Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the technical solutions described herein, a control system in a motor vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine includes an oxygen sensor, and an oxygen sensor diagnosis module to diagnose the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor diagnosis includes performing an intrusive rich-to-lean diagnostic for the oxygen sensor, and detecting a lean-to-rich diagnostic event. In response, the diagnosis includes performing a passive lean-to-rich diagnostic for the oxygen sensor, the lean-to-rich diagnostic event comprising a fuel enrichment.

Abstract: An automobile vehicle exhaust gas heat recovery system includes an engine having a turbocharger. A cooling pump provides coolant flow to the engine and the turbocharger. A combined coolant discharge header receives coolant discharged from the engine and the turbocharger. A main rotary valve receives coolant discharged from the combined coolant discharge header. The main rotary valve includes multiple rotary valves selectively distributing all of the coolant in the combined coolant discharge header to at least one of an engine heater, a heater core and a transmission oil heater during a cold start operation. An exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) device is positioned to receive the coolant discharged from any one, any two or all of the engine heater, the heater core and the transmission oil heater and in a path to return the coolant to the cooling pump during the cold start operation of the engine.

Abstract: A method of using a thermoelectric generator for warming a transmission on a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes starting the internal combustion engine, thereby generating a hot exhaust gas; circulating coolant through a heating loop in fluid communication with the internal combustion engine and the thermoelectric generator; passing the hot exhaust gas through a hot-side of the thermoelectric generator and circulating the coolant through the cold-side of the thermoelectric generator, thereby transferring heat from the hot exhaust gas to the coolant and generating an electric current; and selectively powering an electric heating element with the electric current. The electric heating element is in thermal communication with a transmission fluid of the transmission.

Abstract: An automobile vehicle exhaust gas heat recovery system includes an engine having a turbocharger. A cooling pump provides coolant flow to the engine and the turbocharger. A combined coolant discharge header receives coolant discharged from the engine and the turbocharger. A main rotary valve receives coolant discharged from the combined coolant discharge header. The main rotary valve includes multiple rotary valves selectively distributing all of the coolant in the combined coolant discharge header to at least one of an engine heater, a heater core and a transmission oil heater during a cold start operation. An exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) device is positioned to receive the coolant discharged from any one, any two or all of the engine heater, the heater core and the transmission oil heater and in a path to return the coolant to the cooling pump during the cold start operation of the engine.

Abstract: A method of using a thermoelectric generator for warming a transmission on a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes starting the internal combustion engine, thereby generating a hot exhaust gas; circulating coolant through a heating loop in fluid communication with the internal combustion engine and the thermoelectric generator; passing the hot exhaust gas through a hot-side of the thermoelectric generator and circulating the coolant through the cold-side of the thermoelectric generator, thereby transferring heat from the hot exhaust gas to the coolant and generating an electric current; and selectively powering an electric heating element with the electric current. The electric heating element is in thermal communication with a transmission fluid of the transmission.

Abstract: A vehicle, system, and method of warming the transmission fluid with a thermoelectric generator is also provided. Disclosed is vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a transmission containing a transmission fluid, a coolant circuit configured to remove heat from the engine, and a thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator is in non-contact thermal communication with the hot exhaust gas produced by the engine and the relatively cooler coolant circulating through the coolant circuit. The thermoelectric generator produces a current from the temperature gradient between the exhaust gas relative and coolant and transfers heat from the exhaust gas to the coolant. The heat coolant is conveyed to a transmission heat exchanger to heat the transmission fluid. A heating element is disposed in thermal contact with the transmission fluid and the heating element is powered by the electric current produced by the thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: A vehicle, system, and method of warming the transmission fluid with a thermoelectric generator is also provided. Disclosed is vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a transmission containing a transmission fluid, a coolant circuit configured to remove heat from the engine, and a thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator is in non-contact thermal communication with the hot exhaust gas produced by the engine and the relatively cooler coolant circulating through the coolant circuit. The thermoelectric generator produces a current from the temperature gradient between the exhaust gas relative and coolant and transfers heat from the exhaust gas to the coolant. The heat coolant is conveyed to a transmission heat exchanger to heat the transmission fluid. A heating element is disposed in thermal contact with the transmission fluid and the heating element is powered by the electric current produced by the thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: An open steam generator system is disclosed which comprises a substantially enclosed vessel having an opening for exhausting steam generated and an opening for draining residual water from the vessel. Within the vessel also is a heat exchange coil having a heat transfer fluid circulating through its runs. The vessel also includes an injector for spraying water onto the heating coil to form steam. The disclosed steam generator achieves tolerance for low water quality by minimizing surface areas in contact with water. In addition, the system promotes self-cleaning of heat exchange surfaces using thermal shock to dislodge scale deposits.

Abstract: A carburetor assembly having a venturi element for fuel metering and a throttle valve for controlling the flow of an air and natural gas mixture to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion gas engine wherein a stepper motor is used to angularly position a throttle valve plate in the gas flow path to the carburetor, the throttle valve plate being carried on a throttle valve shaft that forms an extension of the armature of the stepper motor wherein provision is made for sealing the stepper motor at a location on the axis of rotation of the throttle valve element, the throttle valve shaft being mounted without the necessity for using throttle valve shaft bearings or a separate seal, thereby minimizing friction and any tendency for a misalignment to occur.