Abstract: A catalytic converter for a diesel engine comprises a labyrinth made of metal foil. The foil is coated with an oxidation catalyst. When exhaust gas flows through the labyrinth, the gas is forced to make right-angle turns at intervals as short as about 5 mm. The number of right-angle turns can be as great as 30 turns per cubic centimeter of labyrinth. These abrupt turns cause particulates in the gas to be deposited on the foil. At intervals, fuel is injected into the exhaust gas. The fuel burns on the catalyzed surface and heats the converter sufficiently to burn the trapped particulates. In an alternative embodiment, there are two converters, and fuel is automatically injected into that converter which has more trapped particulates than the other, so as to burn the particulates trapped in that converter.

Abstract: There is provided a mandrel for winding a thin metal catalyst support useful in an automobile catalytic converter said mandrel having a circular central cross section and bilaterally extending arms along a common axis, each arm having an oval cross section continuously changing in the same manner at corresponding points along each arm away from the central cross section to a terminal oval section having final major and minor diameters.

Abstract: An inclined manometer particularly adapted for gauging the draft of a stove flue pipe is provided. The manometer is comprised of a pair of opposed open-ended legs mounted on a mounting plate. The legs are inclined at a relatively large angle from each other and are integrally joined at a midpoint nadir including an indenting recess. One terminal end of a first of the legs is received inside the flue pipe and a second terminal end of a second of the legs is opened to the ambient environment outside the flue pipe. The mounting plate includes a registry for identifying pressure differentials between the terminal ends. A selectively adjustable mounting bracket is employed for mounting the mounting plate to the flue pipe and for selectively leveling the manometer legs. A manometer fluid is provided consisting of ninety to ninety-seven percent propylene glycol and three to ten percent water with a trace of dye material.

Abstract: A thermometer having a short cup-shaped housing, an arcuately slotted top and an open bottom, the thermometer being used for sensing temperature on the surface of objects or room ambient temperatures in the event said surface temperature approximates the room ambient temperature. Extending into the inside of the housing is a centrally located member. The inside end of a bi-metallic element is mounted inside the housing eccentrically with respect to the centrally located member. A free end of the bi-metallic element is provided with a flanged or headed pin which is adapted to be captured by and float within a channel or slot extending radially outwardly from the outer edge of the annular ring such that expansions and contractions of the bi-metallic element are transmitted to and produce rotation of the annular ring.

Abstract: A passive heat exchange enhancement structure which operates by free convection includes a flat mounting portion having a plurality of integral fins bent outwardly from one side edge thereof. The mounting portion is securable around a stovepipe, to a flat surface or the like for transferring heat from the pipe through the fins to the surrounding air by rotation-enhanced free convection.