Patent ID: 8297048

Claim:
An apparatus for supporting a catalyst in an internal combustion engine, the apparatus comprising: a mounting bracket comprising a first plate coupled to a base surface of an engine block of the engine, the mounting bracket further comprising a second plate coupled to and extending substantially transversely away from the first plate; at least one receptacle coupled to the second plate, the at least one receptacle comprising an elongate cylindrically-shaped tube, the at least one receptacle having a length greater than a thickness of the second plate, wherein the at least one receptacle extends lengthwise in a direction substantially parallel to the first plate; at least one elastomeric material positioned within the elongate cylindrically-shaped tube of the at least one receptacle, the elastomeric material having a length at least as long as the length of the at least one receptacle, the elastomeric material defining an elongate channel extending the length of the elastomeric material; and at least one support rod coupled between the mounting bracket and a housing of the catalyst, such that the catalyst is coupled to and supported by the base surface of the engine block, the at least one support rod comprising a first end portion seated within the elongate channel of the elastomeric material and a second end portion attached to the housing; wherein the at least one support rod is curved to allow desired placement of the mounting bracket with respect to the engine block.