Abstract: A core builder machine (10), including an elongated table (12) on which the cores are supported and transferred to the various assembly portions of the machine (10). A plurality of heat exchanger tubes (18) are fed from a tube magazine (16) by a tube dispenser assembly (14) onto the table (12) where they are indexed and adapted to receive a plurality of serpentine fins (36) between a pair of adjacent tubes (18) to form an intermediate core assembly (42). The intermediate core assembly (42) is transferred downstream by a plurality of slides (56, 58) to a core compression section (70) where the intermediate core assembly (42) is compressed. After the intermediate assembly (42) is compressed the header attachment mechanism (75) moves into contact with the sides (56, 58) of the core to attach the headers and form a completed core assembly (110) that can be removed and then brazed.

Abstract: A gas cylinder with internal time delay which is entirely self contained within the cylinder. A valve pin that controls communication between the two sides of the piston through one or more a one-way valves in the piston. As each piston is moved by a die into the cylinder body, it exposes a portion of reduced cross section on a valve pin and gas flows through a one way valve such that the effective area of the piston is reduced. When the die moves away from the workpiece, a time delay occurs and the piston is delayed until the piston moves upwardly and closes communication between the sides of the piston.

Abstract: A machine for corrugating preformed plates that form the core element of a heat exchanger. A fold forming mechanism imparts an initial fold in the deformable links joining a series of preformed plates received from an external source. A gathering mechanism gathers the folded series of preformed plates to produce a flow of pairs of mating plates. Precut lengths of corrugated fins are then inserted between joined adjacent pairs of mating plates and a cut-off mechanism severs the deformable links of preselected pairs of links joining pairs of mating plates to separate individual core elements from the flow of plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for roll forming convoluted springs in which a tempered steel strip is fed between a pair of forming rolls which produce a continuous convoluted steel strip. A compression mechanism downstream of the pair of forming rolls compresses the continuous convoluted steel strip to set the angular relationship of the adjacent legs of the convoluted steel strip. A cut-off mechanism disposed downstream of the compression mechanism device severs from the convoluted strip individual convoluted springs having a predetermined number of convolutions and desired spring characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of a transfer system (22) between operable and serviceable positions in a manufacturing system such as a stamping press (10) includes a crank arm (60) and a plurality of swing arms (66, 76). The swing arms (66, 76) connect the crank arm (60) to the transfer system (22) and define a plurality of pivot connections with each other so as to allow controlled movement of the transfer system (22) between operable and serviceable positions when the crank arm (60) is driven. A plurality of gears (82, 84, 86, 88) including a reference gear (82) fixed to the stamping press (10) and an object gear (84) fixed to the transfer system (22) are used to control transfer system attitude during movement. Drive means (94, 96) interconnect the plurality of gears (82, 84, 86, 88) to rotate the transfer system (22) by rotating the object gear (84) together with the transfer system (22) as the crank arm (60) is driven.

Abstract: A roll forming tool for manufacturing louvered serpentine fins. The tool has a plurality of fin blades each having a predetermined size and shape. Each of the blades has a plurality of cutting edges for forming scallops in a serpentine fin such that a louvered serpentine fin is formed. The blade forms the louvers in the fins that create a turbulent air flow and thus increase the rate of heat exchange in a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing resilient, deformable serpentine products including a pair of form rolls (10, 12). The form rolls (10, 12) are generally circular in shape and include a plurality of intermeshing blades (56). The blades (56) have a plurality of teeth (62) each including a peak (70), a valley (74), and a central hollow region (64) that receives a shaft (90) for transferring a fluid thereto. The fluid is then conveyed from the shaft (90) through a plurality of grooves (80) on the surface of the blades (56). In one embodiment, the fluid is to aid in the forming process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a strip of fins with louvers comprising providing fin forming rolls comprising stacked carbide plates having rolling and cutting edges forming fins with louvers, and directing a strip of clad aluminum between an opposed pair of fin forming rolls. The carbide plates are preferably made of carbide containing tungsten, cobalt and carbon, wherein the major constituent is tungsten.

Abstract: A die transfer system for transferring workpieces through successive die stations in a stamping press includes an enlongated finger bar having spaced fingers for engaging workpices at successive die stations, a first drive mechanism for reociprocating the finger bar longitudinally for transferring workpieces between successive die stations, and a second drive mechanism for reciprocating the finger bar laterally into and out of engagment with the workpieces at the die stations. The second drive mechanism has at least two finger bar drive modules coupled to the finger bar and spaced from each other lengthwise of the finger bar. A drive shaft extends between and interconnects the two drive modules. Each of the drive modules has a crank arm coupled to the drive shaft for rotating the crank arm about an axis parallel the finger bar. A cam plate is coupled to the finger bar and mounted for movement lateral to the crank arm axis and the finger bar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling or heating fluids, such as fuel in a fuel system of an automotive vehicle. Compressed gas is delivered to a vortex tube or air amplifier 14 so that the gas rapidly expands and cools, thereby cooling a first end 16 of the vortex tube 14 in relation to a warmer second end thereof 18. A first fuel inlet port 20 of a first heat exchanger 16 lies proximate the first end 16 so that fuel flowing into the inlet port 20 is cooled by thermal contact with the first end 16 of the vortex tube 14. A cooled fuel outlet port 22 in the heat exchanger 16 lies proximate the first end 16 so that cooled fuel may leave the heat exchanger 16 for delivery to an engine. A valve with an upstream gate 26 and two downstream gates 28,30 is located so that fuel is selectively delivered to the first fuel inlet port 20 through the upstream gate 26 and one of the two downstream gates 28,30 if cooling of the fuel is desired.