Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator comprises a co-fired stack of piezoelectric elements formed from a piezoelectric material and a plurality of positive internal electrodes interdigitated with a plurality of negative internal electrodes throughout the stack to define active regions of the piezoelectric material which are responsive to a voltage applied across the internal electrodes, in use. An external positive electrode connects with the positive internal electrodes and an external negative electrode connects with the negative internal electrodes. The actuator is characterized in that the stack further comprises means for deliberately creating artificial cracks within the stack at a location at which the artificial cracks do not give rise to a short circuit between the internal electrodes but serve to relieve stresses within the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator comprises a co-fired stack of piezoelectric elements formed from a piezoelectric material and a plurality of positive internal electrodes interdigitated with a plurality of negative internal electrodes throughout the stack to define active regions of the piezoelectric material which are responsive to a voltage applied across the internal electrodes, in use. An external positive electrode connects with the positive internal electrodes and an external negative electrode connects with the negative internal electrodes. The actuator is characterised in that the stack further comprises means for deliberately creating artificial cracks within the stack at a location at which the artificial cracks do not give rise to a short circuit between the internal electrodes but serve to relieve stresses within the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: An improved SOFC including textural features pressed into a structural anode and electrolyte bi-layer laminate to increase the active surface area of the finished fuel cell anode and cathode. This arrangement reduces current losses from ohmic, concentration, and activation polarization. In a presently preferred embodiment, an array of dimples is formed during manufacture of the bi-layer laminate by isostatically pressing an array of steel balls against the laminate before firing thereof. The dimples or other features may be varied in depth and spacing as may be desired to optimize gas flow through the SOFC and fuel efficiency thereof. The array may be close-spaced or not and may have any desired geometric packing form, including rectangular and hexagonal.

Abstract: The invention provides an encapsulating arrangement for an electrical component comprising first and second insulating layers and an electrically charged conductive layer, preferably in the form of a metal foil, intermediate the first and second insulating layers, and arranged to prevent the passage of ionic species across the encapsulating arrangement. The encapsulating arrangement of the invention has particular application to piezoelectric actuator arrangements for fuel injectors of internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A glass ceramic composition for sealing adjacent metal cassettes in an SOFC stack. The seal composition comprises an alumina-silicate glass ceramic matrix and a ceramic fiber aggregate dispersed in the matrix. Preferably, the fiber is selected from the group consisting of zirconium oxide fiber, alumina fiber, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the fiber is present at 1-60 weight percent with respect to the weight of glass ceramic, preferably about 30 weight percent. Preferably, the zirconia is stabilized by up to about 10% yttria. Alumina fiber may substitute for a portion of the zirconia fiber. Preferably, a green seal is die cut from a green tape sheet formed by extrusion of a slurry comprising water and a latex binder. The green seal is sintered during the final SOFC stack assembly process to form the final stack seal.

Abstract: A diesel exhaust gas system includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF), a trap for nitrogen oxides (LNT), a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer for generating reformate, and an air supply. A method for controlling the rate of burn of soot in a DPF limits the oxygen percentage in the exhaust to about 6%. The LNT may be located ahead of the DPF in the exhaust line. Reformate is directed with exhaust through the LNT. The second flow of air cools the exhaust gas and thereby prevents overheating of the DPF substrate. The DPF also may be located ahead of the LNT. Reformate is controllably combusted by the second air flow in the DPF, reducing the oxygen percentage to about 6%, thus limiting the rate at which soot in the DPF can burn and thereby preventing overheating of the DPF substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a coated article comprises a substrate with a coating comprising diamond like carbon layer, wherein the diamond like carbon layer comprising carbon and sulfur as terminal sulfur functional groups, wherein greater than or equal to about 70 wt % of the carbon present in the diamond like carbon layer comprises a sp3 carbon-to-carbon bond. The diamond like carbon layer has a concentration gradient such that the diamond like carbon layer on a side toward the substrate comprises a lower concentration of sulfur than a surface of the diamond like carbon layer disposed on a side of the layer opposite the substrate. The surface comprises about 0.1 at % to about 15 at % sulfur.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an impact absorber for an exhaust sensor. The impact absorber comprises a collar of deformable material disposed around a housing of the exhaust sensor. The collar extends radially outward from the housing. The collar may be formed from a material selected to degrade at exhaust temperature, or the collar may be formed from a material that provides radiation shielding to a portion of the sensor after installation. The collar may be disposed around a sealing gasket. A wall may be disposed around at least a portion of a perimeter of the collar, the wall being spaced apart from a plurality of facets formed on the housing to form a recess for receiving a socket wrench tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an impact absorber for an exhaust sensor. The impact absorber comprises a collar of deformable material disposed around a housing of the exhaust sensor. The collar extends radially outward from the housing. The collar may be formed from a material selected to degrade at exhaust temperature, or the collar may be formed from a material that provides radiation shielding to a portion of the sensor after installation. The collar may be disposed around a sealing gasket. A wall may be disposed around at least a portion of a perimeter of the collar, the wall being spaced apart from a plurality of facets formed on the housing to form a recess for receiving a socket wrench tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a particulate sensor system, comprising a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode in thermal and electrical communication with a heater wherein the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode are disposed on the same side of an electrode substrate.

Abstract: An electromagnetic unit fuel injector for use in a diesel engine includes a housing with a pump therein defined by an externally actuated plunger reciprocable in a bushing and defining therewith a pump chamber open at one end for the discharge of fuel to a spring biased, pressure actuated fuel injection nozzle. The pump chamber is also connected to a supply/spill chamber via a normally open, hollow, ported valve controlled passage to permit the ingress and egress of fuel, the valve being operated by a solenoid. The stator assembly of the solenoid is fixed to the housing over the supply/spill chamber and has a cover fixed thereto to define an armature chamber for a moveable armature. The solenoid pole piece has a stepped bore therethrough to interconnect the armature chamber and the supply/spill chamber. The armature is operatively connected to the valve by a guide pin slidably and sealingly journaled in a non-magnetic bushing fixed in the stepped bore so that the armature chamber remains dry.

Abstract: An electromagnetic unit fuel injector includes a pump assembly having an external actuated plunger reciprocable in a bushing with flow therefrom during a pump stroke being directed to a fuel injection nozzle of the assembly. Fuel flow from the pump can also flow through a passage means, containing a normally open, substantially pressure-balanced control valve actuated by a solenoid assembly in the valve closing direction to block drain flow during a pump stroke, as desired. A piston, actuated by discharge fuel pressure is operatively connected to the control valve to assist the solenoid in holding the control valve in a closed position.