Patent ID: 6108899
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: B23K,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for holding a heat exchanger core during a manufacturing process, the core including first and second side support members disposed on opposite sides of an assembly of a plurality of interleaved tubes and fins, the core also including a first and second fluid tank disposed on opposite ends of said tubes, said apparatus comprising:a first clamp disposed between said first and second side support members, said first clamp including a pair of leg members and a bight portion interconnecting said leg members, each of said leg members having a contact portion and an outwardly depending end portion, said contact portion being configured to contact said side support members and apply a compressive force therebetween, said bight portion including a stepped portion extending above the plane of said bight portion; anda second clamp extending between said first and second fluid tank and configured to apply a compressive force therebetween,whereby said first and second clamps apply a constant compressive force in two perpendicular directions against said core to hold said core together in a predetermined position during the manufacturing process and wherein said first and second clamps are removed from said heat exchanger core after the manufacturing operation is completed.