Abstract: A combination emission abatement assembly includes a first emission device such as a NOx trap and a second emission abatement device such as a soot particulate filter. Reformate gas from a fuel reformer is used to selectively regenerate both the NOx trap and the soot particulate filter. A method of operating an emission abatement device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel reformer is operated in one mode of operation to generate and supply a particular quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a first component such as a NOX trap, and then is operated in a different mode of operation to generate and supply and different quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a different component such as a soot particulate filter. In a similar manner, the fuel reformer is operated in one mode of operation to generate and supply a particular quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a fuel cell, and then is operated in a different mode of operation to generate and supply and different quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to an emission abatement device. A method of operating a fuel reformer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate verification system is utilized for verifying substrate location and orientation in a catalytic converter mat wrapping mechanism. A mat wrap mechanism reads data from a substrate. A verification mechanism compares the identifier data with stored data. If the substrate is verified as correct, the verification mechanism activates the mat wrap mechanism. If the data from the substrate does not match the data in a system an alert is activated. If there is an error, the wrapping process will not be activated. The present invention therefore provides a substrate verification system for verifying substrate location and orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle shock absorber is provided that includes a piston rod. A cylinder head having a bore defining an axis supports the rod within the bore. A scraper is arranged proximate to the cylinder head and includes a hole with the rod arranged within the hole. The scraper removes debris from a portion of the rod exterior of the scraper opposite the cylinder head. Preferably, the scraper is axially located and retained relative to the cylinder head by a retainer. A wiper is at least partially disposed in the hole of the scraper and is in engagement with the rod. The wiper removes water from the rod preventing penetration of the water past the wiper.

Abstract: A vehicle includes front and rear suspension systems. The vehicle includes front left and right strut assemblies respectively including front left and right knuckles. Rear left and right strut assemblies respectively include rear left and right knuckles. The knuckles are common with one another with each knuckle having a common lower attachment boss. The front left and right knuckles respectively receive front left and right connection members at the lower attachment boss. The lower attachment boss is respectively interconnected to the front left and right suspension components. The rear left and right knuckles respectively receive rear left and right connection members at the lower attachment boss respectively interconnected to rear left and right suspension components. The overall suspension for the vehicle is designed by determining the left knuckle position parameters such as suspension member, brake, and wheel assembly attachment points. Similarly, the right knuckle position parameters are determined.

Abstract: A power system has a fuel reformer, an emission abatement device, and a fuel cell. The fuel reformer reforms hydrocarbon fuels so as to produce a reformate gas which is supplied to both the emission abatement device and the fuel cell. A method of operating a fuel reformer so as to generate and supply a reformate gas to both an emission abatement device and a fuel cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter for a fluid system includes a housing having an interior cavity. A filter media is disposed in the housing and defines a central opening. A center tube assembly is arranged within the central opening and includes discs which are stackable upon one another. Each disc includes a central portion having base received by an inner wall of the central portion of the adjacent disc. An outer portion extends radially outwardly from the central portion and is positioned adjacent to the filter media. The central portion, base, and outer portion may include openings to permit the flow of fluid through the center tube assembly. The center tube assembly provides the desired structural integrity while permitting fluid to flow through the center tube. The present invention center tube assembly may be produced by a plastic molding process.

Abstract: An emission abatement assembly includes one or more DPNR devices for removing both NOX and particulate soot from the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. Reformate gas from a fuel reformer is used to selectively regenerate the DPNR device or devices. A method of operating an emission abatement assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid filter apparatus includes a filter element located in a filter chamber formed in a filter housing. A valve unit is located in a passageway formed in the filter housing to control flow of fluid into or out of the filter chamber.

Abstract: The present invention involves using a melt-blowing process to make a filter medium defining pores having a pore size of between 3 and 12 microns. The filter medium is made of a thermoplastic polymer and is adapted for use in an internal combustion engine air filter. A profile is used in the melt-blowing process to mold melt blown fibers into the filter medium.

Abstract: A shock absorber damper assembly is provided that includes a working cylinder filled with fluid. A piston and rod are disposed in the working cylinder and move along an axis to provide dampening during a compression stroke. For a twin tube arrangement, a reservoir surrounds the working cylinder and may include a gas cell to accommodate the volume of the rod. A recoil valve controls flow of the fluid from the working cylinder to the reservoir during a recoil stroke. The recoil valve has an opening force controlling damping during the recoil stroke. A fluid passageway, which may be located in the reservoir, connects the working cylinder and the recoil valve. A check valve is disposed in the fluid passageway and opens to receive the fluid during the compression stroke. The check valve closes during the recoil stroke to retain the fluid against the recoil valve at a pressure and adjust the opening force of the recoil valve.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter cap having a filter chamber defined therein. The filter cap includes a side wall having an opening defined therein. A fluid filter is positioned in the filter chamber. A spring-loaded detent button is movably secured to the filter cap and extends into the filter chamber. When the detent button is depressed by a user, the end of the detent button positioned in the filter chamber contacts the fluid filter thereby releasing the fluid filter from the filter cap. An associated method for replacing a fluid filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel-fired burner for use with an emission abatement device comprises a pair of electrodes. Each electrode comprises an arc-contact rod to generate an electrical arc therebetween.

Abstract: An exhaust processor comprises a Helmholtz resonance chamber with a variable tuning throat. The tuning frequency of the exhaust processor changes as the outlet opening from the variable tuning throat into the Helmholtz resonance chamber changes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a noise attenuation assembly having at least one noise prevention pad disposed within an annular gap formed between a gas passage tube and an overlap tube. The noise prevention pad prevents the two tubes from coming in contact during thermal expansion of the tubes, and allows the tubes to contract without causing “tick and ping” noise, during a cool down.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon adsorbing device capable of adsorbing or absorbing and subsequently releasing hydrocarbons in the induction system of a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the hydrocarbon adsorbing device includes an inner cylinder of hydrocarbon adsorbing material and an outer cylinder of hydrocarbon adsorbing material. The inner cylinder is located within the outer cylinder. The hydrocarbon adsorbing device also includes an intermediate member of hydrocarbon adsorbing material that is located between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. The intermediate member may be attached to both the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder and be folded in a pleated fashion. In one embodiment, the intermediate member extends completely about the inner cylinder. The hydrocarbon adsorbing device may also include a flange attached to and extending outwardly from the outer cylinder for use in locating the hydrocarbon adsorbing device in the induction system.

Abstract: An exhaust processor has an exhaust tube and a cover mounted for rotation at least partially around the exhaust tube to adjust the tuning frequency of the exhaust processor. A method of operating the exhaust processor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel reforming system comprises a fuel reformer and a thermoelectric device positioned in thermal communication with the fuel reformer. A method of generating electrical energy is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a ring secured to a filter cover so as to engage a center tube extending within a filter element to retain the center tube and the filter element. A method of assembling a filter apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A strut for a vehicle suspension includes a hydraulic cylinder housing defining a hydraulic fluid chamber. The hydraulic cylinder includes an air passage adjacent to the chamber and separated therefrom by a first common wall. An air spring is supported on an upper portion of the cylinder housing in fluid communication with the air passage. An air reservoir extends from a portion of the cylinder housing and is in fluid communication with and fluidly connected to the air spring by the air passage. The air reservoir and the chamber are separated by a second common wall. The air reservoir preferably forms at least a portion of the knuckle, which supports the wheel end. In this manner, the knuckle and hydraulic cylinder are preferably integrated into one structure, preferably by a single cast unit. The integrated air reservoir and air passage reduces the size of the air spring and eliminates the need for a remote air chamber and associated hoses and fittings.