Abstract: A solid-state switch according to the invention is designed to be connected in series with a load. The switch comprises at least two electric switching means connected in parallel, measuring means designed to measure an electric voltage at the terminals of the electric switching means and a main current flowing in the load, and control means delivering a control signal to act on opening and closing according to the value of the main current. The state of conduction of the first electric switching means depends at the same time on the main current flowing in the load, on a control current, on a control voltage delivered by the control means, and on the gain of the first electric switching means.

Abstract: A method for selecting a filtering structure for a gas laden with particulates, said structure comprising a filtering part formed from a porous ceramic material and comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality, of porous walls, said method being characterized in that, starting from a first image of the surface of the wall, a processing operation is carried out on said first image comprising a morphological erosion by a structuring element in such a manner as to obtain a second characteristic image of the regularity and of the uniformity of the microstructure of said wall. Silicon carbide filtering structure obtained by application of said method.

Abstract: One subject of the invention is a process for checking the robustness of a particulate filter intended to be used in the exhaust line of a diesel engine, comprising the steps consisting in, having first determined the soot mass limit of the filter, loading a new filter with a level of soot at least equal to two times and at most equal to three times the soot mass limit, then making the filter undergo a severe regeneration then, in any order, determining the filtration efficiency of the filter, measuring its pressure drop and comparing it to the pressure drop of the new filter, measuring its level of cracking, and finally checking its integrity after a mechanical stress. Another subject of the invention is a method for diagnosing the robustness of a filter.

Abstract: A solid-state switch according to the invention is designed to be connected in series with a load. The switch comprises at least two electric switching means connected in parallel, measuring means designed to measure an electric voltage at the terminals of the electric switching means and a main current flowing in the load, and control means delivering a control signal to act on opening and closing according to the value of the main current. The state of conduction of the first electric switching means depends at the same time on the main current flowing in the load, on a control current, on a control voltage delivered by the control means, and on the gain of the first electric switching means.

Abstract: A method for selecting a filtering structure for a gas laden with particulates, said structure comprising a filtering part formed from a porous ceramic material and comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality, of porous walls, said method being characterized in that, starting from a first image of the surface of the wall, a processing operation is carried out on said first image comprising a morphological erosion by a structuring element in such a manner as to obtain a second characteristic image of the regularity and of the uniformity of the microstructure of said wall. Silicon carbide filtering structure obtained by application of said method.

Abstract: One subject of the invention is a process for checking the robustness of a particulate filter intended to be used in the exhaust line of a diesel engine, comprising the steps consisting in, having first determined the soot mass limit of said filter, loading a new filter with a level of soot at least equal to two times and at most equal to three times said soot mass limit, then making said filter undergo a severe regeneration then, in any order, determining the filtration efficiency of said filter, measuring its pressure drop and comparing it to the pressure drop of the new filter, measuring its level of cracking, and finally checking its integrity after a mechanical stress. Another subject of the invention is a method for diagnosing the robustness of a filter.

Abstract: A self-protected solid-state switching device comprising first opening means connected in series with a first fuse link, means for measuring electric current and control means acting on opening and closing of said first opening means according to the value of a main electric current flowing through said switching device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the uniformity of the deposit of soot in a particulate filter, comprising the steps consisting in measuring, simultaneously or in succession, the respective characteristic quantities of at least two gas streams each having passed through a different longitudinal portion of said filter, and then in comparing the characteristic quantities thus measured. It also relates to a method for controlling the regeneration of a particulate filter, comprising the steps consisting in measuring the uniformity of the soot deposit in said filter and in adjusting the parameters of said regeneration according to the uniformity value obtained.

Abstract: An on-board circuit breaker that includes a push-button that enables the circuit breaker to be reset by depressing it, a power supply terminal and distribution terminal, two breaking contacts, and a main bimetal strip. Thermal deformation of the main bimetal strip trips the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker further includes an actuator able to trip the circuit breaker and an electronic circuit monitoring the electric signal. The electric signal is monitored to trip the actuator when predefined particular situations are identified. The circuit breaker also includes a movable reset enable part equipped with a pin. When the circuit breaker is tripped, the reset enable part moves in such a way that resetting the circuit breaker is possible only by depressing the reset enable part before or when the push-button is depressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an on-board circuit breaker comprising A push-button which moves along its axis when the circuit breaker trips and which enables the circuit breaker to be reset by depressing same, centring key, A power supply terminal and a distribution terminal, Two breaking contacts, A main bimetal strip deformation whereof by thermal effect trips the circuit breaker, An actuator able to trip the circuit breaker, An electronic circuit monitoring the electric signal flowing between the power supply terminal and the distribution terminal, in order to send a tripping order to the actuator when predefined particular situations are identified.