US3789479A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Machine for assembling tubes in a heat exchanger
Assignee: ZIFFERER MORTON R JR
•
Filing: 1972-06-30
•
Granted: 1974-02-05
•
Expires: 1992-06-30
Abstract
Abstract Machine for assembling automatically the tubes of a shell and tube type heat exchanger having many tubes of uniform length and a plurality of perforated baffle plates through which the tubes pass. A machine is provided having a tube holding fixture mounted on a work table. By means of opposing rods, selected quantities of tubes are transmitted successively from a tube supply to the fixture. Suitable controls are employed to complete one full tubular assembly during each operative cycle of the machine. The tubes are transmitted and assembled in the fixture in a single working plane. Following each deposit of tubes, the fixture is adjusted relative to the working plane preparatory to receiving the next quantity of tubes.
Inventors
- 👤 M Zifferer
- 👤 D Flinchbaugh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:10
CPC Classifications
B; B21; B21D; B21D53/00; B21D53/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/4935; Y10T29/49377; Y10T29/49378; Y10T29/4938; Y10T29/53; Y10T29/53113; Y10T29/53478
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 86
Claim 1
Independent Claim
277 words
A machine for assembling automatically the tubes for a heat exchanger having a plurality of tubes and perforated baffle plates, said machine comprising: 1. a work table having capacity for vertical and horizontal movement, 2. a tube holding fixture mounted on the table, said fixture having: a. a pair of spaced, co-axial, perforated end plates, the respective perforations of which are disposed in successive rows, with each perforation of each end plate co-axial with a corresponding perforation in the other end plate, and b. at least one intermediate baffle plate supporting means, c. said baffle plate supporting means being operative to support perforated baffle plates with their perforations aligned axially with co-axial perforations of the end plates, 3. a tube supply adjacent to the table, 4. means associated with the tube supply for maintaining the tubes in successive horizontal layers, 5. a first plurality of horizontally disposed rods, 6. a second plurality of horizontally disposed rods, 7. said two sets of rods being mounted on opposite sides of the tube supply and having their individual rods aligned axially with corresponding rods of the other set, 8. means for actuating a selected quantity of rods of each set of rods to advance the same to the tube supply to withdraw therefrom a selected quantity of tubes and deposit said tubes in the fixture within axially aligned perforations, 9. control means for selecting a pre-determined quantity of rods of each set of rods preparatory to advancing the rods of the tube supply, and 10. table actuating means for changing automatically the position of the table relative to the tube supply following each successive deposit of tubes in the fixture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
277 words
A machine for assembling automatically the tubes for a heat exchanger having a plurality of tubes and perforated baffle plates, said machine comprising: 1. a work table having capacity for vertical and horizontal movement, 2. a tube holding fixture mounted on the table, said fixture having: a. a pair of spaced, co-axial, perforated end plates, the respective perforations of which are disposed in successive rows, with each perforation of each end plate co-axial with a corresponding perforation in the other end plate, and b. at least one intermediate baffle plate supporting means, c. said baffle plate supporting means being operative to support perforated baffle plates with their perforations aligned axially with co-axial perforations of the end plates, 3. a tube supply adjacent to the table, 4. means associated with the tube supply for maintaining the tubes in successive horizontal layers, 5. a first plurality of horizontally disposed rods, 6. a second plurality of horizontally disposed rods, 7. said two sets of rods being mounted on opposite sides of the tube supply and having their individual rods aligned axially with corresponding rods of the other set, 8. means for actuating a selected quantity of rods of each set of rods to advance the same to the tube supply to withdraw therefrom a selected quantity of tubes and deposit said tubes in the fixture within axially aligned perforations, 9. control means for selecting a pre-determined quantity of rods of each set of rods preparatory to advancing the rods of the tube supply, and 10. table actuating means for changing automatically the position of the table relative to the tube supply following each successive deposit of tubes in the fixture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
82 words
a tube holding fixture mounted on the table, said fixture having: a. a pair of spaced, co-axial, perforated end plates, the respective perforations of which are disposed in successive rows, with each perforation of each end plate co-axial with a corresponding perforation in the other end plate, and b. at least one intermediate baffle plate supporting means, c. said baffle plate supporting means being operative to support perforated baffle plates with their perforations aligned axially with co-axial perforations of the end plates,
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
82 words
a tube holding fixture mounted on the table, said fixture having: a. a pair of spaced, co-axial, perforated end plates, the respective perforations of which are disposed in successive rows, with each perforation of each end plate co-axial with a corresponding perforation in the other end plate, and b. at least one intermediate baffle plate supporting means, c. said baffle plate supporting means being operative to support perforated baffle plates with their perforations aligned axially with co-axial perforations of the end plates,
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
A machine for assembling tubes for a heat exchanger comprising:
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
A machine for assembling tubes for a heat exchanger comprising:
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
8 words
a tube holding fixture mounted on the table,
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
8 words
a tube holding fixture mounted on the table,
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
9 words
a second set of axially advanceable and retractable rods,
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
9 words
a second set of axially advanceable and retractable rods,
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
77 words
the fixtures is provided with: a. a pair of spaced, co-axial, perforated end plates, the respective perforations of which are disposed in successive rows, with each perforation of each end plate co-axial with a corresponding perforation in the other end plate, and b. one or more intermediate baffle plate supporting means, c. said baffle plate supporting means being operative to support perforated baffe plates with their perforations aligned axially with co-axial perforations of the end plates, and
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
77 words
the fixtures is provided with: a. a pair of spaced, co-axial, perforated end plates, the respective perforations of which are disposed in successive rows, with each perforation of each end plate co-axial with a corresponding perforation in the other end plate, and b. one or more intermediate baffle plate supporting means, c. said baffle plate supporting means being operative to support perforated baffe plates with their perforations aligned axially with co-axial perforations of the end plates, and
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
the table actuating means is operative to move the table vertically relative to the tube supply and the two sets of rods.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
the table actuating means is operative to move the table vertically relative to the tube supply and the two sets of rods.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
7 words
a perforated fixture mounted on the table,
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
7 words
a perforated fixture mounted on the table,
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
rod actuating means for advancing the selected rods to and retracting said rods from the tube supply.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
rod actuating means for advancing the selected rods to and retracting said rods from the tube supply.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
59 words
the perforations of each fixture end plate are disposed in a plurality of successive co-planar rows, and 3. the table actuating means, following each advance of tubes from the tube supply to the fixture, is operative automatically to move the table to locate the next successive co-planar rows of perforations of the fixture end plates in the working plane.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
59 words
the perforations of each fixture end plate are disposed in a plurality of successive co-planar rows, and 3. the table actuating means, following each advance of tubes from the tube supply to the fixture, is operative automatically to move the table to locate the next successive co-planar rows of perforations of the fixture end plates in the working plane.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
at least one baffle plate support intermediate the end plates having a hinged member to permit insertion, clamping and removal of a baffle plate,
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
at least one baffle plate support intermediate the end plates having a hinged member to permit insertion, clamping and removal of a baffle plate,
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
the table adjustment means positions a selected quantity of fixture perforations in the working plane prior to each transmission of tubes to the fixture.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
the table adjustment means positions a selected quantity of fixture perforations in the working plane prior to each transmission of tubes to the fixture.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
the perforations of each fixture end plate are disposed in a plurality of successive co-planar rows and
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
the perforations of each fixture end plate are disposed in a plurality of successive co-planar rows and
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
9 words
includes one or more intermediate baffle plate supporting means,
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
9 words
includes one or more intermediate baffle plate supporting means,
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
said baffle plate supporting means being operative to support perforated baffle plates with their perforations aligned axially with co-axial perforations of the end plates.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
said baffle plate supporting means being operative to support perforated baffle plates with their perforations aligned axially with co-axial perforations of the end plates.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
8 words
a supply of tubes spaced from the fixture,
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
8 words
a supply of tubes spaced from the fixture,
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
41 words
the table actuating means is operative to position successive rows of perforations of both end plates in co-planar alignment with the two sets of rods, with one perforation of each co-planar row co-axial with one rod of each set of rods,
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
41 words
the table actuating means is operative to position successive rows of perforations of both end plates in co-planar alignment with the two sets of rods, with one perforation of each co-planar row co-axial with one rod of each set of rods,
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
said baffle plate support being operative to support perforated baffle plates with their perforations aligned axially with co-axial perforations of the end plates.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
said baffle plate support being operative to support perforated baffle plates with their perforations aligned axially with co-axial perforations of the end plates.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
11 words
The machine of claim 2 wherein the tube advancing means comprises:
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
the table actuating means is operative automatically to position successive rows of said perforations in the working plane preparatory to each advance of tubes to the fixture.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
the table actuating means is operative automatically to position successive rows of said perforations in the working plane preparatory to each advance of tubes to the fixture.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
said two sets of rods being disposed on opposite sides of the tube supply when in their most retracted position,
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
said two sets of rods being disposed on opposite sides of the tube supply when in their most retracted position,
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
7 words
a tube supply adjacent to the table,
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
7 words
a tube supply adjacent to the table,
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
7 words
a tube supply adjacent to the table,
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
7 words
a tube supply adjacent to the table,
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
means associated with the tube supply for maintaining the tubes in successive horizontal layers,
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
14 words
means associated with the tube supply for maintaining the tubes in successive horizontal layers,
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
tube advancing means for advancing successively a selected quantity of tubes from the tube supply to the fixture, and
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
tube advancing means for advancing successively a selected quantity of tubes from the tube supply to the fixture, and
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
30 words
said two sets of rods being operative to advance selectively to the tube supply, withdraw a selected quantity of tubes therefrom and deposit the same in the tube holding fixture.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
said two sets of rods being operative to advance selectively to the tube supply, withdraw a selected quantity of tubes therefrom and deposit the same in the tube holding fixture.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
6 words
The machine of claim 3 wherein:
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
25 words
whereby, upon the advance of a selected quantity of tubes from the tube supply, said tubes are deposited in the fixture within axially aligned perforations.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
whereby, upon the advance of a selected quantity of tubes from the tube supply, said tubes are deposited in the fixture within axially aligned perforations.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
28 words
a plurality of individually controlled tube transfer devices for transmitting selected quanities fo tubes from the supply to the fixture for deposit within selected perforations in the fixture,
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
28 words
a plurality of individually controlled tube transfer devices for transmitting selected quanities fo tubes from the supply to the fixture for deposit within selected perforations in the fixture,
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
37 words
adjustment means for adjusting the table relative to the tube supply prior to each transmission of tubes to the fixture to position a selected quantity of perforations for reception of a selected quantity of transmitted tubes, and
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
37 words
adjustment means for adjusting the table relative to the tube supply prior to each transmission of tubes to the fixture to position a selected quantity of perforations for reception of a selected quantity of transmitted tubes, and
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
The machine of claim 3 wherein rods of the first set of rods are aligned axially with rods of the second set.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
39 words
table actuating means for changing automatically the position of the table relative to the tube supply following each successive advance of tubes from the tube supply to the fixture, preparatory to the next advance of tubes to the fixture.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
39 words
table actuating means for changing automatically the position of the table relative to the tube supply following each successive advance of tubes from the tube supply to the fixture, preparatory to the next advance of tubes to the fixture.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
7 words
a first plurality of horizontally disposed rods,
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
7 words
a first plurality of horizontally disposed rods,
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
7 words
a second plurality of horizontally disposed rods,
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
7 words
a second plurality of horizontally disposed rods,
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
6 words
The machine of claim 3 wherein:
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
actuating means for actuating selected quantities of the tube transfer devices in timed relation to each adjustment of the table.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
20 words
actuating means for actuating selected quantities of the tube transfer devices in timed relation to each adjustment of the table.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
21 words
The machine of claim 6 further including means associated with the tube supply to maintain the tubes in successive horizontal layers.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
28 words
said two sets of rods being mounted on opposite sides of the tube supply and having their individual rods aligned axially with corresponding rods of the other set,
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
28 words
said two sets of rods being mounted on opposite sides of the tube supply and having their individual rods aligned axially with corresponding rods of the other set,
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
40 words
means for actuating a selected quantity of rods of each set of rods to advance the same to the tube supply to withdraw therefrom a selected quantity of tubes and deposit said tubes in the fixture within axially aligned perforations,
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
40 words
means for actuating a selected quantity of rods of each set of rods to advance the same to the tube supply to withdraw therefrom a selected quantity of tubes and deposit said tubes in the fixture within axially aligned perforations,
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
7 words
The machine of claim 3 further including:
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
24 words
control means for selecting a pre-determined quantity of rods of each set of rods preparatory to advancing the rods of the tube supply, and
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
24 words
control means for selecting a pre-determined quantity of rods of each set of rods preparatory to advancing the rods of the tube supply, and
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
8 words
The machine of claim 8 wherein the fixture,
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
6 words
The machine of claim 9, wherein:
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
25 words
table actuating means for changing automatically the position of the table relative to the tube supply following each successive deposit of tubes in the fixture.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
25 words
table actuating means for changing automatically the position of the table relative to the tube supply following each successive deposit of tubes in the fixture.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
6 words
The machine of claim 9 wherein:
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine for assembling automatically the tubes for a shell and tube type heat exchanGer comprising:
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine for assembling automatically the tubes for a shell and tube type heat exchanGer comprising:
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
6 words
The machine of claim 12 wherein:
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
A tube holding fixture for a machine for assembling tubes for a heat exchanger comprising:
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
15 words
A tube holding fixture for a machine for assembling tubes for a heat exchanger comprising:
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2410140A
Cited
US2686356A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-04 | 1977-08-06 | 1978-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-04 | 1981-08-06 | 1982-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-04 | 1985-08-06 | 1986-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |