Abstract: A method is presented for uniformly heating plastically deformable material, which comprises particles of electrically conducting matter. This method comprises inducing an electric current, or causing hysteresis loss within such material, by using electromagnetic radiation with frequency between about 50 Hertz and about 10 MegaHertz, to cause heating of the material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a resistive heating device. In particular, it relates to an exhaust gas apparatus useful for achieving early light-off of catalytic converters comprising a cellular substrate having a layer of conductive material formed thereon and means for activating the device by passing electric current or by exposing the device to an electromagnetic energy field.

Abstract: A method of drying plastically deformable metal structures using high frequency energy in a frequency range greater than 10 MHz. The highly efficient drying of the invention is accomplished by shielding the structure from the electrodes using a material whose dielectric constant is greater than that of air.

Abstract: A plastically deformable metallic mixture is provided using finely divided metallic particulate matter, organic binding agent, polar liquid, anionic dispersing agent and nonionic surfactant. The invention is also directed at a mixture further comprising water-miscible organic solvent. The mixture of this invention is generally stable, froth-free, homogeneous and uniformly dispersed. A process is described by which the mixtures can be formed into useful articles and structures having superior skin qualities.

Abstract: A method of forming an extrusion die fabricated from sinterable ceramic or metal powders, for use in forming honeycomb monolith structures including machining of the die in the green state or after partial densification. Alternatively, all or part of the machining can be performed after full densification or sintering.

Abstract: A method of producing crack-free green activated carbon structures using a carbon matrix containing high gel strength binders such as methyl cellulose binders is disclosed. The invention also relates to a method of drying activated carbon structures by first contacting the structure with microwave radiation and then drying the structure in a conventional oven.

Abstract: A process of using a catalyst system for the oxidation of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and the reduction of nitrogen oxides is provided. The unique synergy of the catalyst system, a combination of molecular sieves and noble metals, provides a system that partially or entirely replaces the need for rhodium as a catalyst in three way catalyst systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sintered mullite-aluminum titanate article formed by doping the mullite with 1-5% titania and/or titania precursors, and 1-5% hematite and/or hematite precursors, pre-calcining the mullite and mixing with calcined aluminum titanate to form a mullite-aluminum titanate composition which may be formed into a high temperature stabilized ceramic article such as a honeycomb.

Abstract: An dome-shaped extrusion die for use in forming honeycomb monolith structures is disclosed. The die is formed by deforming an extrusion die having a flat cross section to obtain a dome-shaped cross section. Alternatively, the die may be fabricated from sinterable ceramic or metal powders in which case the holes and slots may be formed either in the green state, or in a chalk-hard state after partial densification.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for controlling the conductance of heated structures used to initiate faster light-off in emission control systems such as used for automotive catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters and industrial stacks and other applications in which the exhaust gas stream temperature is too low to initiate fast light-off. The invention also relates to a method for minimizing the amount of conductive material used for making such structures.

Abstract: Novel method and apparatus are disclosed for dielectrically drying green ceramic or wet honeycomb structures, by rotating such structures about their longitudinal axis between a pair of parallel dielectric electrodes and simultaneously blowing heated air through the longitudinal cells of the honeycomb structure. Preferably the dielectric electrodes are oriented parallel with the longitudinal axis of the honeycomb structure, and the rotation thereof between the electrodes accordingly results in a more uniform energy transfer to the honeycomb structure by leveling out the non-uniformities and variations in the dielectric field.

Abstract: An electrically conductive cellular or honeycomb structure wherein the structure is heated to light off exhaust gases and/or to burn off deposited carbon particulates and thus periodically regenerate the structure. Electrodes attached to the surface of the structure or body pass electrical currents through the body, the currents causing temperature increase by resistance heating. The electrodes are radially or angularly spaced around the outer surface of the structure, near its input end face to thereby achieve a uniform temperature distribution at the input end face for quick light-off and/or for more complete combustion of the carbon particulates. This temperature distribution can also be made more uniform by the distribution of plugs of varying thickness and/or resistivity in selected areas of the input end face of the structure. The structure can be of the porous wall type wherein alternate passageways are plugged at the front and rear faces. The structure may be also formed of an aluminum iron alloy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rapidly setting or stiffening a soft, freshly formed body such as fragile and complex thin-walled cellular substrate to prevent damage and distortions and to preserve the integrity of the substrate during the pre-firing stages of the manufacturing process. A method is disclosed for rapidly setting such objects by impregnating the object with a rapid-setting compound for a time and at a temperature sufficient to irreversibly stiffen the object, and thereafter removing any excess compound from the object. Useful rapid-setting compounds having a high affinity for water, and having appropriate molecular blocking configuration are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved thermite coated molten metal filter. According to the invention, a molten metal filter is coated with an aqueous thermite coating slurry containing oleic acid, water-miscible surfactants, water-soluble binders, and water-soluble dispersants.

Abstract: A catalyst system for the oxidation of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and the reduction of nitrogen oxides is provided. The unique synergy of the catalyst system, a combination of molecular sieves and noble metals, provides a system that partially or entirely replaces the need for rhodium as a catalyst in three way catalyst systems.

Abstract: A method of stiffening plastically deformable material, newly forming or formed into a shaped body, is disclosed. The method includes; exposing the material, which includes body-forming matter, polar molecules, and a polymeric agent having a thermal gel point, to electromagnetic radiation within the frequency range 10.sup.7 to 10.sup.13 Hertz. The radiation is applied while plastically deformable material is contained in, or as it emerges from a forming member in the shape of a body.

Abstract: The invention features porous substrates or supports fabricated from titania powder(s) having mean particle size of at least 7 .mu.m. The titania substrates are useful for supporting porous membranes for separation and filtration processes. The titania powders provide supports with mean pore sizes in the approximate range of 3 to 15 .mu.m, a sharp or narrow pore size distribution, total Hg porosities of at least about 30%, and MOR strengths of 50 up to 280 or more Kg/cm.sup.2. A combination of several different titania powders produced the best results. Titania membranes can be formed on the titania supports.

Abstract: The present invention features a process and apparatus for fabricating ceramic substrates. The apparatus comprises an extruder of the ram or screw type for forcing the ceramic materials through a die to form a log. After leaving the extrusion die, the log enters a conveyor apparatus. The log is conveyed over, and supported upon, a gaseous fluid (air) bearing surface of the conveyor apparatus, until it reaches a dryer carrier. The conveyor apparatus features a support surface for carrying the ceramic materials. The support surface has a plurality of apertures through which the gaseous fluid (air) is directed for supporting the moving log. About the support surface is disposed a mantle for confining the gaseous fluid (air) about the rapidly drying ceramic log. The gaseous fluid (air) is maintained at a relative humidity of approximately between 85 to 97%, and preferably within an approximate range of between 90 and 95%.

Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding a honeycomb-shaped structure having rectangular channels. The die is formed of a hard, rigid material, preferably metal, and includes a body plate and an abutting face plate. The outlet face of the body plate is brazed to the inlet face of the face plate. The body plate has a plurality of slightly staggered primary feed holes, the outlet ends of each communicating with an associated feed reservoir, the latter each defined by a recess or depression in the inlet surface of the face plate. Each feed reservoir communicates with the inlet ends of three associated secondary feed holes. The outlet surface of the face plate integrally carries a plurality of intersecting slot segments defining rectangular pins. The outlet end of each secondary feed hole communicates with and feeds an associated intersection of groove segments.

Abstract: A catalyst support having both substantial high strength and high surface area can be produced by heating a shaped mixture of a porous oxide having a surface area of at least 20 m.sup.2 /g and the precursor of an inorganic binder for the porous oxide. The binders are precursors of alumina, silica, or .[.titania,.]. .Iadd.zirconia .Iaddend.and are capable of imparting substantial strength to the support at relatively low firing temperatures.