Multi-pass catalytic converter
AssigneeBriggs & Stratton Corporation
InventorsGary J. Gracyalny, Parrish A. Sandefur
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-pass catalytic converter/muffler uses a single catalytic support bed without increasing the overall size of the catalytic converter/muffler. The outer surface area of the catalytic support bed is disposed adjacent to the outer wall of the catalytic converter housing, with only the mat in between. Secondary air may be provided upstream before the exhaust gases make their first pass through the catalytic support bed, or after the first pass but before the second pass or even after the second pass.
Claims28
A catalytic converter for treating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, comprising:
- a converter housing;
- means, at least partially disposed in said housing, for receiving exhaust gases from said engine;
- a single catalyst support bed disposed within said housing, said gases passing through said support bed;
- a dividing member disposed within said housing;
- a first flow chamber disposed upstream of said support bed and defined by said housing, said dividing member and said support bed;
- a second flow chamber disposed downstream of said first flow chamber and defined by said support bed and said housing;
- and
- a third flow chamber disposed downstream of said second flow chamber, that receives gases which have passed through said support bed at least twice, said third flow chamber being defined by said housing, said dividing member and said support bed.
A catalytic converter for treating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, comprising:
- an outer housing;
- means, at least partially disposed within said housing, for receiving exhaust gases from said engine;
- a member, disposed within said housing, that divides said housing into at least two chambers;
- and
- a single catalyst support bed disposed within said housing, said support bed including
- a first portion through which said gases pass, said first portion having an outer surface that is substantially adjacent said outer housing;
- and
- a second portion through which said gases pass, said second portion disposed downstream of said first portion and having an outer surface that is substantially adjacent said outer housing;
- and
- means for outputting said gases after said gases have passed through said second portion.
A catalytic converter for treating the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, comprising:
- a converter housing;
- means, at least partially disposed within said housing, for receiving exhaust gases from said engine;
- a member, disposed within said housing, that divides said housing into at least two chambers;
- a venturi device, disposed within said housing, that is formed from said housing and said dividing member;
- a single catalyst support bed disposed within said housing, including
- a first portion through which said gases pass;
- and
- a second portion, downstream of said first portion, through which said gases pass after said exhaust gases have passed through said first portion;
- and
- means for outputting said gases after said gases have passed through said second portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.