Patent ID: 7462332

Claim:
A catalytic converter comprising: a generally cylindrical shell defining a characteristic line of elongation, said shell having at least one open end concentrically disposed on said line of elongation and an integrally formed welding deformation detail disposed adjacent said opening, said welding deformation detail including an axially displaceable radially distended circumferential rib portion defining a first circumferential welding surface; a catalyst substrate inserted and housed within said shell; mat support material disposed between said catalyst substrate and said shell; an end cone concentrically aligned with the opening of said shell, said end cone forming a generally radially extending circumferential portion defining a second welding surface configured to matingly abut and axially displace said first welding surface of said rib portion; and a single circumferentially continuous deformation weldment interconnecting said end cone portion with the distended rib portion of said welding deformation detail; and an inlet tube comprising a radially outwardly extending circumferential rib portion, wherein an axial opening within said end cone is abutted and joined to said rib portion of said inlet tube by a second single continuous deformation weldment.