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  Generator set exhaust processing system and methodGenerator set exhaust processing system and method description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060094312, Generator set exhaust processing system and method. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/621,134 filed Oct. 22, 2004, entitled "Exhaust Processing Assembly for Marine Application". STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates generally to generator sets and, more particularly, to an exhaust possessing system for generator sets employed within watercraft such as pleasure boats. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] Watercraft such as sport boats, cruisers, sailboats, yachts, fishing boats, jet boats, and the like, commonly employ on-board generator sets (often referred to as "gensets") to generate electricity for use on the watercraft. The gensets typically include an alternator driven by a dedicated internal combustion engine. As with all internal combustion engines, the engines of gensets produce exhaust. This exhaust, if unprocessed, has various components that are undesirable for a number of reasons, such as potentially pollutive elements and undesirable smells. [0005] Despite these undesirable characteristics of exhaust, relatively few watercraft employ any exhaust-processing devices in conjunction with onboard gensets to eliminate or reduce the undesirable exhaust components from the exhaust being expelled into the environment. In fact, with the exception of watercraft employing gensets having high-power ratings (e.g., above 25 hp), conventional watercraft are not mandated by current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements to employ any exhaust-processing devices. [0006] Further, while some watercraft (particularly larger watercraft that employ high-power gensets) employ exhaust-processing devices, these devices are not readily applicable to smaller watercraft, particularly pleasurecraft because they add to the size and cost of the genset and present a relatively hot surface that cannot be adequately arranged within the confined spaces of smaller watercraft. That is, the exhaust emanating from gensets is typically at a high temperature and may reach temperatures of up to 1500 degrees F. Accordingly, the exhaust created by an individual genset can rapidly heat up an exhaust-processing device to present an external surface that is extremely hot, albeit, not as hot as the exhaust itself. In smaller watercraft, however, due to the relatively cramped quarters on the craft, it is difficult to arrange a genset and an associated exhaust-processing system so that people will not brush up against, or otherwise come into contact with, the heated surfaces of the system. [0007] It would therefore be desirable to provide a system and method for processing exhaust produced by a genset disposed on a watercraft. It would be further desirable to provide a system and method for processing exhaust produced by a watercraft genset to reduce undesirable components of the exhaust before the exhaust is expelled from the watercraft. It would also be desirable to provide a system and method for protecting against contact with heated surfaces of an exhaust-processing system associated with a genset disposed in a small watercraft, where people might come into contact with the exhaust-processing device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a system and method for processing exhaust produced by a watercraft genset to reduce undesirable components of the exhaust before the exhaust is expelled from the watercraft. Furthermore, a system and method protects the exhaust-processing system from presenting external surfaces with undesirable temperatures. [0009] In accordance with one embodiment, an exhaust processing device for implementation in a marine environment is disclosed. The exhaust processing device includes an inner tubular structure configured to receive exhaust gases from a generator set (genset) and communicate the exhaust gases therethrough. The exhaust processing device also includes an exhaust processing element mounted within the inner tubular structure to process the exhaust gases and an outer tubular structure mounted around the inner tubular structure to form an intermediate space therebetween. The exhaust processing device further includes at least one orifice through which to deliver a flow of water to the intermediate space to maintain the outer tubular structure at a temperature below a temperature of the exhaust processing element. [0010] In accordance with another embodiment, a genset assembly for use in a watercraft is disclosed. The genset assembly includes a genset having an alternator and an engine with an exhaust manifold. The genset assembly also includes an exhaust processing device coupled to the exhaust manifold of the engine. The exhaust processing device further includes an inner conduit to receive exhaust from the exhaust manifold at an input end and allow the exhaust to pass therefrom to an output end and an exhaust processing element positioned within the inner conduit to reduce undesirable exhaust components. Additionally, the exhaust processing device includes an outer conduit positioned about the inner conduit to define an intermediate space therebetween, wherein upon operation of the genset, a temperature of the outer conduit is maintained to be lower than a temperature of the inner conduit by a flow of water through the at least one intermediate space. [0011] In accordance with yet another embodiment, an exhaust processing device for implementation in a marine environment is disclosed. The exhaust processing device includes an inner passage to receive exhaust gases from a genset and communicate the exhaust gases to an output port. The exhaust processing device further includes an exhaust processing element mounted within the inner passage to reduce undesirable components in the exhaust and an outer wall of the exhaust processing device surrounding the inner passage. Additionally, the exhaust processing device includes an insulating passage arranged between the exhaust processing element and the outer wall to receive a flow of water therethrough. Furthermore, the exhaust processing device includes an insulating chamber arranged between the exhaust processing element and the outer wall and having a static insulating medium disposed therein, wherein the insulating passage and the insulating chamber work in concert to maintain a temperature of the outer wall that is substantially reduced from the operating temperature of the exhaust processing element. [0012] Various other features and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a watercraft having a generator set and exhaust-processing system in accordance with the present invention; [0014] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the generator set assembly with the exhaust processing device of FIG. 1, shown in greater detail; [0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one arrangement for the exhaust processing device of FIGS. 1-2; [0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another arrangement for the exhaust processing device of FIGS. 1-2; and [0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the communication of water through the generator set system with the exhaust processing device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Continue reading about Generator set exhaust processing system and method... Full patent description for Generator set exhaust processing system and method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Generator set exhaust processing system and method patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Generator set exhaust processing system and method or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Shift control mechanism for small watercraft Next Patent Application: Oar saddle Industry Class: Marine propulsion ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Generator set exhaust processing system and method patent info. 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