Fred N Huffman

Title: Fred N Huffman: Innovator in Heat Transfer and Ion Production

Introduction

Fred N Huffman is a notable inventor based in Sudbury, MA (US). He has made significant contributions to the fields of heat transfer and ion production, holding a total of 4 patents. His innovative work has implications for both semiconductor manufacturing and controlled thermonuclear reactions.

Latest Patents

One of Huffman's latest patents is the Pressure Balanced Heat Pipe. This invention is particularly suited for isothermal transfer of heat in high temperature and high pressure operations, such as the growing of semiconductor crystals. The design features a stem that communicates with its lower end, a cooler surrounding a portion of the stem, and an expansible bellows connected to the stem. This configuration allows the heat pipe to balance pressure with the ambient environment, eliminating the need for complex structures or high-strength materials in the heat pipe walls.

Another significant patent is the Method and Apparatus for Producing Negative Ions. This invention describes a method for generating negative deuterium ions for use in controlled thermonuclear reactions, such as fusion. The process involves bombarding an ionization electrode with positive ions and extracting negative ions from the electrode. The unique surface layer of the electrode is formed by depositing the products of thermal decomposition of cesium carbonate onto a substrate. This layer is characterized by a low work function of about 1.05 electron volts, facilitating the formation of large quantities of negative ions.

Career Highlights

Fred N Huffman is associated with Thermo Electron Corporation, where he has contributed to various innovative projects. His work has been instrumental in advancing technologies that are critical for modern scientific applications.

Collaborations

Huffman has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Kenneth G Hagen and Arthur E Ruggles. Their combined expertise has furthered the development of groundbreaking technologies in their respective fields.

Conclusion

Fred N Huffman's contributions to innovation in heat transfer and ion production highlight his role as a significant inventor. His patents reflect a commitment to advancing technology and improving processes in critical scientific areas.