Abstract: A laser pumped tunable laser system is disclosed directed to achieving tunable outputs with high wall plug efficiencies. In particular, green laser pumped alexandrite lasers are discussed—both pulsed and CW—wherein the wall plug efficiencies of greater than 2% can be achieved using practical, commercially available pump lasers. In alternative approaches, frequency converted tunable radiation in the UV is achieved with high efficiency from compact, high beam quality devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating the PF soot load of an engine are provided herein. In one embodiment, the method may include performing regeneration in response to both pressure-based measurements as well as estimated soot loading independent of the pressure-based measurements, where during conditions in which the pressure-based measurements may be inaccurate, the soot load is estimated based on operating conditions and previous pressure-based measurements that occurred during previous conditions in which the pressure-based measurements are more accurate. In this way, more continuous monitoring of particulate filter loading is provided, while taking advantage of pressure-based measurements from the most recent accurate reading, for example, and operating conditions that have transpired since such reading, including transient conditions. Thus, more appropriately timed regeneration may be provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle having a fuel system that may be contaminated with water is described. The method includes, adjusting an operating parameter in response to a relative amount of high and low readings from a water-in-fuel sensor coupled in the fuel system.

Abstract: A segmented tire mold having radially movable circumferentially spaced sliding center segments activated by sliding connections between an upper mold half and the segments in response to opening and closing of the mold.

Abstract: Linear alpha olefins having from four to twenty carbon atoms and low amounts of oxygenates are synthesized, by producing a synthesis gas containing H2 and CO from natural gas and passing it over a non-shifting cobalt catalyst at reaction conditions of temperature, % CO conversion, and gas feed H2:CO mole ratio land water vapor pressure, effective for the mathematical expression 200−0.6T+0.03PH2O−0.6XCO−8(H2:CO) to have a numerical value greater than or equal to 50. This process can be integrated into a conventional Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis process producing fuels and lubricant oils.

Abstract: Linear alpha olefins having from four to twenty carbon atoms and low amounts of oxygenates are synthesized, by producing a synthesis gas containing H2 and CO from natural gas and passing it over a non-shifting cobalt catalyst at reaction conditions of temperature, % CO conversion, and gas feed H2:CO mole ratio and water vapor pressure, effective for the mathematical expression 200−0.6T+0.03PH2O−0.6XCO−8(H2:CO) to have a numerical value greater than or equal to 50. This process can be integrated into a conventional Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis process producing fuels and lubricant oils.

Abstract: There is provided an improved system and process for the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to form a mixture of hydrocarbons utilizing a plurality of reactors in series. Synthesis gas entering the system under pressure is partially converted in at least one initial stage reactor and the effluent therefrom introduced into a final stage reactor. In the at least one initial stage reactor, a portion of the catalyst is continuously or periodically removed with some hydrocarbons and treated to renew, or renew and enhance it, and returned. The treatment comprises reducing the hydrocarbon context of the withdrawn mixture, heating to a temperature above at least one of the metals in the catalyst thereby forming a melt, removing any slag forming on the melt, cooling the melt and reducing the particle size of the resulting solid to a fine powder of renewed catalyst.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for renewing the activity of a Dispersed Active Metal (DAM) catalyst during operation of a reactor wherein the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to produce a mixture of hydrocarbons is being carried out comprising withdrawing a mixture of hydrocarbons and a portion of the DAM catalyst, reducing the hydrocarbon content thereof, heating the mixture above the melting temperature of at least one of the metals of the DAM to form a melt, removing any slag that forms on the melt, cooling the melt to form a solid, reducing the particle size thereof to form a renewed particulate DAM catalyst, which is then returned to the reactor. Wherein the DAM catalyst is a Raney catalyst, a leachable metal is added to the reduced hydrocarbon mixture or the melt under non-oxidizing conditions and, after the solid is reduced to a fine particle size, extracting the leachable metal with caustic.

Abstract: A method is presented for controlling fuel tank pressure in an internal combustion engine. The engine, the fuel tank and the carbon canister are connected in a three-way connection. The engine can be selectively isolated by a purge control valve, and the fuel tank can be selectively isolated by a fuel tank control valve. The operation of both valves is coordinated by an electronic engine controller. By isolating the fuel tank during the carbon canister purge, vapor spikes into the engine are eliminated, thus preventing engine stalls. Also, canister durability is improved by continuously storing and purging vapors in opposite directions.

Abstract: An engine controller tracks purge system pressure within a vapor line extending from a fuel tank to a carbon canister and, in the event that pressure changes at an unduly high rate, operates to restrict the purging of vapor from a carbon canister.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a level of vapor generated by an evaporative system. The evaporative system is closed to atmosphere. An initial pressure in a fluid-filled tank is sensed and, after a predetermined amount of time, a second pressure in the tank is sensed. A pressure difference is determined based on the sensed initial pressure and the sensed second pressure. The level of vapor generated by the evaporative system is determined based on the pressure difference.

Abstract: A Coanda flare for disposing of gas-liquid combustible materials has a Coanda body of the external type positioned across a high pressure line to form an annular slot. The annular slot acts as an outlet for high pressure gas-liquid combustible materials and directs the issuing materials over the outer surface of the Coanda body thereby entraining surrounding air. The ratio of the radius of curvature of the Coanda body to the annular slot width is in the range 4 to 100 and the ratio of the diameter of the high pressure line to the radius of curvature of the Coanda body is in the range 0.2 to 25.

Abstract: A Coanda flare having an outlet adapted to direct high pressure fuel gas over the director surface of the Coanda body so as to entrain surrounding air into the fuel gas flow. A water injection nozzle is located upstream of the outlet and located within the high pressure fuel gas supply line. By injecting water into the fuel gas prior to its emergence from the outlet, a flare having reduced noise and radiation characteristics is achieved.

Abstract: Flame stabilizer for the outlet of a pipe flare takes the form of a cylinder co-axial with, and inserted into the mouth of the flare, the cylinder being surmounted with a cone diverging in the direction of gas flow. The angle of the cone is from 20.degree. to 40.degree. from the horizontal and the length of the cylinder within the mouth of the flare is from 10 to 40 times the mean radial distance between the inner circumference of the pipe and the outer circumference of the cylinder.

Abstract: Flarestack for disposal of combustible gases having source of flame extinguishing material such as halogenated hydrocarbon connected to the fuel gas supply line at a point upstream of the burner head. The material may be activated remotely to extinguish one or more flare/pilot light systems and is useful for emergency situations. The burner head may be of the Coanda burner type.

Abstract: There is disclosed improved sealing rings having two complementary parts. The sealing rings are used on the shafts of rotating elements. The first ring has an annular face with a recess therein and adapted and constructed to mate with an axially extending flange which extends from the annular face of the second ring. The flange has grooves on the radially outwardly facing surface. The inwardly facing wall of the recess also possesses grooves. Additionally, there is a communicating orifice through the first ring to communicate with the recess. The various grooves are designed to accumulate foreign particles that may be incursive with respect to the journalling means of a driving or driven device. These foreign particles are then expelled through the aforementioned orifice due to centrifugal forces while the device is being employed.