US3703815A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Double fin cooling coil with condensate director
Assignee: Trane US Inc
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Filing: 1971-09-27
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Granted: 1972-11-28
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Expires: 1991-09-27
Abstract
Abstract A compression cycle refrigeration system for cooling air is shown wherein the evaporator heat exchanger coil has two sets of fins, one set of fins being arranged above the other. The lower downstream corners of the fins of the upper set are folded over on the next adjacent fin to thereby form a series of condensate directors to cause condensate running down the downstream margins of the upper fins to transfer and adhere to the lower fins with reduced entrainment of condensate in the air passing over the heat exchange coil.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald C Welch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 09:37
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25D; F25D17/00; F25D17/04; F25D17/06; F25D17/067; F24; F24F; F24F13/00; F24F13/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
Heat exchange apparatus comprising: a first series of substantially parallel horizontally spaced vertically extending heat exchange plate first fins adapted to be disposed in an air stream and having generally coextensive generally vertically extending downstream edges; a second series of substantially parallel horizontally spaced vertically extending heat exchange plate second fins adapted to be disposed in the air stream and having generally coextensive generally vertically extending downstream edges; said second series of second fins being disposed immediately below said first series of first fins; a plurality of tubes extending through and in heat exchange relationship with said first and second fins and adapted to conduct a cooling fluid to cool said first and second fins to a temperature below the dew point of the air stream whereby condensate is formed on the fins and caused to pass downwardly along the downstream margins of said first and second fins adjacent the downstream edges thereof; and means associated with the lower portions of said first fins adjacent the downstream edges thereof for directing condensate in an upstream direction whereby said condensate upon leaving said first fins transfers to said second fins with reduced entrainment of condensate in the air stream.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
Heat exchange apparatus comprising: a first series of substantially parallel horizontally spaced vertically extending heat exchange plate first fins adapted to be disposed in an air stream and having generally coextensive generally vertically extending downstream edges; a second series of substantially parallel horizontally spaced vertically extending heat exchange plate second fins adapted to be disposed in the air stream and having generally coextensive generally vertically extending downstream edges; said second series of second fins being disposed immediately below said first series of first fins; a plurality of tubes extending through and in heat exchange relationship with said first and second fins and adapted to conduct a cooling fluid to cool said first and second fins to a temperature below the dew point of the air stream whereby condensate is formed on the fins and caused to pass downwardly along the downstream margins of said first and second fins adjacent the downstream edges thereof; and means associated with the lower portions of said first fins adjacent the downstream edges thereof for directing condensate in an upstream direction whereby said condensate upon leaving said first fins transfers to said second fins with reduced entrainment of condensate in the air stream.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said means includes a fold at the lower downstream corner of each fin of said first series of fins.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said fold makes an obtuse angle with the main portion of said fin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein the crease between said fold and the main portion of said fin extends upwardly and downstream.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 4 wherein said crease makes an angle between 135* and 170* with the downstream edge of said fin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said angle is about 155*.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein each fold overlies the fold of an adjacent fin.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 7 wherein said folds are contiguous.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said first and second fins are rectangular plates having a generally vertically extending major axes.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-11-28 | 1976-05-29 | 1976-11-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-11-28 | 1980-05-29 | 1980-11-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-11-28 | 1984-05-29 | 1984-11-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |