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  Reversion control device for watercraft exhaust systemUSPTO Application #: 20080014807Title: Reversion control device for watercraft exhaust system Abstract: The present invention is a reversion control device including a housing with a proximal end and a distal end. The reversion control device further includes at least one reversion cone, a stationary vane and a flapper. In one example, the reversion control device includes an oxygen sensor for monitoring the oxygen content of the engine for routine operations or for diagnostic purposes. In an example, the housing includes an expansion chamber to house the reversion cone, the stationary vane and the flapper. In another example, the stationary vane is housed within the reversion cone. In yet another example, the reversion control device is integrated within an exhaust manifold elbow. (end of abstract) Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP - Irvine, CA, US Inventors: Edward Auck, Robert M. Kelly USPTO Applicaton #: 20080014807 - Class: 44008900R (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080014807. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/401,627, filed Apr. 10, 2006. FIELD [0002] The field of the present invention relates generally to watercraft exhaust systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device attached to the exhaust system for controlling water reversion back to the engine. BACKGROUND [0003] In a typical motorized watercraft, the exhaust system includes an exhaust manifold elbow. The exhaust manifold elbow includes an exhaust gas passage and a water passage with the two passages juxtaposed. Exhaust gas from the engine exits the exhaust system through the exhaust gas passage. Water from the lake or ocean, injected into the exhaust system for cooling the running engine, passes near the exhaust gas passage, where it further cools the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas and cooling water exit the elbow mixing area of the exhaust manifold elbow and are mixed with each other. Ideally, both are then expelled. [0004] In motorized watercraft, portions of the exhaust system can be immersed in the water (e.g., lake or ocean) while the engine is running. This arrangement may cause water to move back towards the engine through the gas passage. This is known as water reversion. Water reversion is undesirable for many reasons. Water in the engine may damage it. Water reversion may also decrease engine performance and increase fuel consumption since water moving upstream through the gas passage impedes the flow of exhaust exiting from the engine. In addition, reversion of cooling water may also occur to cause the above-mentioned problems, even in exhaust systems where the exhaust ejection point is not immersed in water so long as the system uses water for cooling the engine and/or exhaust gas. [0005] Watercraft exhaust manufacturers have attempted several solutions to the problem of water reversion, such as placing a stationary, semi-perforated cap-like structure or a stationary plate in the exhaust manifold elbow area. While these attempted solutions may prevent some amount of water backflow, they also have the tendency to impede the flow of exhaust gas out of the exhaust system. Impeding exhaust gas flow decreases performance and increases fuel consumption. [0006] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a device for controlling water reversion without decreasing engine performance or increasing fuel consumption. SUMMARY [0007] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a reversion control device comprising a housing with a proximal end and a distal end; a first reversion cone housed in the housing; and a flapper housed in the housing. In one embodiment, the reversion control device further comprises a stationary vane housed in the housing. In another embodiment, the reversion control device further comprises a second reversion cone housed in the housing. [0008] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a reversion control device comprising a housing with a proximal end, a distal end and an expansion chamber, a first reversion cone housed within the expansion chamber near the distal end; a stationary vane housed within the expansion chamber near the distal end; and a flapper housed within the expansion chamber near the proximal end. In one embodiment, the reversion control device further comprises a second reversion cone housed near the proximal end. [0009] According to another aspect, the present invention provides an exhaust system for controlling water reversion comprising a reversion control device comprising a housing with a proximal end, a distal end, and an expansion chamber between the proximal end and the distal end; a first reversion cone housed within the expansion chamber; a stationary vane housed within the expansion chamber; and a flapper housed within the expansion chamber; at least one exhaust mixture hose support attached to the reversion control device on the housing; and an exhaust mixture hose coupled to at least one exhaust mixture hose support, the exhaust mixture hose surrounding the reversion control device. In one embodiment, the reversion control device further comprises a second reversion cone housed within the expansion chamber. [0010] According to another aspect, the present invention provides an exhaust manifold elbow comprising a reversion control device housed within the exhaust manifold elbow, the reversion control device comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a first reversion cone housed near the distal end, a stationary vane housed near the distal end, and a flapper housed near the proximal end. In one embodiment, the reversion control device further comprises a diffuser edge housed near the distal end. In another embodiment, the reversion control device further comprises a second reversion cone housed near the proximal end. [0011] According to another aspect, the present invention provides an exhaust manifold elbow comprising a reversion control device housed within the exhaust manifold elbow, the reversion control device comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an expansion chamber between the distal end and the proximal end, a first reversion cone housed within the expansion chamber, a stationary vane housed within the expansion chamber, a flapper housed within the expansion chamber, and a second reversion cone housed in the proximal direction of the exhaust manifold elbow. [0012] Other embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various embodiments are shown and described by way of illustration. The drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1a shows the reversion control device next to an exhaust manifold elbow. [0014] FIG. 1b shows another embodiment of the reversion control device. [0015] FIG. 2a is a side view of an exhaust manifold elbow. [0016] FIG. 2b is the bottom view of the exhaust manifold elbow shown in FIG. 2a. [0017] FIGS. 2c and 2d are the side view and bottom view, respectively, of an alternatively shaped exhaust manifold elbow. [0018] FIGS. 2e and 2f are the side view and bottom view, respectively, of yet another alternatively shaped exhaust manifold elbow. [0019] FIG. 3a is a front view of the stationary vane. [0020] FIG. 3b shows the blades of the stationary vane. Continue reading... Full patent description for Reversion control device for watercraft exhaust system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Reversion control device for watercraft exhaust system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. 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