Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a heat exchanger tube (14) for a heat exchanger (10) in which a continuous insert (26), having convolutes transverse to the length of the tube are located into a continuous shell as the shell is being formed. After placing the insert (26) into the partially open shell, the shell is closed and sealed as it passes through a bonding device (64) to seal the longitudinal edges of the shell to each other and the insert to the internal walls of the tube. The continuous shell with the inserted fin insert is subsequently sliced to produce individual cooling tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (10) having a pair of spatially separated manifolds (12 and 14) interconnected by a plurality of transverse tubes (16). The ends of the tubes are attached to a plurality of manifold inserts (20) slidably received in the manifolds. The lengths of the individual manifold inserts may be controlled to adjust the pitch and the number of the transverse tubes. The heat exchanger configuration is ideally suited for fabricating low production runs and prototype heat exchangers.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (10) assembly with a first header (12), a second header (14), a plurality of seamed or folded type heat exchanger tubes (18) extending between the two headers (12, 14), and a plurality of heat exchanger fins (16). Each of the plurality of fins (16) has between 0.01% and 0.9% magnesium to improve the braze between the header (12, 14) and tube joint and the tube seam to inner surface joint (140). Additionally, the headers (12, 14) have a cladded inner surface with between about 0% to about 12.6% silicon to improve the braze at the tube-to-header joint.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly with a first header, a second header, a plurality of seamed or folded type heat exchanger tubes extending between the two headers, and a plurality of heat exchanger fins. Each of the plurality of fins has between 0.01% and 0.9% magnesium to improve the braze between the header and tube joint and the tube seam to inner surface joint. Additionally, the headers have a cladded inner surface with between about 0% to about 12.6% silicon to improve the braze at the tube-to-header joint.

Abstract: A block adapted to be joined to a manifold for a heat exchanger by brazing or an equivalent method includes a block body having a protrusion. The block body has an engagement surface to be deployed in cooperation with the outer surface of the manifold. The protrusion extends from the engagement surface, and includes a neck and a flange extending from the neck. The flange is sized so as to be inserted through a locating aperture in the manifold. The neck is sized so as to define an annular space between the neck and the aperture when the flange is inserted through the aperture. The block body is peripherally movable with respect to the manifold toward a secured position, after insertion. The flange engages the inner surface of the manifold and secures the block to the manifold in the secured position prior to joining the block thereto.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, method of manufacturing, and manufacturing apparatus including at least one row of flattened tubes along which a heat exchange medium may pass. A serpentine fin is supported between adjacent tubes. The fin defines a plurality of louvers therein, each louver forming an elongated slit. A fluid to be heated or cooled by the medium may pass through the slit. A corrugated edge is formed upon one or more of the louvers for creating turbulence in the fluid. This turbulence disturbs laminar flow of the fluid across the associated louver and promotes a transfer of thermal energy between the medium in the tubes and the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively orienting consecutive fin strips relative to one another as a preliminary step in the manufacture of a heat exchanger includes a sensor for sensing the presence of each of a series of fin strips all having a common orientation relative to one another. The apparatus includes an orienting member which receives signals from the sensor as to the presence of each fin strip and rotates each consecutive fin strips in alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise directions to orient consecutive fin strips 180.degree. relative to each adjacent fin strip.