With Internal Flow Director Patents (Class 165/174)
  • Publication number: 20140182826
    Abstract: A heat exchanger configured to condition a flow of fluid therein. The heat exchanger includes a first manifold, a second manifold, and a conditioning assembly having a plurality of tubular elements extending between the first manifold and the second manifold. The first manifold includes a first end having an inlet formed therein and a second end formed opposite the first end. The first manifold is formed by at least one wall having at least one fluid flow distribution feature integrally formed therein. The at least one fluid flow distribution feature includes a channel extending substantially parallel to a general direction of flow of the fluid through the first manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka
  • Patent number: 8726976
    Abstract: A heat exchanger can have a manifold which includes a plurality of laminated sheets that allow a customization of the heat exchanger. The design can allow for a more optimal flow of coolant to areas of high load, thereby making the temperature distribution across the heat exchanger more uniform, or intentionally non-uniform. Furthermore, the laminated sheets can allow multiple circuits to be employed in the heat exchanger such that different coolants can be utilized therein and maintained separate from one another. The tubes can be microchannel tubes. A single set of manifolds can be used with multiple heat exchanger cores to provide a more compact heat exchanger. Mounting features can be integral with a group of the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Schrader, Ian G. Spearing
  • Patent number: 8720536
    Abstract: A heat exchanger including a tank with first and second ends defining a length and a cross-sectional area transverse to the length. An inlet orifice defined at the first end through which fluid flows in a first direction into the tank, the inlet orifice having a cross-sectional area transverse to the first direction. A voluminous region defined by boundaries which extend generally linearly from the circumference of the cross-sectional area of the inlet orifice to the circumference of the cross-sectional area of the tank. A plurality of conduits providing an outlet for fluid flow from the tank in a second flow direction at a non-parallel angle to the first flow direction. A flow diverter positioned within the voluminous region to direct a portion of fluid flow out of the region and distribute the total volume of fluid flow from the inlet substantially uniformly between the plurality of conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James J. Vaughn, Victor G. Nino
  • Patent number: 8708037
    Abstract: A condenser has, at one end, a first header tank to which first heat exchange tubes of third and fourth heat exchange paths are connected and a second header tank to which second heat exchange tubes of first and second heat exchange paths are connected. The upper end of the first header tank is located above the lower end of the second header tank. The first header tank has a branching control section promoting a flow of liquid-phase refrigerant from the first header tank into the first heat exchange tubes of the fourth heat exchange path. The branching control section includes a space forming member which forms a closed refrigerant inflow space communicating with the first heat exchange tubes, and a liquid accumulation space. The space forming member has a communication portion for communication between a lower portion of the refrigerant inflow space and the liquid accumulation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Kazumi Tokizaki, Takayuki Fujii, Yoshihiko Seno, Shingo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8701289
    Abstract: A process for producing a turbulence device (1) which is to be mounted in at least one flow duct of a heat exchanger of a motor vehicle includes the steps of, in a first process step, at least one shaping operation is used to produce at least one substantially meandering turbulence device (30) with substantially smooth walls (2) from a substantially continuously planar sheared strip (9), wherein a longitudinal direction (RLR) of the walls runs substantially parallel to a forward feed direction (VSR) of the sheared strip (9), and in a second process step, wall sections are deformed at least by an angle (?) in relation to the forward feed direction (VSR), in such a way that undercuts (3) are produced in relation to the forward feed direction (VSR, RLR), wherein the substantially continuously planar sheared strip (9) is cut into turbulence devices (1) of predetermined lengths before carrying out the second process step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Paulik, Jürgen Hägele, Werner Oswald, Achim Utz
  • Patent number: 8701750
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention relates to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a pair of header-tanks having at least one partition wall and at least one baffle; a plurality of tubes; and a plurality of fins. A communication hole is formed on the partition wall that is positioned at a region disposed between the baffle and one end of the header-tank adjacent to the baffle. Given that a distance from the baffle to the one end of the header-tank is 100%, 1˜4 communication holes are formed at positions on the partition wall which corresponds to an extent of 0˜50%, 65˜100%, or an extent of 0˜50% and an extent of 65˜100%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Halla Visteon Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Kwang Hun Oh, Hong-Young Lim, Young-Ha Jeon
  • Patent number: 8695689
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided that comprises at least two rows of low channels through which a liquid medium can flow, and secondary surfaces arranged between the flow channels and over which air flows, the liquid medium and the air being circulated in the cross-counterflow and the first row being arranged on the air outlet side and the second row on the air inlet side. According to the invention, the liquid medium enters a first region of the first row, is deflected into a second region inside the first row, and from the second region of the first row into the second row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Kohl, Miriam Lozano-Aviles, Thomas Strauss
  • Publication number: 20140096944
    Abstract: A heat exchanger having an improved distribution structure in which one inlet pipe is connected to a header which is partitioned into a first sub-chamber in which a refrigerant flows through the inlet pipe and a second sub-chamber in which tubes communicate with each other, and a distribution pipe is installed at the header and causes the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber to communicate so that the refrigerant in the first sub-chamber can be distributed to the tubes. The distribution pipe can pass through and can be combined with a partitioning baffle that is combined with the header to partition a chamber of the header into the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kang Tae SEO, Yong Ki Baek, Seung Hee Ha, Hayase Gaku
  • Patent number: 8661845
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a heat exchanging section for performing heat exchange between a refrigerant and a cooling medium and a passage section. The passage section includes a first passage and a second passage for supplying the refrigerant to the heat exchanging section and a supply passage for supplying the refrigerant to the first passage and the second passage. The first passage and the second passage define a first opening portion and a second opening portion opening at an end of the supply passage. A minimum distance between an opening edge of the first opening portion and an inner surface of the supply passage is equal to a minimum distance between an opening edge of the second opening portion and the inner surface of the supply passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Thuya Aung, Nobuharu Kakehashi, Tomohiko Nakamura, Hideaki Sato
  • Patent number: 8662148
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a heat exchanger with optimal performance and a method of optimizing the performance of a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a first manifold, a second manifold and tubes extending therebetween. The tubes have at least one opening which extends through the entire length of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Alcoil, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Wand
  • Patent number: 8651170
    Abstract: Heat is exchanged between exhaust gas passing through a plurality of tubes and cooling water passing through a plurality of passages defined outside of the plurality of tubes layered with each other. A heat exchanger includes a temperature decreasing portion arranged in a predetermined area on an outer surface of the tube adjacent to an inlet side of exhaust gas. The temperature decreasing portion is configured to decrease a temperature of a thermal boundary layer of the outer surface of the tube relative to cooling water by increasing a heat transmitting ratio between the outer surface of the tube and cooling water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Maeda, Kimio Kohara, Yasutoshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8607852
    Abstract: A distribution pipe (100) for a heat exchanger (300) including at least two parallel channels for a first medium exchanging heat with a second medium comprises a distribution portion (110) provided with a number of holes (120) provided on positions corresponding to the position of the parallel channels. A fitting portion (140) is in fluid communication with the distribution portion (110) and placed at one end of such distribution portion (110), wherein the fitting portion is provided with a brazing surface (150) adapted to be brazed onto an end plate (200) or a start plate (320).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Swep International AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Strömer, Sven Andersson, Thomas Dahlberg, Svante Hoberg, Dirk Sterner
  • Patent number: 8602397
    Abstract: A cooling tower with a hot water distribution system includes a distribution lateral disposed above a hot water basin. The distribution lateral discharges fluid into the hot water basin, which in turn, releases the fluid through a plurality of orifices. As the fluid is released, it falls on heat-exchanging fill material that assists in increasing the cooling rate of the fluid. The distribution lateral is configured structurally to discharge the fluid through a plurality of outlets at one or more angles (as compared to the horizontal) into the hot water basins. In one embodiment, the outlets are arranged into one or more rows that extend along a substantial length of the distribution lateral. Discharging the fluid in this manner enhances and promotes a more even fluid flow within the hot water basin, which results in a more even fluid flow over and onto the fill material, thereby increasing thermal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Composite Cooling Solutions, L.P.
    Inventors: Toby Daley, James A. Bland, Michael Bickerstaff
  • Patent number: 8596339
    Abstract: A manifold structure is defined by a pair of stacked plates which define a void: one of these plates has three or more aperture-surrounding bosses which project into the void; the other of these plates has a plurality of protuberances. Each of the protuberances engages between a respective pair of the bosses. A heat exchange element is formed of a plurality of stacked plates, these plates defining a stack of tubes. The tube stack interiorly defines a plurality of U-shaped passages, these passages being distinct from one another. Each tube defines a respective one of the U-shaped passages and is received in plug-fit relation by a respective one of the bosses. The tubes, bosses and protuberances separate the void into a pair of manifolds. Each of the U-shaped passages leads from one of the manifolds to the other of the manifolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventor: Hervé Palanchon
  • Patent number: 8596089
    Abstract: A refrigerant distribution system has a plurality of chambers formed inside a refrigerant distribution plate, each of the plurality of chambers extending from one end of the refrigerant distribution plate into the refrigerant distribution plate; and a plurality of holes formed in each of the plurality of chambers, the plurality of holes fluidly communicating each of the plurality of chambers with an outside of the refrigerant distribution place. The evaporator may be oriented such that the refrigerant flows horizontally with respect to gravity. The present invention may improve the thermal performance of the evaporator while the evaporator is oriented sub-optimally. Often, with horizontal flow through an evaporator, the refrigerant phases, liquid and vapor, may separate in the manifold, resulting in poor distribution of refrigerant in the evaporator core. The refrigerant distribution plate of the present invention evenly distributes the refrigerant in the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ranjit Darke, Peter Zheng
  • Patent number: 8590607
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a tube with a heat-exchange passage and an end piece. The heat-exchange passage directs the flow of a first medium and includes a first flow section and a second flow section arranged in parallel. The end piece has a tube plate that includes a base plate, a diverter plate, and a cover plate. An end of the tube connects to the base plate. The diverter plate has a cutout that forms a diverter passage. The cover plate lies adjacent to the diverter plate and covers the diverter passage in a fluid-tight manner. A second medium flows exterior to the heat-exchange passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Walter Demuth, Martin Kotsch, Michael Kranich, Hans Joachim Krauss, Hagen Mittelstrass, Karl-Heinz Staffa, Christoph Walter
  • Publication number: 20130307268
    Abstract: A specific electrical generator powered by an external combustion steam engine that functions through the initial combustion of various potential fuel sources to consequently generate steam from an internal working fluid that drives an electric motor or alternator to generate electricity is provided. The steam is then condensed to return to its liquid form in order to again be heated into steam through further combustion. The all-in-one electric generator combusts the fuel provided within the generator and incinerates such fuel in a manner and in an environment to effectively eliminate the potential for appreciable resultant levels of nitrogen and/or sulfur oxides. The combustion fuel may be any type of material, such as used vehicle or equipment oil, waste vegetable or cooking oil, diesel, gasoline, syngases, natural gases, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas V. Thillen
  • Patent number: 8584741
    Abstract: A heat exchanger has a plurality of chamber units. The chamber units include an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, and a plurality of walls defining a chamber interior. The inlet receives a heat exchange medium flowing in a first flow direction in an initial line of flow. Disposed within the chamber interior is a medium directing member, having an inclined surface, which diverts the heat exchange medium from the initial flow direction so that it disperses within the chamber interior in at least two distinct flow patterns. Directional flow of the medium may be facilitated by two medium directing channels disposed within one or more of the chamber walls. Protrusion members on one or more chamber walls enhance dispersion of the heat exchange medium, causing a turbulent flow pattern within the chamber interior. The heat exchange medium exits the chamber, via the outlet, in the initial line of flow. The chambers are interconnected to form assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Mikutay Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Nitta, Takeyoshi Nitta
  • Patent number: 8561680
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes headers and tubes two ends of each of which are connected with and communicate the headers. Each of fins is disposed between adjacent tubes. An end cover is formed with a center hole and fixed to a proximal end of one of the headers. A distal end of a sleeve passes through the center hole to extend into the header, and a proximal end of the sleeve is held by a proximal end surface of the end cover. A first distribution-collection tube is fixed to the sleeve and defines an open proximal end and a closed distal end passing through the sleeve to extend into the header in which openings are formed along a longitudinal direction of the distribution-collection tube in a portion thereof extended into the header. A fixing nut is screwed onto the end cover to press the proximal end of the sleeve against the proximal end surface of the end cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sanhua Holding Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jianlong Jiang, Feng Wang, Linjie Huang
  • Publication number: 20130192808
    Abstract: A refrigerant guiding pipe having a pipe wall in which an inner chamber is formed, an opening formed in the pipe wall, and a refrigerant guiding portion. At least a part of the refrigerant guiding portion is disposed to be substantially inclined with respect to an axial direction of the refrigerant guiding pipe to guide refrigerant passing through the opening. The refrigerant guiding pipe can distribute and guide refrigerant well to help avoid non-uniform distribution of refrigerant due to layering of gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicants: DANFOSS A/S, SANHUA HOLDING GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Huazhao Liu
  • Patent number: 8485248
    Abstract: A heat exchanger including a pair of manifolds. An inlet is disposed on one of the ends of the first manifold. A core extends between the manifolds for conveying a coolant therebetween and for transferring heat between the coolant and a stream of air. A cross-over plate is disposed in one of the manifolds to divide the associated one of the manifolds into an upstream section and a downstream section. The cross-over plate presents a plurality of orifices defining a cross-over opening area for establishing fluid communication between the upstream and downstream sections of the associated manifold. The cross-over opening area continuously increases along an axis away from the inlet. The total cross-over opening area is 30% to 300% of the upstream cross-sectional area of the tubes of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Coyle, Sourav Chowdhury
  • Publication number: 20130168070
    Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly having an insertable distributor tube retainer tab configured to position and retain a distributor tube disposed within a first manifold extending along an axis Amanifold. The first manifold includes a manifold wall having an interior surface defining an interior chamber, an exterior surface opposite of the interior surface, and a retainer slot connecting the interior surface and the exterior surface. The retainer slot extends substantially transverse to the manifold axis Amanifold. The retainer tab is inserted through the retainer slot and includes a first tab portion disposed within the interior chamber and a second tab portion 104 engaged to the wall of the first manifold, and may also include a third tab portion engaged to a width surface of the retainer slot. The retainer tab includes a tab opening configured to engage and maintain the distributor tube within the predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Delphi Technologies, Inc
  • Patent number: 8464782
    Abstract: A communication plate extends along and is sandwiched between cylindrical communication manifolds of a first heat exchanger assembly and a second heat exchanger assembly. The communication plate includes a saddling surface arcuate in one direction and a saddling surface arcuate in the opposite direction for engaging in saddle-like fashion the cylindrical shape of the manifolds. The communication plate defines a plurality of communication plate orifices disposed along the communication plate and aligned co-axial with a plurality of communication orifices disposed along the manifolds to seal the communication orifices of the manifolds and establish distributed and sealed fluid communication between the heat exchanger assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Samuelson, David M. Smith, Don C. Corser, Richard V. Cooper, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130140012
    Abstract: A header for an air cooled heat exchanger is provided. The header includes a housing having top and bottom walls and side walls and an inlet and an outlet, one of said side walls being a tube wall for connection to a plurality of heat exchanger tubes. The header includes a partition wall between the top and bottom walls defining upper and lower regions, the partition being a sheet having a higher central area which extends downward to corners of the upper region. Each corner has a drain aperture for fluid in the upper region to drain by gravity out of the upper region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
  • Patent number: 8439104
    Abstract: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided that include multichannel tube configurations designed to reduce refrigerant pressure drop through a heat exchanger manifold. In certain embodiments, tubes inserted within the manifold adjacent to a refrigerant inlet have non-rectangular or recessed end profiles configured to increase flow area near the inlet, thereby reducing a pressure drop through the manifold. In further embodiments, insertion depths of the tubes within the manifold vary based on distance from the inlet. This configuration may establish a larger flow area adjacent to the inlet, thus reducing the pressure drop and increasing heat exchanger efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jose Ruel Yalung de la Cruz, Mustafa K. Yanik, William L. Kopko
  • Patent number: 8439102
    Abstract: A refractory brick assembly unit is provided, including a refractory brick member having an inner passageway extending therethrough from a first opening at an inlet end face to an opposed second opening at an outlet end face thereof. A vector tile is also included, having an annular portion that is coaxially arranged with respect to a longitudinal extension axis of the inner passageway of the refractory brick member positioned in a portion of the inner passageway of the refractory brick member and located proximate the second opening at the outlet end face thereof, and having a domed portion extending from a first surface of the annular portion at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal extension axis of the inner passageway of the refractory brick member so as to occlude at least a portion of the second opening of the refractory brick member at the outlet end face thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Blasch Precision Ceramics
    Inventors: Edwin L. Collins, III, Jeffrey J. Bolebruch, Nathaniel Teator
  • Patent number: 8430151
    Abstract: An integrated hybrid heat exchanger may include a first radiator and a second radiator disposed up and down in parallel, a first radiator tank connected to both first end portions of the first and second radiators in common, a first baffle installed in the first radiator tank and separating an inner space of the first radiator tank into an upper space and a lower space, wherein the upper and lower spaces of the first radiator tank include a coolant inlet respectively and a first air bypass member having a passage therein, the first air bypass member installed on the first baffle and extending upwards with a predetermined length and configured to remove bubbles collected in the lower space of the first radiator tank through the passage of the first air bypass member by pressure difference between the upper and lower spaces of the first radiator tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jae Yeon Kim
  • Patent number: 8424551
    Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus and related methods are provided. The heat transfer apparatus and related methods more evenly distribute fluid flow in two-phase heat exchange systems by restricting fluid flow to one or more tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Bradley University
    Inventors: John W. Seeli, David Zietlow
  • Patent number: 8413715
    Abstract: A refrigerant evaporator is provided in which a liquid refrigerant can be evenly distributed to a plurality of refrigerant tubes connected to first and second tanks in a U-turn block to improve heat-exchange performance. In the refrigerant evaporator, one of a plurality of blocks into which a refrigerant supply channel is divided is a U-turn block where a refrigerant flows into one of the first and second tank portions of an upper tank in a direction along a partition wall, flows into the other tank portion, and is distributed and flows from the first and second tank portions into a plurality of refrigerant tubes. The partition wall partitioning the first and second tank portions of the upper tank has a plurality of refrigerant-distributing holes arranged in a longitudinal direction of the partition wall in the U-turn block so that the first tank portion communicates with the second tank portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Saito, Yasunobu Zyoubouji, Takamitsu Himeno, Hitoshi Tamaki
  • Patent number: 8408284
    Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly that includes an outlet header/manifold defining an outlet cavity, an outlet tube in fluidic communication with the outlet cavity, and a heat exchanger core. The outlet tube and the outlet cavity cooperate to reduce a temperature value range across the heat exchanger core by equalizing refrigerant distribution between the refrigerant tubes within the heat exchanger core. The length of the heat exchanger headers/manifolds may be increased for a predetermined packaging width because the outlet tube and inlet conduit may exit the headers/manifolds perpendicularly rather than axially, allowing the heat exchanger core width to be increased. The increased heat exchanger core width allows additional refrigerant tubes to be included in the heat exchanger core, providing decreased air pressure difference for air flowing through the heat exchanger assembly and increased heat capacity of the heat exchanger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Polisoto, Donald R. Pautler, Douglas C. Wintersteen, Richard V. Cooper, Jr., David E. Samuelson
  • Patent number: 8381804
    Abstract: A heat exchanger and method that includes the use of at least one manifold having a plurality of vanes for circulating a fluid requiring cooling. The vanes define a pair of adjacent flow channels that each has a changing cross sectional shape that varies the aspect ratio of the adjacent flow channels defined by each vane. Each vane also has a twisting or spiral shape that serves to change the orientation of each of its adjacent flow channels to even more effectively enable transfer of heat from a first fluid flowing within one of the flow channels to a second fluid flowing in the other adjacent flow channel. In various embodiments both counter-direction flow and same-direction flows are employed in the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Victor Blake Slaughter
  • Patent number: 8376029
    Abstract: A fluid flow diverter is provided in a standard rectangular header of a keel cooler for optimizing the coolant flow towards both the interior tubes and also towards the exterior tubes of the keel cooler. The improvement enhances the internal coolant flow and subsequent heat transfer efficiency similar to what has been realized with a non-rectangular header, for example, a header with a beveled wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Duramax Marine, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rericha, Jeffrey S. Leeson, Michael W. Brakey
  • Patent number: 8371366
    Abstract: An evaporator 1 is configured such that two heat exchange tube groups 16, each composed of a plurality of heat exchange tubes 15, are provided between a pair of header tanks 2, 3, while being separated from each other in a front-rear direction. Each of the header tanks 2, 3 includes two header sections 5, 6, 11, 12. Each header tank 2, 3 includes a first member 21, 93 to which the heat exchange tubes 15 are connected, and a second member 22, 94 which is joined to the first member 21, 93 and covers the side of the first member 21, 93 opposite the heat exchange tubes 15. Partition portions 41, 42 for dividing the interiors of the header section 5, 6, 11, 12 into upper and lower spaces 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b are provided on the second member 22, 94 of the header tank 2, 3. Through holes 47, 51A, 101, 102 for establishing communication between the upper and lower spaces 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b of the header section 5, 6, 11, 12 are formed in the partition portions 41, 42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Naohisa Higashiyama, Yukihiro Tsurumi
  • Patent number: 8348433
    Abstract: A projector includes a liquid-cooling device configured to cool down an optical element, an optical element holding member that is constructed to allow cooling liquid to flow in and out and holds the optical element; a liquid pumping unit that circulate cooling liquid; a liquid storage unit that is constructed to allow cooling liquid to flow in and out and temporarily stores cooling liquid therein; and a plurality of liquid circulation members that connect the optical element holding member, the liquid pumping unit, and the liquid storage unit and define a flow channel of the cooling liquid, and the liquid pumping unit, the liquid storage unit, and the optical element holding member are arranged along a circulation direction of the cooling liquid along the flow path in order of the liquid pumping unit, the liquid storage unit, and the optical element holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yanagisawa, Yasunaga Momose
  • Patent number: 8342235
    Abstract: A counter-flow heat exchanger for a vehicle air conditioning system includes a first lateral tank having an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The first lateral tank includes an inlet port fluidly connected to the inlet chamber and an outlet port fluidly connected to the outlet chamber. The outlet port is positioned adjacent an uppermost portion of the first lateral tank for reducing air pockets. A second lateral tank is laterally spaced apart from the first lateral tank. A first set of tubes fluidly connects the inlet chamber of the first lateral tank to the second lateral tank. A second of tubes fluidly connects the second lateral tank to the outlet chamber of the first lateral tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Kanemaru, Shinji Kakizaki
  • Patent number: 8307886
    Abstract: A heat exchanging device includes first and second disk members coupled together to form a disk unit having a chamber. The first disk member has an inlet and the second disk member has an outlet. A medium directing member is disposed within the disk unit. A first end of the medium directing member has a first channel formed at an angle to direct heat exchange media flowing in from the inlet to the chamber, and a second end of the medium directing member has a second channel formed at an angle to direct the heat exchange media out of the chamber through the outlet. A plurality of disk units are coupled together in a row. Multiple rows of the heat exchanging devices may be disposed between manifolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Mikutay Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Nitta, Takeyoshi Nitta
  • Patent number: 8302673
    Abstract: In a parallel flow heat exchanger having an inlet manifold connected to an outlet manifold by a plurality of parallel channels, a spirally shaped insert is disposed within the refrigerant flow path in the inlet manifold such that a swirling motion is imparted to the refrigerant flow in the manifold so as to cause a more uniform distribution of refrigerant to the individual channels. Various embodiments of the spirally shaped inserts are provided, including inserts designed for the internal flow of refrigerant therethrough and/or the external flow of refrigerant thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Taras, Allen C. Kirkwood, Robert A. Chopko
  • Publication number: 20120267086
    Abstract: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided that include multichannel tube configurations designed to promote flow of refrigerant within the multichannel tubes near the edges of the tubes that are contacted first by an external fluid. The tube configurations include flow paths of varying cross-sections, spacings, and sizes. Flow control mechanisms, such as inserts, blocking plates, sleeves, crimped sections, and crushed sections, may be employed with the flow paths to favor flow near the edges of the tubes that are contacted first by an external fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Mustafa K. Yanik, William L. Kopko, Jose Ruel Yalung de la Cruz
  • Patent number: 8267162
    Abstract: A bi-directional pressure relief valve for a plate fin heat exchanger including an elongated heat exchanger tube having ends and a channel for the flow of a fluid from one end of the tube to the opposite end and a bi-directional reed valve positioned within the channel. The reed valve allows fluid to flow within the channel in either direction when a pressure differential across the reed valve is sufficient to urge the reed valve to an open position, thereby enabling the heat exchanger to be used independent of the direction of fluid flow through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Standard Motor Products
    Inventor: Archibald E Pinto
  • Patent number: 8246915
    Abstract: Disclosed is a removable cooling module (1), for use in a reactor (20) for carrying out an exothermic reaction, comprising a coolant feed tube (2); a distribution chamber (4); a plurality of circulation tubes (5); and a collection chamber (6); said coolant feed tube (2) having at its first end an inlet (3), for charging the coolant module (1) with coolant, and communicating with said distribution chamber (4) at its second end; each of said circulation tubes (5) communicating with the distribution chamber (4) through a first end and communicating with said collection chamber (6) through a second end; the collection chamber (6) having an outlet for discharging coolant. The modular nature of the invention facilitates removal of individual cooling module (1) from a reactor shell (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Anne Boer, Franciscus Johannes Maria Schrauwen
  • Patent number: 8240367
    Abstract: An insert is provided in a flow path adjacent to the input and/or output port of a plate heat exchanger to shield heat transfer elements adjacent to the port from high velocity flow. By deflecting and redirecting the high velocity flow from the port, vibration induced stress to the heat transfer elements can be minimized. The insert is provided with a converging nozzle that directs the flow into a narrowed body. The outlet of the insert can be formed as an open end of the body or as a contoured opening in the side wall of the body. Flow can also be more uniformly distributed to the flow channels defined between the heat transfer elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Amar S. Wanni, Thomas M. Rudy, Douglas F. Slingerland, Chih Pong Sin
  • Patent number: 8235099
    Abstract: A heat exchanger used as an evaporator includes a refrigerant inlet header section having a refrigerant inlet at a right end portion, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes connected to the refrigerant inlet header section. The interior of the refrigerant inlet header section is divided by a partition plate into an upper space into which refrigerant flows via the refrigerant inlet and a lower space into which the heat exchange tubes project. A communication opening is formed in the partition plate on the left side of a heat exchange tube at the left end so as to establish communication between the upper and lower spaces. A guide portion is formed at a left edge portion of the communication opening such that the guide portion projects from a lower surface of the partition member into the lower space so as to guide the refrigerant toward the right end side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventor: Naohisa Higashiyama
  • Patent number: 8235101
    Abstract: A parallel flow heat exchanger system (10, 50, 100, 200) for heat pump applications in which single and multiple paths of variable length are established via flow control systems which also allow for refrigerant flow reversal within the parallel flow heat exchanger system (10, 50, 100, 200), while switching between cooling and heating modes of operation. Examples of flow control devices are an expansion device (80) and various check valves (70, 72, 74, 76). The parallel flow heat exchanger system may have converging or diverging flow circuits and may constitute a single-pass or a multi-pass evaporator together with and a multi-pass condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
  • Patent number: 8230909
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided which has an easy-to-manufacture structure, is inexpensive, and has high quality and reliability while keeping high heat exchanging performance. The heat exchanger has first substrates (26) having first slits (30) and second slits (40) disposed substantially in parallel, and second substrates (28) having third slits (50) with substantially the same shape as that of first slits (30). The longitudinal length of second substrates (28) is set shorter than that of second slits (40). First substrates (26) and second substrates (28) are stacked so that first slits (30) communicate with third slits (50). First slits (30) and third slits (50) form tube external flow channels (60). Second slits (40) and second substrates (28) form tube internal flow channels (70). The heat exchanging section including only tubes can be formed of substrates having a slit, so that the heat exchanger can be manufactured easily and inexpensively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsunori Taniguchi, Osao Kido, Toshiaki Mamemoto
  • Patent number: 8225853
    Abstract: A multi-pass heat exchanger having a return manifold with a partition, a front wall, and a rear wall is provided. The partition separates the return manifold into a collection chamber and a distribution chamber. The front and rear walls define a fluid channel. The front wall has a plurality of perforations placing the fluid channel in separate fluid communication with the collection chamber and the distribution chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignees: Carrier Corporation, Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Macri, Mikhail B. Gorbounov, Yirong Jiang, Jules Ricardo Munoz, Young K. Park, Parmesh Verma, Henry Beamer, Robert Runk
  • Patent number: 8216531
    Abstract: Disclosed are a syngas production process and a reforming exchanger 100. The process involves passing a first portion of hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam and oxidant through an autothermal catalytic steam reforming zone to form a first reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, passing a second portion of the hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam through an endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone to form a second reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, and mixing the first and second reformed gases and passing the resulting gas mixture through a heat exchange zone for cooling the gas mixture and thereby supplying heat to the endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone. The endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone and the heat exchange zone are respectively disposed tube side and shell side within a shell-and-tube reforming exchanger 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventors: Robert Burlingame, Thomas Czuppon, Larry G. Hackemesser
  • Patent number: 8210246
    Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly includes a pair of outer headers each defining an outer cavity and a pair of inner headers each defining an inner cavity. Each inner header is disposed in one of the outer headers, and each header defines a plurality of header slots. A plurality of first fluid tubes extend between the outer headers from one of the header slots of each outer header to fluidly interconnect the outer cavities defined by the outer headers and a plurality of second fluid tubes are interleaved with the first refrigerant tubes and extend between the outer headers and through one of the header slots of each outer header and through the associated outer cavities defined by the outer headers and to the one of the header slots of each inner header to fluidly interconnect the inner cavities defined by the inner headers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohinder Singh Bhatti, Mark James Zima, Prasad Shripad Kadle
  • Patent number: 8201620
    Abstract: An evaporator unit includes an evaporator configured to evaporate a refrigerant, and a capillary tube configured to decompress the refrigerant. The capillary tube has two longitudinal ends bonded to the evaporator. At least one position of a middle portion between the two longitudinal ends of the capillary tube is fixed to the evaporator by press-contacting the evaporator. Therefore, it can prevent a crack from being caused at the bonding portions of the two longitudinal ends of the capillary tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Thuya Aung, Tomohiko Nakamura, Hideaki Sato, Toshio Utsumi, Kazutoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8186159
    Abstract: The intake air cooler of the invention comprises a first cooling stage (24) and a second cooling stage (26) grouped in a single heat exchanger housing (30) and sharing a common heat exchanger bundle (28) accommodated in the housing and traversed by a cooling liquid. Application to turbocharged internal combustion engines for motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Carlos Martins, Michel Potier
  • Patent number: 8171987
    Abstract: An inlet header of a microchannel heat exchanger is provided with a first insert disposed within the inlet header and extending substantially the length thereof, and having a plurality of openings for the flow of refrigerant into the internal confines of the inlet header and then to the channels. A second insert, disposed within the first insert, extends substantially the length of the first insert and is of increasing cross sectional area toward its downstream end such that annular cavity is formed between the first and second insert. The annular cavity of decreasing cross sectional area provides for the maintenance of a substantially constant mass flux of the refrigerant along the length of the annulus so as to thereby maintain an annular flow regime of the liquid and thereby promote uniform flow distribution to the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Yirong Jiang, Jules R. Munoz, Young K. Park, Parmesh Verma