Abstract: Device for the precipitation of carbon particles present in exhaust gases having a voltage generator whose poles are connected with at least one electrode and the shell comprising separate internal zones where the following phenomena take place mixing of exhaust gas with air in a first zone, ionization in a second zone of the gas & air mixture coming from said first zone, ignition and precipitation in a third zone of said carbon particles present in said gas & air mixture coming from said second zone, and exhaust of the gas in which said carbon particles have been precipitated.

Abstract: A catalytic converter is surrounded by variable conductance insulation for maintaining the operating temperature of the catalytic converter at an optimum level, for inhibiting heat loss when raising catalytic converter temperature to light-off temperature, for storing excess heat to maintain or accelerate reaching light-off temperature, and for conducting excess heat away from the catalytic converter after reaching light-off temperature. The variable conductance insulation includes vacuum gas control and metal-to-metal thermal shunt mechanisms. Radial and axial shielding inhibits radiation and convection heat loss. Thermal storage media includes phase change material, and heat exchanger chambers and fluids carry heat to and from the catalytic converter.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a humidistat which can be connected to a humidifier through a thermostat and its existing wiring. The thermostat has a plurality of output leads for a heating signal, a fan signal and/or a cooling signal. The humidistat includes a first input for receiving the heating signal from the thermostat, a sensor associated with the first input for sensing the relative humidity of the air in the enclosed volume, a second input for receiving the cooling signal from the thermostat, and a first switch with a heating position and a cooling position for switching between the first and second inputs, respectively, and an interface module for selectively energizing either a humidifier when the first switch is in the heating position or a cooling system when the first switch is in the cooling position.

Abstract: The mean oxygen richness (S.sub.o) of the exhaust gases is measured during a first engine operating phase during which the device for injection of air is active and the mean oxygen richness (S.sub.1) of the air/exhaust gases mixture is measured during a second consecutive phase during which this device is inactive and the operating condition of the device is diagnosed by comparing the difference (S.sub. -S.sub.1) in the oxygen richnesses measured during these two phases, with an expected value of this difference. Application to an engine equipped with a catalytic chamber for oxidation-reduction of the exhaust gases.

Abstract: Electrically heated catalytic converter power control to minimize automotive vehicle electrical system burden monitors the performance of an electrical heater in elevating catalytic converter temperature and periodically adjusts the electrical power applied to the heater to the minimum necessary to provide for heating performance within specification, so as to elevate the catalytic converter to light-off within a specified period of time following an engine coldstart.

Abstract: An air/fuel ratio sensor abnormality detecting device avoiding influence of degradation of O.sub.2 storage effect of a catalyst due to deterioration, includes linear air/fuel ratio sensors for linearly detecting the air/fuel ratio being employed as upstream side and downstream side air/fuel ratio sensors, delay period deriving means for deriving a gas response delay period between the both air/fuel ratio sensors on the basis of the results of detection of the upstream side and downstream side air/fuel ratio sensors while the air/fuel ratio feedback control is effected under lean condition of the air/fuel ratio, and abnormality detecting means for detecting abnormality of the downstream side air/fuel ratio sensor on the basis of the derived delay period. Since the gas response delay period is derived on the basis of the results of detection in the upstream and downstream side linear air/fuel ratio sensors in a air/fuel ratio lean range which is not influenced by the O.sub.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a fan for forcing air through an air path. An endless belt filter travels through a water tank and across the air path to exchange heat with air passing through the belt filter. A heater is provided for selectively heating the water. A moisture collecting filter disposed in the air path downstream of the belt filter removes moisture from the air. Sensors detect the volume and temperature of the water in the tank for actuating either or both of the heater and a warning buzzer. A speaker is mounted in the air conditioner housing and is connectible to a radio. A switching circuit causes radio sound from the speaker to be muted and instead causes the speaker to emit the warning buzzer when the latter is activated by a sensor.

Abstract: Exhaust-gas aftertreatment equipment for an internal combustion engine has a secondary air pump, the delivery pipeline of which discharges into the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine and in which a check valve is disposed. In order to avoid hot exhaust gases flowing back in the event of a defect in the check valve, a heat sensor, which switches the secondary air pump on when a particular temperature is exceeded, is disposed in the air-delivery pipeline. The air, so delivered, mixes with the hot exhaust gases and this mixture is introduced into the exhaust gas system during the negative pressure phases of the exhaust system.

Abstract: A method of removing particulate and other materials from the exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine in which the exhaust gas is passed through a bed of charged ferro-electric materials. Three forms of apparatus for carrying out the method are described.

Abstract: An alr-fuel ratio controller for-an internal-combustion engine is provided with front and rear O.sub.2 sensors respectively installed in the exhaust system on the upstream and downstream sides of an exhaust gas purifier. The controller corrects the air-fuel ratio in accordance with the result of the comparison between a detected value of the front O.sub.2 sensor and a first reference value, to thereby control the alr-fuel ratio to a desired value, and also corrects a value of a parameter related preferably to at least one of a correction amount or a correcting timing for the air-fuel ratio correction, e.g., the first reference value, in accordance with the deviation between a detected value of the rear O.sub.2 sensor and a second reference value.

Abstract: An apparatus for forcibly cooling selected components of a vehicle includes a heat exchanger separate from the engine, a pump for circulating the engine oil and engine coolant between the engine and the heat exchanger at a predetermined flow rate, and a variable valve for controlling the flow rate between the engine and heat exchanger. A blower forces and directs air at the components. A controller connected to a thermocouple controls the operation of the blower, pump and a variable valve. The components are cooled in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A manifold catalytic converter for automotive engines includes a flange provided on a cylinder head of the engine with a plurality of installation openings formed therethrough corresponding to exhaust ports of the engine. Tubes are connected to the installation openings with the other end of each of the tubes being attached to the vessel of the catalytic converter, aligned along a line of installation which is slanted relative the longitudinal direction of the engine so as to reduce transmission of vibrations from the engine to the vessel of the catalytic converter in directions transverse to the axial direction of the engine.

Abstract: In a method of controlling a sluggish heating and cooling system for buildings, that due to a high heat capacity reacts with delayed temperature changes, the exterior temperature is measured, an average projected temperature value of the exterior temperature based on previously measured exterior temperatures is extrapolated, and the heating and cooling system is switched based on the average projected temperature value.

Abstract: The method of combusting fuel containing exhaust gas comprising the steps of:a. obtaining a gaseous admixture of air and said exhaust gas, said admixture having an adiabatic flame temperature below about 1400.degree. temperature;b. contacting at least a portion of said admixture with a catalytic surface and producing reaction products; andc. passing said reaction products to a thermal reaction chamber;thereby igniting and stabilizing combustion in said thermal reaction chamber at a temperature below 1400.degree. Kelvin.

Abstract: An outboard motor comprising a lower unit including an outer housing and an inner exhaust housing mounted within the outer housing, the inner exhaust housing defining an exhaust chamber, the upper end of the inner exhaust housing having therein spaced first and second exhaust inlets, and the inner exhaust housing also including a first exhaust pipe having an upper end communicating with the first exhaust inlet and having a lower end communicating with the exhaust chamber, a second exhaust pipe having an upper end communicating with the second exhaust inlet and having a lower end communicating with the exhaust chamber, and a connecting exhaust pipe having opposite first and second ends respectively communicating with the first and second exhaust inlets, the connecting pipe being open only at the opposite ends, and a two-stroke internal combustion engine including first, second, third and fourth cylinders and first, second, third and fourth exhaust gas ducts having respective first ends communicating respective

Abstract: A fire truck cooling system allows for precooling of hot water from the vehicle engine prior to receipt of same by the vehicle radiator. The system includes a precooler which is provided with cooling water either from an onboard water tank when the vehicle is racing to a fire or from a fire hydrant when pumping water at the scene of the fire. A control system comprising pressure switches, a shuttle valve, and a directional control valve allows the precooler to operate on tank water and to automatically switch to hydrant water when such is made available by the main fire control water pump of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a power plant which includes an engine and a transmission connected with the engine, the exhaust system includes a plurality of independent exhaust pipes connected with the engine, the plurality of independent exhaust pipes being combined into a single combined portion, a common exhaust pipe connected with the combined portion at an upstream end portion thereof. The common exhaust pipe is supported on the transmission at an intermediate supporting portion thereof. One of the plurality of independent exhaust pipes and an upstream part of the common exhaust pipe are, when viewed from above, substantially parallel with a rolling axis of the power plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-conditioning apparatus provided in an vehicle. The apparatus is adapted to deliver conditioned air into a passenger compartment so as to regulate an interior temperature of a passenger compartment at a desired temperature. The apparatus comprises a temperature regulating device for regulating an outlet air temperature, a blower, and a controller for setting a target outlet air temperature and volume.

Abstract: An engine exhaust apparatus comprises a sound suppressing section for lowering the exhaust noise level as an exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port passes through it. The exhaust apparatus is provided with an ejector section for introducing secondary air into the exhaust gas delivered from the sound suppressing section and mixing the gases, and a post-treatment section for purifying the gas mixture delivered from the ejector section. The exhaust gas discharged from an exhaust manifold gets into the ejector section through the sound suppressing section, and is then purified in the post-treatment section. Therefore, the ejector effect cannot be reduced by the sound suppressing section which is subject to high flow resistance. Thus, the exhaust noise level can be lowered with the ejector effect of the introduction of the secondary air improved considerably, and low cost and simple construction can be enjoyed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system for monitoring the efficiency of a catalyst employed to convert exhaust gases containing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, e.g., those generated by an internal combustion engine such as in an automobile. The system comprises a thin-film resistive device and an electrical circuit connected to said thin-film resistive device capable of determining a change in the electrical resistance of a electrically conductive material provided in the device, the electrical resistance being subject to change during conversion of said exhaust gases over the catalyst.