Patent ID: 7691340
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: F01N

Abstract:
1. A catalytic converter, comprising; a housing; a pair of catalytic converter members disposed within the housing along a longitudinal axis of the housing; an annular structure disposed within the housing between the pair of catalytic converter members, such annular structure having a hollow inner region disposed along the longitudinal axis to enable exhaust gases introduced into the housing to pass along the direction of the longitudinal axis from a frontal one of the pair of catalytic converter members, though the hollow region of the annular structure, to a rearward one of the pair of catalytic converter members; wherein the annular structure terminates at a front edge and rear edge; wherein the front edge engages a rear, outer peripheral portion of the frontal one of pair of catalytic converter members and the rear edge engages a frontal, outer peripheral portion of the rearward one of the pair of catalytic converter members; and a one piece thermally insulating support member disposed between: an inner surface of the housing; and both the outer surface of the annular structure and outer surface portions of the pair of catalytic converter members.