US4143709A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tube support system
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1977-03-15
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Granted: 1979-03-13
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Expires: 1997-03-15
Abstract
Abstract Tube support sheets fabricated from bars or machined from plates to have holes which receive a plurality of tubes. Adjacent support sheets cooperate to restrict lateral movement of the tubes without completely surrounding each tube at a tube support sheet and provide large open areas for fluid flow adjacent thereto.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard C. Cunningham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:25
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28F; F28F9/00; F28F9/007; F28F9/013; F28F9/0135; F16; F16L; F16L3/00; F16L3/22; F16L3/223
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A tube support system for closely packed tubes disposed in a heat exchanger, said tube support system comprising at least two spaced apart support plates transversely disposed with respect to said tubes, each support plate being integrally formed from a single sheet and having a plurality of holes which accept a plurality of tubes, adjacent plates having the holes offset so that adjacent plates cooperate to support the tubes against lateral movement, minimize the contact surface between the tubes and the support plates, and maximize the flow of fluid across the support plates.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A tube support system for closely packed tubes disposed in a heat exchanger, said tube support system comprising at least two spaced apart support plates transversely disposed with respect to said tubes, each support plate being integrally formed from a single sheet and having a plurality of holes which accept a plurality of tubes, adjacent plates having the holes offset so that adjacent plates cooperate to support the tubes against lateral movement, minimize the contact surface between the tubes and the support plates, and maximize the flow of fluid across the support plates.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A tube support system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the holes are rectangular shaped.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A tube support system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the holes are generally square-shaped.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A tube support system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the holes are generally triangular-shaped.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A tube support system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the holes are generally diamond-shaped.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3399719A
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Cited
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-03-12 | 1982-09-11 | 1983-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-03-12 | 1986-09-11 | 1987-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-03-12 | 1990-09-11 | 1991-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |