Device for straightening aluminum fins

• US 6,338,265 B1
• Filed: 03/09/2000
• Issued: 01/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jimmy Raider Grigg
• Original Assignee: Jimmy Raider Grigg
• Inventors: Grigg, Jimmy Raider
• Primary Examiner(s): Hughes, S. Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, TRINH T
• Application Number:
  US09/522,028
• Publication Number:
  US 20020000039A1
• Time in Patent Office: 677 Days
• Field of Search: 297/27, 294/021.9, 298/900.31, 294/020.1, 724/79, 724/57, 724/58, 727/10, 30/45, 302/774, 302/10, 302/16, 301/72
• US Class Current: 72/458
• CPC Class Codes: B21D 1/10 of specific articles made from sheet metal, e.g. mudguards
• CPC Class Codes: B21D 35/008 involving vibration, e.g. ultrasonic
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49352 Repairing, converting, servicing or salvaging
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49748 by shaping, e.g., bending, extruding, turning, etc.

Abstract

A device for straightening metal fins on heat exchangers used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The device is comprised of interchangeable, detachable combs that are made to vibrate by an electrically powered vibrator. The vibrating combs can be moved easily between the adjacent fins to straighten them without requiring the force that is needed with a stationary non-vibrating comb. Various sizes of combs are provided for attachment to the vibrator.

Claims

1. A device for straightening metal fins consisting of:

a base that contains a vibrator connected to an electrical power source, a comb with a plurality of parallel teeth extending from said comb, said comb is attached to said base so that said comb is vibrated, and said teeth removably inserted between adjacent metal fins so that the teeth engage the metal fins and straighten the metal fins as the comb vibrates.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said comb is removably attached to said base.