Patent ID: 7040088

Claim:
A catalytic converter assembly for use in an exhaust purification system for a diesel or other compression ignited engine to remove particulate and gaseous pollutants therefrom, said assembly comprising: a housing defining an exhaust inlet and an exhaust outlet, said housing having a first chamber and a second chamber; an catalytic element disposed within said second chamber of said housing between said inlet and said outlet such that upon communicating said inlet with the engine exhaust, the exhaust passes through said housing, through said first chamber and through said second chamber about said catalytic element therein; and a heating assembly situated in said first chamber of said housing for heating exhaust gases flowing therethrough between said inlet and said second chamber, said heating assembly operative to heat the exhaust to a temperature sufficient to initiate a catalytic reaction between the exhaust and said catalytic element and to incinerate particulate pollutants in the exhaust prior to said particulate pollutants contacting said catalytic element.