Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a mask for plugging cells in a honeycomb substrate includes capturing an image of the substrate's end through an end-adhered transparent or translucent film using a camera, forming openings using a laser, wherein a working distance, WDC, of the camera while capturing the image is substantially the same as a working distance, WDL, of the laser while forming the openings. Also disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing a mask on a honeycomb substrate, having a laser to form openings in a film applied to the substrate's end; and an optical system, wherein either the optical system or the substrate is moveable between first and second operating positions. In a first embodiment, the camera moves whereas in the second, the substrate moves. In each embodiment, the image is obtained without obstructing the path of the laser.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for detecting defects in a honeycomb body. The system and apparatus include a fixture adapted to hold the honeycomb body, a particulate fluid source, a pipe which defines a flow path between the particulate fluid source and a first end face of the honeycomb body thereby allowing particulate fluid to flow from the particulate fluid source to the first end face of the honeycomb body. The particulate fluid emerges at a second end face of the honeycomb body through defects, if any, in the honeycomb body where the positions of such defects may be monitored. The system and apparatus includes a flow straightener disposed in the flow path to minimize boundary layer influence of the pipe on the flow of the particulate fluid. A substantially uniform velocity flow profile is provided to the first end face of the honeycomb body.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting defects in a plugged honeycomb structure includes forming a sheet of light having a first color across a first end face of the honeycomb structure, generating a first reflected signal from the sheet of light at a location corresponding to a cell containing a defect in the honeycomb structure, illuminating the first end face with an incident light beam having a second color, generating a second reflected signal from the incident light beam, and capturing an image of the first and second reflected signals. After being detected, the defective cells may then be marked or repaired without relocating the plugged honeycomb structure. Apparatus and methods for marking or repairing the defective cell(s) are described.

Abstract: A method for testing integrity of a plugged honeycomb structure includes forming a condenser at a first end of the honeycomb structure, passing a vaporous stream into a second end of the honeycomb structure, wherein a column of the vaporous stream emerges at the first end of the honeycomb structure from cells in the honeycomb structure that are defective, and observing the first end of the honeycomb structure for condensation spots formed by contact between the column of the vaporous stream emerging at the first end of the honeycomb structure and the condenser. An apparatus for accomplishing the method is also disclosed.