Abstract: An exhaust filter backpressure indicator includes a sensor for measuring the backpressure and the exhaust system. The sensor sends a signal which is processed for indicating that an exhaust filter element is filled. The indicator includes a timer so that a signal corresponding to pressure must be maintained for a predetermined period of time before the filled element is indicated. The apparatus may also include high and low frequency discriminators to process signals within predetermined signal frequency ranges corresponding to engine operating speeds. Therefore, depending on the operation of the vehicle, the element will be indicated as being filled at either high engine speed operation or low engine speed operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying an exhaust stream of a diesel engine is provided. The apparatus includes a muffler arrangement having an exhaust inlet and an exhaust outlet in construct and arrange for sound attenuation therein. The apparatus also includes a catalytic converter arrangement positioned within the muffler arrangement between the exhaust inlet and exhaust outlet. During operation, the exhaust flow is directed both through the muffler arrangement and the catalytic converter arrangement, to advantage.

Abstract: A spin-on fluid filter cartridge with a replaceable filter element is provided, comprising a housing, an internally threaded annular collar, a replaceable filter element, and an externally threaded mounting head assembly. The annular collar is secured inside the housing at its open upper end. A sealing ring in an annular channel adjacent the external threads of the mounting head seals the cartridge when the mounting head assembly is threaded into the annular collar.

Abstract: A muffler-filter apparatus having a particulate trap using filter tubes with high temperature filter materials, like fiber in the form of yarn, woven yarn mat, or a non-woven, random array fiber mat, or various foams. Filter tubes have various structural configurations and are regenerated by axial propagation using ring heaters or stub rod heaters, by heating the entire length of the filter tube with a rod heater or some other full-length heater configuration. For regeneration, exhaust flow is bypassed using various valve configurations including a poppet valve, a shutter valve, or a tubular valve. Filter tube filters may also be self-regenerated by the heat from the exhaust gases as controlled by a throttle valve or on inclusion of fuel additives which lower particulate ignition temperature.

Abstract: An engine exhaust filtering system (10) filters carbon particles from exhaust gases. A length of pipe (12) leads from the engine to promote the agglomeration of carbon particles in the exhaust gases. The exhaust gases then pass through a diffuser (36) having a series of chokes (38) to promote further turbulence and agglomeration of the carbon particles. A diffuser (36) directs particles for uniform distribution over a filter cartridge (22). After passing through the filter cartridge (22), the filtered exhaust gases are then expelled into the atmosphere. The filter cartridge (22) is removable and can be reused after the particles are removed.

Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is provided. The preferred poppet valve assembly comprises a valve seat, valve head member and actuation arrangement. In the preferred embodiment, the valve head member comprises a flexible seal member and backing member, oriented such that the flexible seal member is positioned between the valve seat and the backing member. In use, the backing member is driven toward the valve seat, trapping the flexible seal member therebetween. The seal member engages the valve seat and is simultaneously deflected backward toward the backing member, which limits deformation of the seal member.

Abstract: A filter cartridge with heating element separated from a support member by filter media wherein the heating element has rows of apertures alternately staggered to provide good hoop strength while allowing longitudinal thermal growth and contraction.

Abstract: A clamp suitable for joining a pair of tubular members such as truck exhaust pipes including a metal band having a reinforcing bar at each end wrapped more than one turn, each wrapped reinforced end forming at least one hold for receiving, threading, and securing a set of bolts and nuts. The band is preferably formed from an aluminized steel, and the reinforcing bars may be non-plated. Embodiments using only the wrapped ends without reinforcing bars, folded rims, beading, and bolt-securing plates are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for reducing particulates from exhaust gases from a diesel engine having a housing containing a ceramic filter unit with an array of spirally mounted resistance rods electrically connected in parallel. A ceramic foam element is located behind the array, and is used to reflect heat back to the ceramic filter. A 12 or 24 volt battery is used as the power source.

Abstract: A flat array of a plurality of spiral wound resistance rods backed by a ceramic foam disc for use with filter apparatus for reducing particulates from exhaust gases of an engine. The array of resistance rods is electrically connected in parallel and can be energized by a 12 or 24 volt vehicle battery.

Abstract: A filter device for trapping particulates for diesel engine exhaust gases including an electrical heating element for regenerating the primary monolithic ceramic filter and a porous cermaic disc pre-filter between the heating element and the primary filter to provide a practical secondary source of heat when particulates on it combust during regeneration.

Abstract: In a diesel engine exhaust system a plurality of valved ceramic filters are connected in parallel in the exhaust stream and loaded sequentially. While one filter is preferentially loaded, a second filter is opened to the exhaust stream when backpressure reaches a predetermined value. The secondary filter is removed from the exhaust stream when air flow to the engine drops a discrete amount below a peak air flow determined by the backpressure which would cause the secondary filter to be placed in the exhaust stream. The preferentially loaded filter is bypassed when completely loaded and regenerated. The secondary filter is then preferentially loaded and the sequence continues.

Abstract: A sensor device having mechanisms for obtaining air mass flow rate into the engine, pressure drop across the filter, and adsolute temperature near the inlet end of the filter to calculate a factor proportional to pressure drop and inversely proportional to air mass flow rate and absolute temperature, all of which are raised to powers determined from empirical data for a particular system. When the calculated factor k exceeds a predermined value, system regeneration is initiated. The sensor mechanism and method is indpendent of engine exhaust flow, engine speed, and exhaust temperature.

Abstract: A muffler assembly includes an inner outlet tube having a tubular portion, a frusto-conical portion and a flange portion having an expanded orifice facing the outlet of an inlet tube. Both the outlet tube and inlet tube extend within a chamber defined in an outer housing. The chamber is divided into two or more subchambers by a baffle which extends between the outlet tube and the housing. One or more holes in the baffle improve the sound attenuation characteristics of the muffler. The invention also comprehends a novel blank used in forming the outlet tube, and three alternative methods which may be used to form the outlet tube.

Abstract: Muffler-filter apparatus for reducing both sound and particulates from exhaust gases from an engine. The apparatus includes resonating chambers, flow distribution means and a cellular ceramic core filter module. Filter regeneration mechanism includes a heating element for heating the carbon on the inlet end of the ceramic core to combustion temperature. Particulate ignition resulting in regeneration occurs when combustion air is provided. In alternate embodiments, combustion air first flows through a preheater system. A processor unit with particular logic controls the apparatus. The particular method of regeneration depends on the application in which the muffler-filter is used.

Abstract: Muffler apparatus for reducing both sound and particulates from exhaust gases from an engine. The apparatus includes resonating chambers, flow distribution structure and a cellular ceramic core filter module. Filter regeneration mechanism includes a heating element for heating the carbon on the inlet end of the ceramic core to combustion temperature. Particulate ignition resulting in regeneration occurs when combustion air is provided; in alternate embodiments, combustion air first flows through a preheater system. A processor unit with particular logic controls the apparatus.

Abstract: Muffler apparatus for reducing both sound and particulates from exhaust gases from an engine. The apparatus includes resonating chambers, flow distribution structure and a cellular ceramic core filter module. Filter regeneration mechanism includes a heating element for heating the carbon on the inlet end of the ceramic core to combustion temperature. Particulate ignition resulting in regeneration occurs when combustion air is provided; in alternate embodiments, combustion air first flows through a preheater system. A processor unit with particular logic controls the apparatus.

Abstract: A mechanism which maintains a required power level for an electrical use device even though the power level would otherwise drop below that which is necessary at engine idle or alternator speed would increase beyond an acceptable maximum at engine hi idle. The apparatus includes a variator pulley along with mechanism for moving the pulley between first and second positions thereby increasing or decreasing the ratio of alternator speed to engine speed.

Abstract: A clamp suitable for joining a pair of tubular members, e.g., commercial truck exhaust pipes. One clamp (70) according to the invention includes an S-shaped band (72) having a pair of forward curved portions (76) on either side of a reverse curved portion (78). Attached to each forward curved portion (76) is a reinforcing bar (74) preferably forming a pair of D-shaped holes (75) suitable for receiving "half-carriage" bolts (100). The band (72) is preferably formed from Type 409 stainless steel to reduce costs. A fully preformed (cylindrical) embodiment (120) and flat embodiment (130) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing an inexpensive, yet effective, simulation for measuring the sound level of the muffler contribution to the total sound created by a truck during a drive-by. The simulation method includes disconnecting a drive shaft of the drive mechanism of the truck and installing a dynamometer. When the throttle of the engine is increased, the dynamometer applies a load so that the acceleration rate of the drive mechanism compares similarly to the acceleration rates of a truck during an actual drive-by test in accordance with CFR 40, part 202. Sound barriers are placed around sounds sources other than the muffler of the truck. Microphones are used to sense the sound during the test for recording by strip-chart recorders.