Abstract A device for filtering and collecting noxious gases and particulate solids produced from the combustion of an internal combustion engine preferably in the form of a muffler or the like having a generally annular elongate housing provided with an inlet and outlet. The structure includes as an essential element a helical flow-directional member disposed axially through the housing for directing flow of exhaust gases and other products generally radially outwardly and forwardly. A filter sleeve medium surrounds the axially disposed helical member and is preferably of a predetermined substantially star cross-sectional shape extending longitudinally throughout the greater part of the length of the housing and delivering to a final secondary filter medium which includes replaceable transversely disposed elements through which exhaust gases must pass before being discharged from the device. The secondary filter medium, as well as the filter sleeve, is also preferably replaceable.
The structure and combination defined in claim 1 wherein, said filter enclosure terminates some distance short of the outlet end of said housing and wherein said filter enclosure has open ends auxiliary filtering media interposed between said terminating end of said filter enclosure and the outlet of said housing comprising a reinforced porous annular filter extending concentrically in spaced relation with the interior of said housing and with the periphery of said flow direction member and having communication at its forward end with the rear ends of said pockets and having also communication for receiving centrifugally and radially, material from the rear portion of said flow direction member, the outer end of said annular filter also having communication with the reduced outlet of said housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
The structure and combination defined in claim 1 wherein, said filter enclosure comprises a stiff, reinforcing netting having a cross-sectional configuration of substantially star shape, and means for removably mounting said netting from the ends thereof within said tubular housing, and said filter enclosure comprising a layer of porous, absorbent filtering material substantially covering said netting and supported thereby, said netting, with said covering, being longitudinally removable through an end of said housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The structure and combination set forth in claim 3 wherein, said porous filter material of said layer is selected from the group consisting of calcium sulphate, activated carbon, shavings and fibers of the metals aluminum, iron and copper, and calcium carbonate.