Emissions control system for an automotive vehicle or the like
An emissions control system is described for eliminating or substantially reducing the levels of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and other noxious components in the exhaust gas flow from the internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle to permissible levels. The system includes a reaction device adapted to be connected to the exhaust gas flow from the engine and having one or more ceramic reaction elements therein which cause the undesirable components in the exhaust gas flow to oxidize, disassociate or otherwise become innocuous before being discharged into the atmosphere. An engine driven air pump supplies air under pressure to the reaction device, and a spark plug is mounted in the device and connected to a suitable high voltage source so that a spark is maintained across the electrodes of the spark plug when the engine of the vehicle is either cold or idling, or when the vehicle is decelerating. An electrical circuit controls the operation of the high voltage source, such circuit including a thermal switch responsive to the operating temperature of the engine and a normally closed push button switch positioned so as to respond to movement of the accelerator pedal or throttle linkage of the engine. The emissions control system also includes a distributor rotor having an auxiliary contact arm which causes the spark plugs of the engine to fire a second time during the operating cycle of the respective cylinders, such second firing occurring at or near the beginning of the exhaust strokes of the pistons of the respective cylinders.
- Assignee:
- TIC; EDB-77-018527; ERA-02-014026
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3973916
- OSTI ID:
- 7343445
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Transient fuel injection
Ignition and Fuel Control System for Internal Combustion Engines
Related Subjects
330701* -- Emission Control-- Nitrogen Oxides
330702 -- Emission Control-- Carbon Monoxide
330704 -- Emission Control-- Hydrocarbons
AFTERBURNERS
AIR
AUTOMOBILES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DESIGN
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC SPARKS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
EXHAUST GASES
FLUIDS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
HYDROCARBONS
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MIXING
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT
VEHICLES
WASTES