Abstract: The invention concerns a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system of a vehicle having a diesel engine. The particulate filter may have soot burned out via a regeneration process, and may be serviced for ash buildup by selectively reversing the diesel particulate filter, or its brick, in the exhaust system.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus provided in an exhaust passage connected with an engine includes an upstream catalyst that is provided in the exhaust passage, and that removes NOx; a downstream catalyst that is provided downstream of the upstream catalyst in the exhaust passage; and a supply device that supplies an oxygen-activating component to a portion of the exhaust passage located between the upstream catalyst and the downstream catalyst. In the exhaust gas purifying apparatus, the upstream catalyst removes NOx, and then an oxygen-activating component is supplied to the exhaust gas. Further, the downstream catalyst removes a hydrocarbon compound contained in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A plasmatron-catalyst system. The system generates hydrogen-rich gas and comprises a plasmatron and at least one catalyst for receiving an output from the plasmatron to produce hydrogen-rich gas. In a preferred embodiment, the plasmatron receives as an input air, fuel and water/steam for use in the reforming process. The system increases the hydrogen yield and decreases the amount of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) content of lean-burn engine exhaust is beneficially prepared for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of these oxides to nitrogen by two sidestream additions to the exhaust. An ozone-containing air stream is added to the exhaust to affect oxidation of NO to NO2. And a hydrocarbon(s) fuel constituent is added to a second humidified ozone-containing air stream and that mixture subjected to UV radiation. Strongly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals are formed by interaction of ozone, water, and UV radiation for reaction with the hydrocarbon. The resulting partially oxidized hydrocarbons (Pox) are added to the exhaust, providing effective reduction materials for the SCR of NO2 to nitrogen and water.

Abstract: A particulate trap regeneration system is provided, which may include a particulate trap having a filter medium configured to remove one or more types of particulate matter from an exhaust flow of an engine and a regeneration device configured to reduce an amount of particulate matter in the particulate trap, as well as a radio frequency-based particulate loading monitoring system configured to determine an amount of particulate matter trapped by the filter medium. The particulate loading monitoring system may include at least one radio frequency transmitting probe configured to transmit radio frequency signals of predetermined magnitude and predetermined frequency toward the filter medium and at least one radio frequency receiving probe configured to receive and measure the magnitude of received radio frequency signals that pass through the filter medium.

Abstract: A particulate filter assembly includes an electrode assembly, a particulate filter positioned in an electrode gap defined between two electrodes of the electrode assembly, a power supply electrically coupled to the electrode assembly, and a controller for controlling operation of the power supply to apply a regenerate-filter signal to the electrode assembly to oxidize particulates collected by the particulate filter. An associated method of regenerating the particulate filter is disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit for providing a potential difference across a gap between two electrodes of a fuel reformer, oxides of nitrogen trap or soot filter regenerator for an internal combustion engine or the like. The circuit includes a power source, a transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding for coupling across the electrodes. The power source is coupled to the primary winding. A switch or switches is/are coupled to the primary winding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power generation system with a continuously operating fuel reformer. Preferably, the fuel reformer is either off, warming up, or operating with an essentially constant fueling rate. Some of the reformed fuel is intermittently used to regenerate a NOx trap that treats the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. Any reformed fuel not used for other purposes is supplied to a fuel cell. The fuel reformer does not shut down between NOx trap regeneration cycles except when the engine is also shut down. The invention substantially eliminates issues of reformer response time as they relate to NOx trap regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma reactor for reducing noxious gas by using a plasma reaction, a production method for such a plasma reactor, and an emission control apparatus for reducing noxious gas contained in exhaust gas of a vehicle by use of such a plasma reactor.

Abstract: A system for purifying an exhaust gas includes a plasma unit and a catalyst unit. The plasma unit generates energetic plasma species which react with particulate matters and nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas. The catalyst unit has a catalyst which reacts with the exhaust gas. The plasma unit is disposed upstream relative to the catalyst unit in a direction of flow of the exhaust gas and the system provides sequential purification for the particulate matters and the nitrogen oxides.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating a gas stream comprises: controlling an amount of the NH3 entering a catalytic unit and converting NO2 and the NH3 to N2 in the catalytic unit, wherein greater than or equal to about 60 wt % of NOx initially in the gas stream is converted to N2. In one embodiment, a gas treatment system comprises: a plasma reactor disposed downstream of an engine; a cracking catalyst disposed downstream of the engine; and a catalytic unit capable of converting NO and HC to NH3, and capable of converting NH3 and NO2 to N2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust gas purifying apparatus comprising a plasma reactor containing at least one of a H2O adsorbent and a HC adsorbent; and a NOx adsorbent located downstream of said plasma reactor. Further, the present invention relates to an exhaust gas purifying apparatus comprising a plasma reactor containing at least one of a H2O adsorbent and a HC adsorbent, and a NOx adsorbent. Still further, the present invention relates to a method using the present apparatus. According to the present apparatus, by generating plasma in the plasma reactor, H2O trapped on the H2O adsorbent is activated to be a strong oxidant such as OH radical and O radical, and HC trapped on the HC adsorbent is activated to be radicals, lower HCs, etc.

Abstract: In an exhaust heat recovery system, electric power generation efficiency of a thermoelectric conversion element can be improved, and warming-up of a catalyst can be completed early, without using a complicated device. The exhaust heat recovery system according to the invention includes an exhaust pipe in which exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine flows; a catalyst which purifies the exhaust gas; a heat recovery portion which is fitted to the exhaust pipe, and which recovers heat contained in the exhaust gas; a thermoelectric conversion element which generates electric power using thermoelectric conversion; and a heat pipe which connects the heat recovery portion to the thermoelectric conversion element, and which transfers the heat recovered in the heat recovery portion to the thermoelectric conversion element. An operation starting temperature of the heat pipe is set so as to be higher than an activation temperature of the catalyst.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for a combustion engine having an exhaust pipe, and a particle filter located in the exhaust pipe including a membrane which is permeable to gas components generated by a combustion process in the combustion engine but impermeable to soot and ash particles generated by the same combustion process, and also a method for cleaning such a filter.

Abstract: A hydrogen operated fastener driving tool assembly including a hydrogen generator that is an integral part of the driving tool assembly. The hydrogen generator can use chemicals to generate hydrogen or electrolysis. Additionally, the generator may be disposable. Whatever is used it is capable of providing enough energy to drive over a thousand nails.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system including a catching reactor for attracting particulate matters in an exhaust gas from an engine by electrostatic force, a main exhaust path and an auxiliary exhaust path provided on the exit side of the catching reactor, a PM filter provided in the auxiliary exhaust path for filtrating and processing the exhaust gas, and a flow path control valve for selectively connecting the exit side of the catching reactor to the main exhaust path or the auxiliary exhaust path.

Abstract: Noxious emissions present in the exhaust gases of an internal-combustion engine of a motor vehicle are controlled by making use of an IR spectrophotometer provided on board the motor vehicle, for the purpose of obtaining an analysis of all the main components of the exhaust gases of the engine. The IR spectrophotometer is of the type with electrostatic micro-shutters so as to present overall dimensions designed to enable its use on board the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention proposes a system (16) for treating the exhaust gases (G) of a motor vehicle combustion engine (10), particularly a lean-burn diesel engine or engine, comprising a burnt gas (G) exhaust circuit (14), of the type in which the exhaust circuit (14) comprises a burnt gas (G) ionization system (22), characterized in that the exhaust circuit (14) comprises an ionized air injection system (24) upstream and/or downstream of the burnt gas (G) ionization system (22).

Abstract: In an exhaust aftertreatment system, which includes a nonthermal plasma discharge device followed by a NOx storage device followed by a precious metal catalyst, a method is disclosed for operating the engine at a lean air-fuel ratio when the NOx storage device is not full and for operating the engine rich when the NOx storage device is substantially full. Electrical energy supplied to the nonthermal plasma discharge device during lean operation is discontinued during rich operation of the engine.

Abstract: There are provided NOx trap catalyst to trap and release NOx based on air-fuel ratio, first fuel supply means for supplying gasoline, second fuel supply means for supplying hydrogen, engine operation detecting means for detecting engine operating condition, fuel ratio changing means for changing the ratio of gasoline and hydrogen, NOx release determining means for determining whether it is required for the NOx to be released based on a state of the trapped NOx, NOx releasing means for releasing the NOx trapped by making the air-fuel ratio rich when the NOx releasing requirement is determined, gasoline ratio increasing means for increasing the ratio of gasoline when NOx releasing requirement is determined and the air-fuel-ratio rich control is executed. Accordingly, improper vibrations or noises can be restrained from occurring when the rich air-fuel-ratio control is executed to release the trapped NOx from the NOx trap catalyst.

Abstract: A multistage space-efficient electrostatic collector cleans a gas flowing therethrough along a gas flow path having a first stage provided by a first corona discharge zone along the gas flow path, and a second stage provided by a second corona discharge zone along the gas flow path and spaced along the gas flow path from the first corona discharge zone. A method is provided for increasing residence time within the corona discharge zone of gas flowing through an electrostatic collector.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generating device has a thermoelectric element which utilizes an exhaust gas from an engine as a high temperature heat source and an engine coolant as a low temperature heat source in order to generate electricity. An introducing passage introduces a part of the exhaust gas passed through the thermoelectric element into an intake of the engine. An introducing valve opens and closes the introducing passage. A controller controls an opening degree of the introducing valve according to a load of the engine.

Abstract: The selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (especially NO and NO2) in exhaust from diesel and other lean burn engines is improved by use of a compact hyperplasma reactor for generating ozone and other highly oxidizing species in a stream of air. A portion of the ozone containing air stream is blown directly into the exhaust for oxidizing NO to NO2. The other portion of plasma treated air is used to fractionate and reform a volume of diesel fuel to produce low molecular weight hydrocarbons and oxidized hydrocarbons to be added to the exhaust as NO2 reductants in the catalytic reduction.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of reducing nitrogen oxides in an oxygen containing exhaust stream using ethanol as a reductant for plasma-assisted selective catalytic reduction. The exhaust gas, generated from a diesel engine or other lean-burn power source, comprises nitrogen oxides, especially NO. Ozone generated from a plasma reactor is injected into the exhaust stream to convert NO to NO2 and the plasma injection is followed by the addition of ethanol. The NO2 is then reduced by contacting the exhaust stream with a dual-bed catalytic reactor comprising BaY (or NaY) and CuY zeolite catalysts in the presence of ethanol as the reductant. The plasma power density and the molar ratio of ethanol to NOx fed to the catalytic reactor are controlled as a function of the catalyst temperature for the best performance of the plasma-catalyst system. An average conversion of NOx to N2 of at least 90% is achieved over the temperature range of 200–400° C.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for minimizing NOx in exhaust gasses. The apparatus includes an ionization module configured to at least partially ionize an exhaust gas of an engine. A characterization module is configured to identify NOx ions present in the ionized exhaust gas, and an engine control module is configured to communicate with the characterization module and modify engine parameters in response to identified NOx levels. The system includes an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold configured to deliver an air-fuel mixture to at least one combustion chamber, an exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust gasses from the combustion chamber, and the apparatus. The method includes controlling an ionization module configured to at least partially ionize an exhaust gas of an engine, identifying NOx ions present in the ionized exhaust gas, and modifying one or more selected engine parameters in response to identified NOx levels.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system and method for treatment of oxygen rich exhaust and more specifically to a method and system that combines non-thermal plasma with a metal doped ?-alumina catalyst. Current catalyst systems for the treatment of oxygen rich exhaust are capable of achieving only approximately 7 to 12% NOx reduction as a passive system and only 25–40% reduction when a supplemental hydrocarbon reductant is injected into the exhaust stream. It has been found that treatment of an oxygen rich exhaust initially with a non-thermal plasma and followed by subsequent treatment with a metal doped ?-alumina prepared by the sol gel method is capable of increasing the NOx reduction to a level of approximately 90% in the absence of SO2 and 80% in the presence of 20 ppm of SO2. Especially useful metals have been found to be indium, gallium, and tin.

Abstract: A plasma assisted reactor for the removal of carbonaceous combustion products or for simultaneous removal of carbonaceous products and nitrogen oxides from the exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine, wherein the reactor includes a gas permeable bed made at least primarily of active materials comprising perovskite or vanadate.

Abstract: A device and a method are proposed for the introduction of a processing agent downstream of the engine, in particular a fuel, into the exhaust-gas stream of an internal combustion engine, in which a gas discharge for boosting an at least partial of the supplied processing agent is supported.

Abstract: Applicant's novel invention relates to a novel hydrogen generator for supplying hydrogen to drive a hydrogen operated engine. The regulator can supply hydrogen to drive an engine for operating the cutter assembly of a lawnmower as well as supply the output of a hydrogen driven engine to operate a variety of power operated devices such as drills, saws, sanders, etc. In addition, the hydrogen generator can supply hydrogen to operate a power driven piston to drive fasteners.

Abstract: A device for processing gases includes a cylindrical housing in which an electrically grounded, metal injection/extraction gas supply tube is disposed. A dielectric tube surrounds the injection/extraction gas supply tube to establish a gas modification passage therearound. Additionally, a metal high voltage electrode circumscribes the dielectric tube. The high voltage electrode is energizable to create nonthermal electrical microdischarges between the high voltage electrode and the injection/extraction gas supply tube across the dielectric tube within the gas modification passage. An injection/extraction gas and a process gas flow through the nonthermal electrical microdischarges within the gas modification passage and a modified process gas results. Using the device contaminants that are entrained in the process gas can be destroyed to yield a cleaner, modified process gas.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system equipped, from an upstream side toward downstream side through which an exhaust gas flows, with a plasma reactor and a catalyst unit charged with a catalyst acting on NOx in the exhaust gas in this order, and equipped with a reducing agent supplying device to supply a reducing agent at an upstream side of the plasma reactor, wherein the catalyst has an NO2 adsorptive catalyst layer and an NO2 selective reduction catalyst layer contacting the NO2 adsorptive catalyst layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and converting exhaust particulates from a stream of exhaust gas, especially a diesel engine, into gaseous substances, in which the exhaust gas is guided through a honeycomb filter (6) made from a porous ceramic material whose axially extending channels (1, 2) are open merely at one face side of the filter and are closed off at the respective other face side, and a voltage is applied to electrodes (3, 4) extending parallel to the channels (1, 2) of the honeycomb filter (6). The closure of the channels (1, 2) at the face side is made in such a way that the channels (1, 2) each extending at the same normal distance from one of the electrodes (3, 4) are either all open or all closed off at their face side (9). The channels (1, 2) are mutually offset in a brickwork-like way.

Abstract: A device for the pre-treatment of combustion air by exposure to non-thermal plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure and a method for operating the same. The device includes an inner electrode having a longitudinal channel defined therein to receive a fuel. An outer dielectric layer is separated a predetermined distance from the inner electrode so as to form a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma region therebetween for receiving the combustion air to be treated. The outer dielectric has at least one opening (e.g., capillaries or slots) defined therethrough from which the non-thermal plasma is emitted. At least one outer electrode (e.g., in the shape of a pin or ring) is disposed in fluid communication with the at least one opening. The treated combustion air and fuel are combined in a mixing region. The pretreatment device may be disposed in an unsealed or a sealed combustion burner.

Abstract: A combination emission abatement assembly includes a first emission device such as a NOx trap and a second emission abatement device such as a soot particulate filter. Reformate gas from a fuel reformer is used to selectively regenerate both the NOx trap and the soot particulate filter. A method of operating an emission abatement device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catalytic material for the plasma-assisted treatment of the exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, consisting of an activated alumina, which contains silver or molybdena (MoO3). For silver doped alumina, a preferred silver concentration is between 0.1% and 5% by weight. The preparation and use of silver doped alumina material also is described.

Abstract: The present invention creates a method and an apparatus for blanking out interfering noise in connection with detecting knocking in an internal combustion engine. The following functions are performed: Forming a sensor signal integral value (KI) during a measurement time slot (MF) of the sensor signal of a knocking sensor; forming a correction value (DKI) for the sensor signal integral value (KI) corresponding to an interfering noise during the measurement time slot (MF); and subtracting the correction value (DKI) from the sensor signal integral value (KI) for forming a corrected sensor signal integral value (KI?) with the interfering noise blanked out.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a device for generating hydrogen from a water vapor containing exhaust is provided. The device comprises an exhaust diverter and a hydrogen generation section. The exhaust diverter is configured to divert a portion of the exhaust to the hydrogen generation section. The hydrogen generation section comprises an electrolysis unit defining a hermetically sealed void volume configured to accumulate and store hydrogen. The exhaust diverter may be placed in communication with a heat exchanger configured to increase a fractional relative humidity of the diverted exhaust by cooling the diverted exhaust. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A power system has a fuel reformer, an emission abatement device, and a fuel cell. The fuel reformer reforms hydrocarbon fuels so as to produce a reformate gas which is supplied to both the emission abatement device and the fuel cell. A method of operating a fuel reformer so as to generate and supply a reformate gas to both an emission abatement device and a fuel cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: Inlet air (15) humidified in an air bubbling (or other) humidifier (35) that receives water from a tank (36) is sent to a hydrogen generator (27) along with vaporized (23) diesel fuel (22) to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide (28) for either (a) mixing with the mainstream of exhaust (18) fed to a catalytic converter (30) or (b) regenerating a pair of NOx adsorption traps (38, 39), thereby reducing oxides of nitrogen (NOx), to provide system exhaust (32) which may have less than 0.40 grams/bhp/hr of NOx and 0.28 grams/bhp/hr of non-methane hydrocarbons. In other embodiments, unhumidified air mixed with fuel feeds a homogeneous non-catalytic partial oxidizer (27) to provide the required hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A sidestream located hyper-plasma reactor having an axially discrete pattern of alternating regions of active and passive electric field along the axial direction. The hyper-plasma reactor has great efficacy in terms of ultra low power consumption and copious production of NOx converting aldehydes in the absence of NO by applying plasma power only to an air and hydrocarbon mix sidestream gas flow. Only a small fraction (1% to 2%) of plasma power is required as compared to that for a conventional plasma reactor to treat the full exhaust gas stream. The hyper-plasma reactor produces ozone which reacts subsequently with hydrocarbons to produce aldehydes (“ozonolysis”). The sidestream location of the hyper-plasma reactor allows for the full exhaust stream to bypass it, without significantly affecting the overall NOx conversion performance in the catalytic converter.

Abstract: An emission abatement assembly includes one or more DPNR devices for removing both NOX and particulate soot from the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. Reformate gas from a fuel reformer is used to selectively regenerate the DPNR device or devices. A method of operating an emission abatement assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The reduction of NOx in diesel engine exhaust gas, typically at about 200° C. to 400° C., is accomplished using a dual bed NaY—CuY zeolite reduction catalyst. The effectiveness of the catalyst in reducing the nitrogen oxides is markedly increased by the separate and sequential additions of plasma reformed diesel fuel and ozone to the exhaust before it contacts the powdered catalyst. Reformed diesel fuel is obtained by withdrawing fuel from on-board storage, heating the withdrawn volume and stripping a more volatile fraction with air and passing the air/volatile diesel fuel fraction through a non-thermal plasma reactor. Ozone is obtained by blowing ambient air through a second non-thermal plasma reactor.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine, wherein the efficiency of exhaust gas purification is enhanced by optimally controlling the operating condition of a plasma generator mounted in an exhaust passage in accordance with the exhaust gas atmosphere. The exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting exhaust water content and exhaust temperature; and a control unit for controlling at least one of two factors, frequency or voltage of an AC voltage used to operate the plasma generator mounted in the exhaust passage, in accordance with the detected exhaust water content and exhaust temperature.

Abstract: A heated and insulated catalytic converter includes a heat storage device and a control system for maintaining an elevated temperature while the engine is not operating. The control system may also include control of flaps to allow cool air to circulate to prevent overheating and timers.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma reactor and method for preparing same for conversion of exhaust gas constituents is prepared from an extruded monolith comprising a plurality of conductive and exhaust channels separated by substantially planar dielectric barriers. Conductive material printed onto selected monolith channels form the conductive channels, which are connected along bus paths to form an alternating sequence of polarity, separated by exhaust channels. Conductive channels and channels not selected for exhaust flow are plugged to exclude exhaust gases and to prevent electrical leakage. During operation, exhaust gas flows through exhaust channels and is treated by the high voltage alternating current flowing through the conductive channels. The substantially planar dielectric barriers provide a uniform electrical response throughout the exhaust channels.

Abstract: Exhaust gas amitted from a diesel engine flows through a ceramic soot filter in which particles contained in the exhaust are deposited and oxidized to regenerate the filter. The filter is regenerated by non-thermal, electric surface creeping discharge on filter surfaces covered with particles. In addition, nitrogen oxides may be reduced by selective catalytic reduction. The system is designed to ensure operation reliability and environmental compatibility.

Abstract: A device and a method for treating the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine are proposed, comprising an ozone reactor for supplying ozone to the exhaust gas at a delivery location (54), an oxidation reactor (20) for the at least partial oxidation of nitrogen oxides and/or hydrocarbons being positioned upstream from the delivery location (54), the oxidation reactor being active independently of the operating state of the internal combustion engine, especially also at the exhaust-gas temperatures prevailing at the start or during the warm-up phase of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A vehicle controller for controlling the air-fuel ratio of an engine is provided. In one embodiment, the controller comprises a first exhaust gas sensor provided downstream of the catalyst for detecting oxygen concentration of exhaust gas, a first decimation filter connected to the first exhaust gas sensor, and a control unit connected to the first decimation filter. The control unit determines a manipulated variable for manipulating the air-fuel ratio. The first decimation filter oversamples, low-pass filters and then downsamples the output of the first exhaust gas sensor. The first decimation filter can remove chemical noise from the output of the exhaust gas sensor. In another embodiment, a second decimation filter is connected to a second exhaust gas sensor provided upstream of the catalyst for detecting the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas. The second decimation filter oversamples, low-pass filters and then downsamples the output of the second exhaust gas sensor.

Abstract: A reactor for the plasma-assisted processing of a gaseous medium, including a pair of electrodes having facing surfaces the separation of which is substantially uniform, with a body of dielectric material positioned between them and defining a plurality of gas passages extending through the space between the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an exhaust gas stream from cold startup through continuous operating conditions of an internal combustion engine includes an oxidizing catalyst bed disposed in an exhaust pipe and a reducing catalyst bed disposed in the exhaust pipe downstream from the oxidizing catalyst bed. The oxidizing catalyst bed as one or more oxidizing catalysts and the reducing catalyst bed has one or more reducing catalysts. A method is provided for treating an exhaust gas stream both during cold start and during continuous operating conditions of an internal combustion engine by passing the stream through an oxidizing catalyst bed having one or more oxidizing catalysts at a light off temperature; a reducing catalyst bed having one or more reducing catalysts and providing hydrogen into the reducing catalyst bed to condition the reducing catalyst; and introducing hydrogen into the internal combustion engine during cold startup.