Abstract: A tube pressure expansion device for expanding in unison tubes on a workpiece coil having plural fins. A coil holder holds the workpiece coil. A pressure expansion manifold has plural cavities each configured to receive a free end of a tube on the workpiece coil. An interior wall surface in each cavity has a tapered wall surface. A hollow tapered bullet is provided in each cavity and is configured for entering a tube opening at each free end for effecting an expansion of each free end to urge the material of each free end into a clamped and sealed relation with the interior wall surface in each cavity. A pressurized fluid is supplied to an interior of the hollow tapered bullet to effect a pressurization of the interior of the tubes to effect an expansion of the tubes into an interference fit with the fins on the workpiece coil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the orienting of the ends of a finite length segment of tube following a bend thereof through a predefined angle. At least one straight finite length segment of tube is supplied to the tube bender for bending the tube about a bend axis. The two ends of the tube, following the bend, are measured to determine the distance between the end face of each leg to the bend axis. Appropriate adjustment is made to a pushing member to keep the ends of the tube in a generally coplanar relation. Additional measurement is performed to facilitate adjustment between the tube supply device and the tube bending mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the orienting of the ends of a finite length segment of tube following a bend thereof through a predefined angle. At least one straight finite length segment of tube is supplied to the tube bender for bending the tube about a bend axis. The two ends of the tube, following the bend, are measured to determine the distance between the end face of each leg to the bend axis. Appropriate adjustment is made to a pushing member to keep the ends of the tube in a generally coplanar relation. Additional measurement is performed to facilitate adjustment between the tube supply device and the tube bending mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting an elongate tube includes a cutting head that supports an annular cutting member having a cutting edge. An actuator is provided that includes first and second eccentric mechanisms that project from first and second shafts, respectively, and are connected to the cutting head. A frame plate is connected to the shafts. A passageway extends through the frame plate and is coaxial with the cutting edge of the annular member in an initial non-cutting position thereof. First and second guide plates are positioned on opposite sides of the cutting head. The first guide plate is commonly connected to the first and second shafts and the second guide plate is connected to the first guide plate. A first bore extends through the first guide plate and a second bore extends through the second guide plate. The first and second guide bores are coaxial with the cutting edge of the annular member in an initial non-cutting position thereof.

Abstract: A mechanical tube expander for expanding tubes into interlocked relationship with fins. Structure is provided for in situ storage of the expander rods and facilitating use of selected expander rods during a cycle of operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the orienting of the ends of a finite length segment of tube following a bend thereof through a predefined angle. A supplying and delivering device supplies at least one straight finite length segment of tube to a tube bender for bending the tube about a bend axis. A first end of the finite length segment is oriented a predetermined distance from a bend axis about which the finite length segment is to be bent. The finite length segment is clamped to the bend arbor for movement therewith. The bend arbor is moved through the predefined angle to effect a bending of the finite length segment while simultaneously pushing the first end of said finite length segment toward a location whereat the finite length segment is clamped to the bend arbor.

Abstract: A mechanical tube expander for simultaneously expanding plural hairpin tubes into interlocked relationship with plural fins which includes a frame on which is provided a receiver to support the bent portions of the hairpin tubes in an assembly of fins loosely stacked on the straight leg portions of the hairpin tubes. A support structure is also provided on the frame for engaging and supporting a first endmost fin that is oriented immediately adjacent to but spaced from the receiver. A pressure plate carrying a plurality of expander rods is provided and each of the expander rods is aligned with the hairpin tubes. A stripper plate structure having plural guide openings therethrough is also provided. The expander rods extend through the guide openings. Structure is provided on the stripper plate for engaging a second endmost sheet of the assembly of fins at an end thereof which is remote from the receiver.

Abstract: A device for sequentially stretched straightening a tube and bending same into a U-shape. The device includes a track for guiding a tube. A hold clamp is fixedly positioned on the track. A feed clamp is movably positioned on the track. A feed clamp is movably guided along the track between a first position adjacent the hold clamp and a second position at a stop mechanism. The stop mechanism is reciprocally shiftable along the track and is adapted to control the final increment of travel of the feed clamp during a movement thereof toward the second position. A tube cutting mechanism is oriented adjacent the hold clamp. A control activates the hold clamp to grip the tube while simultaneously effecting a movement of the feed clamp, when the clamping structure thereon is deactivated, away from the hold clamp toward the second position until it reaches the stop mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanical tube expander having a construction which facilitates a machine setup prior to coil assembly without necessitating the machine operator to leave a control panel, this being due to all setup and locking features being accomplished from the control panel. Thus, an operator climbing on ladders to various and remote locations on the machine are not necessary. This feature is accomplished by orienting a pre-size clamp and a strip clamp on opposite sides of the stripper plate and tracking the position of the stripper plate relative to the receiver in order to enable the pre-size clamp to be correctly positioned and clamped to a piston rod driven upwardly by pressurized air.

Abstract: A hairpin tube receiver includes a plurality of inependently rotatable receiver posts which have cavities in their upper ends for receiving the bends of hairpin tubes. The receiver posts can be independently rotated to selectable positions in order that the hairpin tube receiver can support the bends of hairpin tubes which are arranged in a variety of different configurations.

Abstract: A structure is provided for mounting the expander rods of a mechanical tube expander. The mounting structure comprises a slide plate which can be moved between a first position in which the expander rods are in locked condition and a second position in which the expander rods are in unlocked condition.