Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a polyimide hollow fibre comprising: (i) providing a dope solution comprising one or more polyimides dissolved in a solvent comprising 60-100 wt % N-methylpyrollidone and 0-40 wt % ethanol, (ii) providing a bore fluid, (iii) generating a tube of the dope solution filled with the bore fluid, (iv) bringing the product of step (iii) into contact with a coagulation solvent to form a hollow fiber.

Abstract: In one particular embodiment, an internal combustion engine is provided. The engine comprises a block, a head, a piston, a combustion chamber defined by the block, the piston, and the head, and at least one thermoelectric device positioned between the combustion chamber and the head. In this particular embodiment, the thermoelectric device is in direct contact with the combustion chamber. In another particular embodiment, a cylinder head configured to sit atop a cylinder bank of an internal combustion engine is provided. The cylinder head comprises a cooling channel configured to receive cooling fluid, valve seats configured for receiving intake and exhaust valves, and thermoelectric devices positioned around the valve seats.

Abstract: A filter internal flaw test apparatus includes a frame with a filter support and at least one pair of transducer supports. A filter is positioned in the test apparatus, and an ultrasound through transmission test and at least one ultrasound pulse echo test are performed on the filter. Data reliability is increased by positioning the pair of transducers in alignment with one another and pushing them toward one another using a force generator with a predetermined uniform force, such as via a regulated pneumatic actuator. A signal generating/receiving device is in communication with the transducers and provides the ability for analyzing the test results to determine whether the filter has an internal flaw, such as a crack or void that would render it unsatisfactory for use as a particulate filter.

Abstract: A workpiece internal flaw test apparatus has a frame that includes a workpiece support and a pair of transducer supports, a pair of transducers positioned on the transducer supports, a force generator, a signal generating and receiving device in communication with the pair of transducers, and a uniform contact apparatus. The pair of transducers are in alignment with one another and are adjacent opposite sides of the workpiece support. Each transducer has a contact face. The force generator is connected to the frame and is operable to push the pair of transducers toward each other with a predetermined force such that the contact faces of the transducers engage a test face of the workpiece.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power unit is provided. The power unit may include at least one thermoelectric device. A first fluid passage may be disposed on a first side of the thermoelectric device and may be configured to receive a hot exhaust stream. The power unit may further include a plurality of heat pipes configured to focus thermal energy from a fluid flowing through the first passage toward the first side of the thermoelectric device. A second fluid passage may be disposed on a second side of the thermoelectric device opposite of the first fluid passage and configured to conduct thermal energy away from the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: Some O-rings can include internal flaws that can eventually lead to failure of the O-rings during use. In order to scan an internal structure of an O-ring, the present disclosure includes an apparatus with an apparatus body to which an O-ring support and a transducer assembly are attached. The transducer assembly includes an ultrasound generator that transmits ultrasound toward the O-ring to generate reflections toward an ultrasound receiver. The apparatus includes a display for comparing ultrasound receiver data with expected data. It is determined whether there are reflections of the ultrasound transmissions off of at least one internal surface within the O-ring.

Abstract: An on-vehicle service system for removing matter from a filtering device of a single filtering device exhaust system includes a controllable filter bypass line fluidly connecting a first orifice of the filtering device of the single filtering device exhaust system to a second orifice of the filtering device. The service system also includes a receptacle fluidly connected to the filtering device and configured to collect at least a portion of the matter removed by the on-vehicle service system when a fluid is provided through a portion of the filter bypass line into the filtering device.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of detecting matter within a filtering device includes measuring a metric indicative of a first quantity of matter within the filtering device and removing a portion of the matter from the filtering device. The method also includes measuring a metric indicative of a second quantity of matter remaining within the filtering device.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of loading a filtering device includes measuring a metric indicative of an initial loading of the filtering device and desirably positioning a quantity of matter proximate the filtering device. The method also includes applying a negative pressure to the filtering device such that at least a portion of the quantity of matter is drawn into the filtering device. The method further includes measuring a metric indicative of a final loading of the filtering device.

Abstract: Some O-rings can include internal flaws that can eventually lead to failure of the O-rings during use. In order to scan an internal structure of an O-ring, the present disclosure includes an apparatus with an apparatus body to which an O-ring support and a transducer assembly are attached. The transducer assembly includes an ultrasound generator that transmits ultrasound toward the O-ring to generate reflections toward an ultrasound receiver. The apparatus includes a display for comparing ultrasound receiver data with expected data. It is determined whether there are reflections of the ultrasound transmissions off of at least one internal surface within the O-ring.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for removing matter from a filtering device of a work machine includes a gas pressurization assembly. An element of the gas pressurization assembly is removably attachable to a first orifice of the filtering device without removing the filtering device from a work machine to which the filtering device is connected. The system also includes a heat source fluidly connected to the gas pressurization assembly.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for removing matter from a filtering device includes a gas pressurization assembly. An element of the assembly is removably attachable to a first orifice of the filtering device. The system also includes a vacuum source fluidly connected to a second orifice of the filtering device.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a polyimide hollow fibre comprising: (i) providing a dope solution comprising one or more polyimides dissolved in a solvent comprising 60-100 wt % N-methylpyrollidone and 0-40 wt % ethanol, (ii) providing a bore fluid, (iii)generating a tube of the dope solution filled with the bore fluid, (iv) bringing the product of step (iii) into contact with a coagulation solvent to form a hollow fibre.

Abstract: A process is provided for chemically modifying a dual-layer hollow fibre, wherein the fibre comprises a first layer consisting essentially of a polyimide and a second layer consisting essentially of a polymer which is substantially unaffected by the chemical modification process. The process comprises contacting the polyimide layer with a polyamine. In addition, a process is provided for chemically modifying a polyimide membrane in general, using a process which comprises contacting the membrane with an alcoholic solution of an aliphatic-aromatic polyamine.

Abstract: A process for chemically modifying a dual-layer hollow fibre, wherein said fibre comprises a first layer consisting essentially of a polyimide and a second layer consisting essentially of a polymer which is substantially unaffected by the chemical modification process, which process comprises contacting said polyimide layer with a polyamine. A process for chemically modifying a polyimide membrane in general, which process comprises contacting said membrane with an alcoholic solution of an aliphatic-aromatic polyamine.