Apparatus for forming restriction in heat exchanger and method for making same

Abstract

An apparatus and method for forming a restriction in a plate of a heat exchanger includes a gag extending perpendicularly relative to the plate. The apparatus also includes a servo motor operatively connected to the gag and for connection to a source of power for moving the gag for forming a restriction to fluid flow through either one of a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of the plate.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for forming a restriction in a plate of a heat exchanger comprising the steps of: 
 providing a plate extending longitudinally;    providing an apparatus having a gag extending perpendicularly relative to the plate and a servo motor operatively connected to the gag and for connection to a source of power for moving the gag;    moving the gag between a retracted position and an extended position by the servo motor; and    forming a restriction to fluid flow through either one of a fluid inlet or fluid outlet of the plate.    
     
     
         2 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said step of forming comprises forming a plus-shaped member in one of the apertures forming either one of the fluid inlet or fluid outlet.  
     
     
         3 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said step of forming comprises forming one of the apertures forming either one of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet with a diameter less than the other one of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet.  
     
     
         4 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said step of forming comprises forming one of the apertures forming either one of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet with a generally circular cross-sectional shape.  
     
     
         5 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said step of forming comprises forming either one of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet from a plurality of the apertures having a diameter less than the aperture forming the other one of the fluid inlet or fluid outlet.  
     
     
         6 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  including the step of providing the servo motor with a movable ballscrew for movement between a retracted position and an extended position.  
     
     
         7 . A method as set forth in  claim 6  including the step of providing a gag slide connected to the ballscrew and extending perpendicular to the gag for cooperating with the gag.  
     
     
         8 . A method as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said step of providing the gag slide comprises providing a gag slide having an end surface being inclined and providing the gag with a head with a surface being inclined to cooperate with the end surface to move the gag up and down as the gag slide is retracted and extended.  
     
     
         9 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  including the step of providing a housing having a first aperture extending therein and partially disposing the gag in the first aperture.  
     
     
         10 . A method as set forth in  claim 9  including the step of providing a spring and applying pressure against the gag to retract the gag within the housing.  
     
     
         11 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said step of providing a gag comprises providing a gag with a form punch at one end thereof for contacting the plate.  
     
     
         12 . A method for forming a restriction in a plate of a heat exchanger comprising the steps of: 
 providing a plate extending longitudinally;    providing an apparatus having a gag extending perpendicularly relative to the plate and a servo motor operatively connected to the gag and for connection to a source of power for moving the gag;    moving the gag between a retracted position and an extended position by the servo motor; and    forming a restriction to fluid flow through either one of a fluid inlet or fluid outlet of the plate by forming a plus-shaped member in one of the apertures forming either one of the fluid inlet or fluid outlet.    
     
     
         13 . A method for forming a restriction in a plate of a heat exchanger comprising the steps of: 
 providing a plate extending longitudinally;    providing an apparatus having a gag extending perpendicularly relative to the plate and a servo motor operatively connected to the gag and for connection to a source of power for moving the gag;    moving the gag between a retracted position and an extended position by the servo motor; and    forming a restriction to fluid flow through either one of a fluid inlet or fluid outlet of the plate by forming either one of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet from a plurality of the apertures having a diameter less than the aperture forming the other one of the fluid inlet or fluid outlet.