Abstract: A heat exchanger with a core, a support structure and a mount. The core is variable in size and has a lower temperature fluid port and a higher temperature fluid port. The mount is positioned between the core and the support structure, adjacent to the higher temperature fluid port. The mount restrains the core relative to the support structure, such that when the core varies in size it does so either away from or towards the mount. The heat exchanger can also include a deformable connector, including a bellows, a flexible hose and a braided metal hose. The deformable connector is positioned in a manner which allows it and lower temperature fluid port to remain in fluid communication as the core varies in size.

Abstract: An exemplary heat exchanger includes increased stiffness to prevent buckling of a core. In some examples, an exemplary heat exchanger includes a core and a shaft at least partially positioned therein to increase stiffness of the core and located to limit movement of a heat exchange portion and to receive loads therefrom. In another example, an exemplary heat exchanger includes a core, a duct in fluid communication therewith, a load bearing member positioned adjacent to the core, and a mount which attaches the duct to the member. By connecting the duct to the member, the duct can transfer loads to the load bearing member. This protects the core being damaged by loads applied to the duct. The mount restrains the duct so to transfer loads, from the duct to the load bearing member. Such loads can be from external sources, such as inertia loads and vibration loads.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, including a core having a variable size or length and a support structure connected to the core, the support structure accommodating variations in the size of the core.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the invention is a heat exchanger which includes a core, a support structure and a mount. The core is variable in its size and has a lower temperature fluid port and a higher temperature fluid port. The mount is positioned between the core and the support structure, adjacent to the higher temperature fluid port. The mount restrains the core relative to the support structure, such that when the core varies in size it does so either away from or towards the mount. The heat exchanger can also include a deformable connector. The deformable connector is positioned in a manner which allows it and lower temperature fluid port to remain in fluid communication as the core varies in size. The deformable connector can include a bellows, a flexible hose and a braided metal hose. The mount includes a pin and a receiver. The receiver receives the pin so as to restrain the movement of the core. The pin can be attached to the support structure and the receiver defined in the core.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is a heat exchanger which includes a core having a thermally variable size and a support structure. To minimize, or eliminate, differential thermal expansion, the support structure is connected to the core and thermally deforms to accommodate variations in the size of the core. The support structure employs a thermally deformable member which can be a tie rod with a planar center section. In other embodiments, the support structure includes a first strongback, a second strongback, and at least one variable thickness tie rod mounted between the strongbacks. The variable thickness tie rod can be a broadened end tie rod having an end or ends which are thicker (wider) than a center section. The present invention also includes methods of fabrication. One embodiment includes the steps of obtaining a tie rod having a substantially uniform thickness and forging the tie rod to define a planar center section.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, including a core having a variable size or length and a support structure connected to the core, the support structure accommodating variations in the size of the core. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the invention is a heat exchanger with increased stiffness to prevent buckling of the core and which carries externally produced loads without damage to the core. In some embodiments, the present invention is a heat exchanger having a core with a heat exchange portion, and a shaft with at least part of it positioned in the core to increase the stiffness of the core. The shaft is positioned at least adjacent to the heat exchange portion of the core. The shaft is also located to limit movement of the heat exchange portion and to receive loads from the heat exchange portion. The shaft can be positioned through some or the entire heat exchange portion of the core. In another embodiment, the heat exchanger includes a core, a duct in fluid communication with the core, a load bearing member positioned adjacent to the core, and a mount which attaches the duct to the load bearing member.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a heat exchanger, which allows differential thermal expansion of its elements while providing a bypass seal. In at least one embodiment, the heat exchanger includes, a shell for containing a first gas, a core positioned within the shell, and a seal positioned between the core and the shell. The seal allows at least some differential expansion between the shell and the core while restricting the flow of the first gas past the seal. This allows a space for expansion of the core to exist between the core and the shell, while preventing the first gas from bypassing the core by traveling through the expansion space. As such, the seal forces the first gas to pass through the core, greatly increasing heat transfer from the first gas to the core. Preferably, the seal is mounted to the core at a position at least adjacent to the free (moveable) end or ends of the core. The seal can be folded into several layers such that the folds abut both the core and the shell.