Abstract: A particulate trap for removing particulates from the exhaust flow discharged from a diesel engine comprises a trap housing having an inlet connection and an outlet connection for the exhaust flow, an intermediate filter housing with a support plate positioned between one end of the filter housing and the outlet connection. The support plate is provided with a central one way valve controlled bypass passage extending therethrough and a plurality of closely spaced apart internally threaded apertures therethrough located around the bypass passage. A plurality of filter tubes are operatively supported within the filter housing by the support plate. Each of the filter tubes includes a perforated tube having an externally threaded outlet fitting fixed at one end thereof that is releasably threadingly engaged in an associate one of the apertures in the support plate whereby the perforated tube is supported in cantilever fashion.

Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust particulate filter-incinerator comprising an enclosed filter panel having particulate deposition surfaces bordered by electrodes of a high voltage power supply. Periodic incineration is accomplished by the collection on the surfaces of particulates in amounts sufficient to conduct sufficient electric current along paths through the particulates to heat them to incineration temperature. Ignition and burn off of particulates may be automatically accomplished by maintaining a suitable voltage across the electrodes at the edges of the collection surfaces to initiate arc-like current flow before the collected particulates reach a level that would plug the filter. Specific embodiments of exemplary filter constructions are disclosed.