Patents Assigned to Cooligy, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8602092
    Abstract: A closed loop cooling system and apparatus for controlling a fluid flow rate through the closed loop cooling system, the apparatus comprising a heat exchanger coupled to at least one heat generating device for removing waste heat from the heat generating device, at least one pump for circulating the fluid, a heat rejector for receiving the fluid, at least one fan for removing waste heat from the heat rejector, at least one temperature sensor coupled to the heat generating device to measure the temperature value of the at least one heat generating device, and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one pump, the at least one fan, and the at least one temperature sensor for receiving the temperature value to selectively control the fluid flow rate and the air flow rate, based on the temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Lenehan, Kenneth Goodson, Thomas W. Kenny, Mark Munch, Saroj Sahu
  • Patent number: 7201214
    Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Munch, Kenneth Goodson, David Corbin, Shulin Zeng, Thomas W. Kenny, James Gill Shook
  • Patent number: 7201012
    Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Munch, Kenneth Goodson, David Corbin, Shulin Zeng, Thomas W. Kenny, James Gill Shook
  • Patent number: 7188662
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes features for alleviating high pressure drops and controlling the expansion of fluid during freezing. The heat exchanger includes an interface layer in which heat is transferred from a heat source to a fluid. A manifold layer couples to the interface layer. The manifold layer includes a first set of substantially vertical fluid paths for directing the fluid to the interface layer. The manifold layer further includes a second set of substantially horizontal fluid paths, perpendicular to the first set of fluid paths, for removing the fluid from the interface layer. Preferably, the heat exchanger includes an upper layer for circulating the fluid to and from the manifold layer. The upper layer can include at least one of a plurality of protruding features and a porous structure. Preferably, a porous structure is disposed along the interface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Grant Brewer, Girish Upadhya, Peng Zhou, Mark McMaster, Paul Tsao
  • Patent number: 7156159
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of circulating a heat-absorbing material within a heat exchanger. The apparatus comprises a manifold layer coupled to an interface layer. The manifold layer comprises an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. The interface layer comprises a plurality of channels that extend from the inlet manifold, toward a heat-exchanging plane, and turn away from the heat-exchanging plane, terminating at the outlet manifold. The plurality of channels are stacked in a plane non-parallel to the heat-exchanging plane. Each of the channels is adjacent to another, thus allowing heat radiated from a heat-generating device to be conducted to a cooling material circulating within the channels, away from the heat-generating device. Preferably, each of the channels has a U-shape or an elongated U-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lovette, Peng Zhou, James Gill Shook
  • Patent number: 7104312
    Abstract: A method of controlling temperature of a heat source in contact with a heat exchanging surface of a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanging surface is substantially aligned along a plane. The method comprises channeling a first temperature fluid to the heat exchanging surface, wherein the first temperature fluid undergoes thermal exchange with the heat source along the heat exchanging surface. The method comprises channeling a second temperature fluid from the heat exchange surface, wherein fluid is channeled to minimize temperature differences along the heat source. The temperature differences are minimized by optimizing and controlling the fluidic and thermal resistances in the heat exchanger. The resistances to the fluid are influenced by size, volume and surface area of heat transferring features, multiple pumps, fixed and variable valves and flow impedance elements in the fluid path, pressure and flow rate control of the fluid, and other factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Goodson, Thomas Kenny, Peng Zhou, Girish Upadhya, Mark Munch, Mark McMaster, James Horn
  • Patent number: 7090001
    Abstract: A plate is thermally coupled to a heat generating device and thermally coupled to two heat pipes. Each heat pipe is configured to have a predetermined boiling point temperature selected according to design criteria. One or more additional heat pipes can be coupled to the plate. A heat spreader can be in thermal contact with the heat generating device and with at least one of the heat pipes. The heat pipes can differ in outer cross-sectional dimensions depending on thermal distance position relative to the heat generating device, such that the heat pipes located a farther thermal distance from the heat generating device have smaller outer cross-sectional dimensions than the heat pipes located a shorter thermal distance from the heat generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Peng Zhou, Dolf van Der Heide, Kenneth Goodson, Girish Upadhya
  • Patent number: 7086839
    Abstract: An electroosmotic pump and method of manufacturing thereof. The pump having a porous structure adapted to pump fluid therethrough, the porous structure comprising a first side and a second side, the porous structure having a plurality of fluid channels therethrough, the first side having a first continuous layer of electrically conductive porous material deposited thereon and the second side having a second continuous layer of electrically conductive porous material deposited thereon, the first second layers coupled to a power source, wherein the power source supplies a voltage differential between the first layer and the second layer to drive fluid through the porous structure at a desired flow rate. The continuous layer of electrically conductive porous material is preferably a thin film electrode, although a multi-layered electrode, screen mesh electrode and beaded electrode are alternatively contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kenny, James Gill Shook, Shulin Zeng, Daniel J. Lenehan, Juan Santiago, James Lovette
  • Patent number: 7077634
    Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Munch, Kenneth Goodson, David Corbin, Shulin Zeng, Thomas W. Kenny, James Gill Shook
  • Patent number: 7061104
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a technique of, and a system for conditioning power for a consuming device. In this regard, a power conditioning module, affixed to an integrated circuit device, conditions power to be applied to the integrated circuit device. The power conditioning module includes a semiconductor substrate having a first interface and a second interface wherein the first interface opposes the second interface. The power conditioning module further includes a plurality of interface vias, to provide electrical connection between the first interface and the second interface, and a first set of pads, disposed on the first interface and a second set of pads disposed on the second interface. Each of the pads is connected to a corresponding one of the interface vias on either the first or second interface. The power conditioning module also includes electrical circuitry, disposed within semiconductor substrate, to condition the power to be applied to the integrated circuit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas William Kenny, Jr., Kenneth E. Goodson, Juan G. Santiago, George Carl Everett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7050308
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a technique of, and a system for conditioning power for a consuming device. In this regard, a power conditioning module, affixed to an integrated circuit device, conditions power to be applied to the integrated circuit device. The power conditioning module includes a semiconductor substrate having a first interface and a second interface wherein the first interface opposes the second interface. The power conditioning module further includes a plurality of interface vias, to provide electrical connection between the first interface and the second interface, and a first set of pads, disposed on the first interface and a second set of pads disposed on the second interface. Each of the pads is connected to a corresponding one of the interface vias on either the first or second interface. The power conditioning module also includes electrical circuitry, disposed within semiconductor substrate, to condition the power to be applied to the integrated circuit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas William Kenny, Jr., Kenneth E. Goodson, Juan G. Santiago, George Carl Everett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7021369
    Abstract: A hermetic closed loop fluid system for controlling temperature of a heat source includes at least one component including at least one heat exchanger in contact with the heat source. The heat exchanger is configured to pass a fluid therethrough, wherein the fluid performs thermal exchange with the heat source. A predetermined amount of the fluid remains within the fluid system for a desired amount of operating time. The desired amount of operating time is preferably at least 10 years. Alternatively, the desired amount of operating time is at least 3 years. The predetermined amount of fluid is preferably ninety percent of an initial amount of fluid. Alternatively, the predetermined amount of fluid is seventy five percent of an initial amount of fluid. Still alternatively, at least fifty percent of the fluid can remain within the fluid system for the desired amount of operating time. The fluid can be a single phase fluid. The fluid can also be a two phase fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Werner, Mark Munch, Thomas Kenny
  • Patent number: 7019972
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a technique of, and a system for conditioning power for a consuming device. In this regard, a power conditioning module, affixed to an integrated circuit device, conditions power to be applied to the integrated circuit device. The power conditioning module includes a semiconductor substrate having a first interface and a second interface wherein the first interface opposes the second interface. The power conditioning module further includes a plurality of interface vias, to provide electrical connection between the first interface and the second interface, and a first set of pads, disposed on the first interface and a second set of pads disposed on the second interface. Each of the pads is connected to a corresponding one of the interface vias on either the first or second interface. The power conditioning module also includes electrical circuitry, disposed within semiconductor substrate, to condition the power to be applied to the integrated circuit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas William Kenny, Jr., Kenneth E. Goodson, Juan G. Santiago, George Carl Everett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7017654
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing an apparatus for circulating a cooling material within a heat exchanger is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a manifold layer and an interface layer. The interface layer comprises one or more narrowing trenches. The manifold layer comprises a plurality of apertures, each positioned on either side of a narrowing trench. In operation, a cooling material is transmitted to an apertures, through a channel defined by the narrowing trench and a bottom surface of the manifold layer, and out an aperture, thereby cooling a heat-generating source coupled to a bottom surface of the interface layer. The method comprises forming a narrowing trench in an interface layer, which exhibits anisotropic etching, by etching the interface layer to form a trench having sloping sidewalls. The method further comprises coupling the interface layer to a manifold layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Kenny, Mark McMaster, James Lovette
  • Patent number: 7000684
    Abstract: A heat exchanger and method of manufacturing thereof comprises an interface layer for cooling a heat source. The interface layer is coupled to the heat source and is configured to pass fluid therethrough. The heat exchanger further comprises a manifold layer that is coupled to the interface layer. The manifold layer includes at least one first port that is coupled to a first set of individualized holes which channel fluid through the first set. The manifold layer includes at least one second port coupled to a second set of individualized holes which channel fluid through the second set. The first set of holes and second set of holes are arranged to provide a minimized fluid path distance between the first and second ports to adequately cool the heat source. Preferably, each hole in the first set is positioned a closest optimal distance to an adjacent hole the second set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kenny, Mark Munch, Peng Zhou, James Gill Shook, Girish Upadhya, Kenneth Goodson, Dave Corbin, Mark McMaster, James Lovette
  • Patent number: 6994151
    Abstract: A vapor escape membrane for use in a heat exchanging device, including a heat pipe or heat sink that runs liquid into a cooling region positioned adjacent to the heat producing device, the vapor escape membrane comprising: a porous surface for removing vapor produced from the liquid in the cooling region, the membrane configured to confine the liquid only within the cooling region. The vapor escape membrane transfers vapor to a vapor region within the heat exchanging device, wherein the membrane is configured to prevent liquid in the cooling region from entering the vapor region. The membrane is configured to include a hydrophobic surface between the membrane and the cooling region, wherein the liquid in the cooling region does not flow through the porous surface. The vapor escape membrane includes a plurality of apertures for allowing vapor to transfer therethrough, each of the apertures having a predetermined dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Peng Zhou, Kenneth Goodson, Juan Suntiago
  • Patent number: 6988534
    Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus and method of manufacturing comprising: an interface layer for cooling a heat source and configured to pass fluid therethrough, the interface layer having an appropriate thermal conductivity and a manifold layer for providing fluid to the interface layer, wherein the manifold layer is configured to achieve temperature uniformity in the heat source preferably by cooling interface hot spot regions. A plurality of fluid ports are configured to the heat exchanger such as an inlet port and outlet port, whereby the fluid ports are configured vertically and horizontally. The manifold layer circulates fluid to a predetermined interface hot spot region in the interface layer, wherein the interface hot spot region is associated with the hot spot. The heat exchanger preferably includes an intermediate layer positioned between the interface and manifold layers and optimally channels fluid to the interface hot spot region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kenny, Mark Munch, Peng Zhou, James Gill Shook, Girish Upadhya, Kenneth Goodson, David Corbin
  • Patent number: 6988535
    Abstract: A device, method, and system for a fluid cooled channeled heat exchange device is disclosed. The fluid cooled channeled heat exchange device utilizes fluid circulated through a channel heat exchanger for high heat dissipation and transfer area per unit volume. The device comprises a highly thermally conductive material, preferably with less than 200 W/m-K. The preferred channel heat exchanger comprises two coupled flat plates and a plurality of fins coupled to the flat plates. At least one of the plates preferably to receive flow of a fluid in a heated state. The fluid preferably carries heat from a heat source (such as a CPU, for example). Specifically, at least one of the plates preferably comprises a plurality of condenser channels configured to receive, to condense, and to cool the fluid in the heated state. The fluid in a cooler state is preferably carried from the device to the heat source, thereby cooling the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Girish Upadhya, Richard Herms, Peng Zhou, Kenneth Goodson
  • Patent number: 6882543
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a technique of, and a system for conditioning power for a consuming device. In this regard, a power conditioning module, affixed to an integrated circuit device, conditions power to be applied to the integrated circuit device. The power conditioning module includes a semiconductor substrate having a first interface and a second interface wherein the first interface opposes the second interface. The power conditioning module further includes a plurality of interface vias, to provide electrical connection between the first interface and the second interface, and a first set of pads, disposed on the first interface and a second set of pads disposed on the second interface. Each of the pads is connected to a corresponding one of the interface vias on either the first or second interface. The power conditioning module also includes electrical circuitry, disposed within semiconductor substrate, to condition the power to be applied to the integrated circuit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas William Kenny, Jr., Kenneth E. Goodson, Juan G. Santiago, George Carl Everett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6881039
    Abstract: An electrokinetic pump for pumping a liquid includes a pumping body having a plurality of narrow, short and straight pore apertures for channeling the liquid through the body. A pair of electrodes for applying a voltage differential are formed on opposing surfaces of the pumping body at opposite ends of the pore apertures. The pumping body is formed on a support structure to maintain a mechanical integrity of the pumping body. The pump can be fabricated using conventional semiconductor processing steps. The pores are preferably formed using plasma etching. The structure is oxidized to insulate the structure and also narrow the pores. A support structure is formed by etching a substrate and removing an interface oxide layer. Electrodes are formed to apply a voltage potential across the pumping body. Another method of fabricating an electrokinetic pump includes providing etch stop alignment marks so that the etch step self-terminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: David Corbin, Kenneth Goodson, Thomas Kenny, Juan Santiago, Shulin Zeng