Abstract: A polymer heat pipe with a carbon core and a method of forming such a heat pipe is disclosed. The heat pipe includes a substantially pure carbon fiber core and an outer jacket of substantially pure polymer material. The heat pipe is formed by extruding a mixture of a base of polymer material and a plurality of carbon fibers through an extrusion die. The extrusion die is heated into a range of approximately 250-400° F. to cause the carbon fiber to migrate to the center of the extrudate and the polymer to migrate outwardly. As a result, a jacket of polymer material is formed around a core of carbon fibers to form a highly thermally conductive heat pipe.

Abstract: A method of molding an evenly colored, thermally conductive composition. Thermally conductive filler material is colored and mixed with a base polymer matrix. The mixture is molded into the desired shape. The step of for coloring the filler material is tailored to the type of thermally conductive filler used and could include, as required, anodizing, spraying or dying of the material before mixing with the base polymer matrix and prior to molding.

Abstract: A net-shape molded heat exchanger is provided which includes a thermally conductive main body and a number of thermally conductive arms connected to and extending from the main body. A number of thermally conductive fins are connected to the arms. The heat exchanger is formed by net-shape molding a main body, the arms which emanate from the main body and the fins from a thermally conductive composition, such as a polymer composition. The molded heat exchanger is freely convecting through the part which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration. Optionally, heat pipes may be embedded within the arms of the heat exchanger to further enhance heat dissipation.

Abstract: A net-shape molded composite heat exchanger is provided which includes a plurality of thermally conductive fins overmolded onto one end of a metallic heat pipe for use both as an antenna in a cellular telephone and a heat exchanger to dissipate the heat generated within the device. The heat exchanger is formed by net-shape molding the fins over one end of the heat pipe, from a thermally conductive composition, such as a polymer composition. The molded heat exchanger is freely convecting through the part, which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration. In addition, the metallic heat pipe serves the additional function of conducting radio frequency waves to and from the cellular telephone device.

Abstract: A conforming heat sink assembly for removing heat from heat generating components, having respective top surfaces defining different heights is provided with a flexible thermally conductive base member with a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is adapted to be positioned in flush thermal communication with the top surfaces of each of the components. The bottom portions of a heat dissipating element are embedded in a flexible thermally conductive base member. The heat dissipating member is corrugated to define a number of lower contact points and upstanding fin members. The lower contact points are movable relative to one another in accordance with the top surface of the flexible thermally conductive base member. The heat dissipating element is affixed to the flexible thermally conductive base member at its lower contact points to form a conforming heat sink assembly.

Abstract: A wood pellet stove for efficiently burning wood pellets and especially burning pellets at low burns. The stove is accurately controlled by a control panel with a microprocessor which helps safely regulate air flow from a combustion air and exhaust gas fan. Also, the microprocessor helps control convection air flow from a convection air fan and regulate feed of wood pellets into a burn pot using a motorized auger. The microprocessor is further used to monitor inlet air temperature and exhaust gas temperature. The stove includes a stove housing with a fire box and a fire box access door in the front of the housing. The burn pot includes a burn grate and pit used for receiving and burning wood pellets. The burn pot is disposed on a fire box floor. A wood pellet hopper is disposed in the rear of the housing for holding wood pellets therein. The motorized auger is used for feeding the wood pellets into the burn pot.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a plurality of mattress structure components are arranged for selective assembly to provide a customized mattress structure at the point of sale to accommodate the musculoskeletal condition and interface pressure preference of the user. The mattress structure components include a perimetrical frame having a central opening and a plurality of cores which are provided in a variety of firmness and support characteristics such that various combinations of firmness and support can be selectively provided. The frame is preferably made from a relatively firm foam rubber such as a high resiliency, high density urethane foam and the plurality of cores includes air bladders, "zone foam" elements, "sculptured foam" shaped from foam blocks, and combinations thereof for filling the central opening of the perimetral frame. The mattress is also suitable for use with an articulating deck having longitudinally spaced head, seat, thighs and foot sections.

Abstract: A system for preparing an item for mailing includes an information storage device for storing information as a plurality of information elements. A printing device is operatively connected to the information storage device for printing selected ones of the information elements, including address information relating to a preselected addressee and billing information relating to a particular account. The system further includes a postage metering device which receives the item after the printing device prints the selected information elements and applies an indicium of a postage amount on the item to be mailed according to at least one parameter associated with that item. The postage metering device includes a data input device for receiving data and a recording device for recording reporting information including the billing information and the postage amount for the item prepared for mailing.

Abstract: A gun silencer (10) comprises an outer tube (16) having disk-shaped baffles (18) separated by intermediate spacers (20, 23, 25, 27) therein having bores through which discharge from a muzzle (14) of a gun barrel (12) travels. The baffles include rear beveled diversion passage pairs (48a and b) adjacent to and leading from front ports (56) into baffle bores (46) and front beveled diversion passage pairs (50a and b) leading from the baffle bores to rear ports (58) in intermediate spacers leading to outer chambers (even numbers 76-88) formed between the intermediate spacers, the baffles, and the outer tube. A bore (28) of the tube is threaded along its entire length. Front and rear faces 40 and 42 of baffles are knurled.