Patent ID: 8201395

Claim:
A variable position catalyst assembly, comprising: a connector element ( 39 ) that comprises an opening in an exhaust gas passage portion ( 34 ) disposed between an inlet ( 45 ) and an outlet ( 36 ), the opening shaped to accommodate a catalyst body ( 1 ) held by a cradle ( 5 ) and the portion ( 34 ) shaped to accommodate the catalyst body ( 1 ) held by the cradle ( 5 ) in an active catalyst position ( 35 ) and the inlet ( 45 ) and the outlet ( 36 ) shaped to connect to exhaust gas piping wherein cross-sectional shape of the exhaust gas passage portion ( 34 ) differs from cross-sectional shape of the inlet ( 45 ) and cross-sectional shape of the outlet ( 36 ); a catalyst housing ( 7 ) configured to mount to the connector element ( 39 ) and to accommodate, in an inactive catalyst position ( 14 ), the catalyst body ( 1 ) held by the cradle ( 5 ); and an actuator member ( 9 ) that comprises a mounting element ( 13 ) for mounting of the cradle ( 5 ) and for moving the catalyst body ( 1 ) held by the cradle ( 5 ) with respect to the catalyst housing ( 7 ) such that the catalyst body ( 1 ) can be moved to the active catalyst position ( 35 ) or to the inactive catalyst position ( 14 ), wherein the cradle ( 5 ) comprises plates ( 2 , 3 ) and posts ( 4 ) connecting the plates ( 2 , 3 ) and wherein, in the inactive catalyst position ( 14 ), one of the plates ( 2 ) covers the opening in the exhaust gas passage portion ( 34 ) of the connector element ( 39 ).