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:
Feb. 03, 2004
Filed:
May. 08, 2001
David E. Cichon, O-Fallon, MO (US);
Jeffrey L. Wilson, Winfield, MO (US);
Michael J. Uremovich, Manhattan, IL (US);
Starcon International, Inc., Manhattan, IL (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and a method to remove and install horizontal heat exchanger bundles. A continuous track and a main frame having a carriage frame with vertical hydraulic cylinders are used and achieve the stability necessary to support and level a heat exchanger bundle during removal from its shell at various vertical heights. The preferred configuration allows the main frame, hydraulic cylinders, pads and tracks which provide a large surface area on the ground, to remain on the ground as the hydraulic cylinders raise the carriage frame to the height of the bundle shell to increase stability of the apparatus. Moreover, the tracks allow the self-propelled extractor to move over gravel, asphalt, and/or soft uneven surfaces without becoming embedded into the surface. Alternatively, the carriage frame may be raised or moved using a crane or helicopter by removing the carriage frame from the main frame.