Patent · US Expired

Catalytic converter system

US5319929A · kind A · utility

28Cited by
5References
94Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 5, 1992
Grant dateJun 14, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 5, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T10/12
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine adapted to correct the problem of pollution occurring at start-up and during at least initial engine running, and characterized by an electrically heatable catalytic converter and, desirably, a separate unheated conventional catalytic converter in tandem relation. The system also provides means for providing electrical power greater than 500 watts for 2 seconds or more whereby the temperature of the catalyst is raised and maintained at least 650 F. An advantage of preferred embodiments is that there is provided a substantially improved means for augmenting conventional catalytic converter exhaust systems for modern requirements by inserting in the exhaust system an electrically heatable catalytic converter for conversion of pollutant material operative prior to, during and after start-up. Power switching means are provided for heating an electrically heatable catalytic converter and are characterized by at least one actuatable solid state switch, preferably in combination with means for actuating said switches.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.