Abstract: A vehicle fuel economy system and method of operating same includes vehicle sensors for measuring fuel economy data about a vehicle. The fuel economy data includes an actual mileage and an actual fuel consumed of the vehicle. The vehicle fuel economy system includes a display device for displaying the fuel economy data, and a control device operatively connected for computer communication to the vehicle sensors and the display device. The control device, upon determining the actual mileage is below or equal to a predetermined mileage threshold, calculates an initial average fuel economy by adjusting the actual mileage by the predetermined mileage threshold. Also, the control device, upon determining the actual mileage is above the predetermined mileage threshold, calculates an average fuel economy based the actual mileage and the actual fuel consumed. The control device controls the display device to display the initial average fuel economy or the average fuel economy.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for controlling an idle speed of an internal combustion engine during certain vehicle component operations to minimize unwanted motion and vibration. A transmission neutral engagement, a transmission forward or reverse gear engagement, and a vehicle speed are detected. An engine target idle speed is set to a first speed during the neutral engagement. An engine target idle speed is set to a second idle speed when a vehicle speed is less than a threshold speed and the forward or reverse gear is activated. The vehicle target idle speed is set to a third idle speed when the vehicle speed is greater than a threshold speed while the forward or reverse gear is activated, wherein the first target idle speed, second target idle speed and third target idle speed are different engine speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for controlling the torque of an internal combustion engine during certain vehicle component operations to minimize unwanted motion and vibration. The method includes detecting at least one of reverse gear engagement or reverse movement of the vehicle; wherein a feedback control of the internal combustion engine is switched from open-loop control to closed-loop control upon detection of at least one of a reverse gear activation or reverse movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for controlling an idle speed of an internal combustion engine during certain vehicle component operations to minimize unwanted motion and vibration. A transmission neutral engagement, a transmission forward or reverse gear engagement, and a vehicle speed are detected. An engine target idle speed is set to a first speed during the neutral engagement. An engine target idle speed is set to a second idle speed when a vehicle speed is less than a threshold speed and the forward or reverse gear is activated. The vehicle target idle speed is set a third idle speed when the vehicle speed is greater than a threshold speed while the forward or reverse gear is activated, wherein the first target idle speed, second target idle speed and third target idle speed are different engine speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for controlling the torque of an internal combustion engine during certain vehicle component operations to minimize unwanted motion and vibration.

Abstract: A thermal management system and method for a vehicle can include providing an engine, a transmission, a radiator, and a thermostat. A first heat exchanger can be in fluid communication with the transmission to heat or cool transmission fluid. A hot branch line can extend from the engine to the first heat exchanger to supply engine coolant to the first heat exchanger. The hot branch line can be in fluid communication with each of the engine and the first heat exchanger. A heat exchanger return line can be in fluid communication with each of the first heat exchanger and an inlet of the thermostat.

Abstract: A thermal management system and method for a vehicle can include providing an engine, a transmission, a radiator, and a thermostat. A first heat exchanger can be in fluid communication with the transmission to heat or cool transmission fluid. A hot branch line can extend from the engine to the first heat exchanger to supply engine coolant to the first heat exchanger. The hot branch line can be in fluid communication with each of the engine and the first heat exchanger. A heat exchanger return line can be in fluid communication with each of the first heat exchanger and an inlet of the thermostat.

Abstract: A starter circuit includes a battery, a starter electrically coupled with the battery, a relay disposed between the battery and the starter, and a starter switch mounted remotely from the starter. The starter includes a switch assembly and a starter motor. The switch assembly includes an actuator and a start signal switch. The relay is configured to operate to provide current to the switch assembly to close the start signal switch in response to a received signal. The starter switch closes in response to the start signal switch being closed, whereby the battery delivers current to the starter motor when the starter switch is closed. A starter unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A starter circuit includes a battery, a starter electrically coupled with the battery, a relay disposed between the battery and the starter, and a starter switch mounted remotely from the starter. The starter includes a switch assembly and a starter motor. The switch assembly includes an actuator and a start signal switch. The relay is configured to operate to provide current to the switch assembly to close the start signal switch in response to a received signal. The starter switch closes in response to the start signal switch being closed, whereby the battery delivers current to the starter motor when the starter switch is closed. A starter unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for producing low fat ground meat is disclosed. The method relates to a method of cooking raw ground meat so as to form a mixture that includes cooked ground meat, liquified fat and broth. Hot water is added to the mixture in an amount sufficient to cause a significant percentage of the liquified fat to float above the surface of the cooked meat mixture. The liquified fat layer is then removed. Subsequently, broth and water are also removed such that a cooked, low fat, chunky ground meat product results. The system comprises a specifically configured cooking vessel into which is selectively placed a fat removal apparatus. The apparatus comprises a series of tubes which are arranged and configured to remove liquified fat from the meat after cooking.

Abstract: A method for fat removal from cooked meat product that employs a draining apparatus in a cooking vessel or container. The draining apparatus includes a draining slot array, a draining box, a draining tube and a controller element. Fat and excess liquids, which are liberated during cooking, are drained out of the container through the draining slots, and into the draining box and draining tubes.

Abstract: Process for producing storage stable beans from edible dried beans comprises heating said dried beans, under pressure, in a humectant solution comprising an aqueous solution containing 4.5-7.5 weight percent of a sugar or polyglycol, 4.0-9.0 weight percent of a salt, 2.0-3.0 weight percent propylene glycol and 0.3-0.6 weight percent potassium sorbate for a period of time sufficient to increase the moisture level of said beans to about 50-60 percent. Thereafter the moisture level of the beans is reduced in a drying apparatus from about 50% to an intermediate moisture level of about 30-40 percent. The resulting intermediate moisture level beans are then packaged in a low value vapor transmission container. The beans produced in accordance with the process of this invention are quickly reconstituted, have excellent texture, and have the flavor of home cooked beans.