Method for forming a helically corrugated concentric tubing unit
Abstract
Abstract A tubing unit useful, for example, as part of a heat exchanger includes a first tube containing a second helically corrugated tube having on its outer surface helical ridges which engage the inner wall of the first tube to mechanically lock the two tubes in assembly and to form one or more helical passageways between the first and second tubes. The first tube may be of a substantially straight cylindrical shape or may include helical grooves on its inner surface for receiving and mating with the radial outer end portions of the helical ridges on the outer surface of the second tube. A third tube may surround the first tube and include helical corrugations with inwardly extending ridges engaging the outer surface of the first tube to form another set of helical passageways between the first tube and the third tube. In the making of the tubing unit, the second tube is assembled over a mandrel and within the first tube and then twisted to form the helical corrugations therein, the mandrel limiting the inward growth of the inwardly extending ridges and the first tube limiting the outward growth of the outwardly extending ridges. In cases where a third tube is used, such third tube is placed over the second tube and twisted to form helical corrugations therein, the outer surface of the first tube limiting the radial inward growth of the inwardly extending ridges thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Onofrio M D
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-10 | 1977-06-11 | 1977-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-10 | 1981-06-11 | 1981-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-10 | 1985-06-11 | 1985-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |