Abstract: A catalytic converter with electric heating includes a housing and at least one honeycomb body being disposed in the housing for conducting a flow of exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine through the honeycomb body in a given flow direction. The honeycomb body is electrically conductive at least in partial regions upon being heated by an electric current and it has a catalytically active coating at least in partial regions. The honeycomb body has at least two electrically heatable partial regions being disposed in succession as seen in the given flow direction. The electrically heatable partial regions have a different axial length and/or a different electrical resistance. The honeycomb body also has at least one other partial region being at least substantially blocked to the electric current and separating the electrically heatable partial regions from one another.

Abstract: A modular catalytic converter and muffler is used to purify exhaust from a relatively large diesel engine. The device includes various structural components that are mounted in the exhaust flow path within a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A plate mounted within the housing divides the housing into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. A plurality of catalytic converter sub-cans are mounted across the plate between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. A flow distributor is mounted within the housing upstream of the catalytic converter sub-cans. The flow distributor divides and directs a portion of the exhaust to each of the catalytic converter sub-cans. Some muffler structure is mounted within the housing between the catalytic converter sub-cans and the outlet in order to attenuate noise in the exhaust.

Abstract: A catalytic converter selectively controllable between a radial flow mode, wherein exhaust gas is caused to radially flow across the catalyst thereof, and a by-pass mode, wherein exhaust gas passes axially therethrough. The catalytic converter includes a selectively perforated tube, a catalytic monolith composed of a series of alternating herringbone corrugation patterned foil sheets having a noble (precious) metal catalytic material applied to the surface thereof wherein each of the foil sheets has a central hole whereat is situated the tube, a valve for selectively occluding the tube, and a clam-shell enclosure. The herringbone corrugation pattern provides a plurality of radial passageways. When the valve is in its closed position the tube is in a closed state, wherein the exhaust gas entering the tube upstream of the catalytic monolith is caused to pass through the passageways until emerging at the outer periphery of the catalytic monolith.

Abstract: To prevent damage to an electrical resistance heater (13-16) which, when energized by electrical energy, for example in the order of 100 A at 12-24 V, a heat reservoir substance is included in the filter, positioned in heat transfer relation to the electrical resistance heater (13-16) and located, with respect to the flow direction of the gas stream through the filter, upstream of the filter material (15). Preferably, the electrical resistance heater is a perforated, tubular sheet-metal structure, axial ends of which are electrically connectable by connecting bolts (21, 25) to an electrical energy supply. The heat reservoir substance (14) is either wrapped at the outside over the tubular resistance heater (13-16), applied as a layer (14a) at the inside of the tubular resistance heater, or filled into the hollow interior thereof in form of a wire wool (14b).

Abstract: Deodorant comprising 5 to 100% by weight of a calcium phosphate compound having a molar ratio of Ca/P of 0.8 to 2.0, a deodorant sheet and filter sheet containing such calcium phosphate compound, and a functional paper containing 10 to 80% by weight of a calcium phosphate compound. A filtering medium for an exhaust gas comprises a ceramic material containing 5 to 100% by weight of a calcium phosphate compound, as well as a filter cartridge and exhaust gas filter containing the filtering medium. Based on the excellent properties of the incorporated calcium phosphate compound, the agents and products according to the present invention exhibit a highly improved adsorptivity to oil-soluble substances, odor substances, animal or vegetable cells, viruses, biopolymeric substances or other substances, and therefore can be advantageously used in various fields of technology. For example, the functional paper can be used as a deodorant, filter medium and adsorbent as well as a flame-retardant paper.

Abstract: An exhaust gas-treating process by capturing particulates in exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine with use of a honeycomb structural filter, the process including the steps of: (1) capturing the particulates contained in the exhaust gas by passing the exhaust gas through the filter; (2) stopping flow of the exhaust gas through the filter and transferring the captured particulates to a location remote from and outside an exhaust line by flowing the particulates captured by the filter in a direction reverse to a flowing direction of the exhaust gas; and (3) burning the particulates and discharging a burnt matter outside. The filter preferably has a honeycomb structural body and second sealed portions in first and second rows at opposite ends of the honeycomb structural body, respectively.

Abstract: An exhaust particulate filter for a diesel engine which is high in collecting efficiency of exhaust particulates and small in pressure loss, by using a felt-like body having pores of an optimum inner diameter between heat resistant inorganic lengthy fibers. Wire nets (31) formed of heat resistant metal are put upon both upper and lower surfaces of felt-like body (32), which are arrested from both the surfaces thereof by heat resistant yarn (33), the felt-like body (32) being configured such that heat resistant inorganic lengthy fibers cut into a predetermined length are irregularly oriented in a horizontal direction and laminated, to which needles are applied, and the inorganic lengthy fibers are vertically entangled.

Abstract: An improvement process for producing a coated porous ceramic, ceramic composite or metal structure, wherein the impregnation step is carried out by (a) fluidizing said slurry with steam or heated water and spraying said shape with said fluidized slurry or (b) heating said slurry so as to reduce its viscosity and spraying said shape with said reduced viscosity slurry. Manufacture of a single component which functions both as a filter and as a heating element, is made possible by the process of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for removing particles, in particular soot particles, from exhaust gases produced by internal-combustion engines. The invention calls for the particles to be electrostatically charged by an electrode (4). The particles or particle agglomerates are trapped by a fine-mesh metal filter (5). The conducting material (5a), preferably a sintered ferritic metal, of which the filter (5) is made can also be used as a collecting electrode. A high voltage (6) is applied (7, 10) to the electrodes. At intervals, preferably at regular intervals, an electric current is passed (11, 12) through the filter (5), causing the filter material (5a) to heat up to a temperature above the ignition temperature of the particles. The preferred shape of the filter surface is a cylinder, truncated cone and/or cone.

Abstract: A system and related method for cleaning a particulate filter medium. The filter medium is cleaned by the input of energy to burn off particulate matter collected thereon. The system can comprise a thermocouple for monitoring the temperature of the filter medium at a plurality of locations. There is an electronic control unit for determining the point having a maximum individual temperature and creating a control signal commensurate with the maximum temperature. The control unit can determine if the control signal exceeds a predetermined set point level and if so reduces the energy input. The control unit also determines if the control signal falls within a predetermined range, also referred to as a band width of acceptable values less than the set point level. If the signal falls within the band width, the control unit controls the energy input and varies it as appropriate in order to maintain the control signal within the band width.

Abstract: A cordierite ceramic filter is formed by mixing cordierite powders having a porosity of more than 30% as aggregate with raw materials for cordierite generation, poring agents, forming agents and solvents to obtain a ceramic batch, extruding the ceramic batch into a honeycomb shape to obtain a formed body, and firing the formed body. The cordierite ceramic filter has a mean pore size in a range of aggregate mean size.times.0.15.+-.5 .mu.m, has a porosity of more than 30% and has a compressive strength more than 100 kgf/cm.sup.2 in a direction parallel to a flow passage. The cordierite ceramic filter has an excellent filter regeneration function, has a high mechanical strength and is light and compact.

Abstract: A catalytic converter exhaust section comprises a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, a hollow cylindrically shaped metallic tube and a plurality of substantially identical metallic catalytic converter substrates arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Each of the catalytic converter substrates has a regular hexagonal cross section and an inlet end separated from an outlet end by six planer walls. The metallic substrates are attached in parallel to form a compound honeycomb cross section with an inlet side, an outlet side, and an outer border defined by a portion of the planer walls. The compound honeycomb cross section is affixed within the tube between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. The individual substrates are coated with an appropriate catalyst for treatment of a particular exhaust component.

Abstract: A porous ceramic filter has properties such that a porosity of the filter is more than 45% and less than 60%, a volume of pores having a pore size of less than 40 .mu.m is more than 60% of total volume of pores of the ceramic filter and an inequality of 1000M+85N.gtoreq.530 is satisfied, wherein M (m.sup.2 /g) is a specific surface of total pores continued from a surface to an inner portion of the filter and N (.mu.m) is a surface roughness of a surface of the filter. Preferably, the porous ceramic filter has a thermal expansion coefficient of less than 0.5.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C. within a temperature range of 40.degree..about.800.degree. C. in a direction parallel to a flow passage of the filter. The porous ceramic filter according to the invention is preferably used for eliminating soots in an exhaust gas from a diesel engine, and has a long operating time and requires less frequent filter regenerations.

Abstract: A heating element for heating fluid flowing therethrough, including an electrically conductive honeycomb structure, electrodes electrically connected to the honeycomb structure for applying an electric current to the honeycomb structure, wherein the honeycomb structure has a front region which is adapted to heat more quickly than a back region of the honeycomb structure. To this end, the honeycomb structure may include at least one gap for obstructing electric current flow, the gap extending through the partition walls and terminating before reaching the front end of the honeycomb structure. Alternatively, the front region may be heated more quickly than the back region by providing at least one depression formed the back end of the honeycomb structure, such that the front region extends from a terminating end of the depression toward the front end of the honeycomb structure. A catalytic converter incorporating the heating element is also provided.

Abstract: A heater unit comprising (1) a honeycomb heater comprising (a) a metallic honeycomb structure having a large number of passages parallel to the direction of a gas flowing through the heater unit and (b) at least one electrode for electrification of the honeycomb structure, attached to the honeycomb structure, and (2) a metallic casing for holding the honeycomb heater (1) therein via at least one metallic supporting member, in which heater unit an insulation portion is provided at least either at the connection area where the honeycomb heater and the supporting member are connected or at the connection area where the supporting member and the casing are connected, and the supporting member has such a structure as to be able to absorb the displacement of the honeycomb heater which appears in a direction substantially perpendicular to said gas flow direction, and has a function of fixing the honeycomb heater against its displacement which appears in the gas flow direction.

Abstract: A supplemental exhaust system for use with an off-road vehicle. The system includes a supplemental silencer and/or a spark arrester contained within a flexible outer shell. The outer shell mounts directly to the housing of an existing exhaust system silencer. The exhaust gases exiting the existing silencer are directed into the supplemental silencer and spark arrester by an inlet chamber having an oversized inlet opening.

Abstract: Metal filter for a particulate trap which meets the requirements for low pressure drop, high collecting capacity and a long life. The metal filters have one or more layers of unwoven fabric (such as felt) formed of a metal fiber having one of the following alloy compositions A, B and C wherein composition A is made of Ni: 5-20% by weight, Cr: 10-40 by weight, Al: 1-15% by weight, the remainder being Fe and inevitable impurities; composition B is made of Cr: 10-40% by weight, Al: 1-15% by weight, the remainder being Ni and inevitable impurities; and composition C is made of Cr: 10-40% by weight, Al: 1-15% by weight, the remainder being Fe and inevitable components. The metal filter is highly resistant to corrosion and heat and can withstand repeated heatings for removal of the particulate.

Abstract: In filtering particles such as soot from a flue gas a porous filter body of a particulate material bonded together in the body is employed. The material is a metal or metal-like material having a thermal conductivity in excess of 10 W/mK, and the porous filter body has a porosity of 50-90% and a maximum pore size of 10-40 um. The porous filter body also has a thermal conductivity in excess of 10 W/mK. In accordance with the method, the flue gas is conducted through the porous filter body so as to accumulate the particles in the porous filter body. The particles accumulated in the porous filter body are burned off, whereby heat is generated locally. The heat generated locally by the burning-off of the particles is conducted throughout the porous filter body so that the temperature rise generated by the burning-off heat is reduced. Consequently, the porous filter body is not exposed to fatal, thermal stresses.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine having a primary catalytic converter located downstream of the engine and a hydrocarbon adsorber located downstream of the primary converter. The adsorber comprises a ceramic wall-flow substrate having a zeolite coating, having the ability to selectively adsorb hydrocarbon molecules from exhaust gas, applied to the interior surfaces of the inlet passages of the substrate and a catalytic coating applied to the adjacent surfaces of the walls of the outlet passages of the substrate. The catalyst preferably has a light-off temperature below the desorption temperature of the zeolite. In operation, hydrocarbon is adsorbed by the zeolite following a cold engine start and is held until the zeolite reaches its desorption temperature at which time the hydrocarbon is released and passes through the porous walled substrate for conversion by the catalyst.

Abstract: Apparatus for purifying exhaust gas from a diesel engine includes a wall-flow filter made of a porous ceramic material for capturing carbon components contained in the exhaust gas and burning up the captured carbon components, a first exhaust pipe for introducing the exhaust gas into the filter, a second exhaust pipe for introducing the exhaust gas purified by the filter a bypass pipe bypassing the filter, first and second valves arranged inside of the first and bypass pipes, respectively, for controlling the exhaust gas flow, a heater for burning up carbon components captured in the filter, first and second temperature sensors for detecting temperatures in the first pipe and the filter, respectively, and a controller for controlling opening and closing of the first and second valves based on the temperature difference between temperatures detected by first and second temperature sensors to prevent the filter from cracking.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification filter comprising a metal porous body obtained by packing and fixing metal fibers having a mean fiber diameter of 5 to 40 .mu.m or heat resistant ceramic fibers having a mean fiber diameter of 1 to 40 .mu.m in a dispersed state into pores of a foamed structure porous body made of a heat-resistant metal so that a packing density of the resulting metal porous body is from 5 to 20%. The filter may be in a laminated structure by laminating the foregoing foamed structure porous body filled with or without the metal or ceramic fibers and a fiber structure porous body obtained by fixing metal fibers having a mean diameter of 5 to 40 .mu.m or heat-resistant ceramic fibers having a mean diameter of 1 to 40 .mu.m in a dispersed state so that a packing density is from 5 to 25% are laminated.

Abstract: Volatile organic compounds present in a gas stream are removed by an apparatus which provides for introduction of a gas stream into the interior of a vessel having a plurality of catalytic pads. The vessel includes a heat source to bring the pads to operating temperature, the pads being arranged in a spaced-apart axially extending array defining a serpentine path through which the gas stream flows. The heat source includes a plurality of catalytic heaters which extend the length of the unit to define the walls thereof. The pad array and catalytic heater walls oxidize a portion of the volatile organic compounds present in the incoming gas stream.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous fluid permeable body which is heatable by the passage of electric current therethrough. The process involves coating silicon-containing particles with a cokable organic binder to produce coated particles with a particle size fraction of 0.2 to 10 mm, forming the particles into a molding, coking the binder and heating the molding at 1400.degree. to 2000.degree. C. in the presence of nitrogen to form a doped body containing 30% to 100% .beta.-silicon carbide.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for removal of soot particles from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, including a current supply and a filter body. The filter body is composed of a porous filter material. The filter body has a plurality of filter ducts arranged in a honey-comb pattern. Each filter duct has an inlet opening for the intake of the exhaust gases. The filter arrangement further includes a resistance heating element arranged in a region of each inlet opening and having a series of loops each projecting into the filter ducts. The resistance heating element further has a lead-in line and a lead-out line connected to the current supply. A wall of a respective filter duct and a respective heating element loop are form lockingly connected together.

Abstract: There is provided a filter element for the removal of particulates from an exhausted gas by collecting the particulates entrained with the gas characterized in that the filter element includes continuous alumina-silica fibers as inorganic fibers each of which contains not less than 98% by weight of alumina and silica and of which folding strength is not less than about 1.5 Kg/mm.sup.2.

Abstract: A rectangular parallel piped filter arrangement formed of inlet cells (40), outlet cells (42) and filter elements (57) compressed between impervious end plates (46, 48) which are integrally formed with inlet cells (40, 42). Each cell (40, 42) includes four frame members (40a-40 d, 42a-42d). Also support elements (59) are provided on each side of the filter elements (57).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a module for filtering, separating, purifying gases or liquids, or for catalytic conversion, comprising:- a substantially cylindrical housing (13),- at least one rigid element (4) of which at least one end (5) is substantially cylindrical and whose axis is parallel to that of the housing (13),- at least one elastically deformable metal part in the form of a ring (6), fixed firstly to the housing (13) and connected secondly to said end (5) of said element (4), characterized in that the joint between said ring (6) and said end (5) of said element (4) is a hoop fitting.

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 system for purifying exhaust gas comprising a cylindrical body portion formed by continuously arranging a plurality of chambers in line, a nozzle for jetting a pressurized fluid into at least one chamber, a pressure device for feeding the fluid through a passage to the nozzle, a fluid reservoir connected to the pressure device through a first feed passage, a collection portion provided in the one chamber, a collected fluid reservoir connected to the collection portion through a collection passage, a drawing device disposed mid-way of the collection passage and adapted to collect the fluid and a product separated from an exhaust gas by the fluid discharged from the nozzle, the collected fluid reservoir and the pressure device communicating with each other through a second feed passage, and a control device controlling the nozzle, the pressure device and the drawing device to purify the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A filter assembly for removing particulates from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine. The filter assembly includes a housing having an inlet pipe which may be coupled to the engine and an outlet pipe which may be open to the atmosphere, and a self-contained filtering mechanism disposed within the housing. An exhaust gas fluid path is defined from the inlet pipe through the self-contained filtering mechanism and out the outlet pipe. Each of the components of the self-contained filtering mechanism are highly resistant to high temperatures, so that the filtering mechanism may be electrically regenerated by heat, produced by a heater operatively associated with the filtering mechanism, which burns off accumulated, typically hydrocarbon, particulates.

Abstract: For regenerating an exhaust gas particulate collecting filter, there is provided an exhaust gas particulate purifying process in which damage to the filter caused by a thermal action can be prevented and further electric power can be saved when an electric current supply to an electric heater attached to the filter is controlled. In the filter container (4), an electric heater (21) is provided on an end surface of the filter on an upstream side with respect to a regenerating gas flow, or provided at a position close to the end surface. Also, a temperature sensor (22) for measuring a temperature of the filter is provided inside the filter or at a position close to an end surface of the filter opposite to the aforementioned end surface.

Abstract: In combination with a diesel engine, a particulate trap for purifying the diesel exhaust of the engine includes a case provided in the exhaust line of the diesel engine and a filter element mounted in the case. The filter element is a porous member of a heat-resistant metal framework having the form of a three-dimensional mesh. The surface roughness of the metal framework is at least 0.2 .mu.m. The pores of the porous member have an average diameter of 0.1-1 mm, the average number of such pores as counted in the thickness direction of the porous member is 10 or more, the volume packing density of the filter element to the entire filtering space is 10-40%, and the filter has a gas inflow filtration area of 400 cm.sup.2 per liter of the displacement of the engine to which the trap is to be mounted. The filter element has a high capacity to collect particulates and can withstand thermal shock during regeneration and yet produces little pressure drop in the exhaust line during filtration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-resistant filter which is suitable for trapping particulate contained in a high temperature exhaust gas from an engine, and can be reconditioned by removing with burning the trapped particulate. This invention aims at providing a heat-resistant filter, which will suppress a rise in back pressure to a small amount even when exhaust gas processing is executed for a long period of time, will not cause problems in removing deposits through heating and burning by an electrical heat-generating member, and can endure corrosive action under a high-temperature acidic atmosphere. A filter layer having heat-resistant fibers laminated at random is provided between two air-permeable partitions, the first of which is disposed upstream in the direction of a fluid flow to be filtered and is formed of a planar fabric made of non-conductive heat-resistant fibers.

Abstract: A device and method for maintaining a clean gas stream includes a particulate filter comprising of support tube made from a formed textile. The formed textile is constructed from a continuous filament inorganic yarn and is porous to allow gas and particulates therein to pass through the support tube. A filtering element is disposed about the support tube to trap particulates in the exhaust gas. The formed textile which defines the support tube is relatively flexible in its natural state. To act as a supporting structure, the formed textile is made less flexible by the application of an inorganic binder. The natural flexibility of the formed textile minimizes the damaging effects of mechanical and thermal shock, while the inorganic binder stiffens the formed textile and allows the support tube to support itself and the filtering element thereon.

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 catalytic exhaust treatment system for an outboard motor wherein a catalyst bed is supported within the exhaust pipe on a support plate that permits the catalyst bed to expand and contract relative to the surrounding exhaust pipe from which it is spaced. The exhaust gases can flow through the catalyst bed and, around the catalyst bed for complete treatment.

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: A gas permeable filter element formed solely from filter material defines a substantially cylindrical inner filter element and a substantially cylindrical outer filter element joined together by an end filter element. The outer filter element is radially spaced and concentric with said inner filter element, so that the inner and outer filter elements define an annulus having an inlet end. A particulate laden gas stream directed into the open end of the annulus defined by the inner and outer filter elements passes through either the inner filter element, the outer filter element, or the end filter element.

Abstract: A smoke stack, which discharges contaminated gases, is provided with a plenum chamber, at its end, formed of one or more stacked modules. Each module includes a hollow cylindrical housing, from which protrudes, in various radial directions, a plurality of ducts, each being provided with a nozzle at its end. The nozzle has a central passageway through which a portion of the gases pass and is discharged into the atmosphere, and a second passageway which directs the air around the discharging gases for imparting a swirling action to the commingled gases. An ultra low volume of treatment fluid, usually a liquid chemical, is progressively discharged into the central passageway so that fog is generated as the gases and liquid emerge. Relief valves for the gas discharge into this fog. An accumulator tank at the top of a chamber or a metering pump supplies the liquid.

Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust gas recirculation system for control of NO.sub.x emissions is disclosed in hi h total particulate (soot, condensed polynuclear aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, and ash) control system is employed to filter the exhaust gas prior to reintroduction to the diesel engine. By cleaning the recirculated exhaust gas of substantially all particulates, wear on the engine due to particulate abrasion is minimized, and NO.sub.x and particulate emissions are reduced. The particulate control system includes a high efficiency ceramic monolith trap that is periodically regenerated by one or more pulses of high-pressure air that move in the opposite direction of the engine exhaust flow through the trap. In one embodiment, a portion of the filtered diesel exhaust is recirculated to the engine. In a further embodiment, the particulate control system filters a portion of the diesel exhaust in the recirculation flow path. The system can retrofit any existing diesel-powered equipment.

Abstract: An electrically conducting ceramic composition is described which can be utilized in an exhaust gas filter. The ceramic composition is compacted into discs or ceramic plates, are subsequently fired or sintered and then equipped with electrodes. Electrode leads are attached to the sintered filter discs or plates bearing electrodes which are subsequently connected to a power source. The ceramic filter discs or plates are supported and enclosed in a metallic housing. In another embodiment an insulator ring is placed between the housing and the ceramic filter plate. The housing enclosing the ceramic filter or filters, and equipped with electrodes and appropriate leads, is incorporated in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The ceramic filter is used for trapping combustible carbon particles carried by the exhaust gas emanating from the engine.

Abstract: A device for the catalytic purification of automotive exhaust gas includes at least one inner casing housing an assembly of corrugated, or corrugated and flat, thin metal sheets carrying a catalyst thereon, and disposed between a gas inlet and a gas outlet which are adapted for connection to an exhaust pipe extending from an engine. An outer casing surrounds the inner casing in a speced apart relation therefrom, and is joined to it in a gastight way. The inner and outer casings define therebetween a closed space filled with a heat storing material which can collect and store the heat of exhaust gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a module for filtering, separating, purifying gases or liquids, or for catalytic conversion, including:a substantially cylindrical housing (13),at least one rigid element (4) of which at least one end (5) is substantially cylindrical and whose axis is parallel to that of the housing (13),at least one elastically deformable metal part in the form of a ring (6), fixed firstly to the housing (13) and connected secondly to the end (5) of the element (4), characterized in that the joint between the ring (6) and the end (5) of the element (4) is a hoop fitting.

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: An exhaust fume purifying device includes a separator for receiving exhaust fumes and cooling water from the engine of a vehicle to mix the exhaust fumes and water so as to dissolve the toxic component of the exhaust fumes and allow cleaned gas separated from liquid to be exhausted. The water drips through two perforated partitions in the separator to a lower half of the separator to flow into a water filter tank for being cleaned and is then pumped back to a water tank of the engine.

Abstract: A filter for the separation of impurities from waste gases, in particular from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, possesses a filter body, which consists of a plurality of compression moulded and high temperature resistant filter plates (10), in particular made of sintered metal powder, metal filings, metal fibres or a mixture thereof, which are disposed above or next to one another and between them form a plurality of flow ducts. To form inlet ducts (3) and outlet ducts (4) the flow ducts are open at one side and are closed on the other side. Walls of the filter plates (1) lying between the inlet and outlet ducts (3, 4) represent filter surfaces. Heat conducting sheets (5) are inserted into the inlet ducts (3).

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: 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.