Heat exchanger tube weaving apparatus and method
AssigneeFAFCO Incorporated, A California Corporation
InventorRichard O. Rhodes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A weaving apparatus used to separate the tubes of a heat exchanger so that spacers that hold the tubes apart can be inserted between the tubes to increase thermal efficiency. The weaving apparatus includes a frame assembly and a weaving mechanism contained within the frame assembly. The weaving mechanism includes an alignment plate to align the tubes and separation plates to separate the tubes after they have been aligned. The weaving apparatus thus automates the step of separating the tubes of the heat exchanger so that the spacer can ready inserted between the tubes.
Claims29
An apparatus comprising:
- a weaving mechanism configured to separate the individual tubes of a heat exchanger so that a spacer can be inserted between the tubes of the heat exchanger.
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the weaving mechanism further comprises a alignment plate configured to align the tubes of the heat exchanger.
An apparatus comprising:
- a frame assembly;
- and
- a weaving mechanism contained within the frame assembly and configured to separate the individual tubes of a heat exchanger so that a spacer can be inserted between the tubes of the heat exchanger, the frame assembly including:
- an alignment plate is configured to assume a first alignment position within the guide mechanism to facilitate the alignment of tubes of a heat exchanger and a second reset position within the guide mechanism when the alignment plate is not in position to align tubes of a heat exchanger;
- and
- a first separator plate having a first plurality of tube positioning member, the first plurality of tube positioning members includes a first set of N receptacles each configured to receive a tube of a heat exchanger, the first set of N receptacles of the first plurality of tube positioning members arranged in a first staggered pattern.
A method of operating a weaving mechanism to insert a spacer between the tubes of a heat exchanger, the method comprising the steps of:
- inserting the heat exchanger into weaving mechanism;
- aligning the tubes of the heat exchanger;
- separating the tubes the heat exchanger so that a spacer can be inserted between the tubes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.