Coil Loading Assembly, System and Method

Abstract

A coil loading assembly, system and method configured for loading coils onto a finned tube fabrication machine is disclosed. The coil cart assembly generally includes a first horizontal support detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine; a second horizontal support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine; and a coil tray detachably connected to the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support. The coil tray configured to slide from a front load position to a back unload position in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine so that a coil positioned on the coil tray may be directly loaded onto the finned tube fabrication machine from the coil tray.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention is in the technical field of coil loading assemblies, systems and methods used for loading a coil onto a finned tube fabrication machine. The invention pertains generally to systems and methods for fabricating finned tubes for use in heat exchangers.BACKGROUND

[0002] A finned tube is a tube with fins added to its outside surface to increase the area where heat can be exchanged between an exchange medium (such as a fluid, liquid, gas, or air for example) inside the tube and an exchange medium (such as ambient or outside air for example) outside the tube. Finned tubes are a key component of heat exchangers and are used in many industries, including power plants, refrigeration systems, air conditioning, and radiators, for example. Finned tubes increase the surface area of the tube, which allows for faster heat transfer. The fins provide more contact with the outside air, which speeds up the exchange of heat. Finned tubes can be made from a variety of materials, including copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel, for example. The material chosen for the finned tube depends on the application and the desired properties, such as durability, formability, and resistance to corrosion. Finned tubes can be oval, round or flat and some finned tubes have inner or outer grooves to increase surface area.

[0003] In general, finned tubes may be fabricated from a coil of desired material and using one or more finned tube fabrication machine. The process starts with moving a coil from a storage position and loading the coil onto the finned tube fabrication machine. Once the coil is loaded on to the finned tube fabrication machine, the finned tube fabrication machine pulls a strip of the desired metal from the coil through tooling that controls the fin height and specified dimensions to produce the desired finned tube.

[0004] Traditionally, coils of copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and / or carbon steel, for example, are received from a manufacturer in a semi-packaged wound coil that may weigh hundreds or thousands of pounds. Prior to moving the coil, the packaging must be removed. Once any packaging has been removed, a crane, lift, or other specialized equipment is used to lift the coil from the storage area and move the coil into position on the finned tube fabrication machine. To load the coil on the finned tube fabrication machine, the finned tube fabrication machine door, if any, must first be opened so that the mandrel, axle or spindle upon which the coil is to be loaded onto is accessible. The coil must then be positioned by using the mechanical lift to position the coil at the same height as the mandrel, axle or spindle of the finned tube fabrication machine and so that the hole at the center of the coil may be precisely loaded and positioned thereon. The coil must be precisely positioned on the mandrel, axle or spindle of the finned tube fabrication machine to ensure that the metal strips are properly pulled from the coil through the finned tube fabrication machine to produce the desired finned tube.

[0005] Due to the substantial size and weight of the coil, traditional methods and equipment for moving the coil from a storage position and loading the coil onto the mandrel, axle or spindle of the finned tube fabrication machine is inefficient, slow, dangerous, expensive, and is not automated.

[0006] To that end, it would be advantageous to provide an improved coil loading assembly, system and method specifically configured to safely and efficiently load and unload a coil onto a finned tube fabrication machine. The improved coil loading assembly, system and method described and claimed herein generally includes one or more horizontal support detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine and a coil tray detachably connected to the one or more horizontal support for loading and unloading the coil onto the finned tube fabrication machine. In some embodiments, a coil cart assembly is disclosed having: a first horizontal support detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine; a second horizontal support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine; and a coil tray detachably connected to the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support. The coil tray configured to slide from a front load position to a back unload position along the first horizontal support and second horizontal support in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine so that a coil positioned on the coil tray may be directly loaded onto the finned tube fabrication machine from the coil tray.

[0007] In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly further includes a vertical hinge support configured for opening a door to the finned tube fabrication machine in a vertical direction so as to gain direct access to the finned tube fabrication machine. In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly and method may be either partially or fully automated either at the coil cart assembly or remotely, using one or more computer and so that the door to the finned tubed fabrication machine may be automatically opened and the coil tray may be automatically moved for automated loading and unloading.

[0008] The improved coil loading assembly, system and method described and claimed herein provides numerous non-obvious safety and efficiency advantages and benefits over traditional methods and equipment for loading and unloading a coil onto a finned tube fabrication machine.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the coil loading assembly, system and method are disclosed herein. The coil loading assembly, system and method include various component parts formed from a variety of materials that are configured to be detachably connected to one another, assembled, disassembled, sold as a kit and / or a unitary assembly or system for use with a variety of different finned tube fabrication machines. In some embodiments, the component parts may be fully or partially automated using one or more control systems or computers to active and control the assembly, system and method automatically either at the finned tube fabrication machine or remotely. Further, in some embodiments, the one or more control systems or computers may include display screens and programs for collecting and transmitting data and information regarding the use and operation of the coil loading assembly, system and method.

[0010] The inventive concepts disclosed herein are generally directed to an improved coil loading assembly and method including an improved coil cart assembly and method of use. The coil cart assembly for loading coils onto a finned tube fabrication machine. The coil cart assembly and method generally includes one or more horizontal supports, a coil tray detachably connected to the one or more horizontal supports, and in some embodiments a vertical hinge support and one or more computers or computer systems for automated control of the coil cart assembly and method. In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly includes a first horizontal support detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine; a second horizontal support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine; and a coil tray detachably connected to the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support. The coil tray configured to slide from a front load position to a back unload position in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine so that a coil positioned on the coil tray may be directly loaded onto the finned tube fabrication machine from the coil tray. By permitting a coil to be automatically loaded directly from a coil tray onto a finned tube fabrication machine and without having to adjust or reposition the height or position of the coil, numerous safety and efficiency advantages are obtained over traditional equipment, tools and methods for loading a coil onto a finned tube fabrication machine.

[0011] In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly further includes a vertical hinge support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine. The vertical hinge support configured to enable a door of the finned tube fabrication machine to open vertically so that the coil tray is able to directly access and load the coil onto the finned tube fabrication machine. In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly further includes a finned tube fabrication machine connected to the coil cart assembly. Further, in some embodiments, the coil cart assembly further includes a coil positioned on the coil tray.

[0012] In some embodiments, a coil cart assembly for automated loading of metal coils onto a finned tube fabrication machine is disclosed. The coil cart assembly including a first horizontal support having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first horizontal support configured to be detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine. The coil cart assembly including a second horizontal support having a first end and a second end. The second end of the second horizontal support configured to be detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine. The coil cart assembly further including a coil tray detachably connected to the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support.

[0013] The coil tray configured for supporting a metal coil positioned thereon. The coil tray having a first angled side portion, a second angled side portion, and an angled basin extending between the first angled side portion and the second angled side portion. The first angled side portion and the second angled side portion each having a plurality of openings and a plurality of balls positioned within the openings. The balls configured to permit the coil tray to slide from a front load position to a back unload position in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine and along the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support so that a metal coil positioned on the coil tray may be loaded directly from the coil tray onto the finned tube fabrication machine without adjusting the position of the metal coil on the coil tray in relation to the position of the finned tube fabrication machine.

[0014] The coil cart assembly further including a vertical hinge support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine. The vertical hinge support having a vertical member and a horizontal member. The vertical member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the vertical member detachably connected to a ground surface and the second end of the vertical member detachably connected to the horizontal member. The vertical member having a hinge detachably connected to a door of the finned tube fabrication machine. The hinge configured to enable the door to swing open vertically so that the coil tray may slide along the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support to load the metal coil positioned on the coil tray directly onto the finned tube fabrication machine.

[0015] In some embodiments of the coil cart assembly, the first and second horizontal support are each substantially square in shape and are oriented such that the corners of the square are positioned to face up, down, and side to side in relation to a ground surface. Further, in some embodiments of the coil cart assembly, the first angled side portion and second angled side portion of the coil tray each have a center angle of 90 degrees. In some embodiments of the coil cart assembly, the angled basin of the coil tray has a center angle of 14 degrees. In some embodiments of the coil cart assembly, the angle between the angled basin and the first angled side portion is 37 degrees. In some embodiments of the coil cart assembly, the angle between the angled basin and the second side portion is 37 degrees. In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly further includes a finned tube fabrication machine connected to the coil cart assembly. In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly further includes a metal coil positioned on the coil tray. In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly is constructed from stainless steel. Further, in some embodiments, the coil cart assembly further includes one or more computer systems for automated control of the coil cart assembly.

[0016] A method of loading a coil onto a finned tube fabrication machine is also disclosed. The method including the steps of: (a) providing a coil cart assembly having: a first horizontal support detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine; a second horizontal support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine; and a coil tray detachably connected to the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support. The coil tray configured to slide from a front load position to a back unload position in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine so that a coil positioned on the coil tray may be directly loaded onto the finned tube fabrication machine from the coil tray. The coil cart assembly having a vertical hinge support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine. The vertical hinge support configured to enable a door of the finned tube fabrication machine to open vertically so that the coil tray is able to directly access and load the coil onto the finned tube fabrication machine. The method further including the steps of: (b) opening the door of the finned tube fabrication machine; (c) positioning a coil onto the coil tray of the coil cart assembly; (d) moving the coil tray from a front load position to a back unload position; and (e) loading the coil directly onto the finned tube fabrication machine.

[0017] It should be understood that each of the component parts of the coil cart assembly, system and method are configured to be selectively and detachably connected, disconnected, and used interchangeably with a variety of different sized and shaped component parts to create a customizable, modular, and selectively interchangeable system. In this way, a user may, select from a range of differently configured, sized, and shaped component parts of the coil cart assembly, system and method to customize the coil cart assembly, system and method. Thus, numerous configurations are contemplated and may be selectively arranged and customized for use in fabricating finned tubes and in combination with a variety of different finned tube fabrication machines, systems, and component parts.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Like reference numerals in the figures represent and refer to the same or similar element or function. Implementations of the disclosure may be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed pictorial illustrations, schematics, graphs, drawings, and appendices. In the drawings:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the coil cart assembly (100) in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the coil cart assembly (100) in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the coil cart assembly (100) in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the coil cart assembly (100) in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the coil cart assembly (100) in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the coil cart assembly (100) in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the coil cart assembly (100) in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the coil cart assembly (100) in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a diagram of an embodiment of a method (400) of loading a coil onto a finned tube fabrication machine in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein in detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventive concepts disclosed herein are capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting the inventive concepts claimed herein in any way.

[0029] In the following detailed description of embodiments of the inventive concepts, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the inventive concepts within the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “comprises,”“comprising,”“includes,”“including,”“has,”“having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed.

[0031] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0032] In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0033] Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, shown therein is a coil cart assembly (100) for loading coils (205) onto a finned tube fabrication machine (200). The coil cart assembly (100) includes a first horizontal support (105) detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine (200); a second horizontal support (110) detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine (200); and a coil tray (115) detachably connected to the first horizontal support (105) and the second horizontal support (110). The coil tray (115) is configured to slide from a front load position (120) to a back unload position (125) in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine (200) so that a coil (205) positioned on the coil tray (115) may be directly loaded onto the finned tube fabrication machine (200) from the coil tray (115). In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly (100) further includes a vertical hinge support (130). The vertical hinge support (130) is detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine (200). The vertical hinge support (130) configured to enable a door (210) of the finned tube fabrication machine (200) to open vertically so that the coil tray (115) is able to directly access and load the coil (205) onto the finned tube fabrication machine (200). In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly (100) further includes a finned tube fabrication machine (200) connected t the coil cart assembly (100). Further, in some embodiments, the coil cart assembly (100) includes a coil (205) positioned on the coil tray (115).

[0035] The coil cart assembly (100), including the first horizontal support (105), second horizontal support (110), coil tray (115), and vertical hinge support (130) may each be constructed from any material of sufficient strength necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the coil cart assembly (100) and finned tube fabrication machine (200) when in use. For example, the coil cart assembly (100) including the first horizontal support (105), second horizontal support (110), coil tray (115), and vertical hinge support (130) may be constructed from metals such as steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, alloys, or other metals, combinations thereof and the like and non-metals such as, plastics, polycarbonate, impact resistant nylon, carbon fiber, polymers, resins, ceramics, composite materials, combinations thereof and the like. It should be understood that the coil cart assembly (100), including the first horizontal support (105), second horizontal support (110), coil tray (115), and vertical hinge support (130) may each be constructed from the same or different materials. For example, the first horizontal support (105) and second horizontal support (110) may each be constructed from stainless steel while the coil tray (115) may be constructed from carbon fiber and the vertical hinge support (130) may be constructed from polycarbonate, for example.

[0036] The first horizontal support has a first end (150) and a second end (155). The second end (155) of the first horizontal support (105) is configured to be detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine (200). Similarly, the second horizontal support (110) has a first end (160) and a second end (165). The second end (165) of the second horizontal support (110) is also configured to be detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine (200). The second end (155) of the first horizontal support and the second end (165) of the second horizontal support may be detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine (200) using welds, bolts, rivets, hinges, combinations thereof and the like. The first horizontal support (105) and second horizontal support (110) are configured to extend out from an opening or door of the finned tube fabrication machine (200) a sufficient distance, such as two (2) to six (6) feet, for example, to provide enough space for the coil (205) to be placed on the coil tray (115).

[0037] The first horizontal support (105) and second horizontal support (110) are shown as substantially square in shape but may have any desired shape or orientation sufficient to provide structural support for the coil tray (115) and coil (205) thereon and such that the coil tray (115) is able to slide along each of the first horizontal support (105) and second horizontal support (110) during use and as described and claimed herein. For example, the first horizontal support (105) and second horizontal support (110) may be rectangular, triangular or circular in shape for example.

[0038] The coil tray (115) is detachably connected to the first horizontal support (105) and the second horizontal support (110). The coil tray (115) is configured for supporting a metal coil (205) positioned thereon. In some embodiments, the coil tray (115) includes a first angled side portion (170), a second angled side portion (175), and an angled basin (180) extending between the first angled side portion (170) and the second angled side portion (175). The first angled side portion (170) and the second angled side portion (175) each having a plurality of openings (190) and a plurality of balls (195) positioned within the openings (190). The balls (195) are configured to permit the coil tray (115) to slide from a front load position (120) to a back unload position (125) in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine (200) and along the first horizontal support (105) and the second horizontal support (110) so that a metal coil (205) positioned on the coil tray (115) may be loaded directly from the coil tray (115) onto the finned tube fabrication machine (200) without adjusting the position of the metal coil (205) on the coil tray (115) in relation to the position of the finned tube fabrication machine (200).

[0039] The coil tray (115) is shown as substantially rectangular in shape but may have any desired shape or orientation sufficient to support a coil (205) thereon and sufficient to permit the coil tray (115) to slide along each of the first horizontal support (105) and second horizontal support (110) during use and as described and claimed herein. For example, the coil tray (115) may be substantially square, triangular or circular in shape for example.

[0040] In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly (100) is configured for automated loading of metal coils (205) onto a finned tube fabrication machine (200). The coil cart assembly (100) includes a first horizontal support (105) having a first end (150) and a second end (155). The second end (155) of the first horizontal support (105) is configured to be detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine (200). The coil cart assembly (100) further includes a second horizontal support (110) having a first end (160) and a second end (165). The second end (165) of the second horizontal support (110) is configured to be detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine (200). The coil cart assembly (100) further includes a coil tray (115) detachably connected to the first horizontal support (105) and the second horizontal support (110). The coil tray (115) is configured for supporting a metal coil (205) positioned thereon.

[0041] The coil tray (115) includes a first angled side portion (170), a second angled side portion (175), and an angled basin (180) extending between the first angled side portion (170) and the second angled side portion (175). The first angled side portion (170) and the second angled side portion (175) each have a plurality of openings (190) and a plurality of balls (195) positioned within the openings (190). The balls (195) are configured to permit the coil tray (115) to slide from a front load position (120) to a back unload position (125) in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine (200) and along the first horizontal support (105) and the second horizontal support (110) so that a metal coil (205) positioned on the coil tray (115) may be loaded directly from the coil tray (115) onto the finned tube fabrication machine (200) without adjusting the position of the metal coil (205) on the coil tray (115) in relation to the position of the finned tube fabrication machine (200). The balls (195) are configured to roll within the openings (190) and may be constructed from metals such as steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, alloys, or other metals, combinations thereof and the like or non-metals such as, plastics, polycarbonate, impact resistant nylon, carbon fiber, polymers, resins, ceramics, composite materials, combinations thereof and the like for example.

[0042] In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly (100) further includes a vertical hinge support (130) detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine (200). The vertical hinge support (130) has a vertical member (131) and a horizontal member (139). The vertical member (131) has a first end (133) and a second end (136). The first end (133) of the vertical member (131) detachably connected to a ground surface and the second end (136) of the vertical member (131) detachably connected to the horizontal member (139). The vertical member (131) has a hinge (141) detachably connected to a door (210) of the finned tube fabrication machine (200). The hinge (141) configured to enable the door (210) to swing open vertically so that the coil tray (115) may slide along the first horizontal support (105) and the second horizontal support (110) to load the metal coil (205) positioned on the coil tray (115) directly onto the finned tube fabrication machine (200). It should be understood that the door (210) may be detachably connected to the vertical hinge support (130) by the hinge (141) or a bolt, or combination thereof and including similar mechanisms for raising and lowering a door known in the art. Further, in some embodiments, the hinge (141) may be controlled automatically by one or more computer systems (310) for automatically raising and lowering the door by operating the one or more computer systems (310) at the coil cart assembly (100) or remotely via one or more remote computer in electronic communication with the one or more computer systems (310), for example.

[0043] In some embodiments of the coil cart assembly (100), the first horizontal support (105) and second horizontal support (110) are each substantially square in shape and are oriented such that the corners of the square are positioned to face up, down, and side to side in relation to a ground surface. In some embodiments of the coil cart assembly (100) the first angled side portion (170) and second angled side portion (175) of the coil tray (115) each have a center angle of 90 degrees. In some embodiments of the coil cart assembly (100) the angled basin (180) of the coil tray (115) has a center angle of 14 degrees. In some embodiments of the coil cart assembly (100) the angle between the angled basin (180) and the first angled side portion (170) is 37 degrees. In some embodiments of the coil cart assembly (100) the angle between the angled basin (180) and the second side portion (175) is 37 degrees.

[0044] In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly (100) includes one or more computer systems (311) for automated control of the coil cart assembly (100). For example, the one or more computer system (311) may be configured to automatically control the opening and closing of the door (210) to the finned tube fabrication machine (200) and to automatically control the moving of the coil tray (115) from a front load position (120) to a back unload position (125). Further, the one or more computer system (311) may be programmed to include safety and status alarms and alerts, timers, and to output information and data automatically such as the history of use of the coil cart assembly (100), the amount of coil (205) used or remaining, and various other information, statistics and data which may be displayed on the one or more computer system (311) or transmitted for display and viewing at one or more remote computer electronically in communication with the one or more computer system (311) for example. In this way, users may obtain real-time and up to date information, data and statistics regarding the use and operation of the coil cart assembly (100). In this way, the entire coil (205) loading and unloading process may be automated and performed remotely and without a person having to physically load and unload the coil (205) onto or from the coil cart assembly (100) thus enhancing safety and reducing time associated with manual loading and unloading of coils (205).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 9, a method (400) of loading a coil (205) onto a finned tube fabrication machine (200) is also disclosed. The method (400) includes the steps of: (a) (410) providing a coil cart assembly (100). The coil cart assembly (100) including a first horizontal support (105) detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine (200); a second horizontal support (110) detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine (200); and a coil tray (115) detachably connected to the first horizontal support (105) and the second horizontal support (110). The coil tray (115) configured to slide from a front load position (120) to a back unload position (125) in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine (200) so that a coil (205) positioned on the coil tray (115) may be directly loaded onto the finned tube fabrication machine (200) from the coil tray (115). In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly (100) may also include a vertical hinge support (130) detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine (200). The vertical hinge support (130) configured to enable a door (210) of the finned tube fabrication machine (200) to open vertically so that the coil tray (115) is able to directly access and load the coil (205) onto the finned tube fabrication machine (200). The method (400) further including the steps of: (b) (415) opening the door (210) of the finned tube fabrication machine (200); (c) (420) positioning a coil (205) onto the coil tray (115) of the coil cart assembly (100); (d) (425) moving the coil tray (115) from a front load position (120) to a back unload position (125); and (e) (430) loading the coil (205) directly onto the finned tube fabrication machine (200).

[0046] In some embodiments, the coil cart assembly (100) includes one or more computer systems (311) for automated control of the coil cart assembly (100). As a result, in some embodiments, the method (400) is partially or fully automated. For example, the one or more computer system (311) may be configured to automatically control the opening and closing of the door (210) to the finned tube fabrication machine (200) and to automatically control the moving of the coil tray (115) from a front load position (120) to a back unload position (125). Further, in some embodiments, the method (400) may include collecting data, storing data, transmitting data and displaying data associated with the coil cart assembly (100). For example, the method (400) may include one or more steps for providing, safety and status alarms and alerts, timers, and to output information and data automatically such as the history of use of the coil cart assembly (100), the amount of coil (205) used or remaining, and various other information, statistics and data which may be displayed on the one or more computer system (311) or transmitted for display and viewing at one or more remote computer electronically in communication with the one or more computer system (311) for example. In some embodiments, users of the method (400) may obtain real-time and up to date information, data and statistics regarding the use and operation of the coil cart assembly (100). In this way, the entire coil (205) loading and unloading process may be automated and performed remotely and without a person having to physically load and unload the coil (205) onto or from the coil cart assembly (100) thus enhancing safety and reducing time associated with manual loading and unloading of coils (205).

[0047] It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be shipped fully or partially assembled, or fully or partially disassembled in the form of a kit, as will be readily appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure.

[0048] From the above description, it is clear that the inventive concepts disclosed herein are adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the inventive concepts disclosed herein. While exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the broad scope of the inventive concepts disclosed herein and defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A coil cart assembly for loading coils onto a finned tube fabrication machine, the coil cart assembly comprising:a first horizontal support detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine;a second horizontal support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine; anda coil tray detachably connected to the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support, the coil tray configured to slide from a front load position to a back unload position in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine so that a coil positioned on the coil tray may be directly loaded onto the finned tube fabrication machine from the coil tray.

2. The coil cart assembly of claim 1 further comprising a vertical hinge support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine, the vertical hinge support configured to enable a door of the finned tube fabrication machine to open vertically so that the coil tray is able to directly access and load the coil onto the finned tube fabrication machine.

3. The coil cart assembly of claim 2 further comprising a finned tube fabrication machine connected to the coil cart assembly.

4. The coil cart assembly of claim 2 further comprising a coil positioned on the coil tray.

5. A coil cart assembly for automated loading of metal coils onto a finned tube fabrication machine, the coil cart assembly comprising:a first horizontal support having a first end and a second end, the second end of the first horizontal support configured to be detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine;a second horizontal support having a first end and a second end, the second end of the second horizontal support configured to be detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine;a coil tray detachably connected to the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support, the coil tray configured for supporting a metal coil positioned thereon, the coil tray having a first angled side portion, a second angled side portion, and an angled basin extending between the first angled side portion and the second angled side portion, the first angled side portion and the second angled side portion each having a plurality of openings and a plurality of balls positioned within the openings, the balls configured to permit the coil tray to slide from a front load position to a back unload position in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine and along the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support so that a metal coil positioned on the coil tray may be loaded directly from the coil tray onto the finned tube fabrication machine without adjusting the position of the metal coil on the coil tray in relation to the position of the finned tube fabrication machine; anda vertical hinge support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine, the vertical hinge support having a vertical member and a horizontal member, the vertical member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the vertical member detachably connected to a ground surface and the second end of the vertical member detachably connected to the horizontal member, the vertical member having a hinge detachably connected to a door of the finned tube fabrication machine, the hinge configured to enable the door to swing open vertically so that the coil tray may slide along the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support to load the metal coil positioned on the coil tray directly onto the finned tube fabrication machine.

6. The coil cart assembly of claim 5 wherein the first and second horizontal support are each substantially square in shape and are oriented such that the corners of the square are positioned to face up, down, and side to side in relation to a ground surface.

7. The coil cart assembly of claim 5 wherein the first angled side portion and second angled side portion of the coil tray each have a center angle of 90 degrees.

8. The coil cart assembly of claim 5 wherein the angled basin of the coil tray has a center angle of 14 degrees.

9. The coil cart assembly of claim 5 wherein the angle between the angled basin and the first angled side portion is 37 degrees.

10. The coil cart assembly of claim 5 wherein the angle between the angled basin and the second side portion is 37 degrees.

11. The coil cart assembly of claim 5 further comprising a finned tube fabrication machine connected to the coil cart assembly.

12. The coil cart assembly of claim 5 further comprising a metal coil positioned on the coil tray.

13. The coil cart assembly of claim 5 wherein the coil cart assembly is constructed from stainless steel.

14. The coil cart assembly of claim 5 further comprising one or more computer systems for automated control of the coil cart assembly.

15. A method of loading a coil onto a finned tube fabrication machine, the method comprising the steps of:providing a coil cart assembly comprising:a first horizontal support detachably connected to a finned tube fabrication machine;a second horizontal support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine; anda coil tray detachably connected to the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support, the coil tray configured to slide from a front load position to a back unload position in relation to the finned tube fabrication machine so that a coil positioned on the coil tray may be directly loaded onto the finned tube fabrication machine from the coil tray; anda vertical hinge support detachably connected to the finned tube fabrication machine, the vertical hinge support configured to enable a door of the finned tube fabrication machine to open vertically so that the coil tray is able to directly access and load the coil onto the finned tube fabrication machine;opening the door of the finned tube fabrication machine;positioning a coil onto the coil tray of the coil cart assembly;moving the coil tray from a front load position to a back unload position; andloading the coil directly onto the finned tube fabrication machine.

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