Abstract: A heat exchanger, in particular an engine cooling radiator for a motor vehicle, and especially one having a single row of tubes, comprises a bundle of tubes which are fitted sealingly in holes in a metallic tube plate, with a header being fitted over the tube plate. The heat exchanger also includes retaining plates which are formed integrally with the tube plate from a single press-formed sheet metal blank, the retaining plates then being bent over into their correct orientation. Each retaining plate extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tubes in the bundle, and is such as to engage against the edges of cooling fins of the tube bundle, thus preventing any movement, in pivoting or torsion, of the tube bundle with respect to the assembly consisting of the tube plate and the header.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an automobile air conditioning system and a method for manufacture of the same. The heat exchanger a plurality of refrigerant flowing tubes, a plurality of corrugated fins sandwiched between the tubes and a pair of header pipes liquid-tightly brazed and jointed to the opposite ends of the tubes respectively. Each of the header pipes is a hollow solid body produced by an extrusion of an aluminum material and having a flat section and a rounded section. The flat section includes a plurality of apertures for receiving the tubes and is thicker than the rounded section. Top and bottom support beams are not only brazed to the outermost corrugated fins but also jointed at their opposite ends to the flat sections of the header pipes. A plurality of brazing beads braze and liquid-tightly joint the opposite ends of the tubes to the first and second header pipes.

Abstract: An improved radiator assembly for supporting a cooling core has first and second push pads positioned contiguous to the opposite sides of the cooling core. The push pads have spaced apart slots therein. First and second side rails are positioned contiguous to the first and second push pads. The side rails have spaced apart tabs that extend within the push pad slots. The slots are of greater longitudinal dimension than the tabs thereby permitting the push pads to move longitudinally relative to the side rails. A plurality of tie rods extend between the side rails to hold the side rails and thereby the radiator assembly together.

Abstract: A heat exchanger coil is comprised of plural metal tubes of generally circular cross-section, plural heat transfer enhancing fins and plural relatively flat metal support plates, each of which has plural first holes and plural second holes arranged in parallel rows. The tubes are laced through the respective holes in the plates and through aligned holes in the fins such that the tubes extend generally at right angles to the respective planes of the plates and fins. In one embodiment, each plate is cut to define two discrete flexible sections and a resilient arm for flexibly coupling one of the two sections of each plate with a relatively fixed portion of the corresponding plate. The first holes, which are oversized relative to the outside diameter of the tubes laced therethrough, are formed in both the relatively fixed portion and the two flexible sections of each plate. The second holes, which are smaller in diameter than the first holes, are formed only in the two flexible sections of each plate.

Abstract: A conduit for use in directing the flows of primary fluid and a secondary fluid in heat exchanging relationships comprising a plurality of elongated members to direct a flow of a primary fluid in a first path. The first path is comprised of separate generally parallel channels. It includes means to direct a flow of air over, under and between the plurality of elongated members in a second path. The first path and the second path are in spaced alternating relationship in generally parallel planes and with the first path in a first direction and the secondary path in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Coupling means are associated with the input and output ends of the first and second paths whereby when a first fluid is fed through the first paths at a first temperature and a second fluid is fed through the second paths at a second temperature, a heat transfer occurs therebetween.

Abstract: A radiator assembly for use in a motor vehicle, comprising a frame attached to a chassis of a motor vehicle and a radiator disposed within the frame. The radiator includes a core and first and second lateral end portions attached to opposite ends of the core. The first lateral end portion is rigidly mounted to the frame so as to position the radiator relative to the frame, while the second lateral end portion is resiliently mounted to the frame so as to accommodate lateral thermal growth of the radiator relative to the frame. The second lateral end portion is resiliently mounted to the frame by coupling a pair of vertically spaced spring members, each comprising a leaf spring, to the second lateral end portion and to the frame. A pair of multi-pronged mount brackets are attached to the frame, with each of the leaf springs having a first end attached to one of the brackets and a second end attached to the second lateral end portion of the radiator.

Abstract: A cooling system sub-assembly for use in a motor vehicle comprising a charge air cooler mounted to a support structure attached to a chassis of the motor vehicle and a condenser mounted to the charge air cooler so as to accommodate at least differential thermal growth between the condenser and the charge air cooler and so as to dispose the condenser in series flow relationship with the charge air cooler. A first lateral end of the condenser is fixed relative to the charge air cooler, while a pair of generally horizontally extending pins are connected to the other lateral end of the condenser and slidingly engage compressible grommet assemblies disposed within holes formed in each of a pair of vertically spaced mount brackets attached to the charge air cooler. Alternatively, a pair of vertically spaced mount flanges may be cast as an integral unit with one of the end manifolds of the charge air cooler, with each of the flanges receiving one of the condenser pins.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (10) includes a pair of spaced manifolds (12, 14) with a plurality of fluid tubes (16) extending therebetween in fluid communication. Fins (18) are connected between the fluid tubes (16) for enhancing heat exchanger with air passed thereover. Side support members (22) are connected between the ends of the manifolds (12, 14) to provide support of the fluid tubes (16) and fins (18) between the manifolds (12, 14). The side support members (22) include passageways (40) therethrough in a fluid communication with the manifolds (12, 14) to allow fluid to freely pass therethrough with the fluid passing through the fluid tubes (16) to thermally effect both members in a similar manner.

Abstract: A small-sized heat exchanger for separable air conditioner not only saving the electric power but also reducing the cost. The heat exchanger has tube banks provided on a predetermined upper section of the air conditioner main body. A plurality of heat exchanging fins are placed under the tube banks and connected to a plurality of heat transfer tubes. Both the tube banks and the heat transfer tubes are supported by a pair of guide plates placed on opposed sides of both the tube banks and the heat transfer tubes. The tube banks include a plurality of small diameter tubes and a plurality of distribution manifolds. The manifolds are connected to bundles of small diameter tubes respectively.

Abstract: Leaks in tube bundles for a heat exchanger are eliminated or minimized by tube interrelated techniques. A floating tube bundle is constructed with separate support elements also secured to the heat dissipating fins and extending through and supported by the support plates. Thin-walled copper tubing similar to that used for the fluid-carrying tubes is used as support tubes, and steel rods are inserted into these support tubes to provide the necessary strength. To minimize leakage in the area where the tube bundle is joined to a header, connector tubes are provided that have one end joined to the header and the other end extending into one of the tubes of the tube bundle sufficiently far that the end of the connector tube passes through the support plate and at least one fin.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with a simple configuration and having a high strength is disclosed. The heat exchanger is configured by sandwiching both sides of a core created by layering tubes and corrugated fins by a pair of side plates and brazing the connecting bar on the ends of each tube and side plate with the bar inserted into header. The header and side plate are coupled with a approximately U-shape coupling member in addition to the connecting bar 13. This coupling member is configured of an arc section that covers the header and an arm section that has a locking section to lock onto a -shaped bend section of side plate. The arc section is fixed onto header with brazing, and arm section is fixed to side plate. The vibration conveyed from the bracket to the side plate is conveyed to the header via the connecting bar and coupling member, and the strength of the coupling sections of the header and side plate is much higher than the strength found in conventional structures.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has flat tubes (1) parallelly arranged and spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance in the direction of thickness. The heat exchanger further has a pair of headers (5, 6) to which the ends of the tubes are connected in fluid communication. Each tube (1) has an intermediate bent portion (4) and straight sections (2, 3) separated one from another by the bent portion, and the bent portion (4) is a portion twisted at a predetermined helical angle relative to each straight section. Fins (11) are interposed between the adjacent straight sections (2), and further fins (12) between the other straight sections (3). The heat exchanger is easy to manufacture and of an improved efficiency of heat exchange, in spite of the tubes being bent in the direction of their width.

Abstract: The lack of flexibility in selecting locations for inlets or outlets or crossovers for a heat exchange fluid in a heat exchanger can be minimized in a heat exchanger construction including first and second spaced, generally parallel, tubular headers (10), (12) having opposed ends with a plurality of tubes (20) in parallel and spaced from one another which extend between and have their ends in fluid communication with the interior of the headers (10), (12). A plurality of fins (22) are located between the headers (10), (12) in heat exchange relation with the plurality of tubes (20) and side pieces, (30) and (32) flank the plurality of tubes (20) as well as the plurality of fins (22) and extend between and are fastened to corresponding ones of the headers (10), (12).

Abstract: A universal condenser for an air conditioning system for replacing a custom built condenser. The universal condenser enables use of standardized parts resulting in less inventory requirements. The universal condenser includes a tube assembly fastener and mounting rails for supporting the condenser in an engine well. The standardized parts include a limited number of specifically designed brackets, a set of tubes, and the fastener for securing a tube to the condenser.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (10) is comprised of a pair of manifolds (12, 14) with a heat exchanger core (20) therebetween, and an upper side support (22) and a lower side support (44) along the outer sides of the core (20) connected between the manifolds (12, 14). The upper side support (22) includes mounting brackets (40). The lower side support (44) comprises the mounting bracket. A pair of loading members (52) are connected between the lower mounting bracket (44) and the manifolds (12, 14) in angular relationship thereto to allow additional support and loading through the manifolds (12, 14), and to allow thermal expansion of the exchanger (10) with minimal restriction.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (2) comprises an end tank (6) defining therein a fluid inlet (16) through which, in use, fluid enters the heat exchanger, and a fluid outlet (20) through which, in use, fluid leaves the heat exchanger (2), a plurality of heat exchange tubes (8) having end portions (10) at which the heat exchange tubes are connected to said end tank (6), a plurality of heat exchange fins (12) connected to the heat exchange tubes (8), a plurality of stubs (28) provided on said end tank (6) extending outwardly therefrom and defining passageways into said end tank, said heat exchange tube end portions (10) being dimensioned to receive said stubs (28), wherein the stubs (28) are each provided with two axially spaced annular grooves (29) on the outer surface thereof, a sealing "O"-ring (30) being seated in each annular groove (29) to provide a seal between the heat exchange tubes (8) and stubs (28).

Abstract: A universal condenser for an air conditioning system for replacing a custom built condenser. The universal condenser enables use of standardized parts resulting in less inventory requirements. The universal condenser includes a tube assembly fastener and mounting rails for supporting the condenser in an engine well. The standardized parts include a limited number of specifically designed brackets, a set of tubes, and the fastener for securing a tube to the condenser.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly (10) includes a pair of manifolds (12, 14) with a core member (20) connected therebetween. The core member (20) includes a plurality of fluid tubes (16) extending between the manifolds (12, 14) in fluid communication therewith, a plurality of air fins (18) connected between the fluid tubes (16), and a pair of side support members (22) are joined to the manifolds (12, 14) at the outermost sides thereof. Reinforcement straps (50) are connected at each corner of the assembly (10) between the side support members (22) and the manifolds (12, 14) to reinforce the joints of the assembly (10).

Abstract: The stacked heat exchanger in accordance with the present invention comprises flat tubes and corrugated fins which are alternately put together, the flat tube having a tank portion and a core portion, the tank portion on one side at the outermost portion having an inlet header, the tank portion on the other side at the outermost portion having an outlet header, and the core portion having a side plate as an external plate at both ends, wherein the upper end of the side plate abuts against the lower end of the inlet header and the lower end of the outlet header. Therefore, when a pressure is applied, a force in the spreading direction applied to the inlet/outlet tank portion is received by the abutting of side plate against said inlet and outlet headers. Thus, the deformation of the whole stacked heat exchanger can be prevented.

Abstract: The stacked heat exchanger of the present invention has a structure wherein grooves are brazed together to seal the external surface of the coolant passage, further grooves are brazed together to form a partition between the straight incoming and outgoing flow passages, and least one groove in the straight incoming and outgoing flow passage section which groove runs in parallel with the grooves earlier mentioned is formed on the formed plates. With this structure, drain water flows down promptly through these grooves and the splashing of the drain water into the downstream area of the heat exchanger can be prevented.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a plurality of flat tubes which alternate with fins, and the tubes and the fins are disposed one on another. Both ends of each tube are connected to a pair of right-hand and left-hand headers, in fluid communication with them. The headers have their ends closed with caps, and each cap has a pin integral with it so as to hold in place a bracket which is used to mount the heat exchanger on a structural base. The integral pins protrude upwards or downwards from the caps.

Abstract: A clamper (12) has a clamp finger (12a) for gripping a joint pipe (5), and is preliminarily attached to a preassembly of a heat exchanger. The clamp finger (12a) is deformed to embrace the joint pipe (5), before the preassembly is subjected to the so-called one shot brazing process. Thereafter, the joint pipe (5) is brazed to and become integral with the clamp finger (12a) which is embracing the joint pipe, at the same time as the essential parts incorporated in the heat exchanger preassembly are brazed one to another. Thus, the clamper (12) not only serves as a supporter for keeping the joint pipe (5) in place after the brazing, but also functions as a jig of such a kind as holding in place the joint pipe (5) in the unbrazed assembly of the heat exchanger, thus improving the manufacture efficiency of heat exchangers.

Abstract: A low prime, high heat exchange efficiency oxygenator is provided which includes an oxygenation portion and a heat exchanger portion. Disposed within the heat exchanger portion is a hollow tube heat exchanger wound bundle which includes a plurality of hollow tubes knitted into a mat, the mat wound under tension into a bundle which includes from 16 to 24 layers of the mat. The oxygenator provided permits prime volumes of 180 to 240 mLs.

Abstract: Increased resistance to deformation caused by internal pressure within a heat exchanger acting in a direction generally transverse to the length of tubes (18) extending between spaced headers (10,12) is achieved in a construction wherein side pieces (22) sandwiching the core defined by the tubes (18) and interposed fins (20) are coupled by means of tie bars (30) having transverse ends (32) embracing the side pieces (22). Resilient clips (40) act to secure the tie bars (30) to the side pieces (22) and include retention notches (54) to positively hold the clips (40) assembled to the structure.

Abstract: The high cost of providing a heavy duty radiator is minimized in a radiator having a core and tank assembly 22 including a heat exchanger core 24, a pair of spaced headers 26, 28, a pair of spaced side pieces 34 on each side of the core 24, and a pair of tanks 36, 38 secured to respective ones of the headers 26, 28. A separate rectangular frame is provided for the core and tank assembly 22 and is made up of two each of first and second channels, 10, 12; 14, 16 with the first channels 10, 12 being substantially identical and the second channels 14, 16 being substantially identical. The first channels 10, 12, are disposed at opposite ends of the core and tank assembly 22 and encompass corresponding ones of the tanks 36, 38 while the second channels 14, 16 fit about the side pieces 34 and tightly embrace the same to provide pressure resistance.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprises a bundle of finned tubes, with each tube having an end portion which is sealingly mounted in a hole formed in a header plate on which a casing of a water header of the heat exchanger is secured. The heat exchanger has at least one locating or immobilising member interposed between the tube bundle and the water header. This locating member has a first portion which bears on the header and a second portion which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tubes in the bundle, and which bears against the longitudinal edges of a group of several fins adjacent to the header plate. In this way any relative displacement of the tube bundle with respect to the header plate, in particular in a pivoting or torsional mode, is resisted.

Abstract: An improved evaporator or evaporator/condenser for use in refrigeration or heat pump systems including first and second spaced, pressure resistant headers (10, 12); a plurality of elongated tubes (20) of flattened cross-section extending in parallel, spaced relation between and in fluid communication with the headers (10, 12) and serpentine fins (34) extending between and bonded to adjacent ones of the tubes (20). The tubes (20) and fins (34), between the headers (10, 12), define a non-planar configuration having a laterally directed apex (80). A condensate trough (82) is aligned with and opens towards one of the headers (12) to receive condensate dripping therefrom.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a pair of header pipes, a plurality of parallel heat transfer tubes fluidly interconnected between the header pipes, a plurality of fin units extending between adjacent heat transfer tubes. At least one bracket is provided for each of the header pipes. The bracket supports the header pipe and has a plurality of attachment holes for attaching the bracket to an external member via fasteners inserted through the holes. Each of the attachment holes is located at a position between adjacent heat transfer tubes and between the at least one of the header pipes and the end portion of one of the fin units. The total width of the heat exchanger including the bracket can be decreased or the area of the effective heat exchanger region equipped with the fin units can be increased by this positioning of the attachment holes.

Abstract: A modular cooler having a plurality of units which can be interconnected in a leak proof manner yet providing fluid flow therebetween. The cooler can be an oil or transmission fluid cooler and any suitable number of units and any suitable number of units may be stacked. Thus, a single unit can be used in conjunction with like units to provide any desired degree of cooling. The coolers are interconnected by fluid tight members between stacked units and by a nipple assembly on the uppermost unit having an adjustable member coupled to a sealing member on the lowermost unit.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a bundle of tubes opening at the bottom into a fluid header extending transversely and secured through a pair of side support structures to an upper fluid header. Each side support structure extends along a flank of the tube bundle, and has a lower portion in the form of a fastening lug formed with fastening holes for securing to the lower header at different levels, so that heat exchangers of different lengths can be made using the same headers and side support structure. This fastening lug is offset away from the flank of the tube bundle so as to accommodate a header having a length longer than the width of the tube bundle, and baffles are cut out in the fastening lug so that they can be bent towards the tube bundle where appropriate in order to form a barrier to the passage of air between the tubes and the lug if a fastening position other than that furthest away from the lower end of the support structure is chosen.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, especially a motor vehicle radiator, comprises a bundle of finned tubes open into a header consisting of a header casing and a header plate. The ends of the tubes in the bundle are sealingly fitted in holes in the header plate, and at least one immobilizing element passes through the header plate and extends beyond the latter on the same side as the tubes, and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tubes. The immobilizing element is abutted on a part of the tube bundle, in such a way as to oppose any relative displacement, in particular by pivoting or torsion of the tube bundle with respect to the header plate.

Abstract: The heat exchanger comprises a core of tubes engaged into header plates with a groove and an upstanding wall about the periphery. The upstanding wall has spaced of set tabs or dogs in openings which engage a shoulder along the rim of the tank. Also included is a tool to bias the dog for tank removal.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of the type for directing air across a core thereof for heat transfer with fluid flowing within the core includes a pair of tubes connected in parallel between an inlet and an outlet. The tubes form a plurality of passes across the face of the heat exchanger with tube bends at the ends of each pass defining a serpentine path. A header channel extends over the bends of the passes. The header channel includes a zinc alloy coating on the interior surface thereof in contact with the bends. The zinc alloy coating provides sacrificial corrosion that prevents corrosion of the bends.

Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus includes a pair of tank units for containing a fluid, such as an engine coolant, or freon, each including a header having a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of parallel fluid flow tubes in fluid communication between the tanks. Air centers are connected between the parallel fluid flow tubes for directing an inlet air stream of the vehicle. Side plates are secured between the ends of the headers to protect and provide rigidity to the heat exchanger. Interlocking members are provided between the headers and sideplates for interlocking same to one another during the brazing process.

Abstract: A condenser comprises a plurality of tubes arranged between a pair of header pipes, and a plurality of fins divided into a first group and a second group, the first group being arranged between the plurality of tubes, and two plates arranged between the pair of header pipes at lower end portions thereof for holding the second group.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a pair of substantially parallel header pipes and a plurality of substantially parallel tubes disposed between the pair of header pipes. Each tube defines a pair of end portions which are connected to the pair of header pipes. A plurality of rows of fins are provided along sides of the tubes. A pair of reinforcement members are provided along sides of each of the top and bottom rows of fins. Each of the pair of header pipes has a plurality of holes for inserting the end portions of the tubes to connect the tubes to each pipe of the pair of header pipes. At least one slit is formed on the end portions of each header pipe. The end portions of the reinforcement members extend through the slits to close the open ends of the header pipes. In one embodiment, each of the end portions of the reinforcement members extend through each header pipe through a pair of opposed slits and is bent to fix itself to the header pipe.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a metal tank having an open side and a flange around the open side, and a metal header plate connected to a plurality of heat exchanging tubes, the header plate having a channel around its periphery for mating with the tank flange. An elastomeric gasket completely fills the space between the flange and the channel for restricting contact of coolant with tank and header plate surfaces therebetween and reducing crevice corrosion. The cast metal tank has predominately thin walls and at least one cast indentation point for starting a drilled hole. The indentation point is located in a defined, limited region of the tank walls having a thickness greater than surrounding wall regions. The indentation points or other openings in the tank walls may be relocated by cutting and welding them in different locations to accommodate different configurations in low volume production.

Abstract: A heat exchanger which includes a pair of substantially parallel header pipes. A plurality of substantially parallel tubes are disposed between the pair of header pipes. Each tube defines a pair of end portions which are connected to the pair of header pipes. Each of the pair of header pipes comprises a rectangular member which has a longitudinal opening formed along one side of the rectangular member. A connecting plate is installed in the opening. The connecting plate has a plurality of holes for receiving the end portions of the tubes therein to connect the tubes to each of the pair of header pipes. According to the above structure, a heat exchanger can be easily manufactured and inexpensively produced by reducing the cost for manufacturing the header pipes. The construction of the present heat exchanger reduces the occurrence of defects in the connection of tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a bundle of tubes connected between two water boxes, each of the latter being delimited by a wall of moulded plastics material having two opposed, lateral faces on which are secured lateral portions of two mountings which join the two water boxes together and which enclose the tube bundle between them. Each water box is secured to each mounting by means of at least one self-tapping screw which passes through an aperture formed in a lateral portion of the mounting and which engages in a bore formed in the wall of the water box.

Abstract: A radiator core is combined with upper and lower tanks, which tanks are each a welded combination of tube walls and a header plate which receives the tubes of the radiator core.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, for example a condenser for a motor vehicle air conditioning system, comprises a matrix of cooling fins through which extend serpentine tubes consisting of hairpin shaped tubes joined by tubular junction pieces. The fin matrix is surmounted by an end plate. The heat exchanger is joined to an inlet or outlet flow pipe by a connecting device comprising a connecting block having a connecting element for connecting it to the flow pipe. The block has a recess in which the end of one or more of the heat exchanger tubes is sealingly mated, and is secured on the end plate of the heat exchanger by fastening means.

Abstract: A heat exchanger body is connected in fluid communication with external tubing via tube fittings. The tube fittings are supported by a supporting member that is brazed to the heat exchanger body. The supporting member can securely support the tube fitting. The supporting member can be brazed together with the heat exchanger body, thus making assembly and fabrication of the heat exchanger easier.

Abstract: A radiator core is combined with upper and lower tanks which tanks are each a welded combination of tube walls and a header plate which receives the tubes of the radiator core.

Abstract: A junction (16) includes a gasket (18) between a tank (12) and header (14) of a heat exchanger (10). The gasket has a substantially flat bottom surface (40), a convex upper section (42), and a lip (46) at its inner periphery (44) that extends upwardly. A concave recess (52) is interposed between the convex section and lip. The lip is positioned to fill a crevice (56) formed between the tank and header when the heat exchanger is assembled.

Abstract: A sturdy heat exchanger, having a variable configuration, is constructed by separately building a primary heat exchanger and an auxiliary heat exchanger, connecting the primary heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger via brackets mounted on the header pipes of the primary heat exchanger and on the auxiliary heat exchanger, and fluid connecting the header pipes via a connecting pipe. On the tops and bottoms of the primary heat exchanger and of the auxiliary heat exchanger, a pair of reinforcing side plates are mounted, and by engaging the opposing reinforcement plates to assemble the primary heat exchanger to the auxiliary heat exchanger, the heat exchanger's sturdiness is further reinforced, thereby preventing the header tanks from deforming the tubes.

Abstract: A sealing junction (47) for a heat exchanger (40) includes a rounded foot (50) at the lower end of a tank (46) positioned in a channel (52) a the periphery of a header end plate section (54). The channel includes a rounded flange (56) that has rounded tabs (48) smoothly and continuously extending therefrom that clinch the foot (50).

Abstract: A locking heat exchanger apparatus includes a pair of longitudinal tank units each establishing a fluid chamber therein and formed of separate headers and tanks. A core comprising parallel tube passes and air centers therebetween is connected between the tank units in fluid communication with the fluid chambers. The headers and tanks include flanges extending about the periphery thereof having notches therein. A locking bar includes cross arms received within the notches and interconnecting to longitudinal, parallel bars which abut the flanges of the tank and header for locking the tank with the header for brazing thereof.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an automotive vehicle is disclosed including a frame having a pair of headers and a pair of side supports disposed between the headers at opposite ends thereof. Each of the side supports includes a generally planar base and a pair of flanges extending from the based portion. The side supports including a thermal stress relieving zone defined by an elliptical aperture disposed in the based portion.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a plurality of flat tubes, a pair of hollow headers connected to both ends of each of the flat tubes in fluid communication with them, and at least one fastener secured to the headers. The fastener comprises at least one self-retainable embracing portion capable of resiliently engaging the exterior of the header to keep the fastener in place prior to brazing the components of the exchanger together. The fastener can be temporarily connected, without the aid of any special tools, on a heat exchanger body before brazing with a "one-shot" procedure, thus rendering easy the manufacture of the heat exchanger. Since special tools are unnecessary, a greater number of temporarily assembled heat exchangers can be accommodated in one oven, thus improving, to a remarkable degree, the productivity in manufacture of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An air cooled heat exchanger is comprised of a plurality of generally parallel fluid carrying tubes joined at the ends so as to form a refrigerant circuit which is free floating with respect to its means of support. The fluid carrying tubes are directly connected to heat transfer fins running generally perpendicular to the tubes. The fins in turn are connected to non-fluid carrying support tubes which are generally parallel to the fluid carrying tubes. The support tubes are secured at their ends to end plates and as necessary to a center plate or plates. There is no direct contact between the end plates or center plates and the fluid carrying tubes, which are free to move with respect to the end plates and center plate or plates. Therefore, damage to the fluid carrying tubes and leakage which often occurs at the connection between a fluid carrying tube and a support plate due to abrasion caused by vibration and temperature changes is eliminated.