Patents by Inventor Bruce H. Woodrow

Bruce H. Woodrow has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Catalytic converter thermal aging method and apparatus
    Patent number: 6490858
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal aging of catalytic converters uses a gas dynamic exhaust gas generator for generating heated exhaust gas for the thermal aging process. The gas generator includes a gas dynamic air compressor, an exhaust gas turbine driving the compressor and a combustor or burner receiving compressed air from the compressor, for burning fuel to form heated combustion products, delivered as heated compressed exhaust gas to the turbine for driving the compressor. In a preferred embodiment, the cost of the converter aging apparatus is reduced by using a commercially available engine exhaust turbocharger to provide the compressor and turbine. A combustor is connected between the compressor and turbine and the desired fuel and air connections, controls and an exhaust conduit are provided to complete the apparatus. The turbocharger may be sized for aging one or a plurality of catalytic converters at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Ashley J. Barrett, Bruce H. Woodrow
  • Catalytic converter thermal aging method and apparatus
    Publication number: 20020112468
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal aging of catalytic converters uses a gas dynamic exhaust gas generator for generating heated exhaust gas for the thermal aging process. The gas generator includes a gas dynamic air compressor, an exhaust gas turbine driving the compressor and a combustor or burner receiving compressed air from the compressor, for burning fuel to form heated combustion products, delivered as heated compressed exhaust gas to the turbine for driving the compressor. In a preferred embodiment, the cost of the converter aging apparatus is reduced by using a commercially available engine exhaust turbocharger to provide the compressor and turbine. A combustor is connected between the compressor and turbine and the desired fuel and air connections, controls and an exhaust conduit are provided to complete the apparatus. The turbocharger may be sized for aging one or a plurality of catalytic converters at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Ashley J. Barrett, Bruce H. Woodrow