Electronic engine control

Claim 2

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal and said at least one other ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 3

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions, means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal and said at least one other ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 4

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions, means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal and said at least one other ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 5

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a manifold pressure reference signal corresponding to a reference pressure in said manifold, means for providing a base decel ratio signal corresponding to a respective decel air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation below said reference pressure, means responsive to pressure in said manifold and said manifold pressure reference signal for modifying said base decel ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold pressure when the manifold pressure is above said reference pressure to produce a decel ratio signal corresponding to an air-fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold pressure above said reference pressure, and means for utilizing said decel ratio signal to produce a ratio control signal.

Claim 6

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a manifold pressure reference signal corresponding to a reference pressure in said manifold, means for providing a base decel ratio signal corresponding to a respective decel air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation below said reference pressure, means responsive to pressure in said manifold and said manifold pressure reference signal for modifying said base decel ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold pressure when the manifold pressure is above said reference pressure to produce a decel ratio signal corresponding to an air-fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold pressure above said reference pressure, and means for utilizing said decel ratio signal to produce a ratio control signal.

Claim 7

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said first power ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal and said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 8

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said first power ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal and said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 9

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and otherwise corresponding to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, means for providing a high engine speed reference signal corresponding to a reference high engine speed, means responsive to engine speed and said high engine speed reference for providing a base third power ratio signal corresponding to a respective third power air/fuel ratio less than said second power air/fuel ratio when the engine speed is greater than said reference high engine speed and systematically increasing with decrease in engine speed below said reference high engine speed, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, means for applying said run ratio signal and said first and second power ratio signals to said output means, and means responsive to throttle position for applying said third power ratio signal to said output means when the throttle is substantially wide open.

Claim 10

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and otherwise corresponding to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, means for providing a high engine speed reference signal corresponding to a reference high engine speed, means responsive to engine speed and said high engine speed reference for providing a base third power ratio signal corresponding to a respective third power air/fuel ratio less than said second power air/fuel ratio when the engine speed is greater than said reference high engine speed and systematically increasing with decrease in engine speed below said reference high engine speed, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, means for applying said run ratio signal and said first and second power ratio signals to said output means, and means responsive to throttle position for applying said third power ratio signal to said output means when the throttle is substantially wide open.

Claim 11

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to engine operation at idle, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine operation and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine operation when said engine operates above idle to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine operation above idle, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means responsive to starting to the engine for developing a start enrich signal that decays with time, means responsive to said start enrich signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal to correspond to a lower air/fuel ratio upon starting, such modification decaying with said start enrich signal, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal and said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 12

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to engine operation at idle, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine operation and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine operation when said engine operates above idle to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine operation above idle, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means responsive to starting to the engine for developing a start enrich signal that decays with time, means responsive to said start enrich signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal to correspond to a lower air/fuel ratio upon starting, such modification decaying with said start enrich signal, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal and said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 13

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference engine speed, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine speed and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine speed when said engine speed exceeds said reference engine speed to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine speed above said reference engine speed, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means responsive to starting of the engine for developing a start enrich signal that decays with time, means responsive to said start enrich signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal to correspond to a lower air/fuel ratio upon starting, such modification decaying with said start enrich signal, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal and said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 14

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference engine speed, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine speed and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine speed when said engine speed exceeds said reference engine speed to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine speed above said reference engine speed, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means responsive to starting of the engine for developing a start enrich signal that decays with time, means responsive to said start enrich signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal to correspond to a lower air/fuel ratio upon starting, such modification decaying with said start enrich signal, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal and said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 15

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference air flow, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to rate of air flow into the engine and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to rate of air flow when said rate of air flow exceeds said reference air flow to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in air flow above said reference air flow, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference signal temperature, means responsive to starting of the engine for developing a start enrich signal that decays with time, means responsive to said start enrich signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal to correspond to a lower air/fuel ratio upon starting, such modification decaying with said start enrich signal, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal and said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 16

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference air flow, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to rate of air flow into the engine and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to rate of air flow when said rate of air flow exceeds said reference air flow to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in air flow above said reference air flow, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference signal temperature, means responsive to starting of the engine for developing a start enrich signal that decays with time, means responsive to said start enrich signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal to correspond to a lower air/fuel ratio upon starting, such modification decaying with said start enrich signal, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal and said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 17

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to engine operation at idle, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine operation and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine operation when said engine operates above idle to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine operation above idle, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said first power ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference signal temperature to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 18

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to engine operation at idle, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine operation and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine operation when said engine operates above idle to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine operation above idle, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said first power ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference signal temperature to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 19

Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing rate of air flow.

Claim 20

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference engine speed, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine speed and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine speed when said engine speed exceeds said reference engine speed to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine speed above said reference engine speed, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said first power ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 21

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference engine speed, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine speed and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine speed when said engine speed exceeds said reference engine speed to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine speed above said reference engine speed, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said first power ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 22

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference air flow, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to rate of air flow into the engine and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to rate of air flow when said rate of air flow exceeds said reference air flow to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in air flow above said reference air flow, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for futher modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said first power ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 23

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference air flow, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to rate of air flow into the engine and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to rate of air flow when said rate of air flow exceeds said reference air flow to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in air flow above said reference air flow, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for futher modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said first power ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, and means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 24

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to engine operation at idle, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine operation and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine operation when said engine operates above idle to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine operation above idle, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and corresponding otherwise to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, means for providing a high engine speed reference signal corresponding to a reference high engine speed, means responsive to engine speed and said high engine speed reference signal for providing a base third power ratio signal corresponding to a respective third power air/fuel ratio less than said second power air/fuel ratio when the engine speed is greater than said reference high engine speed and systematically increasing with decrease in engine speed below said reference high engine speed, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first and second power ratio signals to said output means, and means responsive to throttle position for applying said third power ratio signal to said output means when the throttle is substantially wide open.

Claim 25

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to engine operation at idle, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine operation and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine operation when said engine operates above idle to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine operation above idle, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and corresponding otherwise to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, means for providing a high engine speed reference signal corresponding to a reference high engine speed, means responsive to engine speed and said high engine speed reference signal for providing a base third power ratio signal corresponding to a respective third power air/fuel ratio less than said second power air/fuel ratio when the engine speed is greater than said reference high engine speed and systematically increasing with decrease in engine speed below said reference high engine speed, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first and second power ratio signals to said output means, and means responsive to throttle position for applying said third power ratio signal to said output means when the throttle is substantially wide open.

Claim 26

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference engine speed, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine speed and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine speed when said engine speed exceeds said reference engine speed to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine speed above said reference engine speed, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and corresponding otherwise to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, means for providing a high engine speed reference signal corresponding to a reference high engine speed, means responsive to engine speed and said high engine speed reference signal for providing a base third power ratio signal corresponding to a respective third power air/fuel ratio less than said second power air/fuel ratio when the engine speed is greater than said reference high engine speed and systematically increasing with decrease in engine speed below said reference high engine speed, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first and second power ratio signals to said output means, and means responsive to throttle position for applying said third power ratio signal to said output means when the throttle is substantially wide open.

Claim 27

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference engine speed, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine speed and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine speed when said engine speed exceeds said reference engine speed to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine speed above said reference engine speed, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and corresponding otherwise to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, means for providing a high engine speed reference signal corresponding to a reference high engine speed, means responsive to engine speed and said high engine speed reference signal for providing a base third power ratio signal corresponding to a respective third power air/fuel ratio less than said second power air/fuel ratio when the engine speed is greater than said reference high engine speed and systematically increasing with decrease in engine speed below said reference high engine speed, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first and second power ratio signals to said output means, and means responsive to throttle position for applying said third power ratio signal to said output means when the throttle is substantially wide open.

Claim 28

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference air flow, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to rate of air flow into the engine and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to rate of air flow when said rate of air flow exceeds said reference air flow to produce an idle ratio corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in air flow above said reference air flow, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and corresponding otherwise to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, means for providing a high engine speed reference signal corresponding to a reference high engine speed, means responsive to engine speed and said high engine speed reference signal for providing a base third power ratio signal corresponding to a respective third power air/fuel ratio less than said second power air/fuel ratio when the engine speed is greater than said reference high engine speed and systematically increasing with decrease in engine speed below said reference high engine speed, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first and second power ratio signals to said output means, and means responsive to throttle position for applying said third power ratio signal to said output means when the throttle is substantially wide open.

Claim 29

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a base run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for steady state engine operation, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for modifying said run ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference air flow, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to rate of air flow into the engine and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to rate of air flow when said rate of air flow exceeds said reference air flow to produce an idle ratio corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in air flow above said reference air flow, means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature, means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and corresponding otherwise to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, means for providing a high engine speed reference signal corresponding to a reference high engine speed, means responsive to engine speed and said high engine speed reference signal for providing a base third power ratio signal corresponding to a respective third power air/fuel ratio less than said second power air/fuel ratio when the engine speed is greater than said reference high engine speed and systematically increasing with decrease in engine speed below said reference high engine speed, discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal, means for applying said run ratio signal, said idle ratio signal and said first and second power ratio signals to said output means, and means responsive to throttle position for applying said third power ratio signal to said output means when the throttle is substantially wide open.

Claim 30

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions; means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, said means for providing at least one other ratio signal including means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, and means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said first power ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature; discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal; and means for applying said run ratio signal and said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 31

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions; means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, said means for providing at least one other ratio signal including means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, and means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said first power ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature; discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal; and means for applying said run ratio signal and said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 32

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions; means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, said means for providing at least one other ratio signal including means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vaccum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and corresponding otherwise to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, means for providing a high engine speed reference signal corresponding to a reference high engine speed, means responsive to engine speed and said high engine speed reference signal for providing a base third power ratio signal corresponding to a respective third power air/fuel ratio less than said second power air/fuel ratio when the engine speed is greater than said reference high engine speed and systematically increasing with decrease in engine speed below said reference high engine speed; discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal; and means for applying said run ratio signal and said at least one other ratio signal to said output means, wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means for applying said first and second power ratio signals to said output means, and means responsive to throttle position for applying said third power ratio signal to said output means when the throttle is substantially wide open.

Claim 33

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions; means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, said means for providing at least one other ratio signal including means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vaccum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and corresponding otherwise to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, means for providing a high engine speed reference signal corresponding to a reference high engine speed, means responsive to engine speed and said high engine speed reference signal for providing a base third power ratio signal corresponding to a respective third power air/fuel ratio less than said second power air/fuel ratio when the engine speed is greater than said reference high engine speed and systematically increasing with decrease in engine speed below said reference high engine speed; discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal; and means for applying said run ratio signal and said at least one other ratio signal to said output means, wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means for applying said first and second power ratio signals to said output means, and means responsive to throttle position for applying said third power ratio signal to said output means when the throttle is substantially wide open.

Claim 34

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions; means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, said means for providing at least one other ratio signal including means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to engine operation at idle, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine operation and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine operation when said engine operates above idle to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine operation above idle, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, and means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature; discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal; and means for applying said run ratio signal and said at least one other ratio signal to said output means, said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal including means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 35

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions; means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, said means for providing at least one other ratio signal including means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to engine operation at idle, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine operation and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine operation when said engine operates above idle to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine operation above idle, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, and means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature; discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal; and means for applying said run ratio signal and said at least one other ratio signal to said output means, said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal including means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 36

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions; means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, said means for providing at least one other ratio signal including means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference engine speed, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine speed and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine speed when said engine speed exceeds said refernce engine speed to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine speed above said reference engine speed, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, and means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature; discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal; and means for applying said run ratio signal and said at least one other ratio signal to said output means, said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal including means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 37

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions; means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, said means for providing at least one other ratio signal including means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference engine speed, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine speed and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine speed when said engine speed exceeds said refernce engine speed to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine speed above said reference engine speed, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, and means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature; discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal; and means for applying said run ratio signal and said at least one other ratio signal to said output means, said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal including means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 38

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions; means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, said means for providing at least one other ratio signal including means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference air flow, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to rate of air flow into the engine and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to rate of air flow when said rate of air flow exceeds said reference air flow to produce an idle ratio corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in air flow above said reference air flow, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, and means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature; discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal; and means for applying said run ratio signal and said at least one other ratio signal to said output means, said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal including means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 39

In an electronic controller for an internal combustion engine having a throttle for controlling the flow of air into an intake manifold wherein rate of air flow into the engine is measured by producing an air flow signal systematically related to the rate of air flow, and rate of fuel flow into the engine is measured by producing a fuel flow signal systematically related to the rate of fuel flow, said electronic controller including means for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio, and means responsive to said air flow signal, said fuel flow signal and said ratio control signal for controlling fuel flow as to make the ratio of air flow to fuel flow substantially equal to said respective air/fuel ratio, the improvement wherein said means for producing said ratio control signal comprises means for providing a run ratio signal corresponding to a respective run air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain conditions; means for providing at least one other ratio signal corresponding to a respective air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation under certain other conditions, said means for providing at least one other ratio signal including means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference air flow, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to rate of air flow into the engine and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to rate of air flow when said rate of air flow exceeds said reference air flow to produce an idle ratio corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in air flow above said reference air flow, means for providing a temperature reference signal corresponding to a reference engine temperature, and means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature; discriminating output means responsive to applied ratio signals for producing a ratio control signal corresponding to the lowest air/fuel ratio of any applied ratio signal; and means for applying said run ratio signal and said at least one other ratio signal to said output means, said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal including means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 40

Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for modifying said run ratio includes means responsive to said engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for developing a temperature control signal systematically related to the difference between said engine temperature and said reference engine temperature, and means for multiplicatively combining said temperature control signal and said base run ratio signal to produce said run ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature.

Claim 41

Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, and means for applying said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 42

Apparatus according to claim 22 including means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and otherwise correspondng to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, and means for applying said second power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 43

Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to engine operation at idle, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine operation and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine operation when said engine operates above idle to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine operation above idle, and means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 44

Apparatus according to claim 24 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing rate of air flow.

Claim 45

Apparatus according to claim 24 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing engine speed.

Claim 46

Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference engine speed, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to engine speed and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine speed when said engine speed exceeds said reference engine speed to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine speed above said reference engine speed, and means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 47

Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference air flow, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, means responsive to rate of air flow into the engine and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to rate of air flow when said rate of air flow exceeds said reference air flow to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in air flow above said reference air flow, and means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 48

Apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 28 including means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature.

Claim 49

Apparatus according to claim 29 including means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, and means for applying said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 50

Apparatus according to claim 30 including means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and corresponding otherwise to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, and means for applying said second power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 51

Apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 22, 23 and 24 including means for providing a manifold pressure reference signal corresponding to a reference pressure in said manifold, means for providing a base decel ratio signal corresponding to a respective decel air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation below said reference pressure, means responsive to pressure in said manifold and said manifold pressure reference signal for modifying said base decel ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold pressure when the manifold pressure is above said reference pressure to produce a decel ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold pressure above said reference pressure, and means for applying said decel ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 52

Apparatus according to claim 29 including means for providing a manifold pressure reference signal corresponding to a reference pressure in said manifold, means for providing a base decel ratio signal corresponding to a respective decel air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation below said reference pressure, means responsive to pressure in said manifold and said manifold pressure reference signal for modifying said base decel ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold pressure when the manifold pressure is above said reference pressure to produce a decel ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold pressure above said reference pressure, and means for applying said decel ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 53

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means for providing at least one other ratio signal includes means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, and means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold vacuum, and wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means for applying said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 54

Apparatus according to claim 34 wherein said means for providing at least one other ratio signal includes means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and otherwise corresponding to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, and wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means for applying said second power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 55

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means for providing at least one other ratio signal includes means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to engine operation at idle, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, and means responsive to engine operation and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine operation when said engine operates above idle to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine operation above idle, and wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 56

Apparatus according to claim 36 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing rate of air flow.

Claim 57

Apparatus according to claim 36 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing engine speed.

Claim 58

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means for providing at least one other ratio signal includes means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference engine speed, means for providing a base idle ratio signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, and means responsive to engine speed and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to engine speed when said engine speed exceeds said reference engine speed to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in engine speed above said reference engine speed, and wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 59

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means for providing at least one other ratio signal includes means for providing an engine idle reference signal corresponding to a reference air flow, means for providing a base idle signal corresponding to a respective idle air/fuel ratio suitable for operation of the engine at idle, and means responsive to rate of air flow into the engine and said engine idle reference signal for modifying said base idle ratio signal in systematic relation to rate of air flow when said rate of air flow exceeds said reference air flow to produce an idle ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in air flow above said reference air flow, and wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means for applying said idle ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 60

Apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 20 including means responsive to starting of the engine for developing a start enrich signal that decays with time, and means responsive to said start enrich signal for further modifying said idle ratio signal to correspond to a lower air/fuel ratio upon starting, such modification decaying with said start enrich signal.

Claim 61

Apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein said means for providing at least one other ratio signal includes means for providing a base first power ratio signal corresponding to a respective first power air/fuel ratio, means for providing a manifold vacuum reference signal corresponding to a reference manifold vacuum, and means responsive to engine manifold vacuum and said manifold vacuum reference signal for modifying said base first power ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold vacuum when said manifold vacuum is above said reference manifold vacuum to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing wih increase in manifold vacuum, and wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means for applying said first power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 62

Apparatus according to claim 42 including means responsive to engine temperature and said temperature reference signal for further modifying said first power ratio signal in systematic relation to engine temperature when said engine temperature is below said reference engine temperature to produce a first power ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically decreasing with decrease in engine temperature below said reference engine temperature.

Claim 63

Apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said means for providing at least one other ratio signal includes means responsive to engine throttle position for producing a second power ratio signal corresponding to a respective second power air/fuel ratio less than said first power air/fuel ratio when the throttle is substantially wide open and corresponding otherwise to a non-limiting air/fuel ratio, and wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means for applying said second power ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 64

Apparatus according to claim 44 wherein said means for providing at least one other ratio signal includes means for providing a high engine speed reference signal corresponding to a reference high engine speed, and means responsive to engine speed and said high engine speed reference signal for providing a base third power ratio signal corresponding to a respective third power air/fuel ratio less than said second power air/fuel ratio when the engine speed is greater than said reference high engine speed and systematically increasing with decrease in engine speed below said reference high engine speed, and wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means responsive to throttle position for applying said third power ratio signal to said output means when the throttle is substantially wide open.

Claim 65

Apparatus according to any one of claims 34, 35 and 36 wherein said means for providing at least one other ratio signal includes means for providing a manifold pressure reference signal corresponding to a reference pressure in said manifold, means for providing a base decel ratio signal corresponding to a respective decel air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation below said reference pressure, and means responsive to pressure in said manifold and said manifold pressure reference signal for modifying said base decel ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold pressure to produce a decel ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold pressure above said reference pressure, and wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means for applying said decel ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 66

Apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 20 wherein said means for providing at least one other ratio signal includes means for providing a manifold pressure reference signal corresponding to a reference pressure in said manifold, means for providing a base decel ratio signal corresponding to a respective decel air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation below said reference pressure, and means responsive to pressure in said manifold and said manifold pressure reference signal for modifying said base decel ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold pressure to produce a decel ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold pressure above said reference pressure, and wherein said means for applying said at least one other ratio signal includes means for applying said decel ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 67

Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing rate of air flow.

Claim 68

Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing engine speed.

Claim 69

Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing engine speed.

Claim 70

Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing rate of air flow.

Claim 71

Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing engine speed.

Claim 72

Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 15 including means for providing a manifold pressure reference signal corresponding to a reference pressure in said manifold, means for providing a base decel ratio signal corresponding to a respective decel air/fuel ratio suitable for engine operation below said reference pressure, means responsive to pressure in said manifold and said manifold pressure reference signal for modifying said base decel ratio signal in systematic relation to manifold pressure when the manifold pressure is above said reference pressure to produce a decel ratio signal corresponding to an air/fuel ratio systematically increasing with increase in manifold pressure above said reference pressure, and means for applying said decel ratio signal to said output means.

Claim 73

Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing rate of air flow.

Claim 74

Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein engine idle is sensed by sensing engine speed.