Abstract: A solid plate of material has an outer side and an inner side. A hole is disposed in and through the solid plate, the hole being capable of receiving from the outer side one end of an exhaust pipe. The inner side of the solid plate has a collar capable of being received within an annular edge of a catalytic converter housing. The outer and inner sides of the end plate have an area outside the circumference of the catalytic converter housing that contains at least one hole capable of receiving a bolt or other fastening mechanism.

Abstract: An intumescent catalyst mounting mat is provided by cutting a single piece of mat into a desired profile and cutting a slit about 1/2 way through the thickness of the mat at a selected fold line. The mat is then easily folded upon itself to create a double thickness mat that is already secured to the next layer and may have any desired profile.

Abstract: A housing for a catalytic converter for an automotive vehicle engine exhaust system is formed of two deep drawn shells having open inner ends welded together in generally abutting relation. Modified conical outer ends taper to reduced size openings for connection to associated exhaust system pipes. To permit deep drawing, the outer ends as seen in longitudinal cross section are formed with curved surfaces including an intermediate curvature replacing a conventional conical shape and defined by radii of a value between 0.5 and 0.8 times the inner diameter of the tubular body portions of the respective shells which enclose a catalytic element. Connecting radii are preferably not greater than 0.1 times the tubular portion inner diameter. Various alternative forms of welded inner end joints are disclosed.

Abstract: An exhaust management system comprising a catalytic converter having a catalyst operative to reduce HC emissions from a flow of exhaust gas from an automotive internal combustion engine when the catalyst is above a light-off temperature and a heater assembly mounted in the flow of exhaust gas, upstream of the catalyst and exterior of the catalytic converter, wherein the heater assembly includes an electric heater located more than one inch from a front surface of the catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst heater assembly for use in a catalytic converter comprising: an electric heater through which a flow of gas passes, wherein the electric heater heats the gas; a plurality of legs around an exterior of the heater, each leg extending in an axial direction toward a flow inlet of the catalytic converter; a flow tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein each of the legs is attached to an exterior peripheral surface of the outlet end and wherein the inlet end is mounted at the flow inlet of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A re-usable piston filter including an elongated tubular barrel member with a closed lower end and an open upper end, an elongated tubular piston member having an open upward end and a fluid-permeable lower end, and filter means detachably secured to the lower end of the piston. Downward movement of the piston in the barrel forces liquid in the barrel through the filter and into the tubular piston. An air valve in the barrel can be opened to enable the piston to be withdrawn from the barrel. The filter at the lower end of the piston can be changed or removed as desired.