Silencing apparatus in exhaust systems for reducing the noise emitted by mainly internal combustion engines.

Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust. Here the main apparatus are particulate filters, absorbents and other catalytic reactors. The means can also be merely an electric discharge or

the addition of air or liquids.

Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy, mainly the devices using exhaust heat.

Electrical control, monitoring or diagnostic of exhaust gas treating apparatus.

Other constructional features common to the above apparatus or the exhaust conduits including manufacture, assembly, disassembly or material selection.

Filters having details, such that they can also be used in fields other than internal combustion engines should be classified in B01D 46/00 as well. A similar relationship exists with B01D 53/00 regarding catalysts, see the next section for more details.

When the regeneration of a filter or catalyst is done only by modifying engine parameters, e.g. injection time delay, exhaust/intake valve timing, the document should be classified in F02D 41/02 instead. When it is not specified how the regeneration is performed, the document should be classified both in F01N as well as in F02D 41/02.

Regarding the arrangement of reducing agent tanks, (mainly urea), in the vehicle, this arrangement should be classified in B60K 15/00 as well as in F01N.

General details of exhaust pipe couplings or flexible exhaust pipes should always be classified by F16L as well as in F01N.

The treatment of recirculated exhaust gases (EGR) should be classified only in the F02M 26/00, unless the exhaust purifier also treats exhaust which is not recirculated.

Although not compulsory in many cases the classification of additional information, e.g. the type of catalyst, is very useful for retrieving the document. For example:

If the document discloses mainly the arrangement for the supply of a reducing means, covered in detail under F01N 2610/00 - F01N 2610/14 to an exhaust purifier, but the specific type of exhaust purifier is not clearly defined. For example, it can be a particulate filter or a SCR catalyst, then an entry should be given for both type of devices.

All types of silencing apparatus for reducing or controlling the noise in exhaust emitted by internal combustion engines. The silencing apparatus are divided mainly in two types: resonance and throttling. Under resonance the definition is that the exhaust gas does not flow through the resonator chamber or pipe, only the sound waves do. Most common resonators are Helmholtz chambers and 1/4 wave pipes. On the other hand under throttling the definition is that the exhaust gas has to flow through the throttling chamber or pipe. Most common throttling method is using an expansion chamber. Note that nowadays both types can be combined together in a single silencer. Further silencing effect is achieved adding a sound absorbing material to the chambers or pipes.

Some samples of subgroups

F01N 1/081 - by passing the gases through a mass of particles

F01N 1/082 - the gases passing through porous members

F01N 1/083 - using transversal baffles defining a tortuous path for the gases or successively throttling gas flow

F01N 1/084 - the gases flowing through the silencer two or more times longitudinally in opposite directions, e.g. using parallel or concentric tubes

F01N 1/085 - using a central core throttling gas passage

F01N 1/086 - having means to impart whirling motion to the gases

F01N 1/087 - using tangential inlets into a circular chamber

F01N 1/088 - using vanes arranged on gas flow path or gas flow tubes with tangentially directed apertures

F01N 1/089 - using two or more expansion chambers in series

F01N 1/16

Movable parts are provided for regulation purposes, this is the place to classify them. The only exception are the exhaust brakes, which are classified in F02D 9/00 and subgroups. Examples of the subgroups under F01N 1/16:

F01N 1/165 - for adjusting flow area, e.g. by means of a valve

F01N 1/166 - for changing gas flow path through the silencer or for adjusting the dimensions of a chamber or a pipe

The most active subgroups in F01N 1/00 are the resonance F01N 1/02 - F01N 1/04 and the throttling or whirling F01N 1/08 - F01N 1/125. Resonance is achieved by placing a chamber or a channel which although in communication with the exhaust flow, the exhaust does not flow through the resonance chamber or channel. Nowadays most silencers have a combination of the above two types of silencing methods. In this latter case, such a document is classified in both subgroups.

Some documents do not mention the term resonance or tuning for a dead chamber. These documents are classified either in F01N 1/003 or in F01N 1/24.

Combination of silencers with catalysts in a single housing F01N 3/2885;

Combination of silencers with filters in a single housing F01N 3/0335;

Combination of silencers with other devices, should be in F01N 2230/00.

It is mandatory that the remaining details of the silencers, must be classified in the following codes:

F01N 2210/00 until F01N 2210/06 for the combination of silencing methods;

F01N 2230/00 until F01N 2230/08 for the combination of silencers and other devices; F01N 2290/00 until F01N 2290/10 for movable parts or members in exhaust systems for other than for control purposes;

F01N 2470/00 until F01N 2470/30 for the structure or shape of gas passages, pipes or tubes; F01N 2490/00 till F01N 2490/20 for the structure, disposition or shape of gas-chambers; F01N 2310/00 until F01N 2310/14 or F01N 2450/06 for the filling of chambers with sound absorbing material;

F01N 2590/00 till F01N 2590/08 for the particular use, that is, the type of vehicle or machine.

Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust. Here one can find mainly apparatus as particulate filters, absorbents and other catalytic reactors. Their arrangement or particular sequence in the exhaust line can be found here.

The means for purifying can also be merely an electric discharge or the addition of air for cooling or heating. The means can also be the addition of liquids for treating the exhaust gases without any catalyst reactor.

The systems of adding fuel or reducing agent to the exhaust are also classified here.

Documents concerning mainly material details of ceramic honeycombs should be classified in C04B 35/00 or C04B 38/00, a code F01N 3/0222 is given to this type of documents.

Chemical or biological purification of engine exhaust gases: B01D 53/92. Catalysts, in general, characterised by their form or physical properties: B01J 35/00.

When the regeneration is done only by modifying engine parameters, e.g. injection time delay, exhaust/intake valve timing, the document should be classified in F02D 41/02. The class F01N 3/023 should not be given in this case.

Regeneration or desulfurization of the absorbent is done only by modifying engine parameters, the document should be classified in F02D 41/0275.

Regarding insulation mats for particulate filters or catalyst housings, note that

complex machining procedures therefore should be sent to B21D. Complex details of the mat material, e.g. ceramic fiber type are in C04B 35/00, non woven fabric and needle punching are in D04H 1/00. In these latter cases the codes F01N 3/2842 - F01N 3/2871 should be given instead.

Regarding details of arrangements for supplying fuel or reducing agent. Tanks containing reducing agent should also be classified in B60K 15/00 when there are important details about the position of reducing agent tank in relation to parts of the vehicle structure or in relation to the main fuel tank.

General heating pipes are in F16L 53/30; Electrically conducting hoses in F16L 11/127; General ohmic resistance heating hoses in H05B 3/58; Coupling devices in H01R 13/00.

When classifying in the bypass groups F01N 3/031, F01N 3/032, F01N 3/0878, F01N 3/2053 the more detailed bypass codes F01N 2410/00 till F01N 2410/14 should be given as well.

F01N 3/01

This subgroup handles devices physically separating particles, while F01N 3/0892 - Electric or magnetic treatment - concerns devices changing the gas structure at molecular level.

F01N 3/021

Combination of filter with a catalyst F01N 3/035, when the catalyst is coated then in F01N 2510/06. Except when disclosed that the catalyst is used to produce NO₂ upstream of the filter (CRT), then it should be classified in F01N 3/0231. Be aware that many documents of this type are in still in F01N 3/035. Combination of filter with an absorbent should be in F01N 3/0821, preferably when in the same housing or coated on the filter.

F01N 3/022

This subgroup should be given as well as the more detailed Indexing Code F01N 2330/00 till F01N 2330/60- structure of catalyst support or particle filter.

F01N 3/0222

Detailed features of honeycombs, such as partition walls and special geometry is classified in F01N 2330/30 till F01N 2330/60, these documents should also be classified in B01D 46/2403 which has a deeper index.

F01N 3/023 - F01N 3/032

These subgroups should be given in combination with F01N 9/002 every time that the document concerns the control of the filter regeneration. If the document shows several means to regenerate the filter, without going into detail in any of them, they should be classified as additional information.

F01N 3/035

For catalysed diesel particulate filters, not to be used for catalytic coatings applied on filters to lower soot ignition temperature or otherwise promote soot ignition. Instead, use F01N 3/023 and F01N 2510/065. When catalyst oxidizes NOx to NO₂ then F01N 3/0231.

F01N 3/04

Using liquids without chemical reactions directly involved, mostly water. Therefore reducing means and fuel are not classified here as explained further. Other provisions for cooling see F01N 2260/024.

F01N 3/05

Using air without chemical reactions directly involved. Not for the arrangements for the supply of additional air for the thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust which should be in F01N 3/30 and subgroups; the control of additional air F01N 3/22. Mixing exhaust with air in tailpipes F01N 13/082 . Other provisions for cooling see F01N 2260/022.

F01N 3/0807

Using absorbents or adsorbents, while the substance to be eliminated after being absorbed is classified in F01N 3/0828.

F01N 3/0814 is to be used for devices where substances intended to be eliminated, e.g. NOx, are being absorbed and catalytically treated. Not to be used for the, e.g. temporary, trapping of other substances, e.g. oxygen or ammonia, during the course of elimination of the intended substance(s) . These other substances should be codified using F01N 2570/00 codes.

Arrangements for adding fuel to absorbent are classified in F01N 3/36 and under F01N 2610/00 - F01N 2610/14

F01N 3/0871

Is used for the control of the regeneration of the absorbent, e.g. for releasing stored NOx. While desulfurization of NOx traps is classified in F01N 3/0885

The remaining control details are classified under the subgroups of F01N 2900/00.

F01N 3/0892

Electric or magnetic treatment, e.g. dissociation of noxious components. Mostly by corona discharge. Note that, electric filters are in F01N 3/01; regeneration of exhaust filters F01N 3/023; heating catalytic converters is in F01N 3/2006.

F01N 3/206

Mainly adding substances to exhaust gases for promoting purification, e.g. catalytic material in liquid form other than NOx reducing agents, see F01N 3/2066 for Selective Catalytic Reduction.

A reclassification work is being performed and still contains documents that should be in F01N 3/2066. Not to be used for adding fuel to the exhaust gases to promote heating up of catalyst, e.g. at cold start. Herefore use F01N 3/2033.

F01N 3/2066

Selective Catalytic Reduction

Not complete, reclassification work is being performed, some documents are still classified under F01N 3/206. In F01N 3/2073 the

means for generating a reducing substance from the exhaust gases is normally a NOx absorbent/reducing catalyst. An ammonia generator is classified in F01N 2240/25. When the control of the dosing of the reducing agent is relevant the subgroup F01N 3/208 is given, where the remaining control details are classified under F01N 2900/00.

Details of arrangements for supplying substances other than fuel, like ammonia or urea are also classified here. Under arrangements is to be understood: pumps, valves, conduits, nozzles, injectors. These details are classified in more detail under F01N 2610/00 - F01N 2610/14.

F01N 3/22

Control of additional air supply, as this is a control group, the remaining control details are classified under F01N 2900/00

F01N 3/26

Construction of thermal reactors, old technology for afterburning of exhaust gases, normally without using a catalyst. Supply of fuel to these reactors only is also included in this group.

F01N 3/28

Construction of catalytic reactors, all other details not covered by any of the subgroups of F01N 3/28 are classified in this group, e.g. radial flow or a tapered catalyst carrier.

The following codes should be given when possible in combination with this subgroup: F01N 2330/00 till F01N 2330/60, F01N 2350/00 - F01N 2350/08, F01N 2370/00 - F01N 2370/40, F01N 2450/00 - F01N 2450/40 or F01N 2510/00 till F01N 2510/14.

When a mat can be used either in filter or a catalyst between the monolithic body and housing it is classified in F01N 3/2842 till F01N 3/2853 and not in F01N 3/0211. In F01N 3/2842 till F01N 3/2853 are to be found mats having a special shape or arrangement in the honeycomb housing. Simple methods of fitting the honeycomb in the housing should be in F01N 2350/02,

F01N 3/36

Details of arrangements for supplying fuel, like pumps, tanks, valves, conduits, nozzles, injectors, should be classified here as well. These details are classified in more detail under F01N 2610/00 till F01N 2610/14.

Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy; Use of the heat of exhaust gases to heat a fluid for other vehicle purposes; to generate electricity in a thermoelectric device.

Methods of controlling exhaust gas treating apparatus. Under F01N 9/00 is classified the control of devices not provided elsewhere.

SCR control is already in F01N 3/208 and the control of the exhaust side regeneration of a filter is already in F01N 9/002.

Examples of other apparatus or devices are NOx absorbers, oxidation catalysts, an exhaust heater or a bypass valve [also give the respective bypass symbol, e.g. F01N 3/2053 or F01N 3/0878.

Monitoring or diagnostic devices for exhaust-gas treatment apparatus, e.g. for catalytic activity; Only the monitoring and diagnosing. Diagnosis is meant when no changes are introduced in the exhaust apparatus or to the flow, instead an alarm or warning is given or an interruption of a control routine is performed, e.g. a regeneration that is stopped as a consequence of the diagnosis.

It can happen that a document is classified in both groups, when an apparatus or an exhaust gas property is monitored and the results are used to introduce complex changes in the control routine of the exhaust apparatus or to the exhaust flow.

When classifying in the F01N 11/00 group, when appropriate, the codes F01N 2550/00 - F01N 2550/22 should be given, to classify the type of apparatus or device being diagnosed.

Joints and assembling details of exhaust parts inside a housing or between exhaust conduits. Selection of particular materials, thermal insulation details, special arrangement of the exhaust conduits or devices on the vehicle or engine. Exhaust manifolds. Exhaust details of engines adapted for particular uses, model applications, marine propulsion.

Regarding F01N 13/001, passages inside the cylinder head should be classified in F02F 1/00 and not in this subclass.

Regarding F01N 13/008 the construction details of a sensor itself are in G01N. Sensor arrangements in the exhaust of combustion engines, e.g. for temperature, misfire, air/fuel ratio, oxygen sensors: F02B 77/086.

Regarding F01N 13/007, the intake silencers are in F02M 35/12 and silencing methods are to be classified also using F01N 1/00 and below.

Regarding F01N 13/14 other thermal insulation: mats or gaskets between catalyst or filter and housing, F01N 3/2839 or F01N 3/0211;Thermal or acoustic insulation of combustion engines: F02B 77/11; Insulating elements, e.g. for sound or heat insulation, for vehicles B60R 13/08 and below; for mounting around heat sources, e.g. exhaust pipes: B60R 13/0876; Heat shields for motor vehicles: B62D 25/2072;Thermal insulation in general: F16L 59/00; Means for preventing radiation, e.g. with metal foil: F16L 59/08; Arrangements for the insulation of pipes or pipe systems: F16L 59/14 and below.

F01N 13/002, here are mostly uses not covered by the more detailed F01N 2590/00 and below. With the exception of some portable devices, like chainsaws that are still remaining in F01N 13/002.

F01N 13/004, this subgroup goes parallel with F01N 13/12, submerged exhausting. Treating exhaust by using liquids: F01N 3/04.

F01N 13/008, to describe type of sensor use F01N 2560/00 and subcodes. Fitting exhaust sensors, add F01N 2450/10 ,

F01N 13/02 and F01N 13/04 are for silencers only other apparatus, like filters, absorbents and catalysts are in F01N 13/02 - F01N 13/04.

F01N 13/08, pipe details, curvature, deformation, special position of pipe in relation to a vehicle part, further details should be also classified in F01N 2470/00 and below.

F01N 13/082 , this subgroup crosses sometimes with the subgroup F01N 13/20. However F01N 13/20 should be used only for the bell-shaped or flared outlet shape. The rest should be classified here in F01N 13/082 . In case of doubt some documents were classified in both groups.

F01N 13/12, see above reference to F01N 13/004.

F01N 13/16, more specific material should be classified in F01N 2530/00 and below.

F01N 13/1805 connections of exhaust manifolds, exhaust pipes or pipe sections outside of the housing of a silencer of purifier, should be classified here, in contrast with F01N 13/1838.

F01N 13/1838, here are the connections regarding the inside of the housing of a silencer of purifier. That is the connection between housing and tubes, tubes and baffles, in contrast with F01N 13/1805, see above.

F01N 13/20, see above references to F01N 13/082.