Integrated post-engine emissions heater, catalytic converter and muffler
OwnerJohn R. Olivoinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for treating engine emissions and a device for treating engine emissions and dampening engine noise are provided. The invention provides for multiple zones of reaction so as to treat reducible emission components by providing a low oxygen, relatively cool reducing zone and also to treat oxidizable emission components by providing a relatively high oxygen, hotter oxidizing zone. A feature of the invention includes a heating means situated adjacent to or embedded into an oxidizing catalyst or an oxidation zone of a three-way catalyst.
Claims17
A method for treating engine exhaust emissions and dampening engine noise comprising the steps of:
- (a) first, directing said engine exhaust emissions through a perforated conduit;
- (b) second, passing said engine exhaust emissions in contact with a reducing catalyst in an oxygen-deficient reaction chamber;
- (c) third, heating said engine exhaust emissions to a predetermined temperature after passing said engine exhaust emissions in contact with said reducing catalyst;
- (d) fourth, mixing the reduced engine exhaust emissions with heated ambient air supplied by an air-handling shroud;
- and
- (e) fifth, subsequently passing the engine exhaust emissions in contact with an oxidizing catalyst.
A device for treating an engine exhaust emissions stream and dampening engine noise comprising:
- (a) a means for breaking up the exhaust emissions stream into smaller streams;
- (b) means for reducing the engine exhaust emissions streams in an oxygen-deficient reaction chamber;
- (c) means for heating the engine exhaust emissions downstream from the reducing means;
- (d) means for directing heated air to the now heated engine exhaust emissions;
- and
- (e) means for oxidizing said exhaust emissions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.