catalytic converter

A catalytic converter automobiles in the (colloquially, 'cat' or 'catcon') is a device used to reduce the toxicity of emissions from an internal combustion engine. First widely introduced on series-productionUS market for the 1975 model year to comply with tightening EPA regulations on auto exhaust, catalytic converters are still most commonly used in motor vehicle exhaust systems. Catalytic converters are also used on generator sets, forklifts, mining equipment, trucks, buses, trains, and other engine-equipped machines. A catalytic converter provides an environment for a chemical reaction wherein toxic combustion byproducts are converted to less-toxic gases. The catalytic converter was invented at Trinity College (Connecticut).