Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine comprises a cylinder head having an integral exhaust manifold to collect exhaust gas exiting the engine combustion chambers. An exhaust gas conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold comprises an inlet end connected to the cylinder head, a portion that extends towards an upper end of the internal combustion engine and an outlet end configured to define an inlet end of a multistage catalytic converter. The catalytic converter comprises a canister having an inlet end located adjacent the top of the engine and includes first and second catalyst substrates and a collector closing an outlet end of the canister. The outlet end of the canister is located adjacent to the bottom of the engine, and the first and the second catalyst substrates receive and convert constituents of exhaust gas passing from the inlet end of the canister to the outlet end.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas treatment system comprises a multiple piece canister having a first canister portion and a second canister portion, a conical portion extending axially from an end of the first canister portion including a wall that is inclined inwardly, towards a central axis of the multiple piece canister, a funnel portion extending axially from an end of the second canister portion including a wall that is inclined outwardly, away from the central axis of the multiple piece canister, the wall of the conical portion and the wall of the funnel portion defining an insulation gap therebetween and an annular band of insulating and cushioning mat material disposed under compression by the walls within the insulation gap.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment system for an internal combustion engine comprises an insulating and cushioning mat material disposed in the exhaust treatment system and a film laminate sleeve vacuum packed and sealing the insulating and cushioning mat material therein.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine comprises a cylinder head having an integral exhaust manifold to collect exhaust gas exiting the engine combustion chambers. An exhaust gas conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold comprises an inlet end connected to the cylinder head, a portion that extends towards an upper end of the internal combustion engine and an outlet end configured to define an inlet end of a multistage catalytic converter. The catalytic converter comprises a canister having an inlet end located adjacent the top of the engine and includes first and second catalyst substrates and a collector closing an outlet end of the canister. The outlet end of the canister is located adjacent to the bottom of the engine, and the first and the second catalyst substrates receive and convert constituents of exhaust gas passing from the inlet end of the canister to the outlet end.