Abstract: A burner module for burning injected reformate mixed with engine exhaust in an exhaust pipe ahead of aftertreatment devices, comprising an exhaust flow divider that creates a localized region of exhaust flow for mixture of the reformate. The amount of reformate required to produce a burnable composition in the localized area is less than what is required in the prior art to provide the same composition over the entire cross-sectional region of the exhaust pipe. An igniter is provided within the localized region. Upon ignition of the reformate, the flow of reformate may be increased to the point of a stoichiometric mixture for the entire exhaust, to produce the maximum heat for warm up. The exhaust flow divider may comprise a divider tube mounted in the exhaust pipe or may be simply a protrusion from a wall of the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A system for keeping a reservoir solution of urea in a liquid state at normally sub-freezing temperatures comprising a reservoir tank module having a heater and disposed in a solution storage tank. Solution in the storage tank is heated by passage of heat through the walls of the reservoir tank module which are formed of a hybrid of plastic polymer and metal, preferably a urea-resistant stainless steel, such that the thermal conductivity of the walls is sufficient to liquefy frozen solution in the storage tank in a practical time frame at an acceptable net manufacturing cost for the tank module. The hybrid combination may be formed in any of various arrangements such as, but not limited to, a lower portion formed of metal and an upper portion formed of plastic, or alternating bands and/or strips of metal and plastic. The optimum thicknesses of metal and plastic may be determined conventionally.

Abstract: A reformer substrate for supporting a catalyst in a hydrocarbon reformer, comprising a graded structure that is inhomogeneous either radially, longitudinally, or both. The inhomogeous graded structure components are selected and arranged to maintain the catalyst operating temperature during extended periods of catalytic inactivity. Selection is based primarily on heat capacity and/or thermal loss properties. Generally, the perimeter of the substrate, radially and/or longitudinally comprises a thick wall of high thermal mass materials to reduce conductive and radiated heat loss, and a high thermal capacity material within the substrate to reduce radiated heat loss. Preferred materials are open-cell rigid foams such as zirconia-toughened alumina reticulated foam, for negative thermal loads in endothermic reaction regimes, and zirconia-mullite honeycomb monolith, for positive or neutral thermal loads in exothermic or autothermic reaction regimes.

Abstract: A burner module for burning injected reformate mixed with engine exhaust in an exhaust pipe ahead of aftertreatment devices, comprising an exhaust flow divider that creates a localized region of exhaust flow for mixture of the reformate. The amount of reformate required to produce a burnable composition in the localized area is less than what is required in the prior art to provide the same composition over the entire cross-sectional region of the exhaust pipe. An igniter is provided within the localized region. Upon ignition of the reformate, the flow of reformate may be increased to the point of a stoichiometric mixture for the entire exhaust, to produce the maximum heat for warm up. The exhaust flow divider may comprise a divider tube mounted in the exhaust pipe or may be simply a protrusion from a wall of the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking and smoking food products under pressure comprises a cooking enclosure with separate means for heating and for supplying smoke under pressure. More particularly the apparatus comprises an enclosure with a removable door and a food tray which slides in and out of the opened door. An internal heat tube is provided for connection to an external heat source. A system for producing, filtering, drying, and compressing smoke introduces compressed dry smoke which pressurizes the enclosure. There is also provided a method of maintaining a relatively constant pressure inside the enclosure, and means for indicating temperature and pressure inside the enclosure.