Abstract: There is provided an improved converter body core element having a corrugated thin metal strip having, parallel to and close to a longitudinal marginal edge thereof, a recess dimensioned and configured to receive a heater band. In specific embodiments, the heater band is desirably lightly corrugated, i.e., having an amplitude of the corrugations which is from one tenth to one third the amplitude of the corrugations in the strip containing the recess, and the heater band is dimensioned and configured to fit into the recess.

Abstract: There is provided a start-up catalyzer for catalyzing exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine in which flat and corrugated sheets are disposed in alternating relation. Some of the flat sheets have an electrically conductive resistance-heating layer which may be catalytically active and in form of a plurality of rosette-shaped conductive loops connected in series.

Abstract: A catalyzer control apparatus for purifying exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine has an electrically heated catalyzer that is heated by a battery which battery is isolated from the conventionally provided engine battery. The temperature of the catalyzer is detected by a sensor and a control circuit located with an engine control unit selectively applies power to heat the catalyzer. The catalyzer is arranged to be pre-heated prior to engine start and by isolating the battery for heating the catalyzer from the normally provided engine battery so, because the catalyzer takes a great power, engine starting is enhanced by virtue of having separate batteries.

Abstract: A metal honeycomb heater is protectively mounted in an axially assembled enclosure comprising opposing tubular enclosure sections incorporating internal bore stops and a resilient mounting material to support the heater. An axial force of predetermined magnitude is applied to the sections during assembly, preloading the resilient mounting material and generating a selected spring tension and preloading force on the honeycomb. The sections are fastened together under this force so that the preloading force and spring tension are retained during subsequent use of the assembly.

Abstract: An electrically heated catalytic converter having a substrate for a catalyst which is formed as a scroll-like cylindrical laminated assembly, a rod like metal center electrode connected to the laminated assembly, and a casing accommodating the laminated assembly which also acts as an outer electrode. The center electrode extends from the laminated assembly along the central axis, bends towards the wall of the casing and penetrates the casing. The center electrode is fixed to the casing via an insulating material at the point where it penetrates the casing. Four buffer members are interposed between the laminated assembly and the casing, each of buffer members being made of a metal plate, one end of the respective buffer members being fixed to the casing at the portion near the penetration point of the center electrode, the other end of the respective buffer members being fixed to the outside of the laminated assembly.

Abstract: Gas-cleaning equipment is disclosed, which comprises a housing having an intake vent and an exhaust vent and having disposed between the two vents a fan having at least one rotating blade. Air pollutant-removing system using the gas-cleaning equipment is also disclosed. This gas-cleaning equipment can effectively clean a gas through the action of plasma produced by glow discharge caused by rotation of said fan. When a metal layer having a catalytic activity is fixed onto the surface of said rotating blade, this metal layer also functions to effectively clean the gas. In the case where both the plasma and the metal layer function to clean the gas, there can be obtained synergistic effects. Cleaning of the gas can be conducted with more efficiency by bringing the intake gas into contact with the fan in an oxygen-free state. A magnet provided as an outer wall of the housing serves to generate plasma with higher density, leading to more effective cleaning of the gas.

Abstract: A contaminated air purifying apparatus capable of decreasing particles such as dust floating in air, soot produced by a combustion engine and the like and air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in exhaust gas. Particulates such as dust, soot and the like are electrostatically negatively charged and collected in a purifying filter section by coulombic force. NOx is converted into N.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 by an action of carbon fiber or carbon particles, resulting in decreased in concentration. The carbon fiber and carbon particles are preferably modified into an increased surface area of 200 to 2000 m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: An air cleaner includes first and second support structures connected in series. The first support structure has a coating made of a material which absorbs organic contaminants from air passing through it. A combustion catalyst coats the second support structure. The air cleaner thus removes organic contaminants from the air at ambient temperature, when air passes through the first support structure. When the air cleaner has operated for an extended time, the absorbent coating becomes filled with contaminants. One then regenerates the air cleaner by applying heat to both support structures, to evolve the organic contaminants from the first support structure and to burn off these contaminants catalytically in the second support structure. In one embodiment, the support structure has the form of an electrically heated converter, in which one uses an electric current to provide the heat needed for regeneration. Only a relatively small volume of air becomes heated during regeneration.

Abstract: A metal catalyst carrier for exhaust gas purification, comprising: a columnar metal honeycomb composed by spirally winding a laminate of a flat metal foil and a corrugated metal foil; a columnar metal case enclosing the metal honeycomb with a space remaining therebetween; and a cushion member disposed in the space and joined to the metal honeycomb and to the metal case alternately with respect to the column circumferential direction.

Abstract: A catalyst 1 is provided in a gas passage 4 for communicating between a gas flow-in unit 12 and a gas flow-out unit 13, and the catalyst 1 is heated by a heater 2, and a temperature sensor 3 for detecting the temperature of the heater 2 is provided inside the heater 2. By feeding power to the heater 2, the wall temperature of the heater 2 is raised to heat the catalyst 1, and then malodorous gas containing odor substances is passed in from the gas flow-in unit 12. The malodorous gas passes through the catalyst 1 in the gas passage 4 to be oxidized to be harmless and odorless, and is discharged from the gas flow-out unit 13.

Abstract: A honeycomb body assembly, in particular a catalyst carrier body, includes at least one electrically heatable honeycomb body having layered metal sheets forming a stack with a plurality of channels through which a fluid can flow. The metal sheets have a thickness of about 0.03 to 0.12 mm. The honeycomb body is electrically subdivided with regard to its cross-section or in its axial direction. At least one electric current path is formed through the metal sheets with an electric resistance of between 0.01 and 2 .OMEGA.. The resistance, which is dependent on the temperature, can be used for monitoring and regulating the honeycomb assembly.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an electrically heatable catalyst device comprising an electrically insulating substrate carrying an electrically conductive material selected from metal oxides, carbides, nitrides and silicides, and applied thereon a washcoat carrying a catalyst.

Abstract: A muffling and denitrating apparatus capable of lowering a level of noise generated by a combustion engine and reducing a concentration of NOx in exhaust gas of the engine. Sound-damping and denitration are accomplished by a carbon fiber or particle layer arranged in the apparatus. Exhaust sound is adsorbed by carbon fibers or carbon particles, resulting in a sound pressure thereof being reduced. NOx is converted into N.sub.2 and CO.sub.2, to thereby be decreased in concentration. Carbon fibers and/or carbon particles for the carbon fiber or particle layer are preferably treated or modified with nitrogen monoxide gas or a nitric acid solution, resulting in having an increased surface area as large as 80 to 2000 m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: A catalyst carrier body for exhaust systems of internal combustion engines includes a configuration for temperature measurement and/or heating walls of the catalyst carrier body. At least two layers, namely an upper layer and a lower layer, rest predominantly tightly against one another have identically structured metal foils with a thickness of from 0.02 to 0.1 mm. At least one of the layers has an outward bulge forming at least one void along the layers and between the layers. At least one temperature sensor and/or heat conductor extends in the void and may have supply lines extending in the void.

Abstract: A honeycomb body includes an axis along which a flow of fluid is to be conducted through the honeycomb body. At least two oppositely disposed end surfaces define the honeycomb body along the axis. An internal structure for conducting an electric current for heating is formed of at least one sheet-metal layer. Metal support configurations each support the internal structure at a respective one of the end surfaces. An electric insulation is disposed between the internal structure and the support configuration. A method for producing an electrically heatable honeycomb body includes producing at least one approximately rectangular sheet-metal layer having two opposed end edges being aligned approximately perpendicularly to an axis. Each end edge is encompassed with a folded joint having a ceramic layer resting on the at least one sheet-metal layer, to form support configurations. The sheet-metal layer and the folded joints are corrugated at obtuse angles preferably being approximately perpendicularly to the axis.

Abstract: A catalytic converter comprises two catalytic matrices 10, 12, 14 mounted in a common housing and spaced from one another by an afterburner chamber 16. An igniter 22 is arranged in the afterburner chamber 16 near the first matrix 12 and a flame guard 18 is arranged upstream of and in close proximity to the igniter 22. The flame guard 18 comprises at least one elongate narrow strip spanning the combustion chamber which acts to spread the base of the flame across the width of the chamber 16 so as to enable the flame to spread in a shorter distance across the exhaust gases before reaching the second matrix 14.

Abstract: A multi-stage honeycomb heater includes: at least two honeycomb heaters electrically connected with each other and disposed along a stream of fluid; the two honeycomb heaters including furthest upstream honeycomb heater and a an adjacent honeycomb heater which is adjacent to and downstream of the furthest upstream honeycomb heater; each of the two honeycomb heaters having an electrically conductive honeycomb structure the honeycomb structure of the upstream honeycomb heater having slits for adjusting its electrical resistance and/or element for adjusting heat capacity of the honeycomb structure so that the ratio of applied power to heat capacity of the furthest upstream honeycomb heater is larger than the ratio of applied power to heat capacity of the adjacent honeycomb heater. Thus the upstream heater and the downstream heater can give similar temperature increases without a temperature distribution along a flow direction during the engine warm-up.

Abstract: A small energy efficient afterburner for oxidizing the byproducts of incomplete combustion is disclosed. Gases are forced into a firebox, where a heating element maintains a temperature above the flash point for the more common and undesirable pollutants. Typical temperatures are 500.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. for burning hydrocarbons coming from internal combustion engines or wood stoves. After gases pass through the firebox, they are forced into a chamber adjacent to the firebox intake, so that heat energy may be transferred to the incoming gases, thereby greatly increasing the thermal efficiency of the device. Greater efficiencies are achieved by putting a catalytic surface in the firebox, and by insulating the afterburner exterior.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying a pollutant-containing outgoing air from the industrial installations has a heat exchanging bed, which has a predetermined thickness, consist of a suitable, preferably mineral, material, and is located in the interior of a shaft-like reactor housing. During the purifying operation, the pollutant-containing air flows through the heat exchanging bed into a combustion chamber, and heated purified air flows from the combustion chamber through the heat exchanging bed in opposite direction, giving up its heat to the heat exchanging bed and thereby being cooled down. The pollutants contained in the pollutant-containing air are burned in the heat exchanging bed and, if needed, in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A process for purifying exhaust gases, especially from vacuum pyrolysis installations by means of the extraction of the exhaust gases and their combustion with a supply of air. Immediately after their formation, the exhaust gases are subjected to complete combustion with a controlled air supply and an under pressure of 0.5 to 0.95 bar (500 to 50 mbar absolute) generated by a vacuum pump, whereupon the gaseous reaction products are cooled to 10.degree. to 25.degree. C. to prevent damage to the vacuum pump and then the cooled gaseous reaction products are extracted by the vacuum pump.

Abstract: There is provided an electrically heatable converter body including a multicellular metallic honeycomb characterized by a plurality of first thin metal strips and a plurality of second thin metal strips in layered alternating relation, and wherein the first thin metal strips have a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion, the leading edge portion of the first thin metal strips being longer than the trailing edge of said first thin metal strips.

Abstract: A deodorant equipment for an air conditioner includes a heater. A fin covers at least a part of an effective heating area of a surface of the heater. The fin has a radiator portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the heater. A vitreous coating film covers at least a part of an outer surface of the fin. A catalyst layer includes an absorption member and a catalyst. The absorption member absorbs odor components of air. The absorption member releases the odor components when being heated. The catalyst oxidizes and decomposes odor components when being heated.

Abstract: An electrically heated catalytic converter system of the present invention includes a plurality of heater-converters, each heater-converter being disposed on one of a plurality of exhaust passages of an engine. Each heater-converter includes a catalyst bed which carries particles of a three-way reducing and oxidizing catalyst, an electric heater which is turned on during the start up of the engine to rapidly heat at least a portion of the catalyst bed, and a temperature detector disposed in the catalyst bed. The system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that detects the failure of the converter system. When the engine is started, the ECU calculates the difference in the temperatures of the catalyst beds, and if this difference in the temperatures becomes larger than a predetermined value, the ECU determines that one of the heater-converters has failed, i.e., the electrically heated catalytic converter system has failed.

Abstract: A honeycomb heater has an integrated honeycomb structure obtained by connecting in series, via conductive plates, a plurality of honeycomb structure elements each having a large number of passages and each generating heat when electrified. At least two electrodes are provided on the integrated honeycomb structure for enabling the electrical heating thereof.

Abstract: There is provided an improved combined electrically heatable and light-off converter which is characterized by an integral intertwining structure wherein thin metal strips form a multicellular converter body. A first plurality of the thin metal strips extend the entire axial length of the converter body and are usually corrugated, and a second plurality of thin metal strips usually flat, alternating with the first plurality, extend less than the full axial length of the converter body.

Abstract: A self-heat generating type honeycomb filter is mounted in an exhaust pipe line of an engine, and a plane plate and a corrugated plate are layered, then wound, and the first slit portion and second slit portion having openings, respectively, are formed between an up-stream and down stream side end portions of the plane and corrugated plates. An electric current is applied between the up-stream and down stream side end portions, to heat the first and second slit portions. Accordingly, a self-heat generation type catalytic converter capable of realizing both high resistance and low thermal capacity, and further ensuring a reduction in thermal conduction, and durability, and raising the temperature up to the sufficient level with less power consumption, can be provided.

Abstract: An electrically heatable honeycomb body through which a fluid can flow, in particular a carrier body for a catalytic converter, includes a plurality of subregions through which a current can flow over a winding path. The subregions have a first specific electrical conductivity per unit of cross-sectional area. Electrical insulation at least partially separates the subregions from one another. Additional electric conductor elements are disposed in regions in which the electric current is turned around. The additional electric conductor elements are formed of a material having a greater mechanical strength than that of the subregions and have a second specific electrical conductivity per unit of cross-sectional area being higher than the first specific electrical conductivity per unit of cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An improved converter having electrically heatable strips connected in an electrical circuit, and intertwined with non-electricvally heated thin metal strips, having an electrical connection, or anchor, from the electrically heatable thin metal strips to the non-electrically heated thin metal strips, whereby the potential difference between the electrically heatable strips non-electrically heatable thin metal strips is reduced.

Abstract: A sintered metal body is disclosed of composition consisting essentially of in weight percent about 5 to 40 Cr, about 2 to 30 Al, 0 to about 5 special metal, 0 to about 4 rare earth oxide additive, and the balance Fe group metal and unavoidable impurities,the composition including at least one component selected from component A and/or component B, component A being special metal, and component B being at least an effective amount of rare earth oxide additive,the special metal being a first special metal component, and optionally, a second special metal component when rare earth oxide additive is 0, the first special metal component consisting of at least one of: Y, lanthanides, Zr, Hf, Ti, Si, and B, and the second special metal component consisting of at least one of: alkaline earth metal, Cu, and Sn, and the special metal being a third special metal component when rare earth oxide additive is >0, the third special metal component consisting of at least one of Y, lanthanides, Zr, Hf, Ti, Si, alkaline ear

Abstract: A regenerative bed incinerator 10 is provided with a gas recirculation duct 80 through which a controlled amount of gaseous fuel is injected in the contaminated process exhaust gases 3 prior to admission to the regenerative bed incinerator 10 to increase the heating value of the process exhaust gases 3 so as to improve overall contaminated destruction efficiency for process exhaust gases which have a low level of combustible contaminants therein.

Abstract: An electrically heatable catalytic converter for converting pollutant materials from an engine, such as carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, etc., to carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water. A catalytic core has a rod center electrode, metal strips, such as corrugated strips and plane strips, and insulation layers spirally wound together about the center electrode to form a spiral electrical path. The central region adjacent to the center electrode and the peripheral region of the catalytic core are wound without intervening of the insulation layer and contact metal to metal. The intermediate region of the core is mainly heated, and there is almost no heat generation in the central and peripheral regions of the catalytic core.

Abstract: A self-heating type catalytic combustion apparatus and method for igniting catalyst mass effectively within a short period of time and under a clean state and for realizing pleasant heating and having a long life-span of catalyst mass.

Abstract: There is provided a reinforced converter body, especially one useful as a "light-off" converter in a gas treating system for treating exhaust gas from internal combustion engines. The invention utilizes corrugated and flat thin metal strips in alternating relation. Reinforcement is enhanced by the use of thin metal strips of a stronger alloy for at least a part of the thin metal strips.

Abstract: An emission control device and method are provided for treating exhaust gases to reduce pollutants contained therein. The device includes a treatment chamber through which the exhaust gases pass. First and second metal screens are disposed within the chamber a predetermined distance from each other. A section of chemical substrate is disposed between the screens. Voltage is supplied to adjacent the first screen with, for example, an electrode device. A timing circuit is provided for pulsing the voltage at a predetermined pulse rate. A temperature sensitive device may be interfaced with the treatment chamber and timing circuit so that the pulsed voltage is only supplied to the screen within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A catalytic converter configuration for cleaning exhaust gases of internal combustion engines includes at least one first partial catalytic converter, at least one second partial catalytic converter, and an electric heater disposed between the at least one first and the at least one second partial catalytic converters. The at least one first partial catalytic converter has a smaller volume and/or a smaller catalytically active surface area than the at least one second partial catalytic converter.

Abstract: An apparatus for the catalytic combustion of exhaust gases in an exhaust system, in particular for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, and preferably for Otto engines, includes first and second honeycomb bodies through which a fluid can flow in succession. At least one of the honeycomb bodies is heatable, and the honeycomb bodies each have a multiplicity of channels formed therein defining-channel walls. A plurality of support elements each have at least one end, they extending between the first honeycomb body and the second honeycomb body, they join the first and second honeycomb bodies mechanically, they protrude at least partially into the honeycomb bodies in the vicinity of the at least one end, and they are in mechanical contact with the channel walls in the vicinity of the at least one end.

Abstract: A device for reducing contaminants, particularly for motor vehicles, includes a housing, a catalyst body disposed therein with its periphery spaced from the housing wall and an intumescent mat disposed in the gap between the housing wall and the catalyst body. The intumescent mat is a mat of a heat-resistant fiber mat with embedded expansion particles whose volume increases when a certain expansion temperature is reached that is produced by the hot exhaust gases. By providing an additional heating element in the gap between the housing and the catalyst body, the intumescent mat can be heated to the expansion temperature.

Abstract: An emission control device and method are provided for treating exhaust gases to reduce gaseous pollutants contained therein. The device includes a treatment chamber through which the exhaust gases pass. First and second metal screens are disposed within the chamber a predetermined distance from each other. AC voltage is supplied to adjacent the first screen with, for example, an electrode device. A timing circuit is provided for pulsing the AC voltage at a predetermined pulse rate. A temperature sensitive device may be interfaced with the treatment chamber and timing circuit so that the pulsed voltage is only supplied to the screen within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A honeycomb body includes an interior, two end surfaces, cross-sectional regions and a cross-sectional plane. At least partly structured sheet metal layers form a multiplicity of channels through which a fluid can flow. The channels extend from one of the end surfaces to the other. An insulating device subdivides the honeycomb body and extends from one of the end surfaces to the other for reducing electrical conductivity of the honeycomb body in each of the cross-sectional regions and developing at least one wound, electrically cohering conductive current path extending in the cross-sectional plane. Primarily metal support structures extend at least partly in the interior of the honeycomb body and retain the sheet metal layers.

Abstract: An electrically regenerable diesel particulate filter cartridge and filter comprising a slotted electrically resistive tube which, when energized, heats the filter media to a temperature sufficient to allow the trapped soot particulates to burn.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for controlling the conductance of heated structures used to initiate faster light-off in emission control systems such as used for automotive catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters and industrial stacks and other applications in which the exhaust gas stream temperature is too low to initiate fast light-off. The invention also relates to a method for minimizing the amount of conductive material used for making such structures.

Abstract: A gas-scrubber apparatus, including a chamber having an inlet means for receiving polluted gases to be scrubbed and having outlet means through which scrubbed gases are discharged, and heating elements for heating the chamber to maintain the polluted gases at predetermined temperature levels between the inlet means and the outlet means. The chamber includes a reaction zone for receiving a mixture of solid scrubbant materials for reacting with the polluted gases and a gas blower for directing the polluted gases to travel through the chamber to react with the scrubbant materials. At least one scrubber assembly is mounted in the reaction zone of the chamber having a baffle for collecting the polluted gases in the area adjacent the wall of the chamber.

Abstract: In a roll of electrically conductive filter materials (21-28) coiled together with spacers (31) to be (38) disposed in alternate relation to the filter materials, the filter materials (21-28) have a plurality of pairs of adjoining edges joined together to define openings for admitting gases into the roll, so that the filter materials (21-28) may collect particulates from the gases flowing therethrough. A central electrode (41) is connected in the center of the roll, while a cylindrical outer electrode (42) is connected about the outer periphery of the roll, so that upon application of an electric voltage thereacross, the two electrodes may supply an electric current to the filter materials (21-28) to heat them for regeneration.

Abstract: Device for cleaning exhaust gas of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises a first honeycomb body having a first diameter and a multiplicity of channels through which the exhaust gas can flow, a diffusor disposed downstream of the first honeycomb body as seen in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas, and a second honeycomb body disposed downstream of the diffusor. The second honeycomb body has a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a waste gas containing toxic NF.sub.3 gas is contacted with a honeycomb structure of a carbonaceous material to thereby convert NF.sub.3 into nontoxic CF.sub.4 and N.sub.2 gases with high efficiency.

Abstract: A heating element for heating fluid flowing therethrough includes: a honeycomb structure having a periphery and two ends, including a plurality of passages which are defined by partition walls and extend in an axial direction between the ends, the honeycomb structure being composed of an electrically conductive material; and a pair of electrodes for applying electric current to the honeycomb structure so as to generate heat; wherein a maximum length of linear portions of the partition walls is up to 10 mm as viewed in a cross-section of the honeycomb structure taken perpendicular to the axial direction, and a number of the passages in one square inch ranges from 50 to 800 as viewed in the cross-section of the honeycomb structure, thereby insuring improved thermal shock resistance and purification efficiency. The partition walls are less prone to deformation and crack formation due to thermal stress.

Abstract: This invention relates to a resistive heating device. In particular, it relates to an exhaust gas apparatus useful for achieving early light-off of catalytic converters comprising a cellular substrate having a layer of conductive material formed thereon and means for activating the device by passing electric current or by exposing the device to an electromagnetic energy field.

Abstract: A heating element for deodorization contains a metallic substrate, an enamel layer formed on the surface of the metallic substrate, a catalyst layer comprising at least an active alumina, a platinum group metal and a zeolite and formed on the enamel layer, and an electric resistor; the electric resistor being insulated from the environment; and the metallic substrate, the enamel layer, the catalyst layer and the electric resistor being arranged so that heat generated when electric power is applied to the electric resistor is conducted to the catalyst layer through the enamel layer. It can remove unpleasant odor and harmful gases.

Abstract: Exhaust manifold for catalytic treatment of the exhaust gases of an internal-combustion engine comprising a metallic outer tube (1) including a catalyst layer (4) in direct contact with the exhaust gases. According to the invention, the manifold also comprises at least one inner tubular element (2), substantially coaxial to said outer tube (1) and providing with the latter at least one space (3), the inner surface of said inner tube (2) being coated by said catalyst layer (4).

Abstract: A resistance adjusting type heater including a honeycomb structure having a large number of passages, at last two electrodes for energizing the honeycomb structure, and a resistance adjusting mechanism such as a slit provided between the electrodes to heat the gas flowing through the passages formed in the honeycomb structure. A catalytic converter includes a main monolith catalyst and the above-described heater placed adjacent to and upstream of the main monolith catalyst. A catalytic converter includes a honeycomb structure having a large number of passages, a catalyst carried on the honeycomb structure, at least two electrodes for energizing the honeycomb structure, and a resistance adjusting mechanism provided between the electrodes. A catalytic converter includes a main monolith catalyst, and a heater placed adjacent to and upstream of the main monolith catalyst.