Method of operating a weaving mechanism to insert a spacer between the tubes of a heat exchanger
AssigneeFAFCO, Inc.
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.
Claims5
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 between separator plates of the weaving mechanism;
- aligning the tubes of the heat exchanger with corresponding portions of the weaving mechanism;
- separating the tubes of the heat exchanger by actuating the separator plates to create gaps between selected tubes of the heat exchanger;
- and
- inserting a spacer between the separated tubes of the heat exchanger to maintain separation between the separated tubes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.