The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 11, 1989
Filed:
Sep. 22, 1988
Harold R Lawrance, Tulsa, OK (US);
John R McCutchen, Tulsa, OK (US);
Connell Limited Partnership, Boston, MA (US);
Abstract
The invention discloses a novel head closure apparatus for shell and tube-type heat exchangers. The disclosed apparatus is substantially resistant to thermal stress cracking in that it has an internal closure chamber configured to withstand and dissipate thermal stresses caused by rapidly changing thermal gradients. The apparatus also provides for full access to the entire interior volume of the head closure and to the entire area of the head closure inner tubesheet surface in order to facilitate maintenance and repairs. The invention also discloses a compact and efficient retaining key apparatus for constraining the end-cover of a cylindrically-shaped head closure member against internal working pressures. The apparatus enables substantial reductions in the masses of the retaining keys, the head closure member, and the end-cover, which results in the head closure apparatus being simpler and more economical to manufacture and maintain.