Abstract: A method is intended for desulfation of a nitric oxide trap (22) and regeneration of a particle filter (24) arranged in an exhaust line (20) for treating exhaust gas from an internal-combustion engine (10), notably a Diesel engine. The saturation rate of the trap and the clogging rate of the filter are evaluated and, as soon as one of the rates reaches a threshold value, the fuel/air ratio of the exhaust gas is increased without it reaching a fuel/air ratio of 1, then desulfation of trap (22) is performed in association with regeneration of particle filter (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regenerating a particle filter (10) integrated into an exhaust line (12) of an internal combustion engine (34), wherein the exhaust gas flows into the filter via an inflow surface (16) and exit the filter via an outflow surface (18). According to the invention, the internal temperature of at least two regions of the filter (10) is monitored during regeneration of the filter; the oxygen content of the exhaust gas is reduced if at least one of the monitored temperatures rises above a critical temperature; the oxygen content of the exhaust gas is increased in order to continue regeneration if all of the monitored temperatures are below said critical temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring at least the pressure of a fluid present in a chamber (16), comprising a sensitive element (36) arranged in a housing (38), supported by a joint (10) inserted between two elements (12, 14) which form said chamber. According to the invention, the housing (38) is open in the direction of the chamber (16) and the sensitive element (36) is enclosed in a material (67) filling said housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regenerating a particle filter (10) integrated into an exhaust line (12) of an internal combustion engine (34), wherein the exhaust gas flows into the filter via an inflow surface (16) and exit the filter via an outflow surface (18). According to the invention, the internal temperature of at least two regions of the filter (10) is monitored during regeneration of the filter; the oxygen content of the exhaust gas is reduced if at least one of the monitored temperatures rises above a critical temperature; the oxygen content of the exhaust gas is increased in order to continue regeneration if all of the monitored temperatures are below said critical temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine having a means (16) for directly injecting fuel as well as a means (22) for admitting at least one fluid into the combustion chamber, a cylinder (12), a burned-gas exhaust means (28), and a processing and control unit (48) receiving information on at least the driver's torque demand and the engine speed (Ne), comprising a) determining the desired torque (Torque_des) corresponding in particular to driver demand; b) from this desired torque, determining a desired Indicated Mean Effective Pressure (IMEP_des) from which the parameters (Mair_sp, BGR_sp) are established to control admission of at least one fluid into the combustion chamber; and c) determining a specified value of the IMEP (IMEP_sp) from the desired IMEP and at least one magnitude linked to the fluid admitted into the combustion chamber, to define the fuel injection parameters (Mfuel_i, SOI_i, Pfuel) in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A coaxial probe for near-field measurements including a connection wire of which a first end is connected to a connector, the connection wire covered with a dielectric substrate and a shield to form a waveguide. The probe has a diameter D equal to at least 300 micrometers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of estimating the fuel/air ratio in each cylinder of a multicylinder internal-combustion engine comprising an exhaust circuit in which a single detector measures the fuel/air ratio of the exhaust gas. The estimator comprises a physical model (RTM) representing the expulsion of the gases from the cylinders and the travel thereof in the exhaust circuit to the detector, the model being coupled with a non-linear state observer of Extended Kalman Filter (KF) type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine having a means (16) for directly injecting fuel as well as a means (22) for admitting at least one fluid into the combustion chamber, a cylinder (12), a burned-gas exhaust means (28), and a processing and control unit (48) receiving information on at least the driver's torque demand and the engine speed (Ne), comprising a) determining the desired torque (Torque_des) corresponding in particular to driver demand; b) from this desired torque, determining a desired Indicated Meon Effective Pressure (IMEP_des) from which the parameters (Mair_sp, BGR_sp) are established to control admission of at least one fluid into the combustion chamber; and c) determining a specified value of the IMEP (IMEP_sp) from the desired IMEP and at least one magnitude linked to the fluid admitted into the combustion chamber, to define the fuel injection parameters (Mfuel_i, SOI_i, Pfuel) in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring at least the pressure of a fluid present in a chamber (16), comprising a sensitive element (36) arranged in a housing (38), supported by a joint (10) inserted between two elements (12, 14) which form said chamber. According to the invention, the housing (38) is open in the direction of the chamber (16) and the sensitive element (36) is enclosed in a material (67) filling said housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of estimating the fuel/air ratio in each cylinder of a multicylinder internal-combustion engine comprising an exhaust circuit on which a single detector measures the fuel/air ratio of the exhaust gas. The estimator comprises a physical model (RTM) representing the expulsion of the gases from the cylinders and their travel in the exhaust circuit to the detector, said model being coupled with a non-linear state observer of Extended Kalman Filter (KF) type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method intended for desulfation of a nitric oxide trap (22) and regeneration of a particle filter (24) arranged in an exhaust line (20) for treating exhaust gas from an internal-combustion engine (10), notably a Diesel engine. According to the invention, the saturation rate of the trap and the clogging rate of the filter are evaluated and, as soon as one of the rates reaches a threshold value, the fuel/air ratio of the exhaust gas is increased without it reaching fuel/air ratio 1, then desulfation of trap (22) is performed in association with regeneration of particle filter (24).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of locating the source of a knock, or more generally of a high-gradient self-ignition, appearing in a combustion chamber of an engine. According to the method, several pressure detectors are used, the pressure waves received by the detectors are recorded, the distance differences between the source of the knock and the various detectors are determined and the spatial location of the knock source in the chamber is deduced therefrom.

Abstract: The disclosed optical device includes a probe which is integrally supported on a cantilever which defines an optical path extending to an external device which may carry an optical processor.In a preferred embodiment the device has an optical path which is capable of guiding an evanescent wave to the external device. The device overcomes a problem with prior art Scanning Tunnelling Microscopes in that, by utilizing evanescent waves, it enables access to the so called mesoscopic range between approximately 1.times.10.sup.-10 m.rarw.50.times.10.sup.-10 m (1.ANG.-50.ANG.). In an alternative embodiment the invention permits manipulation of microscopic particles by utilising the probe. The probe may also act as a sensor.

Abstract: Device intended to improve the working of a catalyst (3) placed in the exhaust manifold of an internal-combustion engine, said exhaust manifold consisting of a tube (2) opening on one side into the collector (1) collecting the combustion gases coming from the cylinder(s) and covering with the other end thereof said catalyst (3).According to the invention, the device comprises:at least one pipe (8) inside said tube (2), having a first end (81) which opens in proximity to said catalyst (3), anda means (10) intended to selectively close the intertube volume (9) delimited between said inner pipe (8) and said tube (2) as a function of the temperature of the exhaust gases flowing onto said catalyst (3).