| 摘要 |
An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine adapted to correct the problem of pollution occurring at start-up and during at least initial engine running, and characterized by an electrically heatable catalytic converter and, desirably, a separate unheated conventional catalytic converter in tandem relation. The system also provides means for providing electrical power greater than 500 watts for 2 seconds or more whereby the temperature of the catalyst is raised and maintained at least 650 F. An advantage of preferred embodiments is that there is provided a substantially improved means for augmenting conventional catalytic converter exhaust systems for modern requirements by inserting in the exhaust system an electrically heatable catalytic converter for conversion of pollutant material operative prior to, during and after start-up. Power switching means are provided for heating an electrically heatable catalytic converter and are characterized by at least one actuatable solid state switch, preferably in combination with means for actuating said switches.
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