Patent ID: 7276213

Claim:
An exhaust gas treatment device for an internal combustion engine, comprising; a housing having portions defining an inlet, an outlet and an interior chamber between said inlet and said outlet; a first exhaust gas treating body and a second exhaust gas treating body located between said inlet within said chamber and said outlet; a first support material located radially between an inner surface of said housing and said first exhaust gas treating body; an internal shield located within said housing, said internal shield being disposed between said first and second exhaust gas treating bodies; a second support material radially surrounding said internal shield and located between said inner surface of said housing and said internal shield, said second support material retaining said internal shield in engagement within said housing; and a third support material located radially between an inner surface of said housing and said second exhaust gas treating body; wherein said housing exhibits a substantially constant cross sectional area along its axial length in a region proximal to said internal shield.