Abstract: A voltage regulator for a generator having a dynamic voltage-to-frequency (V/F) ratio includes a memory, a voltage calculator, and a selection module. The memory is configured to store a plurality of voltage-frequency curves for the generator. The voltage calculator is configured to receive data indicative of an output of the generator and configured to determine a resistance value from the output of the generator and a voltage value from the output of the generator. The selection module configured to select a voltage-frequency curve from the plurality of voltage-frequency curves in response to the resistance value and configured to select a voltage-frequency ratio from the selected voltage-frequency curve in response to the voltage value. An output adjustment for the generator is determined in response to the selected voltage-frequency ratio.

Abstract: A system for compiling programs for execution thereof using a hierarchical processing system having two or more levels of memory hierarchy can perform memory-level-specific optimizations, without exceeding a specified maximum compilation time. To this end, the compiler system employs a polyhedral model and limits the dimensions of a polyhedral program representation that is processed by the compiler at each level using a focalization operator that temporarily reduces one or more dimensions of the polyhedral representation. Semantic correctness is provided via a defocalization operator that can restore all polyhedral dimensions that had been temporarily removed.

Abstract: A driving support apparatus (12) performs a second support after forbidding acceleration by a first support, keeps forbidding the acceleration by the first support after the second support is completed and before a predetermined acceleration allowing condition is satisfied, and allows the acceleration by the first support after the acceleration allowing condition is satisfied, if both of an execution condition for the first support and an execution condition for the second support are satisfied.

Abstract: A driving-assistance device 100 makes it a condition for implementing driving assistance for collision avoidance that a normal travel area AR is set in the vicinity of a host vehicle, and that an unavoidable obstacle D is present within the normal travel area AR. Particularly, in the driving-assistance device 100, a degree of width W of the normal travel area AR is set in accordance with a rule based on a type or the like of the obstacle D. For this reason, a timing at which a collision with the obstacle D cannot be avoided within the normal travel area AR (timing at which a condition for implementing driving assistance for collision avoidance is established) becomes variable in accordance with the type or the like of the obstacle D. Thus, it is possible to implement the driving assistance for collision avoidance more appropriate to a driver's intuition.

Abstract: A regulating loop for a digital regulator of an excitation rotating electric machine for operation as a generator delivering an output voltage tailored by an excitation current. The digital regulator comprises a control device for controlling the excitation current and the regulating loop comprises, at input, a measuring device for measurement by sampling the output voltage generating a measurement signal (Um), an calculation device generating an error signal (e) equal to a difference between the measurement signal (Um) and a setpoint (U0), a processing system for processing of the error signal (e) generating a regulating signal (Ysat) comprising in parallel a first amplifier, an integrator and an anti-saturation system, and comprising, at output, a generation system for generation of a control signal (PWM) controlling the control device as a function of the regulating signal (Ysat). The anti-saturation system is a conditional detection system.

Abstract: A control device for a continuously variable transmission includes first, second, and third controllers. The first controller controls, in response to a first speed control request for controlling a traveling speed of a vehicle for a predetermined state, a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission such that a rotational speed of a drive power source approaches a set rotational speed. The second controller controls, in response to a second speed control request issued while the first controller is controlling the gear ratio, the gear ratio based on the rotational speed and the gear ratio. The third controller changes, when the rotational speed changes as a result of the second controller controlling the gear ratio, torque of the drive power source based on torque and the rotational speed of the drive power source before the gear ratio is changed and a target rotational speed of the drive power source.

Abstract: An electric parking brake control system for automatically controlling one or more parking brakes in a vehicle. The parking brake control system includes an electric brake switch in communication with a low-pressure switch for automatically applying the parking brakes. The electric brake switch is preferably a latching type mechanism, which is capable of controlling a solenoid air valve external to the vehicle cab. The low-pressure switch automatically monitors an air reservoir for a low-pressure condition. The electric brake switch incorporates a time delay upon release of the switch, in order to prevent inadvertent application of the parking brakes due to a momentary loss of vehicle electrical power.

Abstract: In a gear shift control apparatus for a vehicle, since a torque sharing rate is set as a constraint for a motion equation for an automatic transmission, suitable control in torque delivery, which is considered difficult in gear shift control, can be implemented and also the motion equation can be solved. Furthermore, when at least four control operation amounts must be determined in order to achieve two gear shift target values, another engaging device is classified into any of an engaging-side clutch and a releasing-side clutch depending on how another clutch torque acts on progress of a gear shift, hence in addition to achieving torque sharing in accordance with a torque sharing rate between the engaging-side clutch and the releasing-side clutch, torque sharing among a plurality of engaging devices classified into a same side can be arbitrarily set. As a result, the respective control operation amounts can be determined.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for setting a speed limit for vehicle travelling on a road includes monitoring conditions of the road, determining a speed limit for travel of vehicles on the road based on the monitored conditions, and transmitting the determined speed limit to the vehicles to thereby notify operators of the vehicles of the determined speed limit. Monitoring conditions of the road may entail monitoring weather conditions around the road, monitoring visibility for operators of the vehicles on the roads, monitoring traffic on the road, monitoring accidents on the road or emergency situations of vehicles on the road and/or monitoring the speed of vehicles travelling on the road and a distance between adjacent vehicles.

Abstract: A suspension control system for a vehicle includes a pressure increasing module and a compressor control module. In response to a startup of the vehicle, the pressure increasing module: selectively sets a pressure increase signal to a first state when an air pressure within air bags of a suspension system is less than a predetermined pressure; and selectively sets the pressure increase signal to a second state when the air pressure is greater than the predetermined pressure. In response to the startup of the vehicle, the compressor control module: operates an air compressor of the suspension system when the pressure increase signal is in the first state; and disables operation of the air compressor when the pressure increase signal is in the second state.

Abstract: A method for identifying a driving resistance of a motor vehicle includes the steps of recording values of control and/or state variables of the vehicle during a driving state of the vehicle when a control route is covered, adapting parameters of a vehicle model and/or a model of the area surrounding the vehicle on the basis of the values of the recorded control and state variables, identifying the driving resistance on the basis of the adapted vehicle model and/or the surrounding area model, wherein the parameters of the vehicle model and/or the surrounding area model are adapted on the basis of a distinction between driving states, wherein these driving states include a driving state of a closed drive train with a positive driver demand torque, a driving state of a closed drive train without a positive driver demand torque, and/or and a driving state with an open drive train.

Abstract: Externally deployed airbag system for a vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags deployable outside of the vehicle, an anticipatory sensor system for assessing the probable severity of an impact involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the impact and initiating inflation of the airbag(s) in the event an impact above a threshold severity is assessed, and an inflator coupled to the anticipatory sensor system and the airbag for inflating the airbag when initiated by the anticipatory sensor system. The airbag may be housed in a module mounted along a side of the vehicle, in a side door of the vehicle (both for side impact protection), at a front of the vehicle (for frontal impact protection) or at a rear of the vehicle (for rear impact protection). Also, the externally deployed airbag can be deployed to cushion a pedestrian's impact against the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control system for controlling a vehicle on a chassis dynamometer is comprised of a controller which is arranged to receive a vehicle speed command, to obtain an anticipated vehicle speed command from the vehicle speed command taking account of a delay factor of a control system of the vehicle, to calculate a driving force a driving force command from the anticipated vehicle speed command, to obtain an accelerator opening command from a previously stored driving force characteristic map based on the driving force command and a detected vehicle speed, and to control an accelerator opening of the vehicle according to the accelerator opening command so as to adjust the detected vehicle at the vehicle speed command.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle is capable of transmitting driving forces of an engine and an electric motor to driving wheels through an automatic transmission and of releasing mechanical connection between the engine and the transmission by a clutch. A torque control unit switches between deceleration implemented only by the motor and deceleration by the engine and the motor by controlling the clutch based upon magnitude relation between a required deceleration torque and an upper limit deceleration torque generable by the motor. The required torque and the upper limit deceleration torques become equal to each other when the revolution speed of the motor is predetermined revolution speed. The predetermined revolution speed for the required deceleration torque corresponding to a forward gear related to downshift of the transmission differs from revolution speed that falls in the range of revolution speed fluctuation of the motor at the time of the downshift.

Abstract: A saddle type vehicle is provided in which a valve shaft for a throttle valve is rotatably supported on an air intake path forming body, and a valve shaft actuator is connected to an end of the valve shaft in such a way that the rotational movement of the valve shaft is fed back to the throttle grip, whereby it is not necessary to extend a cable between the between the valve shaft and the throttle grip, and the rotational movement of the valve shaft can be fed back to the throttle grip. A grip-driving electric motor, which is moved by the amount of movement according to the amount of rotation of the valve shaft in response to the operation of the actuator, is disposed on the steering handle, and is interlocked and connected to the throttle grip.

Abstract: A vehicle cruise control system comprises a plurality of pre-set cruise control speed buttons and cruise control logic circuitry coupled to the pre-set cruise control speed buttons. Each one of the pre-set cruise control speed buttons corresponds to a respective pre-set cruise control speed. The cruise control logic circuitry is configured for implementing control of a vehicle speed to maintain the respective pre-set cruise control speed corresponding to a selected one of said pre-set cruise control speed buttons.

Abstract: A motorcycle comprising a frame, a front wheel coupled to the frame, a rear wheel coupled to the frame and an engine adapted to propel the motorcycle. The motorcycle also includes a cruise control system including an off condition, an on condition, and a set condition operable to maintain the motorcycle at a desired speed. A cruise control indicator is electrically connected to the cruise control system and is operable to emit light of a first color when the cruise control is in the on condition and light of a second color when the cruise control is in the set condition.

Abstract: When changing gear, engagement side clutch coupling force of an automatic transmission (32) is controlled in response to an engagement side clutch coupling force control amount set in advance in an engagement side clutch coupling force control amount storage section (36). A disengagement side clutch coupling force control amount calculating block (40) has a physical model of the automatic transmission (32) internally. This disengagement side clutch coupling force control amount calculating block (40) then calculates disengagement side clutch coupling force control amount from a transmission input torque estimation value estimated by a transmission input torque estimation block (34), a running resistance estimation value from a running resistance estimation block (38) and engagement side clutch coupling force control amount using the physical model, and controls the automatic transmission (32) using the calculated disengagement side clutch coupling force control amount.

Abstract: There is provided a pedal apparatus for vehicles, which comprises a pedal reaction-force addition means 4 for adding a reaction force to a pedal 1 of a vehicle, a pedal force detection means 2 for detecting a force added to the pedal 1, a pedal reaction-force control means 3 for adjusting the output of the pedal reaction-force addition means 4. During the running of the vehicle, the pedal reaction-force control means 3 performs the adjustment of a reaction force of the pedal on the basis of the driving environment of the vehicle and the driver's intention and judgement in pedal operation in the driving environment, whereby it is ensured that when the driver has no intention of operating the pedal, the driver can sufficiently place his or her foot on the pedal and that when he driver has any intention of operating the pedal, the driver can realize a smooth pedal operation.

Abstract: A shift control system for a continuously variable transmission CVT) has a gear ratio controller for controlling the gear ratio of CVT by determining a target gear ratio from a drive point determined on the basis of at least a throttle opening and a vehicle speed. The shift control system also has a vehicle distance controller for maintaining a proper vehicle distance by controlling the throttle opening of an engine. A shift speed control device provided in the gear ratio controller increases the shift speed from the shift speed established at the time the vehicle distance is not controlled by the vehicle distance controller, when the vehicle distance is controlled by the vehicle distance controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a drive system for an industrial truck having an internal combustion engine and a hydrostatic transmission wherein the hydrostatic transmission has a pump the delivery volume of which is variable and at least one hydraulic engine acting on at least one wheel of the industrial truck, comprising a first controller for the speed of the industrial truck in which a desired speed value compares to a actual value arriving from a speed transducer, further in which a speed controller determines a corresponding desired motive force and in which the signal for the motive force and the actual speed is provided to a characteristics stage in which at least one characteristic is stored which assigns approximately optimal rpm values to power values of the internal combustion engine and presets a corresponding desired-value signal for the number of revolutions of the internal combustion engine, and a second controller underlying the first controller having a desired-value and actual-value comparat

Abstract: A method and system adjusts powertrain controls to avoid significant deviations from set speed during speed control operation. Low vacuum conditions of a reservoir vacuum resulting from high load conditions are detected and eliminated through the initiation of downshifts. Detection is based on the determination that speed control mode has been initialized, the throttle is extended, vehicle acceleration is low, and there has been a significant deviation from set speed. The downshift creates an increase in engine rpm and a reduction in throttle angle to increase the manifold vacuum and thereby recharge the reservoir vacuum and eliminate the low vacuum condition. The transmission can be returned to normal operation and the pre-adjustment gear upon elimination of the low vacuum condition or the occurrence of a driver override condition.

Abstract: An auto-cruise controller to control the throttle angle of an engine so that the actual vehicle speed is equal to the target vehicle speed. In the controller, the pressure control of a lock-up clutch of an automatic transmission is conducted based on an amount of control of the lock-up pressure calculated corresponding to the traveling conditions of the vehicle when the throttle is fully closed, and when the vehicle is descending a slope during the auto-cruise control.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing speed of a vehicle to maintain a target vehicle speed include determining an actual vehicle speed, comparing the target vehicle speed to the actual vehicle speed to generate a speed error, determining a continuously variable braking torque as a function of the speed error when the actual vehicle speed exceeds the target vehicle speed, and applying the continuously variable braking torque to at least one wheel of the vehicle to reduce the speed error toward zero and control the speed of the vehicle. The present invention is applicable to vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine, electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and hybrid vehicles. The continuously variable braking torque may be applied using regenerative braking to improve fuel efficiency. Friction brakes may also be utilized either alone, or in combination with regenerative braking, for vehicles capable of brake-by-wire control strategies.

Abstract: A throttle valve control apparatus serves to electrically drive a throttle valve which adjusts a rate of air flow into an engine mounted on a vehicle. The throttle valve control apparatus includes a lever connected to the throttle valve for movement in an opening direction and a closing direction together with the throttle valve. An opening degree limiting member is located in a side of the lever which corresponds to the opening direction. A spring urges the opening degree limiting member in a direction of closing the throttle valve. An accelerator interlocking and driving device serves to move the opening degree limiting member in accordance with a degree of operation of an accelerator member. A throttle actuator functions to adjust a degree of opening of the throttle valve. A vehicle speed sensor functions to detect a running speed of the vehicle. A guard actuator serves to adjust a position of the opening degree limiting member.

Abstract: A control system for influencing the speed of a motor vehicle. The invention is characterized in that the retarder controller and the pertaining servomechanism already available in a vehicle with an installed retarder is in traction operation additionally utilized for throttling the drive engine down when a presettable allowed maximum value of the speed is exceeded.

Abstract: A prime mover revolution speed control system for a hydraulically propelled vehicle controls the revolution speed of a prime mover to optimize vehicle acceleration in a vehicle propelling mode, and to optimize engine output and economy in a working mode. A vehicle equipped with the control system may include a hydraulic pump for discharging hydraulic fluid, the amount of fluid discharged depending on the revolution speed of the prime mover, a hydraulic motor for vehicle propulsion that is driven by hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump, and an actuator for performing work that is also driven by hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump. The revolution speed of the prime mover may be controlled according to a depression amount of a revolution speed control pedal. When the control system is in the working mode, the revolution speed of the prime mover is controlled in accordance with revolution speed characteristics suitable for a working operation.

Abstract: A speed control system maintains vehicle speed at a desired speed by controlling the engine throttle. The speed control system includes feedback from a quadratic control signal having an amplitude related to a square of the speed error signal and also having the speed error signal's sign. The speed control system also includes integral feedback control and proportional feedback control.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in a vehicle having a source of pressurized fluid and a pair of hydraulic drive motors connected to the pressurized fluid source and powered thereby. First and second ground engaging devices are connected to and driven by the first and second motors, respectively. The apparatus includes first and second control members, each being positionable at a plurality of locations for indicating a desired speed and direction for a respective drive motor. First and second actuators are adapted to sense the position of the first and second control members, respectively, and responsively control the direction and rate of fluid flow to the first and second drive motors. A set switch is movable between first and second positions and is adapted to produce a set speed signal in the second position.

Abstract: A speed controller maintains the engine throttle at a desired throttle position based upon an initial throttle position and a speed error signal. The initial throttle position is generated by multiplying vehicle speed by a constant and adding an offset value related to throttle position at idle and speed control slack. The initial throttle position is adaptively updated by subtracting the above product from actual throttle position during speed control operation to learn a new offset value.

Abstract: A method is provided for computing a stabilized vehicle speed value from a detected vehicle speed pulse signal and a detected engine speed signal, the vehicle speed value being for use by a vehicle speed control system. The method comprises several continuous cyclic steps commncing with generating a measured vehicle speed value from the detected vehicle speed pulse signal and generating a measured engine speed value from the detected engine speed signal. A current gear ratio is calculated from the measured vehicle speed value and the measured engine speed value. This current gear ratio is then passed through a single pole digital filter to filter changes in the gear ratio between consecutive cycles as a function of the current gear ratio and the gear ratio computed in the last preceding cycle of the computation. A current usable gear ratio is generated which is changed from the most recently generated usable gear ratio only if changes in the gear ratio exceed predetermined limit values.

Abstract: A cruise control system for vehicles uses a video camera to follow a vehicle driving ahead at a constant distance and speed on a highway. The system detects the distance to a vehicle and a relative speed to set the upper and lower limitations for the distance and the speed. The system controls a speed of the vehicle in accordance with the comparisons of the detected distance and speed with the limitations.

Abstract: A microprocessor engine control for a diesel engine powered truck is provided with a grade-holder vehicle speed control by another algorithm that is effective to cause the engine operation to move from one horsepower vs. speed curve to another when the vehicle encounters a change in load, such as when the vehicle encounters a change in grade.

Abstract: A constant-speed cruising control system for vehicles comprises a car-speed sensor, a command switch group, a car-speed memory, an actuator for driving a throttle, and a control mechanism which has a cruising control function, a resuming control function after cancelling the cruising control and controls the vehicle speed so as to coincide with a reset cruising speed stored in reponse to a reset operation during the resuming control by driving the throttle in the decelerative direction of the vehicle for the time given by subtracting set initialize time from the sum total of time the throttle is controlled in the accelerative direction of the vehicle during the time from the operation of the resume switch till the reset operation. It is possible to solve the undershooting of the vehicle speed at the transitional time from the acceleration state to the cruising state at the constant-speed.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling a vehicle speed to a desired cruise speed includes an inhibit switch connected in parallel to a line between a power supply and a main self hold power supply switch (self-hold type) of an automatic cruise controlling system. When the vehicle speed is below a predetermined value, the inhibit switch is open so that the automatic cruise speed controlling system cannot receive power via the main, switch. Thus, wasteful comsumption of power is reduced.

Abstract: A fixed speed control device including a predetermined vehicle operating speed controller, a release time limit set-up system, a release switch system, and a memory system, which are all electronically connected to an electronic control circuit. The fixed operating speed control device controls the speed of a vehicle so that it is commesurate with a specified preset vehicle speed, and can release itself from the controlled speed when a deviation exceeds a specified value, and properly adopt one of ten control branches to meet various requirements of vehicle operation.

Abstract: A control system for a motor vehicle has a continuously variable transmission, a transmission ratio control system for controlling the transmission ratio, and a cruise control system for controlling speed of the vehicle to a desired cruising speed. A resume switch is provided for producing an acceleration signal during cruising of the vehicle. In response to the acceleration signal, a throttle valve of the engine is opened, and the transmission ratio is downshifted by a predetermined value.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control device in a vehicle having a variable speed engine and drive train arrangement connecting the engine to a drive wheel therefore includes a foot pedal movable in first and second directions, a vehicle speed transducer arrangement for generating a signal in response to vehicle speeds in excess of a predetermined speed and a control arrangement for varying the value of the predetermined speed. A throttle arrangement is responsive to movement of the foot pedal in the first direction for increasing the vehicle speed and is responsive to movement of the foot pedal in the second direction for decreasing the vehicle speed. A coupling arrangement transfers movement of a movable actuator to the foot pedal, to move the foot pedal in the first and second directions. A regulating arrangement is responsive to the signal of the speed transducer arrangement for regulating the vehicle speed at or just below the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A control system for a motor vehicle has a continuously variable transmission, a transmission ratio control system for controlling the transmission ratio, and a cruise control system for controlling speed of the vehicle to a desired cruising speed. The transmission ratio is controlled to a desired transmission ratio in accordance with load on the engine. The desired transmission ratio is further determined in accordance with the desired cruising speed.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control system compares current vehicle speed against a target vehicle speed and automatically controls the position of the throttle valve of an engine in accordance with the difference therebetween for reducing the difference. A plurality of brake switches are provided. The system terminates the control of the position when at least one of the switches detects a depression of the brake pedal. If at least one of the switches does not detect the depression of the brake pedal when at least one of the switches detects it, an abnormality signal is generated for blocking commencement of the control of the position of the throttle valve. The abnormality signal is extinguished to enable the commencement of the control when all of the switches detect the depression of the brake pedal.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a throttle valve to retain the speed of running of an automotive vehicle within an insensible range having a predetermined width defined by upper and lower limits. The apparatus includes a first sensor sensitive to vehicle speed for providing a vehicle speed signal indicative of the sensed speed of running of the vehicle and a second sensor sensitive to throttle valve position for providing a throttle-valve position signal indicative of the sensed position of the throttle valve. The apparatus also includes a control circuit coupled to the first and second sensors for increasing a predetermined degree and narrowing the predetermined width of therefor the insensible range in response to the vehicle speed signal having a period within a predetermined range and a peak-to-peak value greater than a predetermined value and the throttle-valve position signal having a period within a predetermined range and a peak-to-peak value greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control system for a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission control system includes first reference data for exclusive use with only automatic transmission control and second reference data for exclusive use with both automatic transmission control and vehicle speed control. The second reference data is for decreasing the chance of a gear ratio change by comparison with the first reference data.

Abstract: A method to disengage an electronic speed control as a function of the condition of the park/neutral gear or manual clutch. If the automatic transmission lever is bumped from "drive" or the manual transmission clutch is depressed while the electronic speed control is operating, the method will sense this by detecting a difference in the ratio of engine speed to vehicle speed. If the ratio changes by .+-.25 percent, the electronic speed control is disengaged.

Abstract: Speed error is calculated by finding the difference between set speed and vehicle speed and then filtering the result. The error is tested for polarity and magnitude before selecting a desired acceleration rate. This acceleration rate is used in an acceleration based electronic speed control system for vehicles.

Abstract: A constant vehicle speed retaining device for motorcycle, comprising a control mechanism connected to a cable provided between a throttle valve and a throttle grip, for controlling the angle of opening of the throttle valve during the time interval between a constant speed control command and a cancellation command. A set switch generates the constant speed command, and a cancellation switch generates the cancellation command to the control mechanism. The cancellation switch is located near the throttle grip and operates in response to rotation of the latter in a decelerating direction.

Abstract: An automatic speed control mechanism for a motorcycle that embodies a separately driven vacuum pump for controlling the throttle valve of the motorcycle independently of its induction system vacuum. In addition, an indicator system is provided that indicates when the automatic speed control is operative and further which indicates the preset speed and the actual speed of travel. A manual arrangement is provided for manually overriding the automatic speed control so as to reduce vehicle speed without disabling the automatic speed control device.

Abstract: A cruise control device for automotive vehicles is disclosed including an actual speed sensor which actuates, by way of a control circuit, the throttle valve of the vehicle motor for keeping the vehicle speed constant. The accelerator pedal can be overridden by a hydraulic control element. A piston rod is arranged inside a stepped piston in an axial through bore and is connected to the throttle valve. The piston rod can be coupled through a ball-type locking mechanism with the stepped piston which is pressurized by the control circuit in such a way that the piston rod is driven by the stepped piston and displaces the throttle valve in an opening direction against the force acting upon the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A vacuum actuator for actuating the throttle valve of a vehicle is driven by a surge tank via three valves which are actuated by their respective solenoids. These solenoids are energized by their respective driver circuits. The input signal applied to each solenoid is compared with the output signal delivered from the solenoid by a comparator. The comparators for the solenoids are incorporated in a microcomputer. If any one of the comparators indicates disagreement between its two input signals, and if this disagreement persists for a given period, then the microcomputer deenergizes the corresponding solenoid. A timer for measuring the duration of the disagreement is also incorporated in the microcomputer. For example, the invention can be employed in a velocity-sustaining device for a vehicle.

Abstract: A constant speed running apparatus has a surge tank for storing a vacuum for driving a vacuum actuator, a vacuum switch for judging the amount of vacuum stored in the surge tank, and a vacuum pump activated when the amount of vacuum stored in the tank decreases so as to supply the vacuum to the tank. When a switch for starting a constant speed running is actuated, the pump is activated for a predetermined period of time to replenish the vacuum before the vacuum switch is activated. Accordingly, it is possible to maintain the internal pressure in the surge tank at a sufficiently high level when a constant-speed running control is started, and consequently improve the response of the actuator.

Abstract: A fail-safe circuit of a fixed speed traveling apparatus wherein there are provided with a control valve for introducing an engine negative pressure to an actuator which controls a throttle opening degree, a release valve for introducing an atmospheric pressure to an actuator and a control circuit for controlling the control valve and the release valve. At brake ON, a first cancel signal is supplied to the control circuit for canceling a fixed speed traveling and to open a current passage of the release valve. A second cancel signal is generated to the control circuit in the case where the current passage of the release valve is open.