Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a cooling frame including first and second frame portions that releasably engage fin material. In one embodiment of the heat exchanger, first and second frame portions are movable with respect to each other. A fin module, which can include fragile or pliant fin material secured to a more robust strip of material, is positionable between the first and second frame portions. A tension device, such as a spring or a spacing controller, urges the frame portions together to bind the fin module between the frame portions. Releasing tension or urging the frame portions in an opposite direction releases the fin module. The fin module can also be retained within the cooling frame with one or more clips.

Abstract: A heat sink is provided having a bundle of thermally conductive fibers that extend from a heat receiving end to a heat dissipating end where they are splayed as extremely numerous fins of one or plural coalesced fibers to enlarge the effective heat convecting area. The splayed fins are supported or maintained in a splayed array by a structure. Heat dissipation capability is augmented by forcing a cooling fluid such as air through the splayed fins. The fins are initially caused to separate or splay by various techniques including electrostatic spreading, layering, tape rolling, selective coating removal, and elastic rebound, and are maintained in the splayed position by a frame, adhesion, or elastomers.