Method of making a mounting mat for fragile structures such as catalytic converters

Abstract

A device for the treatment of exhaust gases such as a catalytic converter, a diesel particulate trap and the like, includes a housing having an inlet at one end and an outlet at its opposite end through which exhaust gases flow; a structure resiliently mounted within the housing, the structure having an outer surface and an inlet end surface at one end in communication with the inlet of the housing and an outlet end surface at an opposite end in communication with the outlet of the housing; and mounting means, disposed between the structure and the housing, for selectively exerting substantially stable mounting pressure against the housing and the structure over a temperature range of from about 20.degree. C. to at least about 1200.degree. C., wherein the mounting means is a flexible mounting mat including an integral, substantially non-expanding sheet comprising ceramic fibers, wherein the fibers are substantially shot free. The mat has flexible, structural integrity. A method of mounting a fragile structure in a device is also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.