Abstract: A heat exchanger having a collection tank having an internal chamber and a header connected to the collection tank and receiving a number of flat tubes through apertures in the header. A reinforcing member received within the collection tank and/or the header functions to reinforce the header and/or the collection tank in applications where these elements are subject to internal pressures that would otherwise deform the header and/or collection tank to an unacceptable extent. The heat exchanger may include a curved gasket on each flat tube to match the shape of the flat tubes and a curved header. Also, another gasket can be located between a metal or plastic collection tank and a plastic or metal header, respectively, to prevent leakage therebetween.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of tubes, a collection tank having an inlet port and an internal chamber in fluid communication with the plurality of tubes, a header coupled to the collection tank and having a plurality of apertures each dimensioned to receive a corresponding tube, a gasket separating the header from the collection tank and sealing a gap between the header and the collection tank, and a reinforcement retaining the gasket in position between the header and the collection tank. The reinforcement includes a first web extending across the internal chamber and a second web spaced apart from the first web and extending across the internal chamber. The heat exchanger also includes a baffle coupled to and extending between the first web and the second web. The baffle extends across at least a portion of the internal chamber between the inlet port and the plurality of tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of tubes, a collection tank having an inlet port and an internal chamber in fluid communication with the plurality of tubes, a header coupled to the collection tank and having a plurality of apertures each dimensioned to receive a corresponding tube, a gasket separating the header from the collection tank and sealing a gap between the header and the collection tank, and a reinforcement retaining the gasket in position between the header and the collection tank. The reinforcement includes a first web extending across the internal chamber and a second web spaced apart from the first web and extending across the internal chamber. The heat exchanger also includes a baffle coupled to and extending between the first web and the second web. The baffle extends across at least a portion of the internal chamber between the inlet port and the plurality of tubes.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a heat exchanger having a collection tank having an internal chamber, and a header connected to the collection tank and receiving a number of flat tubes through apertures in the header. In some embodiments, a reinforcing member received within the collection tank and/or the header functions to reinforce the header and/or the collection tank in applications where these elements are subject to internal pressures that would otherwise deform the header and/or collection tank to an unacceptable extent. Also, some heat exchanger embodiments utilized a curved gasket on each flat tube to match the shape of the flat tubes and a curved header. Also, another gasket can be located between a metal or plastic collection tank and a plastic or metal header, respectively, to prevent leakage therebetween.

Abstract: A side plate for a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger and a method for making a heat exchanger are provided. The side plate, which may be incorporated into the heat exchanger, includes a first body piece having a first edge and a second body piece having a second edge. The first and second edges are separated by an opening except for point connections. After the heat exchanger is assembled the point connections may be sheared to permit the side plate to expand and contract as a result of positive and negative stresses.

Abstract: A side plate for a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger and a method for making a heat exchanger are provided. The side plate, which may be incorporated into the heat exchanger, includes a first body piece having a first edge and a second body piece having a second edge. The first and second edges are separated by an opening except for point connections. After the heat exchanger is assembled the point connections may be sheared to permit the side plate to expand and contract as a result of positive and negative stresses.