Abstract: An improved fin array for use in a heat transfer assembly, such as a condenser for a vehicle air conditioning system, and a method of making the improved fin array, are disclosed. The fin array comprises an elongated one-piece fin member having top and bottom base portions with fin sets extending between adjacent top and bottom base portions. The top and bottom base portions are generally flat for bonding to the heat exchanger tubes, such as by brazing. Each fin set includes a plurality of individual fins extending generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal length of the fin member and having side edges that are longitudinally offset with respect to each other. The offset fin edges provide increased air flow over the individual fins and thus increase the efficiency of the overall heat exchanger. The fins may also be slightly bowed to accommodate for variation in the tolerances of the adjacent tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having groups integral fins projecting outwardly from the sidewalls of the heat exchanger is manufactured by advancing a cutter into the sidewalls of the heat exchanger, turning the integral fins outwardly and severing predetermined fins with the cutting instrument to provide predetermined fin-free areas on the sidewalls.

Abstract: A tubular heat exchanger blank is comprised of a one-piece body portion having a plurality of elongated tubular members disposed in side-by-side relation to each other. Each of the tubular members includes a sidewall with the sidewall of adjacent tubular members being connected together by portions which are lesser in thickness than the adjacent sidewall and which extend the length of the body portion. The heat exchanger blank permits initial forming operations upon a plurality of elongated tubular members and subsequent manufacturing and separation steps to occur during the manufacture of heat exchanger elements.

Abstract: A heat exchanger embodying an elongated tubular member with integral fins projecting therefrom, with predetermined areas of the tubular member being rendered fin-free during formation of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A tube support embodying a plurality of supporting members, each having grooved opposite side members with a crossbar extending therebetween, the supporting members being disposed in inter-locked relation to each other, with the crossbars being vertically spaced from each other to support tubular members thereon, and with the crossbars of upper supporting members extending down into the grooves in immediately underlying members.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and method of making same, wherein elongated passageways are formed in unbonded portions of a blank made of bonded sheet material, and integral fins are formed on the sheet material with the fins having elongated base portions extending transversely to the length of said passageways. In certain embodiments the finned portions of the heat exchanger are so disposed relative to each other that fins therein project toward the adjacent finned portions.

Abstract: An extrusion die for forming a multi-passage, elongated tubular member having transverse passageways formed between adjacent longitudinally extending passageways during the extrusion of the tubular member.

Abstract: A heat exchanger embodying an elongated tubular member having a passageway for working fluid extending longitudinally therethrough, and having external fins projecting outwardly from the tubular member in position of define passageways extending transversely thereacross, and the method of making the same.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and method of making same, which embodies laterally spaced tubes mounted in a plurality of spaced sets or assemblies of cross-fins, with adjacent ones of the sets of cross-fins being disposed at an angle to each other which is less than 180 degrees, and with the portions of the laterally spaced tubes extending between respective adjacent pairs of the sets of cross-fins being bent around the same radii.

Abstract: Heat transfer elements are made by forming a plurality of tubes extending in side-by-side relation with connector means holding adjacent tubes together, cutting and outwardly projecting surface portions of the tubes to form fins, and then severing the connector means to divide the plurality of tubes into individual heat transfer elements.