Abstract: A particulate trap exhaust muffler for use with a diesel engine and comprising a casing having an internal wall dividing the casing into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The wall is formed with a plurality of openings and a plurality of generally parallel tubes are disposed within the outlet chamber with one end of each tube being mounted within one of the openings in the divider wall, while the other end of each tube is closed. At least a portion of the length of each tube is formed with perforations or holes. A cylindrical particulate trap is spaced concentrically outward of each tube to provide an annular chamber therebetween. Exhaust gas entering the inlet chamber flows into the tubes and through the perforations into the respective annular chambers to decrease the sound energy, and then passes outwardly through the cylindrical traps where particulate material is trapped and burned off. The exhaust gas then is discharged from the outlet chamber through an outlet.

Abstract: An air dryer (2) for an air brake system of a truck or the like includes separate heat exchanger and filtering housing sections (16 and 18) mounted side-by-side in a compact integral housing unit (10). The heat exchanger cools the air to condense water therefrom, and a water repellant downstream filter (42) permits air flow therethrough but blocks the passage of water. A pressure responsive valve (82) communicates with the outlet of the heat exchanger and the inlet of the filter for discharging water condensed from the heat exchanger and repelled by the filter.

Abstract: An aspirating muffler having a simplified venturi construction. The muffler includes a body having an inlet pipe connected to the exhaust system of an engine and having an outlet pipe. The upstream end of the outlet pipe is rolled inwardly to provide the end with a reduced cross sectional area which defines a venturi. An aspirating tube which is connected to an air cleaner pre-cleaner for the engine communicates with the venturi and flow of exhaust gas through the venturi end of the outlet pipe creates an aspirating action to draw solid particles from the pre-cleaner and discharge the particles through the outlet pipe to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An active acoustic attenuation system (2) is provided for attenuating an undesirable output acoustic wave by introducing a cancelling acoustic wave from an omnidirectional speaker (14) at the output (8), and for adaptively compensating for feedback from the speaker (14) to the input (6) for both broad band and narrow band acoustic waves, without pre-training. The feedback path (20) is modeled with a single filter model (40) adaptively modeling the acoustic system (4) on-line without dedicated off-line pre-training, and also adaptively modeling the feedback path (20) from the speaker (14) to the input microphone (10) on-line for both broad band and narrow band acoustic waves without dedicated off-line pre-training, and outputting a correction signal to the speaker (14) to introduce a cancelling acoustic wave.

Abstract: An active acoustic attenuation system is provided that actively models direct and feedback paths as well as characteristics of the secondary cancelling sound source and the error path on an on-line basis. The primary model uses a recursive least mean squares RLMS algorithm that is excited by the input acoustic noise and uses the residual acoustic noise as an error signal. The secondary sound source or cancelling speaker and the error path are modeled by a second algorithm, particularly an LMS algorithm, that uses an additional auxiliary low level, random, uncorrelated noise source as an input signal. The resulting overall system provides excellent attenuation of narrow band and broad band noise over a relatively wide frequency range on a completely adaptive basis without directional transducers.

Abstract: Acoustic attenuation apparatus (2) is provided for a duct (4) guiding an acoustic wave propagating (6) therethrough. A silencer (8) is provided for passively attenuating the acoustic wave in the duct, and a cancelling speaker (32) is provided within the silencer. The combination provides hybrid active/passive combined attenuation. Various rectangular and circular structures are disclosed, together with multi-path and multi-speaker arrangements.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for clamping unslotted overlapping ends of metal tubes in an exhaust system. The clamp assembly includes a metal ring having a generally circular cross section and the ends of the ring are in overlapping contacting relation. One leg of a generally U-shaped bracket is secured to each overlapping end, while the other leg of the bracket engages the outer surface of the other end of the ring to urge the overlapping ends of the ring into contacting relation. A bolt extends through the aligned openings in the brackets, and the axis of the bolt is in a plane passing through the line of contact between the overlapping ends. The head of the bolt bears against the side edge of one bracket while a nut threaded on the opposite end of the bolt bears against the side edge of the other bracket. By threading down the bolt, the ring is contracted in diameter to provide a low cost, strong, 360.degree. closure for clamping the tubes.

Abstract: An adaptor for connecting tubular members in an exhaust system. The adaptor comprises a tube having opposite ends that are curled outwardly in a generally circular configuration. The curled ends of the adaptor are press fitted within the ends of the tubular members of the exhaust system and each curled end is disposed adjacent an internal shoulder in the respective tubular member. Exhaust gases passing through the adaptor will heat the adaptor causing it to expand axially to bring the curled ends into firm contact with the respective shoulders, and the outer surfaces of the curled ends will flatten against the walls of the respective tubular members to provide a tight seal between the adaptor and the tubular members.

Abstract: A system for separating two immiscible liquids of different specific gravities, such as oil and water. The system includes a gravity separator and oil-contaminated water is continually pumped into the separator tank by a main pump and is impinged against an inclined baffle which directs the water upwardly toward the top of the tank. Larger droplets of oil are collected as a layer in the upper end of the tank, while the effluent is discharged from the lower end of the tank to a coalescer unit, where residual oil is removed from the water. A liquid level sensor is located in the upper end of the separator tank and when the collected layer of oil reaches the level of the sensor, the sensor discontinues operation of the main pump and operates an oil pump to discharge the collected layer of oil from the separator tank to an oil recovery location. The oil collected in the coalescer unit is recirculated and mixed with the oil-contaminated water being introduced into the separator tank.

Abstract: A plug section for a muffler, including an outer body and having an inlet pipe for introducing exhaust gas into the body. The inner end of the inlet pipe located within the body portion is closed off. Surrounding the inlet pipe is a conical baffle having a small diameter end secured to the inlet pipe to provide a tapered chamber between the inlet pipe and the conical baffle, while the space between the conical baffle and the outer body defines an outer chamber. Both the inlet pipe and the conical baffle are provided with a plurality of perforations. Exhaust gas entering the inlet pipe flows outwardly through the perforations in the inlet pipe to the tapered inner chamber and then flows through the perforations in the conical baffle to the outer chamber. The use of the perforated conical baffle provides a substantial improvement in sound attenuation, reducing both the shell noise level and the outlet noise level.

Abstract: An exhaust muffler having a protective shield to reduce noise radiation and to decrease the temperature of the exhaust gases being discharged from the muffler. The muffler is composed of an outer body enclosed at its ends by flanges, and an outer insulated shell is spaced outwardly from the body and is connected to the peripheral edges of the flanges. Holes are provided in the flanges which communicate with the space between the shell and the body so that air is drawn by convection through the space between the outer body and the shell. A tubular member is spaced outwardly of the outlet pipe of the muffler and the outer end of the tubular member projects outwardly beyond the outer end of the outlet pipe.

Abstract: An improved fastening assembly having application for securing a filter element within an air cleaner and incorporating a novel wing nut construction. As used with an air cleaner, the wing nut is engaged with a large diameter threaded portion of a connecting bolt and acts to secure a filter element within an air cleaner housing, while an outer knob is engaged with a smaller diameter threaded section of the bolt and bears against a cover to secure the cover to a housing. The wing nut is provided with an inner threaded metal section which is molded within an outer plastic wing section. The inner nut portion includes a plastic ring having an inner diameter slightly less than the thread on the nut and serves to seal against the thread on the bolt and prevent leakage of air along the threaded connection, as well as preventing the loosening of the threaded connection due to vibration.

Abstract: A modular engine manifold construction comprising a series of cast metal headers, each having an inlet communicating with an exhaust gas port in the engine. Each header is also provided with a passage that extends through the headers and is located generally normal to the inlet. Stainless steel tubes are slidably mounted within the aligned passages and interconnect the headers. The ends of the tubes are provided with longitudinally extending slots which engage locating pins on the inner surface of the headers to prevent rotation of the tubes, yet permit longitudinal movement of the tubes relative to the header to accommodate heat expansion. The ends of the tubes are also provided with cut-out sections or notches which are aligned with the inlet in the header when the slots in the tubes are engaged with the locating pins. The assembled manifold is a non-welded construction formed of a minimum number of component parts.

Abstract: A heat recovery muffler comprising an outer body and having an annular heat exchanger disposed within the body and spaced from the ends thereof. The heat exchanger is provided with a central opening and an exhaust gas inlet pipe is located within the central opening and spaced inwardly therefrom to provide an annular passage. The downstream end of the central opening of the heat exchanger is closed off so that the flow of exhaust gas entering the muffler body through the inlet pipe will be reversed and is directed upstream. The heat exchanger is formed with a plurality of tubes that provide communication between opposite ends of the body, and the exhaust gases, after being reversed in flow, then flow downstream through the tubes in heat exchange relation with a cooling medium, such as water, to cool the exhaust gases and heat the cooling medium. The cooled exhaust gases are discharged to the atmosphere through an outlet pipe in the downstream end of the muffler body.

Abstract: An air cleaner for an internal combustion engine, having a dust dumping valve. The air cleaner includes an outer housing containing a filter element and air is introduced into the housing and swirled outwardly before passing through the filter element for discharge. The heavier dust particles in the air are moved under centrifugal force to the inner surface of the housing and are discharged through a conical outlet in the lower end of the housing to a dust trap. The lower end of the trap is provided with a plurality of openings which are enclosed by a flexible rubber-like disc. When the engine is operating, the engine vacuum will draw the disc tightly against the openings to prevent the entrance of air into the trap. The weight of the dust collected in the trap in combination with the engine vibration will intermittently cause the rubber disc to drop away from the openings to discharge a portion of the collected dust.

Abstract: A gravity separator for separating two immiscible liquids of different specific gravities and particularly for separating oil from water. The separator is composed of a horizontal, generally cylindrical closed vessel and water is pumped into an inlet in the vessel, and clarified water is discharged through an outlet. In addition, an oil drain line is connected to the upper end of the vessel. Located within the vessel is a cylindrical assembly of generally parallel inclined separator plates. The assembly of separator plates is freely positioned within the vessel and means is provided to prevent rotation and axial movement of the plate assembly within the vessel. A liquid level sensor extends downwardly through aligned openings in the assembly plates, and when the oil level reaches a predetermined maximum depth, the sensor actuates a draining system to drain the oil from the vessel.

Abstract: A regenerative filter having particular application for removal of oil from water. The filter includes a bed of finely divided particles or media separated in three horizontal layers. The top layer is comprised of anthracite particles, the middle layer of silica sand particles, and the bottom layer of garnet sand particles. The filter bed is supported within the filter vessel by a strata of relatively coarse support particles located beneath the bottom layer of filter media. The oil-contaminated water is fed into the top of the vessel and flows through the filter bed and supporting strata to a manifold at the bottom of the tower where it is discharged. By proper selection of the type and size of the media, effective removal of oil from the water is achieved during filtering and loss of media and intermixing of the layers is prevented during the back washing cycle.

Abstract: A muffler construction comprising an outer body, and a pair of end walls extend transversely across the body to define an internal chamber. An inlet conduit is located in one of the end walls, while an outlet conduit is in the other end wall. In one embodiment, the inlet conduit is disposed axially of the body to excite symmetric higher order modes and the outlet is offset radially from the axis of the body and is located on a nodal circle of the transverse pressure distribution. In a second embodiment, the inlet is offset from the axis of the body causing excitation of asymmetric higher order modes and the outlet is located on a nodal line of the transverse pressure distribution. The construction of the invention maximizes attenuation of high order modes in mufflers.

Abstract: A filter assembly having an extruded filter head. The extruded filter head is composed of a generally flat base and a domed upper section which is connected to the side edge of the base. A central wall extends between the base and the upper section and defines longitudinally extending inlet and outlet chambers, each of which has a uniform cross section throughout its length. Fluid to be filtered is introduced into the inlet chamber and is withdrawn from the outlet chamber. One or more filters are mounted on the underside of the base. Each filter is provided with an inlet opening which is connected through a port in the base to the inlet chamber and is also provided with an outlet opening which is connected through a second port in the base to the outlet chamber. The extruded construction provides improved mechanical strength for the head, and substantially reduced porosity as compared to a cast head.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating liquids of different specific gravities, and more particularly for separating oil from water. The oil-contaminated water is pumped by a low emulsifying pump from a storage site to an oil gravity separator where a substantial portion of the oil is separated by gravity from the water. The water is then delivered from the gravity separator to a regenerative filter composed of a plurality of layers of granular media which serve to remove foreign materials and the remaining oil from the water. The clarified water can then be discharged to a discharge site. The oil-separator vessel includes an upper oil collection zone, and a capacitance-type sensor is responsive to the level of oil in the collection zone and operates, when the oil reaches a pre-set maximum level, to close a valve to prevent water flow to the regenerative filter, while opening a drain valve to permit the oil to be discharged from the separator vessel by the pump to an oil recovery tank.