Abstract: A wire mesh element having soft wire on the outside and precipitation-hardened wire on the inside is used a bushing, seal, seat, or support, and is useful as an end seal for a catalytic converter. The soft wire on the outside can be flat to aid it shielding the internal wire from corrosion due to impingement hot exhaust gasses.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a new high temperature catalytic monolith support system which can be effectively utilized for sealing between the catalytic monolith and the housing of a catalytic converter, as well as physically cushioning the catalytic monolith within the housing. The support system preferably is made form wire mesh and a non-intumescent thermoresistant paper, in which the wire mesh and thermoresistant paper are integral and crimped together to produce a multi-herringbone configuration, providing multiple perpendicular barriers that prevent the gas-flow from bypassing the monolith.

Abstract: Present day wire knitting machines are used to make wire mesh used in the manufacture of filters for airbag assemblies, catalytic converter seals, mechanical dampers, and the like, but are unable to knit large diameter wire, especially wire having a diameter greater than 0.025 inches. Provided herein is a looped wire made by wrapping the wire around a mandrel in multiplie layers and then pressed to flatten the loops. Thereafter, the flattened loop is formed using the same processes suitable for forming wire mesh into such articles.

Abstract: Present day wire knitting machines are used to make wire mesh used in the manufacture of filters for airbag assemblies, catalytic converter seals, mechanical dampers, and the like, but are unable to knit large diameter wire, especially wire having a diameter greater than 0.025 inches. Provided herein is a looped wire made by wrapping the wire around a mandrel in multiplie layers and then pressed to flatten the loops. Thereafter, the flattened loop is formed using the same processes suitable for forming wire mesh into such articles.

Abstract: A catalytic converter apparatus includes a housing having a chamber, an inlet for receiving gas, and an outlet for exhausting gas. The apparatus further includes a catalytic brick positioned within the chamber for purifying the gas and a support mat disposed between the housing and the brick for supporting the brick with respect to the housing. The support mat has a leading edge located adjacent the inlet of the housing. The improvement includes a barrier strip attached to the leading edge of the support mat for protecting the leading edge from excessive wear resulting from the flow of gas over the leading edge of the mat.