Expansion And Contraction Relieving Or Absorbing Means Patents (Class 165/81)
  • Publication number: 20020162648
    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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: TransPro, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Crook
  • Patent number: 6474408
    Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a heat exchanger, which allows differential thermal expansion of its elements while providing a bypass seal. In at least one embodiment, the heat exchanger includes, a shell for containing a first gas, a core positioned within the shell, and a seal positioned between the core and the shell. The seal allows at least some differential expansion between the shell and the core while restricting the flow of the first gas past the seal. This allows a space for expansion of the core to exist between the core and the shell, while preventing the first gas from bypassing the core by traveling through the expansion space. As such, the seal forces the first gas to pass through the core, greatly increasing heat transfer from the first gas to the core. Preferably, the seal is mounted to the core at a position at least adjacent to the free (moveable) end or ends of the core. The seal can be folded into several layers such that the folds abut both the core and the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Yuhung Yeh, Steven Ayres, David W. Beddome
  • Publication number: 20020144805
    Abstract: An aluminum radiator includes a core including a plurality of tubes through which a heat exchange medium flows and fins arranged between the tubes; and a header tank including a pair of header spaced apart from each other and having both ends coupled to the tube, a tank coupled to the header by a brazing and having a heat exchange medium passage formed therein, and end caps coupled to both opening portions of the tank, wherein the tube satisfies an inequality 10 mm≦T≦20 mm, where T denotes an outside width of the tube, and the tank has an inside height (H) of 41 mm or less and satisfies an inequality 1.5≦H/T≦2.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Yongho Kim, Sungje Lee, Gilwoong Jun, Sangmin Lee, Kihong Kim, Yongjun Jee
  • Patent number: 6431261
    Abstract: The temperature distribution in a shell and tube type heat exchanger having an expansion joint is uniformized by improving the circulation efficiency of fluid in the shell side. The uniformization is attained by the heat exchanger having an invasion-preventing plate against the fluid in the shell side attached to the expansion joint installed around the periphery of the shell, and a method of catalytic gas phase oxidation reaction that uses the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishimura, Yukihiro Matsumoto, Daisuke Nakamura, Masakatsu Mori, Osamu Dodo
  • Patent number: 6422161
    Abstract: A combustion grate including fire bars which are either wholly or partially cooled by a fluid circulating in a closed regulating circuit. The flow lines which conduct the fluid have thermal expansion capability. In particular, windings are provided in the shape of a helical spring in these flow lines. The fire bars include corrugated exchangers and can be replaceable rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Theodor Koch
  • Patent number: 6412547
    Abstract: Thermally induced stress tending to cause breakage or leakage at tube to header joints in a heat exchanger is eliminated by placing lines of weakening in the side plates conventionally employed in such heat exchanger prior to subjecting the heat exchanger to brazing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Siler
  • Patent number: 6412548
    Abstract: A heat-resistant assembly having a heat-resistant block conformed to the contours of boiler tubes and the surface of their connecting rib. The heat-resistant assembly has an arm which protrudes from the surface of the rib toward the heat-resistant block and which has a catch on the end. The block has an indentation in which the catch on the arm engages. The block can be hung on or removed from the tube assembly by means of the arms and indentations. The heat-resistant assembly is further distinguished by the fact that a space is created between the end of the arm and the indentation of the block. A fusible substance, which will melt when the temperature of the arm exceeds a given value, is placed in the space. The heat-resistant sleeve is adhered to engage the arm. This arrangement makes it possible to manufacture the heat-resistant block using press molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Terashima, Yuji Nakagawa, Keita Inoue, Minoru Ike
  • Patent number: 6397931
    Abstract: A finned heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes a unitary fin array with a multiplicity of fin banks. Each of the fin banks include a plurality of raised, folded fins for heat transfer. The fin banks extend in a transverse direction and are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The fin banks are retained within the fin array by looped expansion turns. The fin array is mounted on a dielectric substrate base. A closed flow channel for directing a flow of coolant is created by adding a cap to the substrate base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Lanchao Lin, John E. Leland, Richard J. Harris
  • Patent number: 6360811
    Abstract: A case for a hydrogen absorption indirect heat exchanger of the present invention includes a square cylindrical portion 11 having each portion thereof formed integrally by die-casting or extrusion molding. The corners 11a of this square cylindrical portion 11 and the center portion of its side 11b are shaped to a greater thickness than that of other portions. The weight of the case can be reduced while the case powder capacity is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Toh, Hidehito Kubo, Nobuo Fujita, Hiroyuki Mitsui
  • Publication number: 20020029872
    Abstract: A plate and fin type heat exchanger is disclosed which can be made in any convenient size with minimum tooling required. The heat exchanger is made from a plurality of stacked plate pairs having raised peripheral edge portions to define flow channels inside the plate pairs. The plates of the plate pairs are formed with offset, diverging end flanges that space the plate pairs apart. A U-shaped channel envelops the plate end flanges to form part of a manifold at each end of the plate pairs. End caps or plates close the open ends of the U-shaped channels to complete the manifolds, and inlet and outlet openings are formed in the manifolds as desired to complete the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: S. Donald Jamison, Carl C.J. Decaire, Jeffrey D. Peeler, Chad A. Kreutzweiser
  • Publication number: 20020029869
    Abstract: A side member for a heat exchanger has a portion which is adapted to preferentially break under low tension to alleviate problems caused by expansion, whilst retaining integrity under normal transport movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Magesh V. Kodumudi, Paul R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020023735
    Abstract: In a double heat exchanger with a condenser and a radiator, a flexible portion formed into a wave shape to be flexible is provided in a side plate at least at one side of connection portions of the side plate, connected to condenser header tanks and radiator header tanks. Further, a slit is provided to be recessed from one longitudinal end of the side plate to the flexible portion. Accordingly, a heat stress generated in condenser tubes and radiator tubes can be absorbed by the flexible portion even when a length of the slit is made shorter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Akira Uchikawa, Shinobu Suzuki, Satomi Muto
  • Publication number: 20020023734
    Abstract: A charge air cooler includes a tube block having a plurality of finned tubes and a tank assembly at each end. Each of the tank assemblies includes a tank body for receiving one of the ends of the finned tubes in the tube block. A connecting plate, a heat resistant flexible gasket and a backing plate provide a first resilient seal with each of the tubes and the connecting plate. A flexible annular seal extends around the connecting plate for providing a second resilient seal between the connecting plate and the tank body. The connecting plate includes a base having a plurality of spaced tabs extending therefrom, and the tank has a plurality of spaced raised bosses around the exterior thereof adjacent the open face of the tank which are so sized and positioned as to interdigitate when the tank is assembled to the connecting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: William W. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6334482
    Abstract: A tube heat exchanger intended to be used for the production of carbon black, includes a cylindrical closed chamber having a plurality of tubes which extend through the entire, essentially cylindrically shaped chamber. Upper end of the tubes are attached to an upper end wall, preferably by welding, and hang down to a tube plate. The tube plate equipped with compensating devices to enable thermally induced expansions and contractions of the tubes to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventors: Göran Berglund, Ulf Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6328098
    Abstract: A side member for a heat exchanger has a portion which is adapted to preferentially break under low tension to alleviate problems caused by expansion, whilst retaining integrity under normal transport movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo Inc.
    Inventors: Magesh V. Kodumudi, Paul R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6321691
    Abstract: A boiler attachment used to support a boiler component within the furnace or boiler chamber is composed of a similar material to the boiler component it is welded to, in order to eliminate the dissimilar weld failure. The boiler attachment is coated using a diffusion coating method to cover the attachments with a coating of aluminum, chromium, silicon or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: George H. Harth, III
  • Publication number: 20010042613
    Abstract: A tube heat exchanger intended to be used for the production of carbon black, includes a cylindrical closed chamber having a plurality of tubes which extend through the entire, essentially cylindrically shaped chamber. Upper end of the tubes are attached to an upper end wall, preferably by welding, and hang down to a tube plate. The tube plate equipped with compensating devices to enable thermally induced expansions and contractions of the tubes to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: GORAN BERGLUND, ULF ERIKSSON
  • Publication number: 20010025705
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange cells positioned in a stacked configuration with respect to each other. Each cell includes first and second parting sheets, an internal finned member, and at least one external finned member. The first and second parting sheets include opposing first and second surfaces, an inlet manifold portion, an outlet manifold portion, an internal finned member portion and peripheral edges. The second parting sheet is substantially superimposed by, is spaced apart from and is coupled to the first parting sheet. The second surface of the second parting sheet confronts the second surface of the first parting sheet. The peripheral edges of the first and second parting sheets are attached to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: James S. Nash, Alexander Haplau-Colan
  • Patent number: 6283199
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided with a casing (5) in which a heat exchanger core (3) is received. The core (3) is provided with a pair of inlet/outlet convex portions (1) in its opposite end portions. These pipes (1) pass through the casing (5) to project outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Toyo Radiator Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youichi Nakamura, Kimiaki Nakano
  • Patent number: 6269868
    Abstract: A heat exchanger having a side support with a variable compression tab member is disclosed. The tab member engages a brazing fixture used in manufacturing the core and prevents damage to the fins of the core form the brazing fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Richard Welding, Rodger Alan Lisk, William Wellington Dinnan, III
  • Patent number: 6260612
    Abstract: In a “stacked” type heat exchanger having a stack of elements through the interior of which a first fluid flows and having a core support arranged at the end of the stack in the stacked direction, the core support includes slits that extend from its edges up to the central portion, the slits capable of slightly deforming when subjected to a thermal stress. It is thus possible to reduce the thermal stress which may be applied to both the core support and the elements when there arises a difference of thermal expansion therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Toyo Radiator Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youichi Nakamura, Kimiaki Nakano
  • Publication number: 20010006102
    Abstract: The temperature distribution in a shell and tube type heat exchanger having an expansion joint is uniformized by improving the circulation efficiency of fluid in the shell side. The uniformization is attained by the heat exchanger having an invasion-preventing plate against the fluid in the shell side attached to the expansion joint installed around the periphery of the shell, and a method of catalytic gas phase oxidation reaction that uses the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishimura, Yukihiro Matsumoto, Daisuke Nakamura, Masakatsu Mori, Osamu Dodo
  • Patent number: 6179048
    Abstract: A tube-and-shell heat exchanger system is disclosed which provides for partial heating of the cooler stream as it flows through a first compartment in the shell and conducting the partially heated stream to the outlet end of a second compartment in the shell to maintain the outlet end of the tubes at a higher temperature. The higher temperature at the outlet ends of the tubes avoids rapid fouling of tubes near the outflow end. There are provided slide bushings for tubes passing between the compartments in the shell. The slide bushings make possible heating of greater volumes of the cooler stream and maintaining the outlet end of tubes at higher temperature, while extracting more heat from the hot stream. The slide bushings provided may also be used to replace conventional expansion joints. The system is particularly useful in carbon black plants, where the hot smoke stream containing combustion gases and carbon black is used to preheat the air stream used for burning fuel in the reactor of the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Engineered Carbons, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Shelton, Randy O. McWilliams
  • Patent number: 6177203
    Abstract: Diffusion bonding techniques are extended to the simultaneous bonding of an array of multilevel piece parts. The problems of uneven expansion and contraction of different levels of different piece parts in the array are obviated by positioning each level of the array within a frame. The stack of frames is pinned in one corner. The opposite corner of the array has a slot at a 45° angle with respect to the x and y axes of the array. The slot engages a pin and allows the entire array to expand and contract along the slot in a manner to maintain the registration of features between respective levels of each piece part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Opto Power Corporation
    Inventor: Juan Alfonso Garcia
  • Patent number: 6142218
    Abstract: A heat-exchanger unit (13) for recovering heat from the flue gases from a cylinder steam boiler (10), said heat exchanger unit comprising a flue-gas tube (14) and a heat-exchanging tube (16) which is supported concentrically inside the flue-gas tube (14) by a bent inlet pipe (19) extending from a lower opening (20) in the peripheral wall of the flue-gas tube (14) to an inlet opening (21) in a lower outwardly bulging end wall (22) of the heat-exchanging tube (16), and an outlet pipe (23) extending from an outlet opening (24) in an upper part of the peripheral wall of the heat-exchanging tube (16) to an upper opening (25) in the peripheral wall of the flue-gas tube (14). The inlet pipe (19) has a first, horizontal, straight end portion (19A), a second, upwardly directed, straight end portion (19B) and also an intermediate, curved portion (19C). The bending angle (.alpha.) of the curved portion exceeds 90.degree. and the other end portion (19B) extends with an inclination determined by said bending angle (.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Aalborg Industries A/S
    Inventors: H.ang.kan Nilsson, Wilhelm Sabelstrom
  • Patent number: 6131646
    Abstract: There is provided a technique for removing unwanted heat from a heat generating device 12 operating aboard a space vehicle orbiting in outer space by placing a heat conductive interface 10 between the device and a support platform 14. The interface 10 comprises an array of spaced apart strips 16 made of aluminum aligned in spaced apart relationship so that the array covers the heat dissipating surface 20 at the underside of the device, the strips 16 are configured by deformable protuberances, such corrugations 22 which flatten under compression forces forming a heat conductive interface between the device 12 and the platform 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Kelley
  • Patent number: 6129142
    Abstract: A side sheet of a radiator has a thermal expansion joint to allow thermal relief in the radiator as the radiator expands due to temperature variations during operation. The thermal expansion joint is formed by first brazing the side sheet to the radiator core and then cutting through the side sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Paul Beldam
  • Patent number: 6119766
    Abstract: In a plate heat exchanger (1) comprising a package (3) of heat transfer plates (2) arranged between two frame plates at least one of the frame plates (6) is provided with connection pipes (9) for one or two heat exchange fluids. The connection pipes (9) are provided with internal linings (10), which are permanently connected round the ports (4) to an outer heat transfer plate (14) of the package (3) of heat transfer plates (2). Each lining (10) is arranged with room (12) for radial movement inside its connection pipe (9) and provided with at least one bellows (11) adapted--upon relative displacement between the one frame plate (6) and the outer heat transfer plate (14) in a direction across the connection pipe (9)--to facilitate bending of the lining (10). Thereby, a very compact plate heat exchanger (1) can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventor: Ralf Blomgren
  • Patent number: 6116332
    Abstract: A plate heat exchanger comprises a plate package (2) of heat transfer plates (3) provided with ports (12), which is arranged between two frame plates (4, 5), at least one (4) of the frame plates being provided with connection pipes (7). The invention concerns a support arrangement to avoid bending of a portion that surrounds each of the ports (12) of an outer heat transfer plate (10) in the plate package (2). Each connection pipe (7) on its inside is provided with a lining (9), which is radially movable in the connection pipe (7) and permanently connected with the outer heat transfer plate (10) around its relevant port (12). The support arrangement is constituted by a ring (14) arranged around the lining (9). The ring (14) supports the outer heat transfer plate (10) and abuts against a support surface, which is fixed in relation to the frame plate (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Erik Vannman, Richard Jonsson, Bo Nilsson, Goran Andersson
  • Patent number: 6098702
    Abstract: A vibration damper is provided on the cooling module of an internal combustion engine to attenuate the response of the module to low frequency road excited vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Alan P. Shadbourne, David G. Bridgnell
  • Patent number: 6089313
    Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging heat between at least three fluids includes an elongate sealed chamber having at least two separate plate cores arranged inside the sealed chamber and means for supporting each of the plate cores inside the scaled chamber. Each of the plate cores are provided with circuits for two separate fluids, fluid inlet and outlet means for the respective circuits of the plate cores, and connecting means enabling fluid circulation between the plate cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Packinox
    Inventors: William Levy, Dominique Sabin
  • Patent number: 6065529
    Abstract: There is provided a heat pipe assembly 10 formed of dissimilar materials for the heat pipe 18 integrated with the host structure 16 in a manner that optimizes removal of unwanted heat generated by various devices on a space or terrestrial platform 14. A conventional heat pipe construction 18 mounted within a circular cross-section channel 28 formed in a retaining block 26 leaving an annular gap 30 between the outside surface wall 33 of the heat pipe and the inside surface wall 32 of the channel 28. A heat conductive fluid 40 is injected into the annular gap 30 permitting the dissimilar CTE materials to thermally expand and contract as the platform or structure 14 experiences extreme temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: David Antoniuk, Jeffrey L. Baker, Garrett R. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 6059025
    Abstract: A plate-type heat exchanger configuration which facilitates fluid flow along a generally "L" or "S" shaped path and which includes a plurality of heat exchanger plates with at least one of the edges comprised of a pair of edge sections which terminate in different edge configurations. The invention also relates to a plate configuration for such a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Monsanto Enviro-Chem Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Hossfeld
  • Patent number: 6035928
    Abstract: A fin-tube block and method of making a fin tube block for heat exchangers is disclosed. Tubes provided for the through-flow of the coolant are manufactured as adjacent channels in an extruded section with a plate shape and then stacked on one another, alternating with corrugated ribs and additional extruded sections in a packet assembly and then soldered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Behr Industrietechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruppel, Gunther Schmalzried, Rolf Sieber
  • Patent number: 6035657
    Abstract: A microminiature laminated heat exchanger for use in a cryogenic probe, and a method of manufacture. The heat exchanger has high and low pressure flow patterns etched into oxygen free copper sheets, with the flow patterns being tortuous paths promoting turbulent flow. The sheets containing the flow patterns are bonded into a laminated assembly in the shape of a cylinder, with a high pressure inlet and a low pressure outlet in a first end, and a high pressure outlet and a low pressure inlet in a second end. The high pressure flow path lies alongside the low pressure flow path, with flow in the two paths being in opposite directions, to accomplish counterflow heat exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignees: CryoGen, Inc., Secretary of Commerce
    Inventors: John D. Dobak, III, Ray Radebaugh, Eric Marquardt
  • Patent number: 6029345
    Abstract: A method for mounting a cooling assembly for use in a motor vehicle, with the cooling system including a radiator assembly, a charge air cooler, and a condenser. The radiator assembly is mounted to a chassis of the motor vehicle, the charge air cooler is mounted to the radiator assembly, and the condenser is mounted to the charge air cooler so as to dispose the radiator assembly, charge air cooler and condenser in series flow relationship with one another. The radiator assembly includes a frame having two generally U-shaped portions, and a radiator, or heat exchanger, disposed within and mounted to the frame. A first lateral end portion of the radiator is rigidly attached to one of the U-shaped portions of the frame. The opposite lateral end portion of the radiator is resiliently mounted to the other U-shaped portion of the frame, which is accomplished by coupling a pair of leaf springs to the radiator and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Steven S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6006430
    Abstract: An aluminum heat exchanger includes laminated aluminum tubes and corrugated fins, a core portion receiving respective ends of tubes into sheet metals members, and iron or stainless steel inserts having high strength receiving U-shaped folded pieces of the sheet metal members contacting the corrugated fins at the outermost portion of the core portion. The tubes and the corrugated fins are held and pressed from both sides of the core portion by the inserts and the corrugated fins are protected from coming apart during a brazing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Fukuoka, Yoshifumi Aki, Ryuji Morishita
  • Patent number: 6000460
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a pin-disposed portion where a pin member for mounting a heat exchanger on a vehicle is disposed is structured such that an inner edge shape of a cross section of the pin-disposed portion draws a four-sided closed curved line. The pin member passes through an inner space of the pin-disposed portion and is connected to the pin-disposed portion at plural positions. In this way, the pin-disposed portion constructs a shell structure which is superior in a mechanical strength. Further, because the pin member is connected to the pin-disposed portion at plural positions while passing through the space, the shell structure of the pin-disposed portion can be made more rigid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasutoshi Yamanaka, Tatsuo Sugimoto, Takaaki Sakane
  • Patent number: 5992509
    Abstract: The invention relates to a baseboard heating means having a cover (13) which is hindered as little as possible by a retaining system (27, 28) in any longitudinal changes and is nevertheless held securely. The system is distinguished by good self-construction characteristics and is practical to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Manfred Fennesz
  • Patent number: 5983992
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for transferring heat between an external fluid and an internal fluid includes two or more heat exchange cells, each heat exchange cell having a top plate with an inlet aperture at one end thereof and an outlet aperture at the other end thereof, the top plate including a first surface, a second surface and peripheral edges. The heat exchange cell also includes a bottom plate juxtaposed with the top plate, the bottom plate having an inlet aperture at one end thereof and an outlet aperture at the other end thereof. The bottom plate includes a first surface, a second surface and peripheral edges. The peripheral edges of the top and bottom plates are attached to one another, the second surfaces of the top and bottom plates confronting one another and the inlet and outlet apertures of the top and bottom plates being in substantial alignment with one another. The attached top and bottom plates define a high pressure chamber between the second surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignees: Northern Research, Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Malcolm S. Child, James B. Kesseli, James S. Nash
  • Patent number: 5954123
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a side support which has a thermal stress relieving zone in the form of a gap which completely separates one end of the support from the other. The gap is generally symmetrical about a central axis parallel to the longitudinal axes of the side supports of the heat exchanger and is shaped such that a straight line cannot be drawn through the gap from one side of the side support to the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman K. Richardson
  • Patent number: 5931223
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for an automotive vehicle is disclosed including a frame having a pair of headers and a pair of side supports disposed between the headers at opposite ends thereof. Each of the side supports includes a generally planar base and a pair of flanges extending from the based portion. The side supports including a stress relieving-zone defined by a Z-shaped aperture disposed in the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Wen Fei Yu, Eugene E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 5924290
    Abstract: An optoelectronic element module is provided, which has improved reliability in cooling performance. This module is comprised of an optoelectronic element, a Peltier unit for cooling the optoelectronic element, and a package encapsulating the optoelectronic element and the Peltier unit. The optoelectronic element is mounted directly on or indirectly through a supporting member on a first surface of the Peltier unit. A second surface of the Peltier unit is engaged with a mounting surface of the package by an engaging structure while allowing the Peltier unit to shift along the mounting surface of the package. A thermal stress caused by a difference between thermal expansion coefficients of the second surface of the Peltier unit and the mounting surface of the package is relaxed by a positional shift of the Peltier unit along the mounting surface of the package with respect to the package. Preferably, the engaging structure produces a magnetic-field force or elastic force for engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 5901783
    Abstract: A microminiature laminated heat exchanger for use in a cryogenic probe, and a method of manufacture. The heat exchanger has high and low pressure flow patterns etched into oxygen free copper sheets, with the flow patterns being tortuous paths promoting turbulent flow. The sheets containing the flow patterns are bonded into a laminated assembly in the shape of a cylinder, with a high pressure inlet and a low pressure outlet in a first end, and a high pressure outlet and a low pressure inlet in a second end. The high pressure flow path lies alongside the low pressure flow path, with flow in the two paths being in opposite directions, to accomplish counterflow heat exchange. Substantial portions of the flow paths are either parallel to, or transverse to, the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger, with the resulting heat flow being essentially radial or axial, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignees: Croyogen, Inc., Secretary of Commerce
    Inventors: John D. Dobak, III, Ray Radebaugh, Eric D. Marquardt
  • Patent number: 5894883
    Abstract: There is provided a combination for use in a shell and tube heat exchanger which comprises: a shell having a substantially horizontally extending longitudinal axis and an open end; an annular distributor adjacent to the shell end and having an annular chamber defined therein in fluid communication with the shell interior through the shell end; a tubesheet longitudinally spaced from the shell end; a baffle cage having an interior portion in the shell interior and an exterior portion outside the shell between the tubesheet and shell end, wherein the baffle cage is longitudinally spaced from and unconnected to the tubesheet; a bundle of tubes extending from the tubesheet and through the baffle cage and shell interior; and a support member having a lower end fixedly connected to the interior surface of the annular distributor and an upper end contacting but not connected to the exterior portion of the baffle cage at a lowermost location thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Matthew C. Gentry, Cecil C. Gentry
  • Patent number: 5845701
    Abstract: A fin-tube block for a heat exchanger and method of making same are disclosed. The thermal stress on fin-tube blocks of charge air coolers is considerable in the vicinity of the side parts, which can be attributed among other things to the rapid heating of the fin-shaped corrugated ribs and the comparatively slow warming of the side parts. The outermost corrugated rib layer abutting the side parts, opposite to the charge air flow, is displaced forward over the intake edge of the fin-tube block into the intake area for the charge air formed in the side parts and water tanks. In this way, more rapid heating of the side parts can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Behr Industrietechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruppel, Gunther Schmalzried, Rolf Sieber
  • Patent number: 5813248
    Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus that uses an adsorbent material to generate a cooling effect. The heat transfer apparatus includes a first vessel containing adsorbent material and a second vessel interconnected to the first. A working substance is contained within the two interconnected vessels. The adsorbent material and working substance are sized such that the working substance is completely adsorbed in both liquid and solid states by the adsorbent material from the second vessel into the first, cooling the second vessel and heating the first. Complete adsorption includes adsorption of the working substance by vaporization when the working substance is in a liquid phase and adsorption by sublimation when the working substance is in a solid phase. The second vessel contains a compressible foam which accommodates the expansion of the working substance when it changes phase from a liquid to a solid and prevents the second vessel from breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventors: David A. Zornes, John J. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5797446
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a plate heat exchanger for heat transfer between two fluids, comprising two frame plates (6) and between these several permanently joined heat transfer plates (3), which have inlet and outlet openings (9) for respective fluids in their corner portions, communicating with connections (8) through at least one of the frame plates (6). The connections (8) are formed of outer extending pipes (10) provided with internal linings (11). The outer pipes (10) are permanently fastened to the frame plate (6) and the internal linings (11) are permanently connected with an adjacent first heat transfer plate (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventor: Ralf Blomgren
  • Patent number: 5758718
    Abstract: A heat exchanger of a plate construction, as used, for example, in a water-cooled charge air cooler with air-side lamella plates avoids undesirable thermal expansion effects which occur in the transient operation of a charge air cooler and result in damage. The otherwise completely hard-soldered cooler block is divided along a plane parallel to the plate planes into two or more partial blocks. When the partial blocks are combined at a mutual distance to form a cooler block assembly, each partial block receives a clearance in the transverse direction which compensates the thermally caused transverse expansions of the individual blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: MTU Motoren- Und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz de Lazzer, Franz Haug
  • Patent number: 5755277
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided having a shell, tubes, a tubesheet, partition box having a ring, and compression bolts. The heat exchanger includes resilient elements of compacted graphite or compacted carbon-graphite which are located between the ends of the compression bolts and the partition-box ring to aid in preventing leakage during changes in operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Cornelis Appel, Wouter Detlof Berggren