Abstract: A microcondenser device for an evaporative emission control system includes a housing having an inlet for receiving fuel vapor and a condensation outlet for discharging condensed fuel vapor, and a porous element disposed in the housing and fluidly interposed between the inlet and the condensation outlet for absorbing the fuel vapor received through the inlet. The microcondenser device further includes a thermoelectric element in thermal contact with the porous element for removing heat from the fuel vapor absorbed by the porous element to condense the fuel vapor.

Abstract: A three-dimensional woven active fiber composite is disclosed. The composite includes a plurality of actuating fibers configured in a three-dimensional arrangement. The composite further includes a plurality of conductive wire electrodes that are woven through the plurality of actuating fibers. The electrodes may be configured into two dimensional electrode mats that are spaced apart along the length of the composite. Filler fibers may be used between adjacent electrode mats to help reinforce the composite. A sleeve member can also be used to help provide compressive containment for the actuating fibers and conductive wire electrodes.

Abstract: A three-dimensional woven active fiber composite is disclosed. The composite includes a plurality of actuating fibers configured in a three-dimensional arrangement. The composite further includes a plurality of conductive wire electrodes that are woven through the plurality of actuating fibers. The electrodes may be configured into two dimensional electrode mats that are spaced apart along the length of the composite. Filler fibers may be used between adjacent electrode mats to help reinforce the composite. A sleeve member can also be used to help provide compressive containment for the actuating fibers and conductive wire electrodes.

Abstract: A microcondenser device for an evaporative emission control system includes a housing having an inlet for receiving fuel vapor and a condensation outlet for discharging condensed fuel vapor, and a porous element disposed in the housing and fluidly interposed between the inlet and the condensation outlet for absorbing the fuel vapor received through the inlet. The microcondenser device further includes a thermoelectric element in thermal contact with the porous element for removing heat from the fuel vapor absorbed by the porous element to condense the fuel vapor.

Abstract: A three-dimensional woven active fiber composite is disclosed. The composite includes a plurality of actuating fibers configured in a three-dimensional arrangement. The composite further includes a plurality of conductive wire electrodes that are woven through the plurality of actuating fibers. The electrodes may be configured into two dimensional electrode mats that are spaced apart along the length of the composite. Filler fibers may be used between adjacent electrode mats to help reinforce the composite. A sleeve member can also be used to help provide compressive containment for the actuating fibers and conductive wire electrodes.

Abstract: A microcondenser device for an evaporative emission control system associated with an internal combustion engine includes a housing having a lower wall and at least one side wall extending upward from the lower wall. The lower wall and the at least one side wall together defining a chamber in the housing. A thermoelectric element is supported by the at least one side wall in spaced relation relative to the lower wall. An inlet is defined in the housing for admitting fuel vapor into the chamber. A condensation outlet is defined in the housing for discharging liquid fuel that is condensed from the fuel vapor in the chamber. A porous heat sink element is received in the chamber for absorbing the fuel vapor admitted through the inlet. The porous heat sink element is in conductive thermal contact with the thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A canisterless evaporative emission control system for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel tank for the internal combustion engine wherein vaporized fuel is generated and a microcondenser device for processing the vaporized fuel received from the fuel tank. An inlet passageway establishes fluid communication between the fuel tank and the microcondenser device for delivering the vaporized fuel from the fuel tank to the microcondenser device.

Abstract: A canisterless evaporative emission control system for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel tank for the internal combustion engine wherein vaporized fuel is generated and a microcondenser device for processing the vaporized fuel received from the fuel tank. An inlet passageway establishes fluid communication between the fuel tank and the microcondenser device for delivering the vaporized fuel from the fuel tank to the microcondenser device.

Abstract: A polymer article and a method for making the polymer article. The polymer article includes a hydrophobic polymer substrate and a block copolymer. The block copolymer has at least first and second blocks. The first block is more hydrophobic than the second block. The molecules of the block copolymer are secured into the surface of said substrate by means of the first block and at least a portion of the second block, outwardly extends from the surface of the substrate into the environment.The method for making the polymer article, comprising a block copolymer and a hydrophobic substrate, comprises the steps of: (a) forming a solution of a block copolymer and a solvent which will solubilize said block copolymer and swell said substrate. The block copolymer has at least a first and second block.