With Support Or Flow Connector Patents (Class 165/178)
  • Patent number: 6860324
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for performing heat exchange of a medium by heat conducted to tubes (210) and fins (220), the heat exchanger is configured by assembling the tubes, the fins, tanks (300) and a connector (400) and heating them in a furnace to be brazed into one body, wherein the connector is made of aluminum or its alloy and has a seating face to be brazed to the outer surface of the tank, and when it is determined that the connector has a surface area of X [cm2] and a volume of Y [cm3], they have a relation of X?1.5·(36?Y2)1/3, Y?30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Zexel Valeo Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Soichi Kato, Shoji Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20040261974
    Abstract: A tube bundle heat exchanger has been carried out, wherein a bearing structure (2) defines at least a primary chamber (3), which is crossed by tubes (4) made of a non-solderable material. A secondary chamber (5) is put in fluid connection with such tubes (4) and is fluid proof with respect to the main chamber (3). Furthermore a tube plate (6), showing the adequate seats (7) for housing the ends of said tubes (4) and a containing plate (9), showing respective holding seats (10) for each tube (4) and for the contemporary housing of sealing means (8), are provided. Finally a third clamping plate (11) is provided, which abuts on the containing plate (9), in order to allow deformation and to prevent blow-by through such sealing means (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Francesco Pigatto
  • Publication number: 20040238161
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant alloy metal tube sheet used to construct a shell and tube heat exchanger (50) for cooling fluids with sea water passing through corrosion-resistant alloy tubes (25) contained in a horizontal carbon steel outer shell (1) that are supported and sealed at each end by passing them through holes (27, 30) in a carbon steel tube sheet (28, 31) and axially aligned holes (36, 37) in alloy tube sheets (34, 35) that cover and protect the adjacent interior carbon steel tube sheets from sea water corrosion. The walls of the holes (27, 30, 36, 37) have at least one annular groove (45, 46) and the ends of each tube are radially expanded to form circumferential ridges (40, 41) on the outside of each tube at a mating location with each of said annular grooves (45, 46) where they are forcibly driven into the grooves to form a circumferential joint having good mechanical strength and water tightness, thereby eliminating the need for welding the external joint between the alloy tube sheets and alloy tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Salamah S. Al-Anizi, Abdulmalik A. Alghamdi
  • Patent number: 6810951
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tube (1) internally divided into two longitudinal channels (16) by a median spacer (9). In an end zone (4) penetrating a fluid box (19), the tube is deformed so as to be widened in its transverse section and shortened on either side of the spacer in the direction thereof. The space requirement of the fluid box in the longitudinal direction of the transverse sections of the tubes, and consequently the space requirement of the whole heat exchanger, can thereby be reduced relatively to the maximum space requirement of the array formed by the tubes and the separators (5) stacked therewith. The invention is applicable to cooling radiators of engines powering motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Yvon Dumetz
  • Patent number: 6810949
    Abstract: A multiblock heat-transfer system including a first heat-transfer unit and at least a second heat transfer unit mounted onto the first heat-transfer unit. The first heat transfer unit contains a first heat-transfer tubular block with at least a first collecting chamber at the side. The second heat-transfer unit contains a second heat-transfer tubular block with at least a second collecting chamber at the side. The first and second collecting chamber each consist of their own collecting pipe, and both collecting pipes are inserted into each other at their front faces and are connected in a fluid-tight manner. In the pipe connection area, the external diameter of one of the collecting pipes approximately matches the internal diameter of the other collecting pipe, and a transverse partition is provided for separating the two collecting chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: BEHR GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Staffa, Hans-Joachim Krauss, Hagen Mittelstrass, Christoph Walter, Bernd Dienhart, Jochen Schumm
  • Publication number: 20040211550
    Abstract: A fluid connector for providing an inlet/outlet connection to a connecting grid of a heat exchanger is disclosed in which the connector has a tubular body formed with an integral outwardly directed flange by means of which a fluid tight connection to the connecting grid can be achieved. The flange may be sealed relative to an aperture in a plate of the connecting grid. Alternatively, the aperture may be provided with a structural ring and the flange sealed relative to the structural ring for adapting the aperture to the size and/or position of the flange. A set of structural rings may be provided for use of the connecting grid with different connectors. The structural ring may allow the connector to be detached without disassembling the connecting grid. The aperture may be closed by a blanking disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Derek I. Finch, Gary A. Crawford, Neil E. Jarman
  • Publication number: 20040206489
    Abstract: In a core structure of a heat exchanger, tubes and corrugated fins are alternately arranged between sheet plates arranged opposite to each other with a predetermined space interposed therebetween. End portions of the tubes are inserted into tube holes formed respectively in each of the top and bottom sheet plates to be fixed. On the sheet plates, there are provided connection portions having wall portions slanting from main body portions thereof toward the tube holes. When a thickness of the tubes is 0.13 mm to 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Mitsuru Iwasaki, Shinobu Asakawa, Daisuke Matsuda, Shouji Tasaka, Toshinobu Imamura
  • Patent number: 6793121
    Abstract: An automobile climate control system has a coolant dispersing device to allow coolant to flow. A heat exchanger cools the coolant. A manifold block allows the coolant to transfer between the coolant dispersing device and the heat exchanger. The manifold block is in communication with the heat exchanger and the coolant dispersing device. At least one separately formed clasp is fixedly mounted to the manifold block. The at least one clasp has separate legs to fixedly mount the at least one clasp to the heat exchanger. The at least one clasp has a first flange member. A first end of the first flange member is fixedly mounted to an aperture in the manifold block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignees: Newfield Technology Corporation, Visteon Automotive Systems
    Inventors: Minoru Nitta, Ramchandra L. Patel
  • Patent number: 6786277
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger having a manifold plate structure. The heat exchanger comprises a first and a second manifold plate. The first and second manifold plates allow a refrigerant communication between an outside of the heat exchanger and another plate. The manifold plates together form a closed flat tube and each of the manifold plates has a pair of cup portions. The first manifold plate has a first slot and the second manifold plate has a second slot. The edge of the first slot has a projected burr portion. The first slot is configured for insertion into a slot of a first adjacent plate that is configured to be connected to the first manifold plate. The length and width of the first slot are less than the length and width of the second slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Shin Seung Hark, Kim Yong Ho
  • Patent number: 6787116
    Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Aquatherm Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles G Williams, John F. Messerschmidt, J. David Sizelove
  • 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: 6775909
    Abstract: The invention refers to a lining device (15) for a plate heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, and a method for manufacturing a plate heat exchanger with a package of heat transfer plates and an end plate (5), which has at least one porthole. The lining device includes a first part (16) and a second part (17). Each of these parts is manufactured of a sheet metal and has a substantially cylindrical pipe portion (16a, 17a) and an abutment portion (16b, 17b). The pipe portion of the first part is introducible in the porthole and the pipe portion of the second part is introducible in the porthole into the pipe portion of the first part in such a way that an area (19) is formed where the pipe portions overlap each other. The parts are connected to each other by a weld joint (18). The material thickness of the first part is greater than the material thickness of the second part at least at the overlapping area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Mats Jönsson, Anders Andersson, Inge Svensson
  • Patent number: 6776225
    Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly for a vehicle comprising at least one manifold having walls defining a chamber for retaining fluid. A mounting device is secured to the wall of the manifold. The mounting device includes a seat portion adapted to receive a fluid transmission line. The mounting device further includes an opening extending from the seat portion and aligned with an aperture in the manifold for providing a fluid passageway between the manifold and the fluid transmission line. In addition, the mounting device includes at least one indentation formed therein for capturing contaminates and preventing an intrusion of the contaminates into the seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Joseph Leitch, Kunal Ghosh
  • Patent number: 6772832
    Abstract: A support bar for tubes in a heat exchanger, such as the U-bend tubes in the U-bend region of a recirculating, nuclear steam generator, provides positive restraint in both the in-plane direction of the tube planes and the out-of-plane direction. The bar has pairs of parallel surfaces aligned with first and second axes such that the bar may be positioned with either axis arranged parallel to the tube planes. The bar can be used in place of other types of tube support bars, and can also be used as an auxiliary bar for installation into a fully assembled heat exchanger to provide additional support to supplement other tube support arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: William G. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040144523
    Abstract: A pipe connecting member 7 has a fluid outlet passage 7B formed in communication with a fluid outlet pipe socket 721 provided thereon at a position on a lateral extension of the fluid outlet hole 9b, and a fluid inlet passage 7A formed in communication with a fluid inlet pipe socket 722 provided thereon as displaced from a position on a lateral extension of the fluid inlet hole 7a. A corner portion 95 having a curved surface is formed between the fluid inlet passage 7A and a front header 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Naohisa Higashiyama
  • Patent number: 6761212
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermosyphon heat exchanger. The thermosyphon system eliminates the need for costly and inefficient moving parts in the cooling system. The system also minimizes failures rendering the system inoperable by eliminating mechanical components subject to breakdowns that would render the system inoperable. The design of the heat exchanger coils provides for increased efficiency, reduced cost, and simplified construction and maintenance. The system further reduces the energy consumption required for cooling operation while still providing excellent cooling performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventor: Frank E. DiPaolo
  • Patent number: 6739386
    Abstract: A heat exchanger including a core having a plurality of flat tubes with fins between adjacent tubes, the tubes each having flat side walls connected by front and rear walls defining a flow path, all of the walls extending longitudinally between opposite tube ends with the tube side walls defining a first height. First tube end portions in the tube ends of a plurality of the plurality of flat tubes include flat side walls flared apart to define a second height greater than the first height. Second tube end portions in the tube ends of the plurality of the plurality of flat tubes include a longitudinally extending cut through the front and rear walls with the flat side walls flared apart to define a third height greater than the second height. The side walls of adjacent tubes are secured together at the tube ends, and headers connect to the tube front and rear walls at the first and second tube end portions whereby the headers communicate with the tube flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bernhard Lamich, Viktor Brost
  • Patent number: 6736201
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved heat exchanger and/or fluid mixing means which comprises a bonded stack of plates, the stack comprising at least one group of main perforated plates, wherein at least two adjacent plates of the group of main perforated plates have their perforations aligned in rows with continuous ribs between adjacent rows, and the adjacent plates are aligned whereby the rows of perforations in one plate overlap in the direction of the rows with the rows of perforations of an adjacent plate and the ribs of adjacent plates lie in correspondence with each other to provide discrete fluid channels extending across the plates, a channel corresponding to each row of perforations, the channels together forming one or more fluid passageways across the plates and the passageway(s) in the group of main perforated plates being separated from passageway(s) in any adjacent group of perforated plates by an intervening plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Chart Heat Exchangers Limited
    Inventors: Brian Keith Watton, Keith Thomas Symonds, Steven Paul Symonds
  • Patent number: 6725913
    Abstract: A method of providing volume production of highly pressure resistant headers (10), (12) is provided and allows the headers (10), (12) to be formed of a header structure (10), (12) with a relatively thin wall portion (32) and a relatively thick wall portion (30). A strip (40) is utilized to provide the desired thickness at the thin wall portion (32) while allowing both the thin wall portion (32) and the strip (40) to have tube slots (34), (42) formed therein by a one step punching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Stephen Memory, Gregory G. Hughes, C. James Rogers
  • Publication number: 20040069478
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for performing heat exchange of a medium by heat conducted to tubes (210) and fins (220), the heat exchanger is configured by assembling the tubes, the fins, tanks (300) and a connector (400) and heating them in a furnace to be brazed into one body, wherein the connector is made of aluminum or its alloy and has a seating face to be brazed to the outer surface of the tank, and when it is determined that the connector has a surface area of X [cm2] and a volume of Y [cm3], they have a relation of X≧1.5·(36&pgr;Y2)1/3, Y≦30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Soichi Kato, Shoji Akiyama
  • Patent number: 6719037
    Abstract: A heat exchanger and method of making a heat exchanger which includes providing a header having openings adapted to receive a plurality of tubes. The tubes are inserted into the header openings, then, substantially uncured fluid sealing material is applied to at least the inner surfaces of the header openings. The inner surfaces of the header openings and the outer surfaces of the tubes are connected by the sealing material. The method further includes curing the sealing material after the tubes are inserted into the header openings. The sealing material thus provides a flexible, bonded, liquid tight, tube-to-header joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Transpro, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Crook
  • Patent number: 6712131
    Abstract: The exchanger is made from a number of tubes sealingly connected to a pipe plate which is further connected to an enclosure. The pipe plate is realized by positioning enclosure and tubes in a mould and pouring a ceramic slurry which is subsequently sintered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast - Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Hendrik Willem Brinkman, Harrie Gorter, Rinse Alle Terpstra, Johannes Coenradus Theodorus Van Der Heijde, Joost Petrus Gerardus Maria Van Eijk, Godefridus Hendricus Maria Gubbels
  • Patent number: 6708756
    Abstract: A method for fixing components to a pipe for circulation of a fluid forming part of a heat exchanger (1), in particular a condenser of an air-conditioning system, the method envisaging at least one step of preliminary connection of at least one component (4) to the pipe (2), followed by a brazing process in order to obtain final connection of the component (4) to the pipe (2). According to the invention, in the course of said step of preliminary connection, the component (4) is mechanically fixed to the pipe (2) by means of at least one rivet (5) and, following upon said brazing process, fluid-tight sealing is obtained between the component (4), the pipe (2) and the rivet (5) by means of melting of surface material (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Thermal Systems Spa
    Inventor: Andrea Parola
  • Publication number: 20040040698
    Abstract: A method of securing a plurality of oblong tubes into a plurality of circular openings in a header of a CT or Serpentine style fin core exchanger. One end of each tube is shaped into a circle, inserted into a circular opening in the header and bonded into place thus forming a Flat-Round joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Jay Korth, Geoff Smith
  • Publication number: 20040040699
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerant leak-preventive structure in a heat exchanger. The refrigerant leak-preventive structure comprises: a fin-tubes group having refrigerant leak-preventive grooves recessed at ends of the fin-tubes group; and headers having refrigerant leak-preventive projections formed by double injection molding solution introduced into and cooled in the refrigerant leak-preventive grooves when being coupled with the both ends of the fin-tubes group by a double injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jang Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 6691771
    Abstract: A plurality of cooling tubes (7) are connected and communicated with one another in multisteps in a vertical direction bridging a pair of header pipes (3). One of the header pipes (3) is provided with a liquid tank (9) for storing a cooling medium in a liquid phase which has been condensed and liquidized by cooling, and an auxiliary machinery part (23) is fitted to a peripheral wall face 9a of the liquid tank which serves as a large mounting face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Shinhama, Jinichi Hiyama
  • Patent number: 6687995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising two manifolds (10). Profiled pipe sections (11) are accommodated with a lamella configuration (12) between said manifolds. According to the invention, an obstructing means (13) for preventing the flow of solder is provided on the exterior of the profiled pipe section (11) between the manifold (10) and the lamella configuration (12). The invention also relates to a method for producing a heat exchanger. The invention provides that the obstructing means (13) is formed on the profiled pipe sections (11) before the sections are cut from a profiled pipe billet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Erbslöh AG
    Inventors: Norbert Sucke, Ismail Boyraz
  • Patent number: 6679319
    Abstract: A heat exchanger has a connector (7) for connecting a receiver tank (4) brazed to a header pipe (3) and the receiver tank (4) connected to the connector (7) by male screw parts, wherein the connector (7) is formed to have a brazing face (7a) against the header pipe (3) narrower than a mating face (7b) against the receiver tank (4). The connector (7) has a plurality of holes (73), (73) into which a plurality of male screw parts are inserted or screwed, and the holes (73), (73) are formed symmetrically or substantially symmetrically on the brazing face (7a) against the header pipe (3) with respect to a straight line connecting the center of an outflow path (71) and that of an inflow path (72) on the mating face (7b) against the receiver tank (4). And, a groove (74) which divides the brazing face (7a) is formed between the inflow path (71) and the outflow path (72) on the brazing face (7a) against the header pipe (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Zexel Valeo Climate Control Corporation
    Inventor: Soichi Kato
  • Publication number: 20030230402
    Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly for a vehicle comprising at least one manifold having walls defining a chamber for retaining fluid. A mounting device is secured to the wall of the manifold. The mounting device includes a seat portion adapted to receive a fluid transmission line. The mounting device further includes an opening extending from the seat portion and aligned with an aperture in the manifold for providing a fluid passageway between the manifold and the fluid transmission line. In addition, the mounting device includes at least one indentation formed therein for capturing contaminates and preventing an intrusion of the contaminates into the seat portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Frank Joseph Leitch, Kunal Ghosh
  • Patent number: 6640887
    Abstract: A heat exchanger manifold for use in heat exchanger used mainly in automobiles is provided. The manifold comprises of two components a header and tank. The header consists of several half cylinders that have ferrule openings and communication port stamped on them. The communication ports are in form of channels that coincide with the ferrule opening. The ferrule openings allow the heat exchanger tubes to slide into the manifold and without any interference. The second component of the manifold comprises a tank. Like the header the tank also consists of several half cylinders, which combined with the header forms several full cylinder. The tank also includes an integral seal along the mating end of the manifold. The manifold also contains a unique inlet/outlet port that allows for ease of assembly of the final heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Abell, Richard G. Gibbons
  • Publication number: 20030178188
    Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a process tube attached in heat conducting contact with a hydronic tube. The process tube has a plurality of hydraulically discrete internal passageways that extend through the process tube. The hydronic tube has at least one passageway that extends through the hydronic tube. Optionally, the process tube can be sandwiched between a pair of hydronic tubes so that two heat transfer surfaces on the process tube are in heat conducting contact with heat transfer surfaces on each of the hydronic tubes. Also optionally, the heat exchanger can include a plurality of process tubes that are sandwiched between a plurality of hydronic tubes with each process tube being disposed between a pair of hydronic tubes. The attached tubes can be shaped into a variety of configurations depending on the application in which the heat exchanger will be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: John W. Coleman
  • Publication number: 20030173069
    Abstract: An automobile climate control system has a coolant dispersing device to allow coolant to flow. A heat exchanger cools the coolant. A manifold block allows the coolant to transfer between the coolant dispersing device and the heat exchanger. The manifold block is in communication with the heat exchanger and the coolant dispersing device. At least one separately formed clasp is fixedly mounted to the manifold block. The at least one clasp has separate legs to fixedly mount the at least one clasp to the heat exchanger. The at least one clasp has a first flange member. A first end of the first flange member is fixedly mounted to an aperture in the manifold block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Minoru Nitta, Ramchandra L. Patel
  • Publication number: 20030159816
    Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus includes a first and second coolant tanks spaced apart from each other, a plurality of heat exchanging tubes extending between the tanks for enabling coolant to flow from the first coolant tank to the second coolant tank and to be cooled in said tubes, and a coolant supply/return tube for enabling coolant to flow from the second coolant tank to the first coolant tank. The supply/return tube has a substantially circular cross-section. The supply/return tube has opposite end portions inserted into complementary openings in the inlet coolant reservoir and the first tank. In order to provide the proper, predetermined orientation of the supply/return tube in the heat exchanger apparatus, the supply/return tube has opposite locating members each adjacent to the end portions of the supply/return tube, so that a small, predetermined length of the end portions of the supply/return tube protrudes inside the supply/return tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: VALEO INC.
    Inventors: Magesh V. Kodumudi, Eric Jean LeRoy, Jean-Michel Haincourt
  • Publication number: 20030131981
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a flattened tube 10 having a plurality of internal ports 22 extending to the end 12 thereof. A cap 14 includes a slot 28 which receives the tube 10, and the cap 14 in turn is received in a tank 16. The construction is easy to assemble and assures that the ports 22 in the tube 10 will not be blocked during the assembly process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory T. Kohler, Edward A. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6572153
    Abstract: A structure for mounting a tube to a header member of heat exchanger is such that the header member has a tube hole and the tube is disposed through the tube hole so that a portion of the tube projects out of and beyond the header member. The portion of the tube which projects outwardly is expanded via the insertion of an expansion wedge to establish a tight contact between the tube and the tube hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Tatsuta, Kenji Shimizu, Shizuo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6564863
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for heat extraction of a refrigerating fluid such as CO2, comprising at least one collecting box defined by a solid body (41) with a thick wall capable of resisting the high pressure of said fluid, and communicating with a row of flat tubes (44). In order to limit bulkiness in the width of the heat exchanger, only one part of the length of the cross section of the tubes is located opposite the inner volume of said body, whereby tightness of the fluidic communication between the tubes and the inner volume is obtained by means of a cradle (50) in the form of a shaped strip receiving the body and brazed thereto on the periphery of the tubes. The heat exchanger can be used to air condition passenger compartments in vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Carlos Martins
  • Publication number: 20030085022
    Abstract: A heat exchanger device includes an air duct, a thermal transfer unit disposed within the air duct, and at least one bracket fixed to the exterior of the air duct for mounting fluid lines line coupled to the thermal transfer unit to the outside of the duct. The bracket includes a base and an arm. The arm extends obliquely from the base, and has an aperture for receiving a fluid line. A method for mounting a fluid supply line to a duct is also disclosed, and includes the steps of providing a bracket with a base and an arm, fixing the base of the bracket to the exterior of the duct, and engaging the fluid supply line in a receiving portion of the arm of the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Charles J. Viso
  • Patent number: 6557373
    Abstract: An automobile climate control system having a liquid dispersing device to allow coolant to flow. The system also utilizes a heat exchanger to cool the liquid. A manifold block handles the transfer of coolant between the coolant dispersing device and the heat exchanger. The manifold block is in communication with the heat exchanger and the coolant dispersing device; and at least one clasp connects the manifold block to the heat exchanger. A fitting clasp made from the clad material couples the heat exchanger to the at least one clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Newfield Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Minoru Nitta
  • Publication number: 20030075309
    Abstract: A multiple tube bundle heat exchanger includes axially opposite tube plates, a housing, and a plurality of tube bundles disposed between the tube plates. Each of the tube bundles is an independent tube bundle subassembly forming an integral unit having at least one heat exchanger tube with two axial tube ends. The subassembly is made from the exchanger tube and respective tube plates fastened to the two axial tube ends. The housing has a casing part defining a interior and having two axial housing ends with flanges, removable head pieces respectively disposed at the two axial housing ends to be fastened to the flanges, and partitions subdividing the interior into chambers. The number of chambers corresponds to a number of tube bundles. Each of the chambers receives one of the tube bundles. The tube plates and head pieces respectively form seals, and the tube plates delimit distributor, collecting, and/or transfer chambers formed in the head pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: SGL Acotec GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Langl
  • Patent number: 6546997
    Abstract: The condenser assembly structure is disclosed. The opening of the outgoing pipe is positioned below the upper openings of the heat transfer tubes in the inner space of the upper header pipe. Cutouts are formed in the upper ends of heat transfer tubes, which are located within an upper header pipe. A lubricant mixed in a refrigerant is introduced from the inside of the upper header pipe into the heat transfer tubes by way of the cutouts. The outgoing pipe defining is attached to the lower header pipe at a position close to its end. A total passage area of first heat transfer tubes through which the refrigerant flows downward is larger than that of second heat transfer tubes through which the refrigerant flows upward. The total passage area of the second heat transfer tubes is smaller than that of third heat transfer tubes through which the refrigerant flows downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Inaba, Toru Asanuma
  • Patent number: 6543530
    Abstract: In a heat exchanger having a tank portion (4) defining a fluid inlet path (34) and a fluid outlet path (35) for conducting a heat exchange medium, an inlet portion (36) and an outlet portion (37) are formed integral with the tank portion to communicate with the fluid inlet path and the fluid outlet path, respectively. The inlet portion is adapted to connect with a fluid inlet pipe for introducing the heat exchange medium into the fluid inlet path. The outlet portion is adapted to connect with a fluid outlet pipe for discharging the heat exchange medium from the fluid outlet path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Akimichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6533027
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assembling at least one item of equipment, such as a secondary heat exchanger, onto a primary heat exchanger, the said primary heat exchanger including a tube manifold (8) and a manifold chamber (9) crimped onto the tube manifold, the periphery of the said tube manifold forming a groove (12) for accommodating a sealing gasket (13) between the tube manifold and the manifold chamber. This device comprises, on the one hand, first means (19, 21, 23) for clipping onto the outside of the said groove, and, on the other hand, means (20) for accommodating and locking the said item of equipment. Application to motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventors: Gérard Gille, Carlos Martins
  • Patent number: 6523607
    Abstract: A header pipe 3 is prepared by severing an elongated round pipe to a desired length, forming an engagement recess 1 in the inner surfaces at opposite open ends, and forming a multiplicity of flat holes 2 in the peripheral surfaces. A flat tube 4 is inserted into each of the flat holes 2, with fins 5 fixedly secured to the outer surfaces thereof to thereby construct a core 6. End members such as the end portion of a port pipe 7 and an end cover 8 are fitted to the openings of the header pipe 3 by way of an O-ring 9 for sealing, to complete a module-type heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Toyo Radiator Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Watanabe, Hisae Nishikawa, Takashi Nohara
  • Patent number: 6510894
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved heat exchanger and/or fluid mixing means which comprises a bonded stack of plates, the stack comprising at least one group of main perforated plates (10, P, R), wherein at least two adjacent plates (P, R) of the group of main perforated plates have their perforations (11) aligned in rows with continuous ribs (13) between adjacent rows, and the adjacent plates (P, R) are aligned whereby the rows of perforations (11) in one plate (P) overlap in the direction of the rows with the rows of perforations (11) of an adjacent plate (R) and the ribs (13) of adjacent plates lie in correspondence with each other to provide discrete fluid channels (30) extending across the plates, a channel (30) corresponding to each row of perforations (11), the channels together forming one or more fluid passageways (61, 67) across the plates and the passageway(s) (61) in the group of main perforated plates being separated from passageway(s) (67) in any adjacent group of perforated plates by an interve
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Chart Heat Exchangers Limited
    Inventors: Brian Keith Watton, Keith Thomas Symonds, Steven Paul Symonds
  • Publication number: 20030010481
    Abstract: Perforated fins are provided to improve the capabilities of fin and tube type heat exchangers, and to adapt them for flow outside of the tube that is essentially parallel to the axis of the tube. The fins are made of a thermally conductive material, such as metal, with perforations in the fins. Fins can be of any shape. Typically, one or more tubes or binding posts pass through the fins. The fins are attached to the tube or post by press fitting, furnace or torch brazing, welding, or other method of mechanical bonding. The perforations allow heat exchange with the contents of a tube of a fluid flowing essentially parallel to the axis of the tube, in contrast to conventional fin-tube heat exchangers. The fins may also be bonded to a post or other securing means and inserted into the inside of a tube or other hollow body to improve efficiency of heat exchange. In addition, the fins may carry a catalyst, optionally carried on a washcoat or similar treatment to increase surface area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Northrop
  • Publication number: 20030006028
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for enabling the flow of a heat exchanging medium disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises a collecting box having a peripheral edge; a tube bottom having a peripheral edge and a plurality of openings, the peripheral edge of the tube bottom being coupled to a peripheral edge of the collecting box; an intermediate bottom having a plurality of openings and a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge coupled to the peripheral edge of the tube bottom; and a plurality of flat tubes coupled to the plurality of openings in the intermediate bottom. A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger is also disclosed. The method comprising the steps of coupling a collecting box to a tube bottom; coupling an intermediate bottom to the tube bottom; and coupling a plurality of flat tubes to the intermediate bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Klaus Kalbacher
  • Publication number: 20020195237
    Abstract: The device is used to cool a vehicle appliance, in particular a battery or a fuel cell, by means of a coolant. It has a plurality of identically designed cooling elements, through which coolant can flow, which can be brought into bearing contact to cool at least one component of the vehicle appliance. It includes a first cooling-element side and a second cooling-element side which is on the opposite side from the first cooling-element side. The cooling-element sides have connection openings, which form inlet and outlet openings for the coolant and are in communication with the interior space of the cooling element. In this arrangement, it is provided for the first and second cooling-element sides each to have at least two connection openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Klaus Luz, Herbert Damsohn, Conrad Pfender, Peter Geskes, Friedrich Brotz
  • Publication number: 20020162651
    Abstract: The invention relates to an EGR cooler in which cooling water is supplied into and discharged from a shell, exhaust gas being passed through tubes from one of hoods to the other hood for thermal exchange of the exhaust gas with the cooling water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Keiichi Nakagome, Takashi Takakura
  • Publication number: 20020157809
    Abstract: In a brazed condenser for an air conditioner, such as a motor vehicle air conditioner, a collecting tube connected with a collector is a prefabricated as a one-piece tube which is connected by tack weld seams with the collector before brazing the collecting tube and the collector together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Martin Kaspar, Kurt Molt
  • Publication number: 20020157817
    Abstract: A heat exchanger (10) comprising a plurality of plastic tubes (12) arranged in a series of mutually parallel rows and a pair of plastic collector plates (14) bonded to the respective ends of the said tubes (12). Each collector plate (14) is formed by a plurality of plastic terminal elements (22), each of which has at least one set of semicircular seats (24 and 26) suitable for receiving the ends of a row of tubes (12). The said semicircular seats (24 and 26) of each terminal element (22) are separated from each other by bonding portions (28 and 30) suitable for welding to the corresponding bonding portions of a complementary terminal element along a welding plane (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: DENSO THERMAL SYSTEMS SPA
    Inventors: Alberto Mannoni, Carlo Bella, Giuseppe Bonaldo, Massimo Colonna