The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 03, 1977
Filed:
Feb. 14, 1973
George M Grover, Los Alamos, NM (US);
Q-Dot Corporation, Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A thermal transfer system comprising a closed, generally horizontally disposed tubular envelope having heat transfer fins mounted at axially spaced points along its outer surface is disclosed. The interior surface of the tubular envelope has a large number of small circumferentially extending capillary grooves characterized by a restricted opening relative to the base of the grooves. A liquid phase/vapor phase working fluid is contained within the envelope with the liquid phase normally comprising about 50 to about 75 percent of the volume of the envelope at normal operating temperatures. A liquid phase return tube rests on the bottom of the envelope and is open at both ends. The liquid phase return tube has an inside diameter of about 30 to about 40 percent of the inside diameter of the tubular envelope and has a length of between about 65 percent and about 85 percent of the length of the envelope. In the operation of the system, one end of the tubular envelope is normally at a relatively higher temperature compared to the other end. The working fluid is vaporized in the higher temperature end of the envelope and the vapor phase flows to the lower temperature end through the portion of the envelope outside of the liquid phase return tube. The working fluid is condensed at the lower temperature end of the envelope and returns in the liquid phase to the evaporator end through the liquid phase return tube. The action of the vapor phase flowing along the outside of the return tube causes a distribution of some liquid along the entire length of the envelope so that the liquid phase can be spread circumferentially around the envelope by the capillary grooves to increase the area of the liquid-vapor interface.