US Patent 9989283 Heat exchanger and flow distributor

A heat exchanger includes a distribution manifold, a plurality of longitudinally spaced tubes having inlet ends opening into the manifold, and a longitudinally extending distributor body disposed within the manifold. The distributor body has a first surface juxtaposed in spaced relationship with the inlet ends of the plurality of tubes and a second surface interfacing with the manifold inner wall. A plurality of discrete flow passages extend from an inlet end of the distributor body and open through the first surface of the distributor body. The plurality of discrete flow passages includes a plurality of longitudinally extending flow passages formed by channels or grooves extending along the interface of the second surface of the distributor body with the inner wall of the distributor manifold.