for the slide gate valve is split. The contact faces of the holders with the plate bricks are made at angles of inclination. The surface pressure loading mechanism is of sliding, and opening and closing type, and provided with cylinders for surface pressure loading. All the above mechanisms are remote controlled.