Abstract: A sensor for detecting particulate matter in an exhaust stream of an engine. The sensor may be a spark-plug-like device having an extended center electrode composed of a stainless steel or other material. The electrode may have a thin passivating layer formed on it. The layer may be grown or deposited on the electrode within the exhaust system. The sensor may detect charge transients indicative of particulate concentration in the exhaust stream. Information about particulate matter in the exhaust system along with other engine information may be processed for controlling or adjusting parameters of the engine to affect the particulate matter in the exhaust system.

Abstract: A control solenoid and valve includes a valve bodying having a magnetic assembly, hydraulic assembly, and a pressure regulation member. The magnetic assembly and pressure regulation member are formed respectively on offset axes preferably substantially parallel to one another. The hydraulic assembly exchanges forces created by the magnetic assembly and pressure regulation member. This design accomplishes a more compact arrangement. The pressure regulation member includes longitudinal cavity within the valve body situated on its corresponding axis. Within this cavity, a spool valve reciprocates relative to fluid pressure interacting with the spool valve and forces generated by the magnetic assembly. To accurately sense pressure of the fluid within this cavity and acting on the spool valve, a pressure sensor is positioned at an end of the longitudinal cavity bounded by an end of the spool valve.

Abstract: A sensor having a several groups of detectors for gas, agent or interferent detection. The detectors may have various fields of view. The detectors may be placed in particular locations of an array and connected in a certain way as groups such that the resultant groups have essentially the same fields of view. The detectors of a group may be sensitive to the same wavelength of radiation. The array of detectors may be placed in a vacuum sealed package having a substrate and a topcap. The topcap may have bandpass filters on the inside surface over the respective filters for selecting the wavelength of radiation that each detector may detect.

Abstract: Valve structures include a combination of spool valving and poppet valving. A spool function of the structure regulates the flow of a liquid, such as the flow of fuel to a diesel engine. A poppet function provides a low leakage in the valve in a closed or cut-off state. With this combination in a valve, spool clearance can be increased reducing the cost and precision machining/assembly of the components, because the poppet to seat closure provides the sealing function at cut-off. Included are an air-gap flux adjustment to adjust responsiveness to control current, and a force pre-load adjustment.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preventing contamination of building regions or zones from unwanted chemical or biological agents during and after a chemical or biological attack. One or more inflatable occlusion devices are preferably provided for occluding or filling selected regions within a building. The occlusion devices can be inflated to, for example, help prevent the building HVAC system or corresponding duct work from delivering a chemical or biological agent from one location to another within a building. The occlusion devices can also be used to occlude or occupy entire building regions or sections, such as entire rooms, hallways, windows, doorways, etc., or parts thereof, to help protect these regions from a harmful agent during an attack, and/or to provide a protective shell over or around selected equipment.

Abstract: An optical illumination assembly comprising an array of optical microprisms and microlenses for redirecting light from a light source. Such displays are used in a wide variety of applications such as backlit flat panel displays requiring a directed light source which provides an efficient output of light. The illumination assembly has a light transmitter optically coupled to an input end of array of microprisms through an optional diffuser, and a microlens on the light output end of each microprism. The microprisms have a light input end optically coupled to the light transmitting means and a light output end spaced from the light input end.