Michael S Conner

US Patent:

20110146598, Jun 23, 2011

Filed:

Dec 22, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/644519

Inventors:

Michael S. Conner - Chattanooga TN, US
Stephen J. Koviack - Hixson TN, US
Jack R. Worley - Soddy Daisy TN, US

Assignee:

ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD. - Baden

International Classification:

F22B 37/24
B21D 53/06

US Classification:

122510, 122511, 29890051, 298973

Abstract:

A system for retaining boiler tubes in an array includes a bracket having a contoured surface defining at least one channel, the channel being semi-cylindrical and defined by an elongated cross section having a rounded portion and two elongated legs extending therefrom to define a substantially U-shaped cross section, and a planar section located at a terminus of each leg. The system also comprises a plate connectable to at least one planar section of the bracket. A method of manufacturing a cuff for a boiler tube assembly includes bending a bracket having at least one channel therein, the channel being configured to receive a boiler tube of the boiler tube assembly; and machining a plate, the plate being configured and sized to be positioned over the channel.