Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly having a manifold, a partition member inserted into the interior cavity of the manifold through an open end such that the partition member cooperates with the interior surface of the manifold to partition the interior cavity into a manifold chamber and a distributor/collector chamber. The partition member and distributor/collector chamber function together as a distributor/collector tube within the manifold. The partition member includes a plurality of orifices along a length of the partition member, two opposite facing flange portions along the length of the partition member, a bulkhead panel extending from an end of the partition member adjacent the open end of the manifold, and a spring locator tab panel extending from an end of the partition member opposite of the bulk head panel, wherein the spring locator tab panel is biased against the closed end.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly having a manifold, a partition member inserted into the interior cavity of the manifold through an open end such that the partition member cooperates with the interior surface of the manifold to partition the interior cavity into a manifold chamber and a distributor/collector chamber. The partition member and distributor/collector chamber functions together as a distributor/collector tube within the manifold. The partition member includes a plurality of orifices along a length of the partition member, two opposite facing flange portions along the length of the partition member, a bulkhead panel extending from an end of the partition member adjacent the open end of the manifold, and a spring locator tab panel extending from an end of the partition member opposite of the bulk head panel, wherein the spring locator tab panel is biased against the closed end.

Abstract: A banding strap for holding together the parts of a heat exchanger core during a brazing operation is crimped at its overlapping ends by forming two longitudinally spaced pairs of tabs, each pair being on opposite side edges of the strap. The tabs are bent from the strap ends at an angle normal to the strap surface so that corresponding notches are formed in the strap. The crimping apparatus includes a clamp for holding one end of the strap, a knife for cutting off the strap from stock, a laminated anvil which descends onto one side the strap, and crimping blades which move around to the opposite side of the strap to push portions of the strap ends against the sharp edges of the anvil to form the tabs. A powered ram is coupled to each of the clamp, knife, anvil, and crimping elements to operate each element in proper sequence during ram motion.