Patent ID: 8327539
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: F01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for facilitating proper assembly of an exhaust system, the method comprising: providing a first modular exhaust treatment unit; forming a first substantially continuous collar separate from the first modular exhaust treatment unit, the first substantially continuous collar having a perimeter substantially matching an end of the first modular exhaust treatment unit; integrating a first docking element into the first substantially continuous collar at a first predefined location, wherein the first docking element is positioned about only a portion of the first continuous annular collar, and wherein the first continuous annular collar extends axially from a first end to a second end, the first docking element extending from the first end to the second end of the first continuous annular collar; attaching the first substantially continuous collar to the end of the first modular exhaust treatment unit; providing a second modular exhaust treatment unit connectable to the first modular exhaust treatment unit; forming a second substantially continuous collar separate from the second modular exhaust treatment unit, the second substantially continuous collar having a perimeter substantially matching an end of the second modular exhaust treatment unit; integrating a second docking element into the second substantially continuous collar at a second predefined location corresponding to the first predefined location, the second docking element being configured to engage the first docking element, wherein the second docking element is positioned about only a portion of the second continuous annular collar, and wherein the second continuous annular collar extends axially from a first end to a second end, the second docking element extending from the first end to the second end of the second continuous annular collar; attaching the second substantially continuous collar to the end of the second modular exhaust treatment unit; and connecting the ends of the first and second modular exhaust treatment units such that the first and second docking elements engage to rotationally align the first and second modular exhaust treatment units.