Abstract: A NOX abatement system includes a first NOX adsorber capable of being disposed in-line and downstream of and in fluid communication with an engine. The NOX abatement system further includes a selective catalytic reduction catalyst disposed in-line and downstream of, and in direct fluid communication with, the first NOX adsorber. The selective catalytic reduction catalyst is capable of storing ammonia. An off-line reformer is disposed in selective communication with and upstream of the first NOX adsorber and the selective catalytic reduction catalyst. The reformer is capable of producing a reformate that includes primarily hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow switch can comprise: a deflector having a diverging upstream portion; an aperture located in a downstream portion of the deflector; and a divider disposed downstream of the deflector. The deflector can be capable of diverting a fluid stream that contacts the upstream portion, around the deflector. The aperture can be capable of allowing a flow of a displacing fluid such that the displacing fluid can inhibit the diverted fluid stream from converging to pass through the divider. The divider can be capable of allowing a flow of the displacing fluid therethrough.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control system that provides on-board ammonia generation includes a valve disposed upstream of the LNT and SCR catalyst that operates to selectively control the flow of engine exhaust gas to an LNT and/or an SCR catalyst; while reformate fuel is being conveyed from a reformer to the LNT, the valve operates to cause the exhaust gas to bypass the LNT and flow directly to the SCR catalyst. The exhaust emission control system further includes a controller provided with an algorithm that monitors engine operating conditions and exhaust gas conditions, estimates the cumulative amount of exhaust gas created by the engine and the amount of NOx stored in the LNT, and calculates the amount of NOx required to be converted to NH3.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of operating a NOx abatement system comprises: introducing an exhaust stream to an ammonia generator in a normal flow direction, adsorbing NOx from the exhaust stream in the ammonia generator, diverting the exhaust stream around the ammonia generator, introducing hydrogen to the ammonia generator in a direction opposite the normal flow direction, and generating ammonia within the ammonia generator.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an exhaust treatment system comprises a selective catalytic reduction device, an off-line reformer disposed in selective fluid communication with and upstream of the selective catalytic reduction device, and a plasma reactor disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with the off-line reformer, and disposed upstream of and in fluid communication with the selective catalytic reduction device. The selective catalytic reduction device is capable of storing ammonia and of enabling the reaction of the ammonia with NOx. The reformer is capable of producing a reformate comprising hydrogen and nitrogen. The plasma reactor is capable of producing ammonia from the reformate, and is a thermal plasma reactor or a surface discharge non-thermal plasma reactor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the process for treating a gas stream, comprises: introducing a gas stream to a plasma reactor, maintaining a reactor temperature of the plasma reactor at greater than or equal to about 70° C., and reducing the concentration of a gas stream component in the plasma reactor to produce a treated gas stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalytic converter system for controlling exhaust emissions from a combustion engine wherein the catalytic converter has three catalysts zones. A zone which is first in line with the direction of the flow of exhaust and which includes a light-off catalyst such as palladium. A second zone in line of the direction of the exhaust flow includes a hydrocarbon adsorber/catalyst. A third zone in line of the direction of the exhaust flow includes a catalyst system converter CO and NO.sub.x. The three-zone system of the present invention produces hydrocarbon efficiencies above 98 percent and retains hydrocarbon efficiencies above 50 percent in cold performance situations immediately after start-up of the combustion engine.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring a child or the like includes a transmitter having a microphone and an oscillator coupled to an antenna within an enclosure for mounting on a child's arm and transmitting a frequency-modulated rf signal from the antenna. A separate receiver, within an enclosure constructed to be hand carried by a parent, includes circuitry for separating the audio and carrier components of the signal received at the receiver, and comparing field strength of the carrier component to a range threshold. When the amplitude of the carrier field strength is less than the threshold value, an alarm is sounded to indicate that the child is out of desired range. The audio component is fed to a speaker so that the parent can monitor the activities of the child.