Abstract: A heat exchange panel having a desired system of internal tubular passageways is described, wherein the internal passageways include opposed headers connected by connecting portions of said passageways extending therebetween. The headers are designed to provide uniform fluid distribution and to enable efficient drainage of fluid from the unit, including any entrapped gases.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for forming an opening in a composite metal panel. The edge of the panel is hammered to delineate a bond interface. The hammering includes both moving a hammering member to and fro against the edge while simultaneously rocking the member about the edge. This provides improved delineation of the bond interface for further processing.

Abstract: A heat exchanger panel having a desired system of tubular passageways having a heat exchange medium wherein said panel includes opposed headers including island-like bonded portions and said passageways have entry and exit portions extending from said headers to provide ingress and egress openings for said heat exchange medium. The headers include as part of the island-like bonded portions alphanumeric bonded portions to assist in properly installing the panel within a complete solar collector assembly.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a desired system of tubular passageways for a heat exchange medium defining opposed headers connected by connecting portions of said passageways extending therebetween, said passageways having entry and exit portions extending from said headers to provide ingress and egress openings for said heat exchange medium, wherein said tubular passageways comprise a plurality of island-like distentions connected by a plurality of tubular channels passing therebetween, said tubular channels positioned with their longitudinal axes at an angle to both the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of said panel, said distentions and tubular channels serving to enhance resistance to bending under mechanical stress and reduce the incidence of failure at fluid temperature near or at their freezing point.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system including at least one heat exchange panel posessing a system of internal tubular passageways defining opposed headers connected by connecting portions of said passageways extending therebetween, said passageways including entry and exit portions extending from opposing ends of said headers to provide ingress and egress openings for a heat exchange medium. The panels include at least one internal, second passageway adjacent and in juxtaposition to said internal tubular passageways but spaced therefrom and independent therefrom.

Abstract: A heat exchange panel possessing a system of internal tubular passageways connecting opposed headers, said headers defining an angle of at least 91.degree. with respect to the direction of flow of heat exchange medium passing therethrough, wherein said headers are triangular in shape and wherein fluid entry and exit portions extending from said headers are provided with their longitudinal dimensions lying in substantially the same plane as one of the sides defining the outer boundaries of said headers. Said headers are further provided with a plurality of bonded portions placed in alignment so as to define discrete, parallel-directed fluid channels assisting in the distribution of heat exchange fluid. The configuration of the headers provides improved and efficient drainage of fluid from the panel.

Abstract: A heat exchange panel possessing a system of internal tubular passageways connecting opposed headers, wherein said headers define an angle of at least 91.degree. with respect to the direction of flow of a heat exchange medium passing therethrough, and said passageways are disposed at an angle of at least 1.degree. with respect to said flow, said flow defined with respect to a longitudinal edge of said panel. The disposition of the headers and passageways provides improved and efficient drainage of fluid from the panel regardless of whether the longitudinal dimension of the panel is placed in the horizontal or the vertical plane.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of hollow articles comprising providing a first sheet of metal, placing on said first sheet a weld-inhibiting material in a pattern corresponding to a predetermined configuration of fluid passageways, forming an assembly by superimposing a second sheet of metal upon the surface of said first sheet bearing said pattern, pressure welding said assembly in the areas thereof not separated by weld-inhibiting material, and expanding the areas separated by said weld-inhibiting material, wherein the weld-inhibiting pattern provided is so configured that when said assembly is expanded, a marker structure is formed which is situated so as to guide the determination of the final linear dimensions of said article. The foregoing marker enables the rapid, automated sizing of articles such as heat exchange panels produced by the above process.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a desired system of tubular passageways for a heat exchange medium defining opposed headers connected by connecting portions of said passageways extending therebetween, said passageways having entry and exit portions extending from said headers to provide ingress and egress openings for said heat exchange medium, wherein said headers include a fluid distributing pattern comprising at least one bonded portion defining at least one wedge-shaped projection, said projection provided to assist in the distribution of flow of said heat exchange medium.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of hollow articles comprising providing a first sheet of metal, placing on said first sheet a weld-inhibiting material in a pattern corresponding to a predetermined configuration of fluid passageways, forming an assembly by superimposing a second sheet of metal upon the surface of said first sheet bearing said pattern, pressure welding said assembly in the areas thereof not separated by weld-inhibiting material, and expanding the areas separated by said weld-inhibiting material, wherein the weld-inhibiting pattern provided is so configured that when said assembly is expanded, a marker structure is formed which is situated so as to guide the determination of the final linear dimensions of said article. The foregoing marker enables the rapid, automated sizing of articles such as heat exchange panels produced by the above process.