Patents by Inventor Roland Strähle

Roland Strähle has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8281489
    Abstract: A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Werner Zobel, Jens Nies, Roland Straehle, Siegfried Eisele, Bernhard Stephan
  • Patent number: 8261816
    Abstract: A heat exchanger with a plurality of stacked flat tubes and a collecting tank having a wall extending around the entire periphery of, and connected to, the end of the stacked flat tubes. A first medium may be distributed through the collecting tank and flat tubes. Internal inserts are in the flat tubes, with the inserts being bonded between the broad sides of the tubes and, in the region of connection of the tubes to the collecting tank, being configured to compensate for length changes in the stacking direction caused by temperature changes, as by recesses in connectors such as wave flanks or by corrugated wave flanks. The flat tubes with inserts such as described may be separately provided for use in manufacture of heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter Ambros, Jörg Soldner, Roland Strähle, Andreas Stolz, Dieter Merz, Jens Nies, Sven Thumm, Katja Müller, Harald Schatz, Peter C. Kottal, Frank M. Grippe
  • Patent number: 8191258
    Abstract: A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Werner Zobel, Jens Nies, Roland Straehle, Siegfried Eisele, Bernhard Stephan
  • Patent number: 8020610
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas heat exchanger in an exhaust gas recirculation arrangement. The heat exchanger includes a plate stack which is surrounded by a housing. The plate stack can include two plates which are connected at their longitudinal edges to form a flat tube which contains a turbulator through which exhaust gas flows. The heat exchanger can also include a coolant duct which is equipped with flow directing elements arranged between two flat tubes. In order to make the exhaust gas heat exchanger more resistant to changing temperature stresses, the invention provides that the flow directing elements can be formed from a corrugated plate in which ducts with inlets and outlets are formed. At least some of the ducts in the inlet area of the coolant have a nonlinear profile so that changes in length are permitted between the plate stack and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jörg Soldner, Sven Thumm, Roland Strähle, Harald Schatz
  • Patent number: 7921559
    Abstract: A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Werner Zobel, Jens Nies, Roland Straehle, Rainer Käsinger, Siegfried Eisele, Bernhard Stephan
  • Publication number: 20100288481
    Abstract: A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Werner Zobel, Jens Nies, Roland Straehle, Dieter Merz, Rainer Kaeslnger, Siegfried Eisele, Charles James Rogers, Thomas Feldhege
  • Patent number: 7618598
    Abstract: A catalytic reactor/heat exchange device (10) is provided for generating a catalytic reaction in a reaction fluid flow (12) and transferring heat to a cooling fluid flow (14). The device includes reaction flow channels (20) with turbulators (30) therein. The turbulators (30) include an initial portion (40) and a selected portion (34) that includes a catalytic layer or coating (36) to initiate the desired catalytic reaction at a location (38) located downstream from the initial portion (40). In some preferred forms, each of the selected portions (34) of the turbulators (30) include at least one downstream section (103, 120) wherein the heat transfer performance has been intentionally reduced to improve performance of the device (10) during start up conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Reinke, Dennis C. Granetzke, Mark G. Voss, Randolph S. Herrick, Jonathan P. Wattelet, Roland Strähle
  • Patent number: 7600559
    Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for exchanging heat between first and second media, including a plurality of first heat exchanger plates alternately stacked with a plurality of second heat exchanger plates between a base plate and a cover plate. The first and second heat exchanger plates have at least four passages therethrough which align to define a first collecting channel and a first distribution channel for the first media and a second collecting channel and a second distribution channel for the second media. First flow channels for the first media each are defined in a space between one side of the first heat exchanger plate and a facing one side of the adjacent second heat exchanger plate. Second flow channels for the second media each are defined between the other side of the first heat exchanger plate and the other side of the adjacent second heat exchanger plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Roland Strähle, Daniel Borst, Frank Vetter, Herbert Marschner, Daniel Welchner
  • Publication number: 20090218085
    Abstract: A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Charles James Rogers, Thomas Feldhege, Werner Zobel, Jens Nies, Roland Straehle, Rainer Kaesinger, Siegfried Eisele, Claudia Sommer, Bernhard Stephan, Peter Ambros
  • Publication number: 20090019689
    Abstract: A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Werner Zobel, Jens Nies, Roland Straehle, Siegfried Eisele, Bernhard Stephan
  • Publication number: 20090019695
    Abstract: A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Werner Zobel, Jens Nies, Roland Straehle, Siegfried Eisele, Bernhard Stephan
  • Publication number: 20090019696
    Abstract: A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Werner Zobel, Jens Nies, Roland Straehle, Siegfried Eisele, Bernhard Stephan
  • Publication number: 20090019694
    Abstract: A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Werner Zobel, Jens Nies, Roland Straehle, Rainer Kaesinger, Siegfried Eisele, Bernhard Stephan
  • Patent number: 7343965
    Abstract: A brazed plate heat exchanger (30) is provided for transferring heat between a first fluid (32) and a second fluid (34), with the first fluid (32) being pressurized to a relatively high pressure. The heat exchanger includes plate pairs (41), with each pair (41) defining a plurality of flow channels (56) for the first fluid (32). Each of the flow channels (56) has a hydraulic diameter less than 1 mm. Reinforcements (62) are provided between each of the plate pairs (41) and are aligned with inlet and outlet openings (46,48) to define inlet and outlet manifolds (50,52) for the first fluid (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Stephen B. Memory, Jianmin Yin, Tao Jia, Milisav Lazarevic, Roland Strähle
  • Patent number: 7121369
    Abstract: A frame supports heat exchangers one in front of another in the direction of flow of cooling air, and includes two vertical walls interconnected by transverse walls, cross braces between the walls, and fastening points on the walls adapted to fasten the heat exchangers to the frame. Outwardly extending bulging sections in the vertical walls include an outer portion adapted to be secured to the vehicle support members to support the frame thereon, and an inner portion defining a space between vertical wall sections above and below the bulging section for receive projecting components of at least one heat exchanger. Connectors connect each of the fastening openings to the aligned flange openings, with the connectors including a head and a stem with an expandable end opposite the head retaining the connectors in the aligned openings. Hooks support the heat exchangers in the direction of air flow, with the connector stems supporting against at least some forces transverse to the direction of air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ralf Beck, Werner Nitsche, Roland Strähle, Jens Nies, Heinrich Rockenfeller, Wilfried Bittner
  • Patent number: 7036565
    Abstract: A housingless heat exchanger including a stack of flat tubes with at least two being cooling tubes and at least one being a bypass tube. Collecting tanks are on the tube ends and diffuse gas streaming in the tube flow paths. The flat tubes each comprise a connected pair of plates defining a flow path, and an enclosed space is defined between adjacent flat tubes. Coolant inlet and outlet channels are formed by connected plate openings connect to the enclosed space between the cooling tubes whereby coolant flows through that enclosed space. A switching valve in one collecting tank is movable between a cooling position in which the gas streams through the cooling tubes and a bypass position in which the gas streams through the bypass tube. A closure in the coolant inlet and outlet channels blocks coolant from adjacent the bypass tube. An insulating plate may also, or alternatively, be between the bypass tube and the cooling tube adjacent the bypass tube to block heat exchange between coolant and the bypass tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Viktor Brost, Roland Strähle, Thomas Eckert
  • Patent number: 6920918
    Abstract: An economically manufactured heat exchanger is provided and includes a plurality of elongated, straight, flat tubes (16), each formed of two identical halves (78,80) joined to each other in mirror image fashion and each having opposed open ends and all arranged in a stack (18). At least one spacer wall (36) is disposed within each tube and extends generally from end to end thereof to define at least two side-by-side first fluid flow paths within a tube. An elongated housing (10) contains the stack and includes spaced headers (20,22) with each header including a tube slot for the adjacent end of each tube (16) in the stack (18). Spacers (26) in the stack separate adjacent tubes in the stack from one another and the spacers include ribs defining a serpentine flow path for a second fluid. An opening (30) is located in the housing (10) near each end thereof and is in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Wolfgang Knecht, Roland Strähle, Jörg Soldner, Walter Gühring, Rainer Kaissling, Harald Schatz, Andreas Stolz
  • Patent number: 6918434
    Abstract: A heat exchanger with a plurality of stacked plates between a cover plate and a base plate. Channels are defined between the plates, with each plate including four openings defining four passages through the stacked plates, two passages being input and output passages for one fluid and the other two passages being input and output passages for a second fluid, where the two fluids flow between their input and output passages through alternating defined channels. A reinforcing body is disposed in at least one of the passages through the stacked plates, and is secured to the cover plate and the base plate and spaced from the sides of the openings defining the at least one passage in the stacked plates between the cover and base plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Roland Strähle
  • Patent number: 6779591
    Abstract: A heat exchanger including a first header having an inlet therein, a second header, an outlet in one of the first and second headers, and a plurality of flat tubes extending between the first and second headers for carrying a fluid between the first and second headers. A first connector is also provided for connecting a first exterior line to one of the first and second headers, the first connector being proximate and substantially parallel to an end of one of the flat tubes. In a compact cooling system, such heat exchangers may be disposed about a radial fan directing air flow outwardly away from the fan axis. One of a system inlet and a system outlet are connected via the first exterior lines to the first connectors of at least two of the heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael Ehlers, Wolfgang Knecht, Daniela Fischer, Roland Strähle, Jörg Soldner, Werner Zobel, Mark G. Voss, Frank Vetter
  • Patent number: 6749007
    Abstract: A compact cooling system including a radial fan directing air flow outwardly and a plurality of heat exchangers disposed around the radial fan. Each heat exchanger has a plurality of tubes extending between an inlet header and an outlet header, with the headers extending generally in the same direction as the fan axis. A system inlet is connected to the inlet headers and a system outlet is connected to the outlet headers, whereby the length of the connection between each heat exchanger and the system outlet and system inlet is generally the same for each heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael Ehlers, Wolfgang Knecht, Daniela Fischer, Roland Strähle, Jörg Soldner, Werner Zobel