Reversing flow catalytic converter for internal combustion engine

Abstract

A compact reversing flow catalytic converter for reducing noxious substances in exhaust gases produced by internal combustion engines is described. The catalytic converter includes a valve unit which reversibly directs exhaust gases through a container filled with catalytic material. The container defines a U-shaped gas passage which communicates with two ports at a top of the container. The valve unit is mounted to the top of the container and includes an intake and an exhaust cavity. The valve unit includes a valve disk having two openings therethrough and rotates around a perpendicular central axis between a first and second position. In each position, each opening communicates only with one of the cavities and one of the ports. In the first position, the exhaust gases enter the exhaust cavity from an exhaust pipe and pass through one of the openings into the gas passage where they contact the catalytic material as they travel through the U-shaped gas passage and enter the exhaust cavity. In the second position, the two openings are rotated 90.degree. so that each opening communicates with the same cavity but a different one of the ports. Therefore, the gas flow through the U-shaped gas passage is reversed. The advantage is a compact, reliable, highly-efficient catalytic converter that is inexpensive to manufacture.