Abstract: A measurement system and method of conducting cavity resonance and waveguide measurements is disclosed. The cavity or waveguide may be used to monitor the amount, composition, or distribution of a material or sample contained in the cavity or waveguide or passing through the cavity or waveguide. Improved means for operating the measurement system to reduce measurement variability, improve measurement accuracy, and decrease measurement response times are described. The invention's broad applications range from measurements of filters, catalysts, pipe, and ducts where the material collected in or passing through the cavity or waveguide exhibits dielectric properties different from the material which it displaces.

Abstract: A measurement system and method of conducting cavity resonance and waveguide measurements is disclosed. The cavity or waveguide may be used to monitor the amount, composition, or distribution of a material or sample contained in the cavity or waveguide or passing through the cavity or waveguide. Improved means for operating the measurement system to reduce measurement variability, improve measurement accuracy, and decrease measurement response times are described. The invention's broad applications range from measurements of filters, catalysts, pipe, and ducts where the material collected in or passing through the cavity or waveguide exhibits dielectric properties different from the material which it displaces.

Abstract: A measurement system and method of conducting cavity resonance and waveguide measurements is disclosed. The cavity or waveguide may be used to monitor the amount, composition, or distribution of a material or sample contained in the cavity or waveguide or passing through the cavity or waveguide. Improved means for operating the measurement system to reduce measurement variability, improve measurement accuracy, and decrease measurement response times are described. The invention's broad applications range from measurements of filters, catalysts, pipe, and ducts where the material collected in or passing through the cavity or waveguide exhibits dielectric properties different from the material which it displaces.

Abstract: A radio-frequency probe system with a transmitting or receiving element integrated into a cable assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments a preferred configuration may contain one or more sensing elements integrated into the transmitting or receiving element. In another embodiment, the radio frequency probe comprises an antenna body fixed to a coaxial cable, in which the center conductor of the coaxial cable serves as the transmitting or receiving element. A method for monitoring, transmitting, or detecting one or more parameters using a single radio frequency probe is also disclosed.

Abstract: A measurement system and method of conducting cavity resonance and waveguide measurements is disclosed. The cavity or waveguide may be used to monitor the amount, composition, or distribution of a material or sample contained in the cavity or waveguide or passing through the cavity or waveguide. Improved means for operating the measurement system to reduce measurement variability, improve measurement accuracy, and decrease measurement response times are described. The invention's broad applications range from measurements of filters, catalysts, pipe, and ducts where the material collected in or passing through the cavity or waveguide exhibits dielectric properties different from the material which it displaces.

Abstract: A sensing and control system and method is disclosed, which utilizes cavity resonance and waveguide measurements to directly monitor process state variables or detect changes in the state of a system and provide direct in situ feedback control top optimize the process. The same system may be used to monitor a number of different process parameters including the composition, amount, distribution, and physical or chemical properties of a material, or to monitor the state or health of a system or sub-system. The system is broadly applicable to wide range of systems and process including ranging from engines and exhaust systems to production plants.

Abstract: A sensing and control system and method is disclosed, which utilizes cavity resonance and waveguide measurements to directly monitor process state variables or detect changes in the state of a system and provide direct in situ feedback control top optimize the process. The same system may be used to monitor a number of different process parameters including the composition, amount, distribution, and physical or chemical properties of a material, or to monitor the state or health of a system or sub-system. The system is broadly applicable to wide range of systems and process including ranging from engines and exhaust systems to production plants.

Abstract: A system and method for removing retentate from filters is disclosed, which utilizes pressurized and/or vacuum fluid through localized application. The disclosure describes a cleaning system and sequence of steps for carrying out the cleaning process, whereby, a fluid is directed to flow through a localized region of the filter media, thereby dislodging and removing accumulated retentate from the filter. In addition, the localized application of fluid flow allows for localized monitoring of the cleanliness of the filter with a high degree of spatial resolution. This filter retentate removal system and method is broadly applicable to a wide range of systems and processes ranging to engines and exhaust systems to production plants and equipment.

Abstract: A radio-frequency probe system with a transmitting or receiving element integrated into a cable assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments a preferred configuration may contain one or more sensing elements integrated into the transmitting or receiving element. In another embodiment, the radio frequency probe comprises an antenna body fixed to a coaxial cable, in which the center conductor of the coaxial cable serves as the transmitting or receiving element. A method for monitoring, transmitting, or detecting one or more parameters using a single radio frequency probe is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter retentate analysis system and method is disclosed, which provides information to diagnose the current and historical state of a system generating the retentate or through which the retentate has passed. The disclosure describes the analysis of retentate characteristics which may include the composition, amount, distribution, and physical or chemical properties of the retentate useful to monitor or diagnose the state, health, or operating history of a system or sub-system. The analysis is broadly applicable to wide range of systems and process ranging from engines and exhaust systems to production plants and equipment.

Abstract: A radio-frequency probe system with a transmitting or receiving element integrated into a cable assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments a preferred configuration may contain one or more sensing elements integrated into the transmitting or receiving element. In another embodiment, the radio frequency probe comprises an antenna body fixed to a coaxial cable, in which the center conductor of the coaxial cable serves as the transmitting or receiving element. A method for monitoring, transmitting, or detecting one or more parameters using a single radio frequency probe is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method of cleaning filters that removes the ash in the plugged regions is disclosed. The filter is subjected to vibrations, which serve to loosen trapped and packed retentate from the filter. The loosened retentate is then captured by a collection bin. The cleaning system can be integral with the intended application, such as within an automobile. In another embodiment, the cleaning system is a separate cleaning station, where the filter is removing from its intended application, cleaned, and then reinstalled.

Abstract: A reformer-liquid fuel manufacturing system that utilizes an engine to generate hydrogen-rich gas is disclosed. The engine operates at very rich conditions, such as 2.5<?<4.0. In doing so, it creates an exothermic reaction, which results in the production of syngas. In addition, the system utilizes the energy from the exothermic reaction to rotate a shaft and also utilizes the heat in the syngas to heat the reactants. A mechanical power plant is in communication with the rotating shaft and can be used to produce oxygen, provide electricity or operate a compressor, as require. The hydrogen-rich gas is supplied to a chemical reactor, which converts the gas into a liquid fuel, such as methanol.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method of cleaning filters that removes the ash in the plugged regions is disclosed. The filter is subjected to vibrations, which serve to loosen trapped and packed retentate from the filter. The loosened retentate is then captured by a collection bin. The cleaning system can be integral with the intended application, such as within an automobile. In another embodiment, the cleaning system is a separate cleaning station, where the filter is removing from its intended application, cleaned, and then reinstalled.

Abstract: A system and method for determining loading of a filter having a first dielectric constant with a material having a different dielectric constant, is disclosed. The filter is contained within a metallic container forming a microwave cavity, and microwave or RF energy is created within the cavity and changes in the cavity microwave response are monitored. The changes in cavity microwave response are related to filter loading. In a preferred embodiment, the microwave energy includes multiple cavity modes thereby allowing determination of spatial distribution of the contaminant material loading. In one embodiment, the microwave cavity response includes a shift in frequency of a resonant mode. Alternatively, the microwave cavity response includes a shift in quality factor Q of a resonant mode. The microwave cavity response may include a shift in amplitude or peak width of the microwave's signal at resonance.

Abstract: A particulate filter control system and method for controlling the same is disclosed. The particulate filter load monitoring system may transmit radio frequency signals through the resonant cavity and filter medium across a frequency range sufficient to generate more than one resonant mode. The system may contain additional sensors for monitoring additional exhaust characteristics and parameters. Further, a control unit may be configured to determine the amount of material accumulated in the particulate filter, detect failures and malfunctions of the exhaust after-treatment system and its associated components, and initiate an action based on the amount of material accumulated in the particulate filter, the determination of a system failure or malfunction, or input from one or more exhaust sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for removing retentate from filters is disclosed, which utilizes pressurized and/or vacuum fluid through localized application. The disclosure describes a cleaning system and sequence of steps for carrying out the cleaning process, whereby, a fluid is directed to flow through a localized region of the filter media, thereby dislodging and removing accumulated retentate from the filter. In addition, the localized application of fluid flow allows for localized monitoring of the cleanliness of the filter with a high degree of spatial resolution. This filter retentate removal system and method is broadly applicable to a wide range of systems and processes ranging to engines and exhaust systems to production plants and equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the operation of a particulate filter is disclosed. The objective of this control system is to manipulate the properties and spatial distribution of contaminant material accumulated in filters to reduce filter pressure drop and associated deleterious impacts of the contaminant material on filter performance.

Abstract: A filter retentate analysis system and method is disclosed, which provides information to diagnose the current and historical state of a system generating the retentate or through which the retentate has passed. The disclosure describes the analysis of retentate characteristics which may include the composition, amount, distribution, and physical or chemical properties of the retentate useful to monitor or diagnose the state, health, or operating history of a system or sub-system. The analysis is broadly applicable to wide range of systems and process ranging from engines and exhaust systems to production plants and equipment.

Abstract: A reformer-liquid fuel manufacturing system that utilizes an engine to generate hydrogen-rich gas is disclosed. The engine operates at very rich conditions, such as 2.5<?<4.0. In doing so, it creates an exothermic reaction, which results in the production of syngas. In addition, the system utilizes the energy from the exothermic reaction to rotate a shaft and also utilizes the heat in the syngas to heat the reactants. A mechanical power plant is in communication with the rotating shaft and can be used to produce oxygen, provide electricity or operate a compressor, as require. The hydrogen-rich gas is supplied to a chemical reactor, which converts the gas into a liquid fuel, such as methanol.