Abstract: A flange (62) includes a first flange section (64) configured for coupling with a first tube (102), and a second flange section (66) configured for coupling with a second tube (104). A first mating portion (70) of the first flange section (64) connects to a second mating portion (74) of the second flange section (66) to form the flange (62) for retaining the first tube (102) beside the second tube (104). The flange (62), first tube (102), and second tube (104) form a subassembly (100). The subassembly (100) is subsequently assembled so that a third tube (112) is retained in fluid communication with the first tube (102) and a fourth tube (114) is retained in fluid communication with the second tube (104) to form a tube joint assembly (110) for roughly parallel sets of tubes.

Abstract: A condenser system (20) includes a first header (26), a second header (28), and parallel tubes (30) extending between the headers (26, 28). A receiver (24), affixed to the second header (28), is in fluid communication with the second header (28). The receiver includes a body (32), a first cap (38) coupled to the body (32), and a second cap (42) coupled to the body. The condenser system (20) is subjected to a one-shot brazing process that nondetachably couples the receiver (24) to the second header (28), and concurrently nondetachably couples the first and second caps (38, 42) to the receiver body (32). A desiccant system (124) and/or filter (138) may be optionally installed into the receiver (24) prior to brazing.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to desiccant cartridges for use in R/Ds or accumulators canisters of automotive air conditioning systems. More specifically, this invention relates to a desiccant cartridge including a cup having inner and outer walls coaxially disposed wherein the inner wall defines an elongated center tube having opposing first and second ends. The first end of the center tube communicating with the outlet port in an R/D or accumulator canister to eliminate the fluid flow tube used therein.

Abstract: A receiver dryer mounting bracket (38) for a condenser system (20) includes a body (76) and an arm (78) coupled to and extending from the body (76). The body (76) has an opening (90) and seat sections (92, 94) positioned at opposing ends of a length of the opening (90). Flanges (71, 73) on inlet and outlet pipes (34, 36) of the condenser system (20) are seated in the seat sections (92, 94). An arcuate crimp section (102) of the body (76) is compressed to secure the inlet and outlet pipes (34, 36) in respective ones of the seat sections (92, 94) to form a pipe assembly (30). The pipe assembly (30) is coupled to a header (26) of the condenser system (20) prior to furnace brazing, and a receiver dryer (32) is subsequently mounted to the bracket (38).